Natalia whined, making Briana feel guilty. "Natalia, my brother called me over at the last minute. I was in such a rush that I forgot to tell you."
Natalia asked again, "Is your brother in Paris? Is that woman with him?"
Briana was caught off guard. "Which woman?"
Natalia retorted, "The one your granny forced Marc to marry."
Briana said, "Natalia, that woman is my sister-in-law. Cut the snide remarks about her."
Natalia fired back, "Did you forget how she cheated on your brother?"
Briana defended, "My bro said it was a misunderstanding. My sister-in-law is a great person, pretty and with a good personality. I won't let you insult her."
Natalia said, "If you don't want me to bash her, I won't. But have you met her? What does she look like? What's her name? What's her job? What's her family background?"
Natalia bombarded her with questions. Briana was about to answer, "Actually, my sister-in-law is..."
Luckily, Briana caught herself in time. "Natalia, my sister-in-law doesn't want people knowing about her. So I can't tell you."
Natalia pressed on, "Not even your best friend?"
Even though Natalia couldn't see it, Briana shook her head vehemently. "No! My bro would be super pissed if I did."
Natalia said, "You're always saying what your brother would do. But has he ever done anything to you? Whenever someone messes with you, he's always the first one to stand up for you."
Briana often rants to Natalia about how domineering Marcus is. But every time she talks about Marcus, her face is full of happiness. There's no sign of fear on her face.
Every time Natalia tells Briana how good Cameron is to her, in reality, Cameron treats her like dirt. He hits and yells at her whenever he pleases.
Maybe she wants to marry Marcus not just because he's better than Cameron, but because she hopes Marcus would protect her just like how he protects Briana. Then she wouldn't have to endure Cameron's abuse anymore.
"Do you really want my bro to hit me? Anyway, my bro is not as good as your bro." Briana was oblivious to Natalia's struggles. "Natalia, I really can't tell you about my sister-in-law. I have to go grocery shopping with her, so I'll talk to you later."
Natalia suddenly got heated. "You keep saying 'my sister-in-law, my sister-in-law' blah blah blah. Did that woman bribe you or something? Why are you protecting her? You're my best friend. We grew up together, went to school together. Instead of helping me get your brother, you're protecting a total stranger."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Impulsive Vow to an Enigmatic Husband