57

Ava didn't have to say more than she had already said. I get her point. But either way, I will keep on getting hurt at every drastic step I take. The first time I tried to leave, he assaulted me the second time, I landed in an hospital. I understand the fact that everyone is trying to help me right here, but they also need to understand that I have my prides. If things like this keeps happening, I will lose my shit. If by chance I happen to leave Armani successfully, then nobody would want to be with me. I will only end up being an outcast. I have heard stories like this before. Even though this is America, we are living in a world that is so unfavorable to females.

This is what nobody wants to understand.

Ava tried to keep my company all day long but she has her own life to live. She promised to check up on me immediately after tomorrow's lecture and we said our goodbyes.

Once again, I am left alone with my thought and I wondered what is taking Bella so fucking long.

I am bored out of my mind and I couldn't press my phone properly because the screen is broken so I just lay down on bed like a lost soul.

Surprisingly, Hattie walk in with Oliver and she introduced him as her brother. I am so shocked at the news. I thought Oliver was just a random guy who was at the party for the fun sake just like I was.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know you are her brother." I apologised.

"there is no need for an apology, I didn't know you to be my kid sister's friend too."

"You know each other?" Hattie asked, surprised as well.

"Yeah, he kept my company all through the party yesterday."

"I thought you were with Ava"

"She left with some guy. So, your brother here is the gentleman man that didn't make me feel left out."

"Oh, I'm sorry"

"You apologize a lot, don't you?" I asked jokingly and we all laughed it out.

"I didn't even know you are the friend she was worried about. I just came to drop her off but she insisted on meeting her new friend. But then, you were fine last night, how did you get hurt? Did you had an accident?"

His eye wandered around my body, checking my condition and when he saw my phone, he was convinced that it was truly an accident.

"What happened, Lila?" He asked with so much care laced in his voice and I cant help but cry. Not because I am hurt, I mean, I am in pain but am not crying for that. I just got emotional for seeing so much care in his eyes.

I wiped my tears and told him it was indeed and accident.

"I got into a fight with my husband and I tried leaving home angrily. He held me back to stop me and I force myself out of his grip. In the process, I lost control and slipped on the stairs."

"It must have hurt a lot, I'm sorry.

When did you get home yesterday? I was so worried about you"

"If I am right, I think it's around one in the morning."

"Avoid situations that can make you act careless, it's not safe out there."

He must have take in my appearance because he noticed I still have some makeup glued to my face. He took a little wipes from his sister and helped me to clean my face. I can't help but stare down at him lovingly as he does this. He is a perfect gentleman. Why didn't I meet him earlier?

Once he finished, he apologized for having to leave so early but he has other plans. I understand that he didn't plan for this so I tried to act nonchalant about it but the moment he steps out of the room, I felt his presence immediately.

"Do you like my brother?" Hattie suddenly asks, making me slightly embarrassed for making it so obvious.

"He is a gentleman"

"And you are married."

"I know, and that is not going to change" I felt slightly annoyed at the statement but I let it pass.

"Good, because your husband seems like the loving type."

"He sure does"

"Why is he not here by the way, I didn't see him when I came with Ava earlier too."

"I bet he is busy with work"

"How does it feel to be married to such a successful young man? Does he ever have your time? I mean, he should be here for you."

"Hattie, don't expect much from him towards me. It was an arranged marriage and we do not really feel that much towards each other."

"But you still can't cheat on him"

"Hattie, I have no intention of doing so. You probably don't like the way I looked at your brother but it was merely of admiration. I am

married and the fact is not about to change anytime soon"

"I am sorry if it looks like I am questioning your intentions, I just think he is a good man. Despite his busy schedule, he finds time to pick you up after class the first day. Tell me if that is not amazing. You said it was an arranged marriage, yet he looked at you like that. Imagine how it will be if the feelings grow deeper. You are living every woman's dream right now, I am so jealous."

I looked at her, but choose not to say a word. Just like she had said, she is jealous. I just have to be extra careful around her.

If only she knows all of the pain I have to endure, then she would have never envied me for any reason. I have to constantly remind Ava to keep this a secret. I thought she would be bothered like Ava and see beyond the story because I didn't even lie about it, but turns out it was him she liked not me. I almost tell her the truth because I do not want her to be left out. And since Ava is already aware, why not tell her too? But what she just said made me realize that there is more to it.