ANNA

Chapter 03 – Angel eyes

"Hi, love! How have you been?" Enaya Aunty walked out of a room into the lobby and pulled Anna into a warm hug.

"I'm fine, Aunty! I miss you and Teena so much. I can't wait to see both of you!" Anna replied happily.

"Anna!" Teena’s voice rang with excitement as she ran up and hugged her tightly, her usual adorable smile lighting up her face.

"Teena, you’re such a big girl now," Anna said softly, cupping her face as if she were still the little girl she used to know.

Meanwhile, Anna’s mom hugged Enaya Aunty and Teena before heading to the kitchen to prepare lunch for everyone, while the two dads left for shopping.

Just as Anna turned around, a warm breath tickled her ear.

"So, you didn’t miss me, Angel Eyes?"

The deep, husky whisper sent an unexpected shiver down her spine, spreading warmth through every inch of her body. Her heart pounded so hard she was sure Asher could hear it.

Her mind spun. Angel Eyes? Since when did he call me like that?

She swallowed hard; her voice barely steady as she turned to face him.

"What did you just call me, Asher?"

His lips curved into a smirk, his dark brown eyes holding a knowing glint. He leaned in just a little closer, his voice low and teasing.

"You heard me."

Anna’s breath hitched. Damn it. Why did his voice have to sound so good?

"Just don’t call me that," Anna said, looking away from his intense brown eyes.

Asher leaned a little closer to Anna and looked directly into her eyes, not breaking the gaze.

Anna's stomach fluttered like a hundred butterflies. Not even the most intense K-drama had made her feel like this.

"Excuse me, what's going on between you two?" Teena asked, standing with her arms crossed, looking like something was about to explode.

"I just need to look into those eyes I’ve missed for a long time, so don’t disturb me," Asher replied without even glancing at Teena.

"What did he just say? Am I going crazy or something?"

Anna thought to herself, her mind racing.

Teena looked terrified—her brother didn’t get this close to anyone.

"Anna, come here, I need your help with something in the kitchen," Anna's mom called out.

Anna seized the opportunity to escape Asher’s gaze.

She couldn’t feel her feet, it was like they were floating. She couldn’t understand what was happening to her.

Her mom handed her the task of peeling onions, so Anna retreated to a corner, away from the kitchen, to do it. As she peeled, her eyes began to tear up.

"Why is my Angel Eyes crying?" Anna heard someone say behind her.

"What are you doing, Asher? Are you going insane?" Anna said, trying to mask her emotions with a cold, indifferent expression. But beneath it, her heart was burning like the sun. She was afraid Asher would hear her heartbeat.

"Don’t be so sure of what you think you know, it will be worse than you think Anna," Asher whispered, and walked away.

A few minutes later, Anna and the two moms finished preparing lunch and set the table for everyone. As she placed the last dish, her eyes instinctively scanned the lobby, searching for Asher—but he wasn’t there. Her heart whispered something unfamiliar, something she couldn’t quite understand.

"Asher, Teena, come here for lunch!" Enaya Aunty called out while placing a bowl of rice at the center of the table.

"Where’s Dad, Mom?" Anna asked, glancing toward her mother.

Just then, the two dads walked in, carrying whiskey and a bottle of wine.

"I thought you two were running late. What took so long?"

Enaya Aunty asked with a knowing smile, clearly unimpressed.

At that moment, Asher appeared, walking down the stairs with his phone in hand, his usual unreadable expression in place. Teena ran beside him, practically bouncing over to Anna.

"We were watching TV. You didn’t come," Teena pouted.

"I was helping with lunch, Teena," Anna replied, but her focus was elsewhere.

Asher didn’t even glance at her. His gaze was distant, detached—like she wasn’t even there.

A strange feeling twisted in Anna’s chest. Why does it bother me so much? She thought. Why do I care if he ignores me?

But deep down, she already knew the answer.

Everyone took their seats at the table. The aroma of freshly cooked rice, curries, and roasted chicken filled the air, but Anna wasn’t focused on the food—her attention kept drifting toward Asher. He sat across from her, scrolling through his phone like he wasn’t even part of the moment.

"Asher, put that phone away and eat," Enaya Aunty scolded.

Without a word, he locked his phone and placed it beside his plate. But he still didn’t look at Anna.

Teena, completely unaware of the tension, eagerly filled her plate.

"Anna, pass me the chicken!" she said, smiling.

Anna handed it to her, but her mind was somewhere else. She didn’t understand this weird frustration bubbling inside her. Why did she care if Asher wasn’t paying attention to her? Why was she waiting for him to say something?

"You’re not eating much, Anna," her mom noticed.

"Are you feeling, okay?"

"I’m fine, Mom," she forced a smile and took a bite, but it tasted like nothing.

Asher finally spoke, his voice smooth but distant.

"You don’t look fine."

Anna’s hand froze on her spoon.

That was the first time he had acknowledged her since earlier. But the way he said it—it wasn’t filled with concern. It was like he was studying her, trying to get a reaction.

"Why do you care?" she shot back, surprising herself with her own sharpness.

Asher smirked, the corner of his lips curling up just slightly. "I don’t," he said, leaning back in his chair. "Just making an observation."

Anna clenched her jaw. He was so frustrating. One second, he made her heart race, and the next, he acted like she was nothing.

Teena looked between them, sensing something but not fully understanding.

"You two are acting weird."

"Eat your food, Teena,"

Asher muttered, grabbing a piece of chicken.

Anna exhaled, forcing herself to focus on her plate. But inside, she was burning with confusion.

What was Asher’s problem? And why did she care so much?

"Oh, I knew he was a bit cold… not a bit, actually," Anna thought to herself while eating.

Everyone ate peacefully, chatting about memories from the past year, laughing about old stories. But Anna wasn’t really listening. Her focus was on her plate, lost in her own thoughts.

"Okay, kids! This evening, we’re visiting Gregory Lake and the park, so get ready after lunch," Anna’s dad announced.

Anna’s mind snapped back to the present. The mention of the lake stirred something in her— excitement. "Why am I letting myself be so moody on this trip? I came here to enjoy my vacation. I won’t let Asher ruin that for me."

"Wow, that’s fascinating! I love visiting Gregory Park!" Anna exclaimed, looking at her dad, ignoring everyone else’s gaze—especially Asher’s.

Her dad chuckled. "I know you love staying in freezing weather. You always get excited about it."

Anna grinned, but what she didn’t notice was Asher’s lingering stare. His gaze stayed on her, watching her expressions shift, like he was trying to read her. But just as she turned her head slightly, their eyes met.

His dark brown eyes locked onto hers, intense and unwavering. A single curl had fallen onto his forehead, making him look even more annoyingly handsome. If anyone stared into his eyes long enough, they’d see something—her reflection. His gaze was so deep, so clear, it almost exposed something unspoken.

Anna’s breath hitched. Her heart pounded so hard it felt like it would give her away. Quickly, she looked away, shaking off the strange tension and focusing on the trip ahead.

After lunch, everyone went to their rooms to rest before heading out later.

Anna stepped into her room and sighed. It was beautiful—spacious yet cozy, with a soft bed and a couch near the window that overlooked the garden. She could already picture herself sitting there with a hot coffee and the book her grandma gave her before she left.

"This is perfect."

Just as she was about to sit down, her mom’s voice echoed from the hallway.

"Anna, come help with the suitcases from the van!

I’m in the middle of something!"

"Okay, Mom! I’m coming!"

She stretched before walking toward the lobby, where Enaya Aunty stopped her.

"Oh, darling, where are you going?"

"I’m getting our luggage from the van."

Before Anna could take another step, Enaya Aunty turned to Asher, who was lounging on the couch, scrolling through his phone.

"Asher, go with her."

Anna stiffened. "No, really, I can manage on my own."

Asher, without even arguing, stood up and walked toward her. His expression was unreadable.

"Let’s go."

Anna sighed, following behind him as she grabbed the van keys.

The silence between them was unbearable. She could hear nothing but the sound of their footsteps against the pavement.

Then, Asher spoke. His deep, husky voice cut through the air.

"I think we should stay away from each other." Anna stopped in her tracks, staring at him, furious.

"Excuse me?" she snapped.

His face was calm, unaffected. "It’ll be better that

way."

Her blood boiled. "Better for me," she shot back before she could stop herself.

A slow smirk spread across his lips, like he found her reaction amusing.

He picked up some suitcases and walked off without another word.

Anna stood there, gripping the handle of her luggage tightly. "Why did I say that? Why is he acting like this? And why does it bother me so much?"

Her mind raced with questions, but none of them had answers.

Anna clenched her jaw as she watched Asher walk ahead, carrying the luggage effortlessly. His veiny hands gripped the handles tightly, his muscles flexing under his shirt, and that damn smirk still lingered on his lips.

"Stay away from each other? Like I was dying to be near you in the first place," she muttered under her breath, dragging her suitcase behind her. But no matter how much she tried to ignore him, her eyes kept betraying her, drawn to the way he moved so confidently, so carelessly.

When they reached the guest house, Asher dropped the bags near the entrance without a word. He didn’t even look at her before heading straight back inside, as if she wasn’t even there.

Anna let out a frustrated breath.

"Unbelievable."

Shaking her head, she grabbed her suitcase and walked toward her room, determined to shake off whatever weird tension was creeping into her mind.

Inside, she closed the door behind her and sat on the couch by the window, trying to calm herself.

The afternoon sun poured in, casting a warm glow over the room. She should be excited about the lake trip, about this vacation. She was supposed to be enjoying herself.

But instead, all she could think about was Asher’s words.

"I think we should stay away from each other."

Why did it bother her so much? And why did his stupid smirk keep replaying in her head?

Before she could sink any deeper into her thoughts, a knock on the door made her jump.

"Anna, we’re leaving in an hour. Get ready," her mom called from the hallway.

"Okay, Mom!" she replied, shaking off her emotions.

She wasn’t going to let Asher mess with her mood. Not today.

She stood up, grabbed her bag, and started getting ready for the lake trip—ready to prove to herself that she didn’t care about him.

As they all piled into the van, Anna's stomach twisted when she realized where her parents had decided she would sit. Of course, it was next to Asher.

"Anna, sit next to Asher," her dad said, smiling. "You two can catch up and enjoy the ride!"

Anna's heart sank, but she didn’t want to argue. She shot a quick glance at her mom, hoping for some sign of support.

But her mom just beamed at her. "It’ll be fine, sweetheart," she said, unaware of the tension between them.

"It’s a long ride, just relax."

Reluctantly, Anna slid into the seat next to Asher. She could feel his presence, the space between them suddenly feeling miles apart. He didn’t even acknowledge her as she settled in, just stared out the window with his usual unreadable expression.

Anna tried to focus on anything other than the thick silence that hung between them. The view outside was beautiful, but she could hardly enjoy it when her thoughts kept drifting back to Asher. Why was he being so distant? Was it something I said? Was he angry with me?

Minutes passed in a heavy silence, and just when Anna thought she might lose her mind, Asher's voice cut through the quiet.

"You didn’t have to sit next to me, you know," he said, his tone cool and detached.

Anna blinked, surprised by the comment.

"I didn’t have a choice," she retorted, her voice tinged with frustration.

Asher gave a slight shrug, not looking at her. "Sure, you did," he muttered under his breath, but he didn’t elaborate further.

Anna bit her lip, trying not to let her frustration show. Why was he being like this? There was no need for this coldness. She didn’t know if she should press him or leave it alone.

In the end, she chose silence, though it felt like her heart was beating too loudly in the quiet van.

They drove on, and the tension between them thickened with every passing minute. Every time Anna tried to glance at Asher, he seemed even more distant. His arms were crossed, his posture rigid, as though he was trying to put as much space between them as possible.

Just as Anna began to feel the weight of the silence, Asher shifted in his seat, and their shoulders brushed for a brief moment. Anna felt a jolt of electricity run through her, but she quickly pulled away, her face flushing.

Asher didn’t seem to notice. Or maybe he just didn’t care. He stared out the window, and for a second, Anna wondered if he was avoiding her on purpose. Was this payback? Or had something really changed between them?

Finally, the van pulled up to Gregory Lake, and Anna let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. She was eager to get out, to escape the suffocating silence that had filled the van.

As they all piled out of the van, Anna felt a strange sense of relief. She couldn’t explain it, but the air outside felt fresher, easier to breathe. Maybe the distance between her and Asher wasn’t just physical—maybe it was something deeper.

But for now, she was just happy to leave the tension behind, at least for a little while.

As they walked towards Gregory Lake, Anna adjusted the sleeves of her red jacket, trying to push the lingering tension with Asher out of her mind. The bright, bold color of her jacket felt comforting against the cool breeze, but it couldn’t seem to mask the uncertainty swirling in her chest. The peaceful surroundings of the lake should’ve been calming, but instead, it only seemed to amplify the anxiety gnawing at her.

Her parents were chatting happily, and Teena skipped ahead, excited to explore the area. But Anna’s attention kept drifting back to Asher, who was walking a few steps behind her, his hands stuffed into his jacket pockets, his posture stiff and closed off.

"Beautiful day, huh?" Anna's mom said, trying to break the silence as they approached a small dock by the water. "Perfect for a walk around the lake."

"Yeah," Anna replied, forcing a smile, but her mind was still tangled up in thoughts about Asher. She could feel his presence behind her like a shadow she couldn’t escape.

They all sat down on a bench near the dock, the gentle ripples of the water reflecting the clear sky. Anna’s mom pulled out a small picnic basket and started unpacking some snacks. Teena immediately rushed over to join her, eager to help with the food. Anna followed, but her attention kept drifting back to Asher, who stood off to the side, his hands still in his pockets, staring out over the water.

"Are you going to stare at me all day?" Asher’s voice broke through her thoughts.

Anna blinked in surprise. "What?"

Asher tilted his head slightly, his brown eyes narrowed.

"I said, are you going to keep staring at me like that?" His tone was sarcastic, laced with a hint of challenge.

Anna’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t realized she was staring, but it seemed like Asher noticed everything. It felt like he could see right through her.

"I wasn’t staring," she shot back quickly, trying to play it cool, even though her pulse was racing.

Asher just raised an eyebrow. "Sure, whatever you say." He gave her a smirk, a teasing look that made Anna’s chest tighten with frustration and confusion.

Before she could respond, Teena bounced over, clearly excited about the picnic.

"Anna, come on! Help me with the sandwiches!"

Relieved to be able to shift her focus away from Asher, Anna followed Teena and joined her at the table. But even as she prepared the food with Teena, Anna’s mind kept returning to the cryptic words Asher had said.

Why was he acting like this? Why was he being so cold one minute, and then acting like everything was fine the next?

As they all settled down to eat, Anna found herself watching Asher from across the table.

His usual smirk was replaced by a stoic expression, his gaze distant. He didn’t look like he was enjoying the peaceful day at all, and it frustrated Anna.

After a quick snack near Gregory Lake, they started taking photos and enjoying the scenery. Anna and Teena wandered into a small flower garden, capturing pictures and laughing together. For a moment, Anna forgot about Asher and simply enjoyed the moment.

Their parents had gone for a little walk around the lake, deep in conversation.

"Angel eyes," a voice murmured close to her ear just as she was about to take a photo of Teena.

Anna froze. It was already freezing outside, but this cold was something different—something she couldn't quite explain.

"Oh my gosh! What are you doing, Asher? I don’t understand you!" Teena huffed, clearly annoyed.

"Take care of your own business, Teena," Asher replied smoothly.

"Fine! Do whatever you both want; I'm going to Mom!" Teena shouted before running off.

"Wait, Teena! I'll come with you—" Anna started to say, but before she could finish, Asher grabbed her hand and pulled her close.

"Where do you think you're going, angel eyes?"

Asher's gaze locked onto hers, his voice low and steady.

"What do you think you’re doing, Asher Dowman? I thought we were supposed to keep our distance."

Anna shot back; her voice sharp with defiance.

"Ooo... 'Asher Dowman' now? That sounds a little rude, angel eyes,"

he teased, still holding her hand.

"You already know who's crossing the lines they set," Anna retorted, yanking her hand free.

Asher let go easily—his grip had never been harsh.

It wasn’t like before.

Anna’s mind flashed back to that day with Shehan—the way he had grabbed her hand roughly, his grip cruel and unforgiving. But Asher… he had held her gently, as if he never intended to hurt her. The difference between them was clear, yet Anna couldn’t quite understand the storm of emotions stirring inside her.

Something was happening, something she couldn’t put into words. After her hands-free, Asher walked away from her to his parents.