"I should head home, Isaiah. It's getting quite late. See you," Aurélia said, rising from her seat. "Indeed, it's late and I wouldn't want you to head home alone," Isaiah replied.
"It's fine, I can manage. My place is just a short distance from here. Besides, I'll just grab a cab," Aurélia said. Isaiah's expression turned solemn, his voice tinged with a mix of sadness and concern. "I know I've been a nuisance, and I'm aware you're not fond of me, but please, just this once accept my offer. I'd like to drive you home, considering I'm the one who asked you to meet me. It's the least I can do."
Aurélia's gaze met Isaiah's, and she nodded in agreement. "Alright, I've accepted. Take me home." Isaiah's face lit up with a warm smile, relieved that Aurélia had agreed.
Isaiah escorted Aurélia to his Mercedes Benz and gallantly opened the door for her to slide in. As he did so, Aurélia couldn't help but notice his gentle demeanor, which seemed to contradict his usual assertive nature. After securing her seatbelt, Aurélia settled into the passenger seat beside Isaiah. As he started the engine, the soft hum of the car seemed to lull her into a peaceful slumber.
Isaiah glanced over at Aurélia, taking in her serene expression. Her beauty was undeniable, and he found himself captivated by her tranquil features. Without disturbing her, he gently wrapped a soft cotton scarf around her neck, ensuring her comfort during the ride. A faint smile played on Isaiah's lips as he continued to steal glances at Aurélia. "She's bold, yet vulnerable," he mused to himself. "Stubborn, too but for some reason, I find myself drawn to her spirit."
Aurélia's phone buzzed, breaking the serene silence of the car ride. Isaiah's gaze flicked to the screen, and his eyes narrowed as he saw the caller's name: Asher, his brother. A spark of anger ignited within him, and he swiftly declined the call. Aurélia remained oblivious to the brief interruption, lost in a deep sleep. However, Asher persisted, and the phone buzzed again. This time, Isaiah's irritation got the better of him, and he powered off Aurélia's phone, ensuring they wouldn't be disturbed again.
As they arrived at Aurélia's house, Isaiah carefully reached over to untie her seatbelt, trying not to disturb her. However, Aurélia had already awakened and was watching him, pretending to still be asleep.
"Aurélia, wake up," Isaiah said, unware of her ruse.
Aurélia feigned a stretch, opening her eyes as if she had just awakened. She then opened the car door and stepped out, with Isaiah following suit. "Thanks, Isaiah," Aurélia said, her voice soft. "You're welcome," Isaiah replied, walking closer to her.
"Good night," Aurélia said, turning to head towards her house. Isaiah's voice stopped her. "Wait, Aurélia." She turned back to face him, curiosity etched on her face.
"How did you know the seatbelt was untied?" Isaiah asked, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I remember you tied it when you got in." Aurélia's cheeks flushed as she stumbled over her words. "I...I untied it. You just didn't see me doing that."
Isaiah's gaze lingered on hers, his expression unreadable. "Okay, likewise," his voice was low and smooth.
He took a step closer, his eyes locked on Aurélia's, and gently pecked her forehead. The touch sent shivers down Aurélia's spine. Isaiah turned and walked back to his car, leaving Aurélia stunned and shy. She quickly opened the door to her house and slipped inside, her heart racing.
"Mission accomplished," Isaiah murmured to himself, a triumphant smile spreading across his face as he drove home."Aurélia is slowly but surely falling under my spell." His eyes gleamed with determination in the rearview mirror. "And once she's mine, no one will ever take her away from me. Not even Asher."
The mention of his brother's name sparked a flicker of anger in Isaiah's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a resolute glint. He was more determined than ever to make Aurélia his, and no one would stand in his away. Aurélia trudged through the empty halls of her home, the silence oppressive. Her parents and younger brother were all away leaving her to her own devices. Boredom gnawed at her, and she reached for her phone, only to realize that it was still in Isaiah's car.
"Seriously?" Aurélia muttered to herself, frustration etched on her face. "How am I supposed to reach anyone now?" She sighed, resigning herself to wait until the next day to retrieve her phone. I'll just have to see him again tomorrow... even though he has been acting so strangely."
Meanwhile, Isaiah arrived at his own home, where his brother Asher awaited him, a look of concern etched on his face. "Where have you been?" Asher asked, his voice tinged with annoyance. "Your dad was trying to reach you, and I called you multiple times, but your phone was off."
Isaiah shrugged, heading upstairs. "It doesn't matter what he wanted. Nothing he says matters." Asher's expression darkened. "Wait, Isaiah!" he called out his voice rising. "What did you do to Aurélia?"
Isaiah turned back, a calm smile spreading across his face. "Nothing, Asher."
Asher's eyes narrowed. " Do you think she'll slip through your fingers and end up with someone else?" he sneered.
Isaiah's smile grew wider. "Maybe."
Asher's face twisted with anger and grabbed Isaiah's collar, his voice menacing. "If you take one step closer to her, you'll regret it. I'll make sure of it."
Isaiah's smile never wavered. He pried Asher's fingers loose. "And as for you, dear brother," Isaiah called out over his shoulder, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "make sure to keep a close eye on Aurélia from now on, because I'm certain she'll be swooped up by someone else if you don't." With that, Isaiah continued upstairs, leaving Asher to seethe with anger and frustration.
Aurélia lay in bed, her mind racing with thoughts of how she'd confront Isaiah the next day at college. She couldn't shake off the feeling that he was hiding something from her.
Meanwhile, in his own room, Isaiah held Aurélia's phone, a sly smile spreading across his face. He turned it on, and the wallpaper screen flickered to life, revealing Aurélia's stunning face. Isaiah's eyes locked onto the image, and he felt his heart skip a beat. He sat down on his bed, his gaze still fixed on the screen, and gently pressed his lips to the image of Aurélia's face.
Aurélia woke up at 5:00a.m, feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep. She began her morning routine, taking a bath and enjoying a quiet breakfast. As she sat on her computer, tackling her work, the sudden ring of the doorbell startled her. She hadn't expected any visitors, especially not at such an early hour.
Curious and a bit apprehensive, Aurélia approached the door and peered through the peephole. Her eyes widened in surprise as she saw Asher standing on her porch, his face etched with concern.
Aurélia opened the door and Asher's eyes locked onto hers. He enveloped her in a warm hug, his voice laced with worry. "What's wrong?" Aurélia asked trying to reassure him. "Why didn't you pick up your phone?" Asher asked, his brow furrowed. "And you're home alone... what if something happened to you?"
Aurélia smiled apologetically. "I took my phone in for repair. I'm sorry I worried you."
"We are going together to college," Asher said with a smile, eyes crinkling at the corners. Aurélia grinned, teasing him. "Okay, how can I resist such a generous offer from my bestie?"
Asher's smile faltered for a moment, a hint of sadness creeping into his eyes. Aurélia noticed the subtle change in his expression and playfully nudged him.
"Why so serious? You shouldn't be sad when I'm around," Aurélia joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Asher chuckled, shaking off the melancholy. "You're right, as always."
Aurélia smiled, pleased with herself. "Before we head out, let me get you some breakfast. You look like you could use a bite to eat."
"You're really very kind to people," Asher said, observing Aurélia as they sat together having breakfast. "How do you it?"
Aurélia smiled. "I'm not that nice to everyone. I reserve my kindness for those who deserve i–and to people who don't deserve my kindness like..." She trailed off, leaving the sentence unfinished.
Asher completed it for her. "You mean people like my brother?" His tone was laced with disdain. "I don't like his ways either. I hate it when he bullies others."
Aurélia quickly clarified, "I didn't mean him. Although I may not like your brother, I believe every person has a good side. No one is completely bad; everyone has both good and bad qualities."
Asher raised an eyebrow. "Are you defending him, despite all the terrible things he's done?"
Aurélia shook her head. "As I said, I don't like your brother's character, and I'm not defending him. I'm simply acknowledging that no one is perfect-except for God, of course."
"You make a compelling point, Aurélia," Asher said, admiring her. "You're not only beautiful but also intelligent."
Aurélia's face lit up with a smile. "Thank you, Asher."
Asher's compliment was reciprocated. "You're handsome and intillegent yourself," Aurélia replied.
They exchanged warm smiles, and the atmosphere between them became even more cordial.
Just then, Asher's phone rang. He glanced at the screen and answered, "Hey, Lila"
"I'm at Aurélia's house having breakfast," Asher informed Lila. "I think we'll meet up at college later."
As he finished the call, he hung up.
Aurélia raised an eyebrow. "You hung up quickly. Are you in a rush?"
Asher smiled. "Do you want to tell her something."
Aurélia playfully replied, "Just kidding! You know Lila; she can talk non-stop. Let's go if you're done with your breakfast.!"
They gathered their belongings, and Asher gallantly opened the car door for Aurélia. As she settled into the passenger seat beside him, their carefree dynamic took over. They engaged in light-hearted banter and laughter throughout the drive to college.
However, Asher's gaze kept drifting back to Aurélia. Her radiant smile captivated him, filling him with an even deeper sense of joy.
As Aurélia and Asher walked to their nutrition class, Aurélia's eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for someone. Her gaze landed on Isaiah, who caught her eye and waved. Asher, oblivious to the exchange, continued talking but Aurélia's attention drifted away.
Asher noticed Aurélia's distraction and followed her gaze to Isaiah. A pang of jealousy struck him, and he instinctively took Aurélia's hand, pulling her close as they walked away.
Aurélia winced,"What's wrong with you, Asher? You're hurting my hand."
Asher released his grip, apologetic. "I'm so sorry."
Aurélia's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Why were you looking at Isaiah? Asher asked, his tone asked with a hint of possessiveness.
Aurélia laughed, her eyes teasing. "Why are you laughing?" Asher pressed.
"Do you think I was pining for your brother?" Aurélia joked, her expression playful." You think I'd waste my time staring at him? Did you not sleep well Asher?"
Asher's face remained serious. "I'm jealous."
Aurélia's grin widened. "Oh, really? Well let, me give you a hug to calm you down."
She wrapped her hands around Asher, embracing him with a gentle, patronizing touch, as if soothing a child. Isaiah watched from a far, his eyes narrowing, his jaw clenched in discomfort.