THE BREAKING POINT
1100 Words
CHAPTER 13
AT THE COMPANY
Ava had already addressed the matter with Ethan and apologized to him about what her father had said; she knew it affected him.
However, the next day at the company the news she dreaded was already spreading like wildfire.
Ethan's illegitimacy was the topic of the day.
Eyes followed him everywhere he went, while the employees pretended to type away on their laptop, they still gossiped.
“illegitimate?” Someone whispered.
“So the rumors were true then.” Another replied, not exactly quiet.
Ethan heard these whispers and every word felt like a dagger in his heart.
Within an hour the board members called the meeting.
Ava’s stomach twisted, as she watched from her desk how Ethan walked into the conference room barely composed.
The board members hesitated, exchanging judging glances.
One of the directors adjusted his seat uncomfortably.
“With all due respect, Mr Ethan, the company's image…”
“That image? I built it,” Ethan cut him short, his tone very firm. “So debunk the nonsense you've heard.”
They tried to argue with him but Ethan suppressed them.
“This meeting is over.” He said, his voice cutting through their protest like a blade.
He left his office to take some fresh air when he met with Lucas.
Ava sneakily followed him to know what he was up to. She could feel his provocation.
Ethan froze when he set his eyes on Lucas.
“Lucas,” Ethan said, his voice low and dangerously steady.
Lucas straightened his shoulders, unconcerned.
“Ethan, brother.” He called out to him.
Ethan's fist clenched. Lucas didn't step back.
Lucas' lips curved into a mischievous smile enough to break him. That was all it took to get Ethan overboard.
Ethan moved fast, he gripped Lucas' shoulder and yanked him back.
He responded instinctively.
Ethan brutally landed his fist on Lucas' face.
“Arrrgh!” He groaned.
The first Punch was born out of anger and hatred. Ethan swung another blow on his ribs.
Lucas ducked, affected by the hit, pain shot through his whole body.
Ethan still didn't stop, he didn't think about the consequences, as his fist moved instinctively, landing every punch on Lucas.
Years of continuous hard work and climbing his way through the business industry and Lucas was about to ruin it.
Ava gasped when she saw them, she was still for some moment before she rushed forward to separate them, but their strong force made her stagger back.
Ethan's knuckles scrapped Lucas’s jaw; he grabbed him by the wrist and twisted it sharply.
“Arrrrgh.” He grunted in excruciating pain.
“Stop!” Ava shouted, throwing herself in between the two brothers. “Enough.”
For a few seconds, neither of them moved, their chest heaving and ragged breathing, beads of sweat running down their temples.
Ava grabbed Ethan's arm.
“Mr Ethan,” her voice cracked. “Please, you're hurting yourself.”
He looked at her and the anger in his eyes melted away and was replaced with shame and pain.
He backed off, taking a deep breathe.
He was hurt, not just from physical pain; his emotions was shattered.
He let Ava see that side of him.
However, Lucas laid on the floor grunting in pain and no attention paid to him.
“Come on, you need rest.” She guided him towards the exit, ignoring Lucas' groans behind them.
At the penthouse, Ava had him seated while tending to his bruises.
He sure did beat Lucas, but he as well sustained some injuries.
“Why did you fight him that way?” She asked him.
Ethan exhaled, he opened his mouth but no words came out.
“I understand.” She whispered. “You don't have to say anything right now.”
He hesitated, then leaned back against the cushion, staring into space; When he finally spoke his voice was barely a whisper.
“Do you know what it feels like living like a shadow in your life?”
His voice trembled.
Just enough for Ava to know a lot has been weighing on his mind.
“I may not be the right person for the position, but I've worked hard to build all these.”
“My dad's last words were to hand over the company to me. I should live up to it.”
Ava listened to him attentively.
“And my mom's death..? Everything is just so…”
He paused, he couldn't continue anymore. The memories were too painful for him.
“Ethan.” She called him in calm way.
He was definitely having it worse. She reached out for his hand, holding it tightly.
“You're not alone anymore. I'll be with you through every step you take.”
Her thumb brushed his arm, the touch was so soft that it made her heart race.
He allowed himself a fading smile.
“How did you two meet?” Lucas?” He paused as if bracing himself.
He asked her the most dreaded thing she had wanted to answer.
He didn't look angry anymore. Just exhausted.
“I met him while working a part time job after college.” A faint smile curled on her lips.
“He was cheerful and easy going. He made me smile often.”
He dug his fingers into his palm, he didn't say anything; he didn't want to interrupt her.
“I wanted something more serious and he didn't. He pulled away and I had to leave before he broke me all the way through.”
“Do you still have those feelings for him?” He asked, he wanted to be sure.
She didn't hesitate. “Not anymore.”
His breath gently left him, a feeling of relief washing over him.
“Ava,” he called her softly. “I'll make you smile more than he did make you.” He paused. “I'll protect you and do whatever it takes to keep you.”
She felt safe. Happy.
Somebody would want her and want to protect her. It felt surreal.
But then. She remembered Miranda's voice.
“I’ll crush whatever this is.”
It rang a bell in her head.
“Miranda wouldn't let this go.” She muttered.
Her mood changed instantly. She took the first aid kit and left without saying a word.
Ethan stared at the door. One moment she was holding his hand, the next moment she's gone like she was never there.
“Why would she do that?” He murmured.” Did I do something wrong?”
- Writer
