MY BEST FRIEND'S COLD BROTHER

Chapter 3: SOMEONE IS WATCHING

Aiden’s POV

“What was that chilling feeling I felt inside?” Leah proceeded to ask me.

“It was nothing. I guess it was just the silence of the class,” I responded, trying to hide any clue from her.

“Oh, I see.” She nodded.

“So, why did you call for my attention?” I inquired.

“I wanted to inform you that I wouldn’t be going home immediately after school because I want to accompany Aurora to the game center,” she explained.

“To the game center?” I asked.

“Yes. Don’t be worried, the new guy is also coming with us,” she added.

I felt a surge of anger rushing through me again, and my face darkened with rage.

“Aiden, is there a problem?” Leah asked.

“Yes, there is. You won’t be able to accompany Aurora to the game center,” I replied, my voice laced with visible irritation.

“But why?!” she questioned curiously.

“Mum informed me that we’ll be having an important meeting when we get back from school,” I lied, desperately trying to come up with an excuse.

I could see the disappointment in Leah’s eyes, but I couldn’t allow her to hang out with that asshole.

“Okay, then,” she replied, visibly downcast.

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Leah’s POV

I was dejected, but I also didn’t want to disobey my mum. I walked back to the classroom, looking gloomy and disappointed.

“What did he say?” Aurora asked curiously.

“He said I couldn’t go,” I replied in a sad tone.

Immediately, Aurora’s smile disappeared.

“Ugh! I had already started imagining how much fun we were going to have,” Aurora complained painfully.

“You can still go without me, but make sure to tell me about all the fun things tomorrow,” I said, trying to hide my sadness.

“It’s not going to be as fun without you,” Aurora replied while sluggishly arranging her books in her bag.

“But still, make sure to have fun without me, okay?” I insisted.

“I’ll try,” she replied.

A few minutes later, the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day.

Aurora and I walked out of the classroom and headed toward the school parking lot when we spotted Josh in the opposite hallway, walking toward us. We slowed our pace so he could catch up with us.

“Hey, girlies,” he greeted with a smile.

“Hope you aren’t too stressed today,” he added.

“No, we aren’t,” I replied with a smile.

“I’m thinking we should stop at a restaurant before going to the game center. What do you guys think?” he suggested as we continued walking toward the parking lot.

“Too bad I won’t be coming with you guys,” I informed him, and I could see the obvious disappointment in his eyes.

“Is there a problem, or is it because I’ll be tagging along?” he questioned with a slight frown.

“No, that’s not the reason. My mum had already informed my brother about an important meeting we were supposed to have, so that’s the reason why,” I explained.

“Oh, I see.” He nodded.

“Leah!”

I turned to the left and saw my brother already seated inside the car, a dark expression plastered across his face.

“Get in the car!” he thundered.

I was startled because this was unlike my brother. He was cold, but he had never displayed such a nasty temper before.

I waved at Aurora and Josh before getting into the car.

“What was the meaning of that?” I questioned Aiden angrily.

“Don’t ask me any further questions,” he replied, giving me the cold shoulder before ordering the driver to take us home.

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Aurora’s POV

I stared at the car as it drove away, completely stunned. I had never seen Aiden so enraged—not even during the past few months he had been attending this school.

“What could be the issue?” I wondered deeply.

“Has he always been like that?” Josh’s question snapped me out of my thoughts.

“No. I’ve never seen him so enraged,” I replied with a confused expression.

“What could have been the problem, then?” he asked further.

“I also don’t know. Well, maybe he was infuriated by one of his friends,” I responded with a shrug.

“That might have been the case,” he agreed.

We walked to the other side of the parking lot, where Josh’s car was parked, and drove to The Royal Crest, one of the most luxurious and expensive restaurants in town.

The restaurant stood like a palace, glowing beneath magnificent crystal chandeliers. Every table was dressed in fine white linen and adorned with polished silverware. The air itself seemed to reek of wealth, elegance, and exclusivity.

Well, these were the kinds of restaurants that people like Josh, Aiden, and Aurora could visit frequently without being affected by the bills.

“Josh, aren’t the meals here very expensive?” I asked cautiously.

“Yes, they are, but what has that got to do with you?” Josh asked teasingly.

I chuckled and gave him a light tap.

“All you have to do is enjoy my treat,” he stated, and I nodded with a smile.

“Let me have lobster pasta with Parmesan and sparkling apple cider,” Josh said, ticking off his order after going through the menu.

“Aurora, pick your choice, and don’t forget to add your favorite snack,” he said teasingly before handing the menu to me.

I scanned through the menu, hoping to see the prices so I could order something within a reasonable range, but there were no prices listed. I had no choice but to settle for a meal I felt wouldn’t cost too much.

“Let me have grilled lobster with garlic butter,” I finally told the attendant after repeatedly scanning through the menu.

“Just that?” Josh asked, looking confused.

“Yeah.” I nodded.

“Please add a chicken teriyaki bowl and peach iced tea to her order,” Josh instructed.

“Then package pistachio chocolate bars and chocolate-covered strawberries for takeout,” he added.

“Why are you adding more orders?” I questioned him.

“This is my first time in years treating you, so permit me to do it perfectly,” he pleaded.

I shrugged, and we continued talking about past events while waiting for our order.

Shortly after, our orders arrived. The dishes looked exquisite, beautifully presented, and incredibly appetizing. The aroma was so heavenly that it almost made me feel full without even taking a bite.

We proceeded to eat our meals and talk about everything that had happened over the years.

Unknown to both of us, however, a lady with a pair of dark, piercing eyes stood at the other end of the street, staring intently at Josh through the restaurant’s transparent window.

But who could that person be?

And why was she staring so intensely at Josh?

I had no idea.