Chapter 6 — Arrival in Japan
797 Words
After a few minutes at the airport, we boarded a sleek private jet. Aiden felt restless. Everyone seemed busy with their own tasks, leaving him alone with his thoughts. He pulled out his phone and FaceTimed Justine.
“What? You’re on your way to Japan? Unbelievable,” Justine exclaimed, eyes wide.
“Yeah…” Aiden sighed, feeling a mix of excitement and unease.
“Hey, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing… just worried about Mom.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of her for you. Just focus on staying safe and being good, okay?”
Aiden nodded, managing a small smile. “Hmm… thanks.”
“I envy you, though,” Justine admitted.
“It’s not all glamorous. I’ve been sitting in this seat for over an hour already—it’s a twelve-hour flight.”
“Blah, I don’t mind,” Justine teased.
“Not a single person has spoken to me, not even… him. I’m bored,” Aiden admitted.
“I understand, but you have to wait until you land. You need to behave.”
“Whatever… I’ll try,” Aiden muttered, dropping the call and leaning back in his seat. Sleep took him over before long.
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By the time we arrived in Japan, night had fallen. The mansion we entered was breathtaking. A butler approached, bowing politely.
“Welcome, sirs. Madam has been expecting you,” he said.
“Madam?” Aiden asked, curious.
Damien’s voice was sharp. “Where is she?”
“In her study, sir. She requested you meet her as soon as you arrived,” Sean explained.
Damien pointed at Aiden. “Kate will lead him to his room.”
Exhausted from the long flight and jet lag, Aiden barely registered the grandeur as he was shown to his room. Sleep claimed him almost immediately. Meanwhile, the three brothers entered a discussion with their grandmother.
“Grandma, how have you been?” Charlie asked.
“I’ve been well, son. And how are your studies?”
“Stressful…” he admitted, pouting.
“I understand. Fourth year is difficult. I trust you’re keeping a low profile in school?”
“I have, ma… until today, when my twins showed up to pick me,” Charlie replied sheepishly.
Damien’s grandmother’s eyes twinkled. “And you brought someone new with you, Damien? Your new boy, perhaps?”
“Nah… just a boy,” Damien replied curtly.
“Charles, how is your business going?” she asked.
“All good, ma. I might not be staying long,” he replied.
“I’m off as well,” Madam Smith smiled.
“To where?” Damien asked.
“For a meeting, dear,” she answered.
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The next morning, Damien noticed Aiden missing at breakfast.
“What about Aiden?” he asked.
“Sir, he said he wasn’t hungry,” a maid explained politely.
Damien went to Aiden’s room, finding him on his phone.
“Why weren’t you downstairs for breakfast?” he asked.
“I’m not hungry,” Aiden mumbled.
“What’s going on in that head of yours?” Damien pressed.
“Just… not feeling welcome here, that’s all,” Aiden muttered.
“I understand, but you’ll like it here. I may have overstepped, but I promise it won’t happen again. Now come on—breakfast is waiting.”
Reluctantly, Aiden followed. At the table, he was nervous but bowed politely, especially to Madam Smith.
“Have a seat, dear,” she offered warmly.
“Thank you, ma’am,” he replied.
As they ate, Charlie nudged Damien. “Bro… aren’t you going to introduce him?”
“Stop being mischievous. It’s up to him,” Damien replied.
“Ma, meet Aiden. Aiden, meet my grandma,” Damien said after a sigh.
“Nice to meet you, ma’am,” Aiden said respectfully.
“Likewise, dear. You must visit whenever you’re in town,” she smiled. “And what do you do for a living?”
“I’m a student at the city university, and I run a café for students,” Aiden explained.
“That’s lovely,” she said, beaming. “I can see why you’re special. And… where did you two meet?”
“Err… we… we met at…” Aiden hesitated.
“Enough questions for now. Let’s finish breakfast,” Damien said firmly.
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After breakfast, Damien turned to Charlie.
“Charlie, please take Aiden shopping. He doesn’t have proper clothes. After that, you can enjoy yourself.”
“But I’m not staying home—”
“Make an exception. I have a business meeting in another province. You two will be fine. I’ll be back tomorrow,” Damien said, smirking before leaving.
Charlie shook his head. “How cruel of him,” he muttered, dragging Aiden off to start their day.
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- Writer
