PROMISED TO THE WRONG BROTHER

CHAPTER 2

AVA'S POV

We arrived at the William's mansion. I fiddled with the hem of my dress. He's back after four years.

"C'mon baby, let's go," mum held my hand as dad led the way.

With every step I took, my heartbeat quickened. The only sound I could hear was my heartbeat.

How does he look now? He must have matured a lot. Does he have a girlfriend now? Of course he would. He has always been every girl's crush.

I blinked rapidly to stop my tears from embarrassing me.

"You're here," Mrs. William's voice echoed through the walls. Mum left my hand and hugged her.

"Congratulations my friend," Dad laughed and out his hand on Mr. William as both of them walked off. I stood there for a few seconds before going to sit on a beige couch.

I scrutinized the area, hoping to see him.

To celebrate him graduating from the University, his parents invited us to celebrate together, after all I would become Noah's wife some day in the future.

The thought of marrying Noah made my stomach churn. I would have refused the arrangement but I was scared to disobey dad. Besides, Ethan doesn't like me.

"My baby, why are you so quiet?" Ethan's mum walked to me and pulled me into a warm hug.

The atmosphere was a bit tense. Mrs. William tried to hide her sadness but I could see past the happy mask she was wearing.

Something was wrong but I couldn't place a finger on what it was.

"Good afternoon, aunt," I greeted with a steady voice. Playing it cool as always.

She nodded smiling.

That's it. Something was definitely wrong. It was supposed to be a happy occasion. Ethan just came back after four years, so what made her sad?

I bit my lower lip and pinched myself as my heart skipped a bit. Don't tell me something happened to him?

"Dinner is served," Mrs. William announced, disrupting my train of thoughts.

Dad gestured for me to move to the dinning area. Soon, we were all seated and the maids began serving the meal.

"I don't see Noah and Ethan? Where are they?" Mum asked jokingly.

From underneath my lashes, I caught Mrs. William looked at her husband while he laughed. It was nervous, yet controlled.

"You know how the boys can be. Noah forced Ethan to go out with him and they didn't tell us when they'll be back," he explained.

Dad laughed. "I don't blame Noah. He has missed his brother a lot."

"Right. I'm glad their bond is still tight," mum chipped in.

I just sat there, digging into the food without appetite, uninterested.

It's a good thing that Noah wasn't around. I'm not especially excited or interested in seeing him. As for Ethan, it's a mixed feeling.

If he were here I wouldn't know how to look or act around him especially since I still love him. But I also wished I could see what he looks like.

"Ava, baby? Don't you like the food?" Ethan's mum asked with a worry filled face.

I forced out a small smile and shake my head. "It's delicious aunt. I just need to use the restroom."

"Oh dear, you can use Noah's own," Mr. William urged with a bright smile.

I locked eyes with him and like always he was beaming. If I'm not mistaken, I could say he's the most excitement about this wedding.

Well I can't blame him. Uncle has always liked and treated me well since I was a child. I guess, he can't wait to have me as a daughter-in-law.

My lips tugged into a smile, "alright uncle. Thank you."

"I'll be right back," I informed everyone and we left.

As I walked along the hallway, my chest thudded. I passed Noah's door and stood in front of Ethan's door.

I've been trying to get in all these years but the door was always locked. Now that he's back, maybe I can finally take a peek at his room.

I twisted the doorknob and the door opened. My heart skipped a beat. What if he's inside? That's impossible. If they were at home, there was no reason for uncle and aunt to lie about it.

I heard approaching footsteps, so I quickly entered Ethan's room and gently closed the door.

It was neatly arranged. Typical Ethan.

His smell slammed my nostrils. I closed my eyes to fully bask in his scent. It's almost as if he was in the room.

Tears stung my eyes. Just how many years have I waited to be here. His luggage was opened on the floor.

I knelt beside it and brought out a white shirt. I brought it to me nose and inhaled his cologne. It smelled of wood and musk.

I held his shirt close to my chest as I navigated the room. I ran my hands through the pile of books until it landed on a picture frame hidden between the books.

Dropping the shirt, I took out the frame and it was an old picture. He stood on his left, while the right was torn out.

My throat burned as I held back my tears. I remember that exact day. It was a sunny afternoon and Mrs. William forced Ethan to take a picture.

Noah was excited, so was I.

But looking at the torn part where I stood, I bit my lower lip until I tasted blood. It's either he wasn't't happy that I was beside him or he hated me enough not to be in one frame with me.

Warm liquid - tears, roll down my face.

Do you really hate me that much, Ethan? We used to be cool. Times you protected me even though it was as a sister.

What went wrong? I can't say. After my twelveth birthday, he suddenly changed towards me. Giving me cold shoulders.

I tried to talk to him about it but he kept brushing me off. When he got admission into the university, I knew that I would lose him forever. Especially, since he didn't respond to my letter.

I gasped and clutched onto my chest as the thought of him loving another woman. I don't want much out of life, other than for him to love me.

"Accept it Ava, you are not meant to be with Ethan," my subconscious said, worsening my wounds.

I forced myself to stop crying. If I don't go downstairs soon, mum might come looking for me and I would not be able to explain myself.

Groaning, I struggled to stand and limped into the bathroom. I squeezed my dress and closed my eyes tightly. His scent was even stronger in here.

I splashed water on my face. My eyes were bloodshot. I was about to walk out of the bathroom when the room's door clicked open.

Shit, he's back.

I quickly hid myself in his closet. My veins pulsed warmly.

"His things are still here. He'll be back," uncle's voice was hoarse.

"Are you sure? You know how he can be," aunt sounded worried.

"Nonsense! We've indulged him for a long time, now he thinks he can behave however he wants. Fighting with me because of a girl I don't approve for him... that's crazy," uncle said angrily.

A girl? Ethan has a girl that he's willing to burn the world for? He actually loves another girl?

My lips quivered and my hands trembled. Tears threatening to pour out again.

I don't know which is worse: knowing that he hates me or that he is in love with another woman.

Just how pathetic have I become? Shamelessly desiring another woman's lover, my soon to be brother-in-law.

Can't believe I've been a fool all these years, holding and living in an illusion, I mistook for hope.

Maybe it's time I let go. I should have believed the signs. But the problem is can I? What if I force myself to hate him? That might work!