It All Started With A Bet

Chapter 5

Aaron POV

"Do you think that she will recognize us? How about changing our looks a bit? What if she doesn't like us? What if we don't like her?" my sister nagged at me for the hundredth time from the back seat of the car.

"Can you shut your mouth, Cristal? I am working! You will get all your answers once we reach there" I hissed at her through the review mirror of the car and continue working on my laptop.

"Can't you leave your work for some time? We are out together after such a long time. Can't you spend a little bit of time with me?" she tried to play cute and nudged my shoulder.

Liam's hand shut the laptop in my lap.

"Leave it!" he spoke up from the driver's seat.

"Did you both join hands to annoy the hell out of me?" I glared at Liam and Cristal. They both stuck their tongues out at me.

"Childish freaks!" I rolled my eyes at them.

They both cared about each other, especially Liam but he just doesn't admit it to her face. I didn't know why he played cool when his actions reflected his feelings. I never did step into their business, from my perspective it was their trial. It can help them judge their hearts.

"I wonder who is working to relieve his anxiety before meeting his childhood crush" Liam laughed at me as he tried to get back at me.

"Shut up!!" I glared at him while Cristal's confused look told me that she was trying to figure out the situation. Her expression clarified that Liam didn't spill the beans.

I ignored her and was about to resume my work when Liam brought the car to a halt. I looked up from the screen of my laptop to see a wide fashion street in front of me.

"We are here!" Cristal cheered happily and got out of the car.

Liam was right, I was anxious to meet her after such a long time. On one hand, I was excited while on the other hand, I feared the thought of her becoming my sister-in-law. I wondered if she was still as beautiful as she was fourteen years ago. I still remember her memorizing princess look on her eighth birthday. Since then, I tried every chance to become her friend. We had good memories for two years because when she was ten, her father sent her abroad for further studies. I was depressed for an entire year but then finally came around.

Liam parked the car at a nearby empty stop and got off.

"Lead the way!" Liam said to Cristal.

"I don't the way. How about you ask around or we can explore the street" She suggested

Though the lighted fashion street looked beautiful in the evening. Plus the aesthetic touch of art on the walls added sparkle to the place. But all that didn't attract me as I was in a hurry.

"If you didn't know the way then why did you suggest the plan in the first place" I scolded Cristal. I knew that it was not Cristal's fault but I just vented my anger on her.

"It's just a few shopping streets. Why are you getting so angry? Can't we search for the shop while exploring the place!" she hissed back.

Her attitude made my anger rose. The bitterness filled inside me for Elijah and my father was about to fall on her but Liam stood up for her and stopped me from the actions which I would have regretted later.

"I have googled the way. Stop fighting! Use your brains, you got them for some reason" he rolled his eyes at me and signaled me to follow him.

I glared at Cristal and walked beside him.

"It's good to have you here or my brother was ready to skin me alive" Cristal grabbed Liam's hand and smiled at him. He didn't give her any reaction and just silently walked further.

"You both can continue it at home don't embarrass me here!" I taunted Cristal and at the same time made fun of Liam as I saw him pulling his hand away from her as Cristal started to cling on him further.

A laugh escaped my mouth when Liam looked at me for help.

I looked at him as if I was saying don't you have a brain, then use it yourself!

"How about we first buy a gift for mom, then go to meet sister-in-law?" Cristal pointed towards a jewelry store on our left.

"No, and don't call her sister-in-law! She has not been married to Elijah yet" I scolded her because my mind was not ready to accept the fact yet.

"Cristal, don't throw salt on his wounds!" Liam laughed out loud.

"You have a death wish, Liam" I smacked him on his head causing him to stumble on his way.

"A pair of idiots!" Cristal came in between the two of us to stop us from combat.

My steps and my movements came to a stop when I saw the name "Wardrobe" at a small distance away from me. My heartbeat perked up as I realized that she was just a few steps away from me. The long distance between us was gone. I stood there gazing at the entrance. I didn't know what to do next or how should I greet her. My mind was becoming a coward. He was telling me to run away but my heart was forcing me to step further.

"What are you waiting for brother?" Cristal yelled over from the entrance as she waved my way.

"Coming!" I took a deep breath and jogged over to her listening to my fast beating heart.

Liam slid open the glass door of the big shop. My body was getting cool plus the cool air of the air conditioner on my body made me shiver seriously.

My eyes immediately wandered over to the shop in search of her. But instead of her, my gaze saw many women, some in uniform and others coming shopping. The hustle and bustle made me edgier. A girl in uniform came to us.

"Good evening! What can I do for you?" she smiled politely.

"Show me the latest arrivals of this season" Cristal chipped and follow the sales girl to a rack full of clothes. I wanted to glare at her for the unnecessary question but controlled myself.

"Can I meet with the owner of the boutique?" I asked a nearby girl that was attending a client.

"Did you make an appointment or may I ask about your identity?" she eyed me from my face to down my feet.

I was about to reply to her but a voice stopped me and saved her.

"Jaz, is there any problem here?" she asked the girl in the uniform.

"Sera!" I was shocked to see her there. She looked more elegant under the clear light. She was dressed in a business suit with natural makeup. I could see a little shock in her eyes or maybe she was faking it.

"What a coincidence! we met again!" she smiled at me.

"Yeah, I wonder if it is a coincidence" my curious eyes searched for truth in her beautiful grey eyes.

I could bet that she was following me and maybe she was there for answers that she didn't get last time. Or maybe she came up with new tricks.

"Fate has its ways" she spoke up.

"How about we catch up another time? I am here on business today" I tried to get rid of her. Because I didn't want anyone to disturb my meeting with Stella.

"I heard that you wanted to meet the store owner. Can I ask the reason?" she pushed passed her limits. Anger started to rise in me.

"None of your concern" I replied coldly and was about to walk away when she called me.