PROMISED TO THE WRONG BROTHER

CHAPTER 9

ETHAN'S POV

My stomach tied into knots. The pain in her eyes shattered something inside of me. Her tears were like stab wounds.

If only she knew how much I wanted to kiss her tears. How hard I hate myself for making her cry. If only she knew how hard my heart tugged painfully.

I held back not because of any boundary because I don't see any between us but I feared that I might lose control and hurt her.

Belle interrupted before I could hug her. Ava was mad at me and at that moment I wanted to lay my emotions bare before her.

When she confronted me, for the first time I saw her angry. It didn't annoy me but turned me on. Ava was a perfect balance. Like water and fire even though they don't coexist.

At that moment she wasn't just my sweet soft Ava but a fierce woman that had the power to put me in check, to ground me.

My words and actions were cruel. Contrary to the love that was brewing inside of me. I never meant any of those words. Gosh, I would burn the world but never let her get a scratch.

She was the only person that had all the power over me but just doesn't know it yet.

I clenched my hands tightly until my knuckles turned pale. I almost jolted but had a grip on myself.

I turned to look at where Belle held my hand. My nose flared. That wasn't Ava's hand. I pulled my hand away.

"Just because Ava isn't here, doesn't mean you can toss me away," Belle whined.

I tensed as Ava's name rolled off her tongue. The audacity!

Slowly, I shifted my gaze to look at her. She visibly shivered but tried to put on a facade. Her lips twitched and her breathing became shallow.

"Repeat yourself!" I ordered with a deep voice.

She fiddled with her fingers. As she looked everywhere but my face. Belle knows better than anyone that I hate repeating myself.

Belle gulped and raised her head. But what I didn't expect was the sudden boldness.

"I see your little secret, Ethan. You love your brother's fiancée. She doesn't know, so you punish her for it. The way you get tense when she's around. You can't show it, so you make things difficult for her" she rambled.

I didn't say anything and crossed my legs. I tilted my head. Waiting for her to continue. My eyes bore holes into her.

She shifted uncomfortably as I tapped my fingers on my leg.

As if realizing that she had crossed too many lines, her face softened and she bit her lower lip. She pulled her chair forward and laughed nervously.

"I.. shouldn't have said all of that. I'm sorry Ethan, please don't break up with me," she whimpered but there was still a trace of defiance in her eyes.

Belle wasn't like every other dumb model. She was perceptive and smart but that doesn't mean she's permitted to misbehave.

The lips stretched into an evil smirk. I raised her chin with a finger, so she could look at me.

"I hate people who abuse the bit of power they borrowed. Don't you think you're running wild?" I asked with a low voice.

She parted her lips to talk but I cut her off. "Shhh, Belle. And fix that face or else someone would think I'm threatening you.

She nodded hesitantly. "Don't bite more than you can chew, because it won't end well for you," I added and patted her back.

I stood up and looked around. It's getting dark and the guests are gone.

"Master Ethan, your attention is needed at the dining hall," a maid bowed.

I waved her off and glanced at Belle from over my shoulder. "Move."

We walked into the dinning and everyone was seated, including Ava's family.

"Ethan! It's so good to see you again," Ava's father beamed. He stretched out his hand for a handshake.

I hesitated but took it anyway.

"Hello, Ethan" Ava's sister greeted too.

We all got seated, as the maids served dinner.

"I'm so glad the engagement is done. The only and last step remaining is the wedding and we'll go all out," Mr. Williams laughed and some of them joined them.

I gripped my knees while maintaining a blank face. Perfectly masking the chaos within me.

"We finally have the opportunity of eating with Ethan after so many years," Ava's mother smiled softly.

"You're right. If only he was around for dinner to celebrate his graduation eight years ago," Noah shrugged.

Ava's dad nodded.

Wait, they were here eight years ago? It must be after I left. My heartbeat quickened.

Before I finally left town, I was at their house to confront Ava but I couldn't bring myself to go in. I was blinded by rage.

If only I was a bit patient maybe I could have seen her one more time.

I looked at Ava from underneath my lashes but her face was void of emotions. She didn't bother saying anything.

It was as if something snapped inside of her. I tightened my lips. The veins in my neck popped.

She doesn't love me romantically but she trusted and looked up to me, yet I hurt her the most. It would have been better to forcefully claim her.

"Ava dear, you look unwell. What's wrong?" I heard my mum ask.

I raised my head to look at her. Noah dropped his cup and checked her temperature by placing her fingers on her forehead.

My hand itched for me to shove his hands off her. But I could only watch.

"I'm just exhausted," she replied with a hoarse voice.

"Oh dear. Noah, please take her upstairs to rest," mum suggested.

"No need," Ava replied quietly. She stood up and pushed back her chair. Almost immediately, a maid came downstairs with some luggage.

"I'm leaving," she announced suddenly.

Everyone looked at her shocked.

"What? The party just finished and you still need to spend time with family. At least rest." Noah groaned.

"No, thanks. I have work to do in another state. I was supposed to start last week but I pleaded with my boss to wait after the engagement," she explained and rubbed her temple.

Everyone looked helpless. She was determined to leave

"Ride with us!" Belle suddenly suggested beside me.

I snapped my head to look at her immediately. What game was she trying to play?

I clenched my teeth. The audacity of her to voice her opinion here. Somehow I was glad Belle did, but with what happened earlier will Ava agree?

By the time I looked at her, she was staring back at me. I've always prided myself in predicting people's emotions but right now, I felt lost because no matter how hard I tried to search, her eyes gave me nothing.

I creased my forehead into a frown. Can I ever break free from her control over me? Do I even want freedom?