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

 He then turned back to face the still stunned Yvette , his voice softening as he addressed her. "You've married a good man, someone I can trust unlike that scumbag but I'm quite grateful you eventually married someone who'll forever cherish and adore you unlike that bastard who goes around cheating to acquire wealth and power."

"You knew he was cheating on me?". Yvette asked, surprised that even he knew about it. Turns out she was the only blind one.

"Yeah". Angelo nodded. "But what could I possibly do. At that time you were completely obsessed with him, you were even ready to get disowned for his sake and give up on your career. Then I decided to let you walk around as you wish, even if you stumble or hit your head against a brick. I wouldn't budge, you'll only learn and grow but now I can't ask for more".

 Yvette still processing his words could only nod. Angelo leaned closer to her, his voice lowering to a tone only the two of them could hear as he spoke privately to her. 

"You know, he's been in love with you for a long time. Now the deed is done and you should let go of the past, forget under whatever circumstances the two of you met, just focus on your future together and accept him. Unrequited love is tiring" . He sighed despondently as he patted her shoulder.

 Eriq and Knox exchanged knowing glances and moved towards Angelo, drawing him away from Yvette before he could reply.

"Comm'n man. Let's give the two some space to discuss". Knox said placing his hands on Angelo's shoulder.

"Since you're in the mood to discuss and interfere with other's love life. Why don't we discuss about your's then, I have plenty of time today force the truth out of you, my darling ". Eriq grinned already pulling Angelo toward the door.

 Angelo chuckled allowing himself to be led away but not before casting one last reassuring glance at Yvette. "I'm afraid you couldn't handle me even if I came with instructions, sweetie".

 As the door closed behind them, the house fell into a gentle silence save for the soft tickling of the clock.

 Zeke took a step closer, his eyes filled with anxiousness. He couldn't waste the chance his buddies gave him or he'll be a fool.

 "So . . That was a surprise". He said, his voice low and tender as he scratched his head lost for words.

"Hmm. A good one". Yvette replied and Zeke reached out to her helping her settle on the couch and he took his seat on the center table before her .

 He reached for her hands, his grip firm yet gentle as he faced her, his usually composed expression softening with the vulnerability he rarely showed 

"Yvette". He began. "I need to apologize for my previous actions but even if I was given another chance, I would do it over and over again as long as I can ensure your safety and future".

 Yvette looked up at him, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions as she asked. "Even you knew about it?". 

 He nodded and she sighed. She was indeed only the blind one.

"I understand". She continued, her steady voice betraying the turmoil inside her. "But . . ". She paused for a moment, her voice faltering as she took a moment to gather her thoughts before looking up at him again.

"But there's still another man in my heart, despite all he's done I can't completely forget him , I can't promise to forget him right away but I can promise to put the last behind me and focus on our future together".

Zeke's face tensed slightly but he nodded,his thumb brushing lightly over her hand. "I know". He said quietly. "I just want you to know that I love you and I have for a very long while. I don't expect you to forget him overnight either but I just want you to accept me and give me a chance, give us a chance to build something real together".

 Yvette looked down at her hand, her mind swirling with emotions. She was undoubtedly touched by his sincerity and devotion.

"I promise to be a good wife". She replied, her voice firm with resolve. "I promise to put the past behind me and focus on our future together. I want to start afresh. With you".

 Zeke's eyes softened with relief , a small smile breaking through his expression and he pulled her into a warm embrace holding her close as if she might slip away .

"Thank you". He whispered into her ears, his voice thick with emotions. "That's all I could ever ask of". He then stood up pulling her to her feets.

"With all being said and done now, I think we should move your things over. You've considered moving houses , right? ".

 Yvette hesitated for a while, glancing at the clock. It was quite late into the night and the idea of moving everything over seems rushed and challenging. "Can't we do that tomorrow, it's already late". She suggested.

 But Zeke shook his head, a determined glint in his eyes as he insisted. "I want you here with me. Completely".

Seeing the resolve in his eyes , Yvette sighed but agreed anyways , soon they got to her apartment. The place where so many memories, both good and bad were stored.

 She only focused on packing the essentials , leaving behind unnecessary things. She lifted her head and saw Zeke about to pack some couple of awards she had won years back and she stopped him.

"It's belongs to the past. Since I'm starting afresh, I shouldn't bother with it. I'll get it all back ". She stopped him and he gave her shoulder an encouraging squeeze .

 By the time they got back home,it was already late into the night and almost midnight. As they entered the house, Zeke turned to Mrs Lawrence who had been waiting for their arrival.

"Please, prepare some light food for the Madam". He instructed.

Yvette who was behind him was surprised thus looked at him curiously. Eating in the middle of the night wasn't out of real desire for hunger but a bad habit she had cultivated over the years. "How'd you know I'll be hungry?".

 Zeke smile was soft, almost teasing. "I've been in love with you for decades Yvette, so naturally I know all your habits".

 Touched by his words she sat down as Mrs Lawrence served her a light meal, she watched as he carried her luggages up the stairs taking care to place everything neatly and carefully in the master bedroom. His attentiveness warmed her heart and she felt more at ease with the idea of their new life together.

 Later as the clock ticked closer to dawn, Zeke returned after arranging all her luggages ready to retire for the night but just as they reached the top of the stairs, they heard the distant blare of a car horn from outside.

The duo exchanged knowing glances, it was the trio returning from the club.

 They hurried down the stairs just in time to see Knox helping the visibly drunk Eriq into the house, the latter mumbling incoherently as he was led up the stairs to the guestroom.

 Zeke quickly stepped forward to assist Angelo who was in a similar state out of the car, his movement unsteady as his eyes glazed.

"Angelo comm'n". Zeke urged gently, guiding him inside.

 But Angelo in his drunken stupor kept calling out a name. "Mabel . . . Oh Mabel". 

 Zeke could only sigh helplessly while Yvette gazed at him in confusion wondering who the Mabel her brother kept calling was .

 Once he settled the three mens in their respective room, Yvette turned to face the exhausted Zeke her expression a mixture of surprise and adoration.

"You treat them so well". She remarked softly, observing the care with which he handled his pals.

Zeke paused, his gaze softening as he answered . "They're my brother's not friends. We've shared a lot together, both good times and bad so we're each other's responsibility".

 Yvette smiled, touched by the depth of their relationship. Then she curiously asked. "By the way, whose name was Angelo calling earlier?".

Zeke expression darkened slightly as he answered . "It's a one-sided love he's been holding onto for years,he never really got over her even now that she's married".

 Yvette was surprised but before she could ask anymore question, Zeke urged her gently. "He won't want you to worry over this, and you're aware of his temper too, just pretend you know nothing". He said and she nodded, he was indeed right about his temper.

"Now let's go to bed, we have a fresh start waiting for us tomorrow".

 She agreed and after changing into her pyjamas in the walk-in closet, she joined him in the bed. As he laid there beside him, her thoughts began to drift but the warmth of his presence next to her was comforting, driving away unnecessary thought.

 Tomorrow would be the first step into her new life and with that thought she closed her eyes letting sleep take her, ready for the fresh start that awaited her.