Chapter 31. The elder brother.

Laura was sleep deprived all through the night. She got out of bed around 6 am. She went down to the kitchen to get something to drink.

Laura looked through the freeze deliberating on what to drink, she took one of the juice and heads out. Laura bumped into someone outside the door.

"Oh I'm so sorry" She immediately apologize before lifting her eyes to see who it was.

Laura was fluttered to see Jason's mother in front of her. She initially thought it was one of the servants.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't realize it was you".

"No need to apologize. What are you doing here by the way? ".

"uhm. I couldn't sleep so I came down to get something to drink" Laura replied her.

"well, that makes the two of us" they laughed together realizing they both had something in common.

They both sat in the living room watching Tv when Laura suddenly asked about Jason.

"Have you heard from Jason? " she asked to satisfy her curiosity. She also finds it unsettling that his number has not been going through since he left.

"To be honest with you, no. But, I advise that you take your mind off it because it will only make you more anxious ". Gloria replied while sipping her tea.

Laura was puzzled, wondering why a mother could act so nonchalant when she hasn't heard from her son for days. Laura was drown in thought.

"Don't get me wrong. I do worry about him but it's the only way for me to keep the anxiety away. There's nothing I can do other than to pray for him to come back safe and sound" Gloria said with a sullen look.

"has this happened before? "

"I can't say I'm used to it. but I've learned to worry less for both our sake".

"oh! " Laura could not find any words to say feeling that there going on.

......

Laura sat down staring at her computer in a daze thinking about the conversation she had with Gloria this morning.

"Laura, Laura," Kate called out to her but got no response. Left with no choice, Kate Shook her by the shoulder.

"what is it?" Laura said in a grumpy tone.

"Hey, I've been calling but you were spaced out. so don't blame me for taking things further"

"I'm sorry " Laura apologized for her attitude.

"So tell me, what's going on?" Kate asked. She knew Laura won't act that way if it wasn't something serious.

"I... I'm not sure " Laura replied with uncertainty.

"if you're not sure then why are you being stressed out? "

"That' 's the problem " came Laura's reply.

"you know what? Forget about it. Now tell me if you will be attending the scarlet beauty fashion show with Jason next Friday. " Kate propped for intel. Being an IT student, they were not fortunate enough to attend such a prestigious event. Even most of the employees are not allowed. But it might be different with Laura being Jason's assistant.

"Well, I don't know yet But I got an invite".

"What?... Kate screams drawing others' attention. "You mean you got an invitation to the event? " Kate tried to confirm what she just heard.

"Hmm." Laura replies with a node.

....

In a private room inside a restaurant, was Finn and Aria sitting opposite each other.

"Did you get me what I asked? " Aria said to him.

"Here it is" Finn brought out a folder looking unhappy. "Are you sure about this? you know there are alot of guys out there. Why go all through these when you can have any man you want? And you know I have issues with the Hughes and I don't want you to get involved with them".

"Get involved? " Aria was engrieved. "You knew very well that Jason I we're together yet, because of your feud you force me to do hideous things for you and also tricked me in the end," Aria said as tears stream down her face. She used one hand to wipe off her tears. She took a second to recollect her emotions before she continue.

"You told me that if turn him down using my work as an excuse then, I can always come back to him again and he will take me back".

"Yes. I did say that". Finn said calmly.

"Then why? Why did you show him the photos? " Aria asked accusingly.

Finn was shocked by her question. How on earth did she found her.

"How.. How did you know? " Finn decided to ask.

"Oh! You think I won't find out right?. Let me make it clear to today. I will do whatever I want and I dare you to stop me". She said sternly. She got up left with the forder.

Sitting inside the car, Aria brought out her phone and dialed a number.

"Hello? I need you to do something for me. I will send you all the details". She hung up and kept the phone in her bag. She held on to the steering wheel with anger.

"No, I won't allow anyone to take Jason away from me. Not after all the sacrifice I've made. I won't let that happen". after convincing herself, she drove off.

...

THREE YEARS BACK.

Inside a lively club, was Aria sitting in a private room on the second floor. Browsing through her phone with nervousness when she heard a familiar voice. Aria forced herself to act cool before lifting her head to look at the figure.

"You're here". Aria smiled at the figure who has some smilarities to Jason.

"Where are the others" The man said looking displease.

"They are still on their way. Why don't we order some drinks while waiting" Aria suggested.

"Okay " The man replied looking at his wrist watch.

Aria signal a waiter to bring their drinks.

"so.. How are things at the office Tristan? " Aria tried to strike a conversation with him to ease the tension.

"Good" came his short reply.

"Oh please don't stand on ceremonial with me. we are childhood friends after all.

Before she could continue, the waiter came back with a bottle of campaign and two glasses. He poured the drink into one of the glasses and handed it over to Tristan and another to Aria nodding his head to her before leaving.

Taking a sip from the drink Tristan looked at his watch again a little surprised as to why his brother isn't there yet given his personality.

"What's taking him so long" Tristan wondered.

" I think he was a little held up at the studio that's why he's late or are you scared of being alone with me? " Aria joked.

"No. But it's not appropriate for the two of us to be seen together in a place like this considering you're my brother's girlfriend " Tristan replied straightforwardly.

Realizing that he was not buying it, Aria decided to lighten the mood.

"Okay, I will text him to know where he is" Aria quickly brought out her phone pretending like she was sendin out the message. A few seconds letter, looked at her phone with excitement.

"Oh he said he's almost here".

"Okay". Tristan replied. He has drank half of the campaign in his glass. He used his other hand to take his phone from his pocket.

While he was going through his phone, he started feeling weird.

Aria noticed the sudden change in his behavior. She couldn't help but ask out of concern.

"Are you alright? " Aria asked him.

"hmmm" he managed to say. "maybe I'm a little stressed from work"

"Okay, if you say so".

Tristan was in awful condition. His face was all red and feeling slightly dizzy. Thinking that it was stress, he decided to head home to get some rest.

"I think, I should head home first. Tell Jason that I will call him" he stood up to leave but fell before taking a step. Seeing this, Aria rushed to his side to help out.

"Tristan, are you alright"

"Yes, I just need to go home and some rest" Tristan answered.

"No, you're not fine. You can't drive in this condition. How about I drop you off at home? "

"No. I can manage " Tristan refused her.

"I'm not taking no for an answer" with that, Aria supported him and head out of the club.