Our Accidental Forever
Chapter 96: Big Brother’s Call

Chapter 96: Big Brother’s Call

Joanne’s POV:

I sat cross-legged on the leather armchair in my room, clutching my phone tightly in my hand, my knuckles white against the sleek black casing.

The room was dimly lit, the only illumination coming from the flickering screen of my phone as I scrolled through Ella’s and Kate’s social media pages.

My hair was pulled into a messy bun, strands falling over my face, but I couldn’t bring myself to push them aside. My focus was razor-sharp on the images glaring back at me, each one stoking the fire simmering within me.

There they were again. Ella and Kate. Smiling. Laughing. Acting as if the world belonged to them. The picture on the screen showed them at some coffee shop, their faces bright with unbridled joy. My lip curled. Happiness.

That’s all they seemed to radiate, plastering it across social media for the world to see. It was suffocating.

My thumb swiped across the screen, revealing another photo of Kate standing on top of a bed, her arms stretched out as though she’d conquered the world, a wide, foolish grin stretched across her face.

And the caption smugly read: Celebrating in my friend’s penthouse.

"Gold diggers." The words slipped from my lips in a harsh whisper, my voice venomous, thick with disdain, and my grip on the phone tightened.

My heart pounded as I stared at the photo. My teeth clenched. That bed, that penthouse, should have been off-limits to the likes of them.

The nerve of Ella! Letting someone like Kate parade around in Arec’s home as if it were her playground. And me? Joanne, the one who had been there before either of them even knew Arec existed, was left standing like an outsider.

I shifted in my seat, leaning forward, the phone now inches from my face. My other hand gripped the armrest so tightly I thought it might leave marks. The bitterness in my chest swelled, each picture another jab, another reminder of how things weren’t going the way I wanted.

It had been days since I’d spoken to Ella. I’d waited patiently, days, nights, watching my phone, convinced that my absence would finally make her realize what I meant to her. After all, it was always me making the first move, reaching out to her, smoothing over our strained relationship.

Days. Not a single call. Not even a text. And the he more time went on, the clearer it became: Ella didn’t care. All the effort I’d put into gaining her trust, all the carefully laid plans, it meant nothing to her.

I thought I’d been making progress, breaking through the walls she’d so carefully built. But now, I wasn’t so sure.

And Kate? She’s feeling the void I’m trying so hard to occupy.

I glared at the phone again, my thumb hovering over the screen. My eyes flicked back to the picture of Kate in the penthouse. Arec’s penthouse. I couldn’t stomach the nerve of them, lounging around in a place that should have been mine to enjoy.

The last time I’d been there, Ella wouldn’t even let me up. I clenched my jaw at the memory, my teeth grinding audibly in the quiet room.

The receptionist wouldn’t even let me up. The humiliation still burn fresh in my memory. And I’m sure It had been Ella. She must’ve instructed the staff to keep me out, forcing me to meet her downstairs like I was some unwelcome guest.

My laugh was sharp, humorless. And yet here was Kate, standing on the bed like she owned the place, basking in luxury while I, Joanne, was stuck here, watching from the sidelines.

I could practically hear their laughter, see the smug look on their faces. My breathing quickened, and my nails dug into the plush armrest.

"I’ll make them all pay," I muttered under my breath, my voice low but sharp. The bitterness tasted almost sweet as it left my lips.

I had been giving Ella space these past few days, expecting—no, hoping—that she’d miss me, that she’d realize my absence and reach out. That would’ve been the proof I needed, the sign that I was finally getting through to her. But no. Not a single call. Not a single message. Nothing.

I tossed my phone onto the coffee table with a frustrated sigh, my body sinking back into the chair. The wedding was approaching fast and I’m running out of time.

I needed Ella’s trust. If I couldn’t secure her trust, everything I’d worked for would crumble. I need that stupid trust of hers for my plans to even begin.

I leaned forward again, running my hands through my hair in frustration, when my phone buzzed. My heart jumped, hope flaring to life. Ella? But no. It was my brother, Grant, calling.

I picked up the phone, and my demeanor shifted instantly. My face softened, a smile replacing the scowl that had been etched there moments ago. I answered the video call, my voice light and cheerful.

"Hello, big brother!" I greeted, forcing warmth into my tone.

"Princess! How are you doing?" Grant’s face appeared on the screen, his signature grin as charming as ever.

Grant looked every bit the older brother I’d always admired, tall, with a strong jawline, perfectly styled dark hair, and a sharp suit that hinted at his success.

Behind him, the background was a vibrant blur of tropical hues: turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and the golden glow of the Maldives sunset streaming through an open window.

"I’m fine, big brother Grant," I replied sweetly. "How are you? Living the dream over there, I see." my lips curving into a soft smile.

My brother always had that effect on me. Even through the screen, he looked effortlessly charming.

He laughed, his deep voice filling the line. "I’m fine princess, Mom and Dad told me to let you know we’re coming back next week for Arec’s wedding." He leaned back against a plush white couch.

Something flickered in my chest, an emotion I quickly buried and plastered a bright smile on my face. "That’s wonderful! I’ve missed you all so much." My voice was light.

Grant chuckled. "Missed us? You mean you missed teasing me princess."

"Come on big bro! You, Mom and Dad, leave me here to fend for myself while you’re all off enjoying paradise."

Grant laughed, his warm chuckle filling the room. "Princess Joanne. You’re the one who refused to join us, remember?

Off in Paris chasing your career while we’re here soaking up the sun."

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