LOVE IN PARIS: Married To My Brother-in-law

The duo spent the evening at the park discussing about how to get her career back on tracks then suddenly Leila remembered something and gazed up at Yvette with a teasing gaze.

"My mind suddenly drifted to your husband, how's he?".

Yvette couldn't help but cough surprised at the abrupt turn of discussion. She had already forgotten about this, massaging her temples she didn't know how to respond.

"Don't tell me you forgot about this. Just now you were talking about getting your life back on tracks . . Did this not involve him?."

"I.. ." Yvette stammered and her ears turned crimson as she answered, after all Leila was the only one she could confide in. "He's good, yesterday . .we had a fight . ."

"Wow. Fighting is common amongst couple anyways." Leila sighed. "Well, I think you two need to talk, seriously. The deed is done and you're his legally married wife, there's no help being remorseful again. Just channel that energy into making your marriage work".

"Hmm. You're right". Yvette nodded, even Mrs Lawrence had said the same words the previous night but thinking of how she chased him away , out of the house, in the rain made her felt uneasy.

"Wanna tell me who he is?". Leila raised an eyebrow as she pinched Yvette playfully but she didn't response.

"Dont let me die I'm suspense. Just a name, except for that you don't even need to say anything else I'll do the investigation myself. He could even own a house I'm Peakwood Estate. How refreshing". Leila drooled and started tickling Yvette.

"Okay , okay". Yvette blurted in between her bout of laughter and Leila stopped.

"He's Ezekiel Lorenzo and he's actually Manuel's elder stepbrother. Now that I think of it , I remember why he felt familiar, we actually all grew up together in the family mansion when we were kids but he went abroad then and didn't return until that day in Paris".

"Nothing interesting,so boring". Leila complained then with a subtle, almost conspirational glance she pulled out her laptop out of her bag. "Even you don't know much about him, what a good wife you are!"

Leila's finger's danced over the keyboard as she quickly navigated to a few sites, typing in Ezekiel's name with precision and Yvette couldn't help but peer over.

After a few moments, her eyes lit up as she scanned the results. "Well, well, well. Look at this". She clapped excitedly.

"This is the precise definition of Mr perfect, a successful CEO of Starlight Corporation at twenty-five years old, top of his class, multiple degrees, spotless records, glowing testimonials and he's so impeccably hot and breathtaking".

"How lucky you are to have this man all alone to yourself. Can I follow you home tonight, just a glance, I'll take just a glance and leave".

"Go away". Yvette pushed her away, a crimson flush creeping over her cheeks. Just then, her cellphone buzzed saving her from the clingy and puppy eyed Leila.

She took a glance at the screen , her brows furrowing in surprise . It was her elder brother Angelo who was a doctor abroad. Ever since she was disowned a year ago by her family, only her brother stood by her side even against their parents warning.

They hadn't spoken in a long while given his hectic schedule. Her eyes lighted up immediately and she answered the call.

"Hey". The warmth in her voice was unmistakable. "I almost thought you forgot I exist". She complained.

"Yeah, it's been a long time. Little sis". Angelo's voice bloomed through the phone filled with the same vitality and humor she remembered and it brightened up her mood immediately as she couldn't help but smile, the first genuine smile she managed all day.

"It has. How have you been?".

"Oh. You know already. Saving lives, curing diseases, typical day in the life of a doctor". He joked and she laughed.

"But seriously I've missed you. How are things over there,I even heared quite a little rumor about you and . . Nevermind".

Yvette's smile faltered slightly but she soon recoverd. "I'm . . Getting through it but it's good to hear your voice, it makes me feel a lot better. I miss you".

"Listen". Angelo said, his tone more serious. "I'll be coming to city S in a day, I've got to check on my patient there after that I'll see you then I'll get rid of the bad guy for you. Who dares to bully my sister, not when I'm alive. You just point at them and I'll do the beating just like when we were kids ".

Yvette eyes lit up at the thoughts and she smiled . "I look forward to that very much Big brother".

"Hehehe, we'll see soon. Remember, whatever you're going through , you're stronger than you think and if you can't bear with it. I'm just one call away ".

Yvette felt her eyes tearing up but before she could reply.

"Doctor Angelo . ."

"Doctor Angelo . ."

"There's an emergency over here,I'll talk to you later". He replied hurriedly and ended the call.

Yvette stood still for a moment, feeling lighter than she had all day.

"I think I'll take a walk around, you can head back".

"But .."

"I can always catch a can back home". She replied and Leila begrudgingly left.

Yvette stroll around the almost deserted park, there was a long road ahead but for the first time in a while, she felt like she was ready to walk it and face anything. Ready to leave the past where it belongs - behind her.

The sky had already turned a deep shade of violet by the time Yvette reached the threshold of the grand estate that was now technically her home.

Her steps slowed as she approached the door, her heart hammering in her chest. She now had to face what she dreaded the most - the reality.

Just as her hands reached for the doorknob, she froze. The sound of merry chatter drifted through the slightly ajar door . She could make out Ezekiel's deep resonant voice .

"You don't know how much she must hate me now, I messed up her life and destroyed everything just because of a moment of selfishness."

"And pity too. I remember someone couldn't sit still after realizing she was actually gonna a scum like your stepbrother". Eriq added, his tone lighter and more jovial she he laid sprawled on the couch . "Actually I don't blame you, I would have done worse if i were you. You've loved her for decades afterall, given her your youth so it's only natural that you demand a little more from her".

"Hmm". Knox, a fair muscular toned guy chirped in. He was Ezekiel's personal assistant who had just flown over from Paris after settling everything.

"In my own opinion, you have been too patient and laid-back. You love her but you don't dare to fight for her, for your love, if I were you I would have never given up". He concluded and Eriq rubbed his hair in return. "You're right there darling".

"Darling, Bah". Knox spat. "Keep those words for your beloved or Boss, either way it won't work on me".

"Nope. Count me out. My wife would get mad if she hears this". Ezekiel immediately counted himself out.

"Being the typical husband, Huh". Eriq threw him the pillow in his grasp.

"Just wait till Miss Yvette arrives, we'll wait and see . . ."

Although these duo were clearly his surbodinates , they were even more closer than friends,more like brothers.

Yvette's instinct was to retreat for a while,she suddenly realized she didn't have the mind to face him and the last thing she wanted to do was to interrupt the trio not when their conversation was about her.

Moreover she felt uneasy with their words, so he had been in love with her for years, more less a decades.

Yvette started to turn away, contemplating a walk around the garden to kill time when she heard Mrs Lawrence friendly voice.

"Madam. You're home, come in quickly so as not to catch a cold". She called out warmly, her voice laced with a tone of respect that she hadn't gotten used to yet.

Before Yvette could respond, she had already stepped forward opening the door wider and announcing her arrival.