EIGHTY TWO
My eyes snapped open, gazing at her with a blank face. I probably looked like I had seen a ghost.
Why does she hate me? Does she really think I want to be in Sin’s life for his money? That i was a gold digger.
“Ari,” Sin growls, “I suggest you think carefully before saying another word to Mani.” His tone was calm, but I knew better that under that dangerously calm exterior was a storm brewing.
“I don’t know why you would think that way of me, but I’m not like that.” I tried reasoning with her, but she seemed adamant and refused to believe it.
“Oh, really, why else would he keep you?. You must be good in bed; my brother must pay really well for you to still be here. After all, that’s why you’re here, because of the money.” She smirked evilly.
I give up. I’m trying to be the mature one here, but she just has this notion that I want Sin’s money. I don’t want to say anything, or I might end up saying something extremely rude to her, which might escalate the situation.
Picking a fight would be unreasonable.
“Enough,” Sin growled out, slamming his hand on the table. His voice beamed through the room, and everywhere went quiet. I could feel his rage radiating from him.
Sin’s fists were clenched tightly beside me, so tight that they were becoming pale white. His hand was shaking; he was trying to control himself. I hurriedly put my hand in his, stopping him before he did something. His eyes met my pleading ones, and I could see he was fighting to control himself. I shook my head as a way of telling him not to do anything; he huffed but complied, even though he was still pissed. He sent a glare at his sister, and she quivered in her seat.
His face, which had a welcoming smile for his sister, was now completely blank while he looked at her with no emotions, and I felt like it was my fault for the sudden change of mood.
“I’m just trying to look out for you. I hear..” Athena was cut short by her mother’s voice, which was stern.
“Enough, zona; I didn’t teach you to be disrespectful to a guest. Your brother hasn’t been back for almost three years, and the first thing you do after seeing him again is pick a fight with the woman he likes.” She spoke out with an authoritative voice, making Athena huff in her seat, but didn’t say anything else.
“I apologize for her unprofessional behavior and the way she talked to you, Mani.” Serena spoke out with sincerity. “Let’s have the food served.” In less than a second, maids came out and served each of us our food before bowing and walking away.
The tray of food that was laid in front of me looked beyond delicious, and my tummy let out a low growl, wanting to get a taste of it.
“Let’s dig in,” Alexander announced, trying to ease away the tension and awkwardness of the room.
Athena, on the other hand, rolled her eyes, picked up her fork, and started eating, occasionally sending a death glare my way.
Alexander manages to take Sin’s mind off things as they converse. He placed his hand back on my thigh, leaving it there while still talking to Alexander.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.
“So tell me, what do you do?” Serena spoke softly, looking at me with a smile on her face.
“Right now, nothing, but I’m going to start my residency.”
“Oh, you want to be a doctor?” She still had a warm look on her face.
” yes”
“Why haven’t you started yet?” Serena questioned.
“Nikolai won’t let me do anything; I’m still trying to change his mind.” I replied casually while chewing on the steak.
The sound of someone choking caught my attention, and I removed my focus from the food in front of me to look up. They were all staring. Serena, Alexander, and even Athena have their mouths agape, looking between Sin and me.
Alexander was able to control himself and get his cough under control, while Sin rolled his eyes and continued eating, not minding their stunned expressions.
“He lets you call him by his name,” Serena exclaimed with surprise. She looked at Sin, then back at me.
” ummm. Yes”
“wow. ” Alexander and Serena mouthed in surprise, while Athena looked more pissed, and she continued to stab her food. I’m sure she was imagining me as the meat.
I don’t get it; I wasn’t dressed like a whore or said anything that would imply wanting Sin’s money, and I wished she would give me a chance. I know she is just being protective of her brother, but I don’t know what to do to warm my way into her heart.
It seemed like everything I said just pissed her off. I knew Sin had told me his sister was bratty, but I didn’t expect her to be this way.
The conversation continued despite Athena’s sour mood. I was having a great time talking to Serena and Alexander. We were speaking with each other and laughing even when Sin joined in, letting go of his bad mood.
I learned a lot about Serena and Alexander; they were both friendly and open. While I was speaking with Serena, Sin would occasionally play with a strain of my hair, kissing the crown of my hair while chipping in on the conversation when he wanted to.
“Oh yeah,” Athena suddenly said, catching everyone’s attention. She had a smirk on her face. “My bad, I forgot to mention that I invited a friend of mine, or should I say a close friend of Sin.”
At that time, a familiar, high-pitched voice called out. ” Sin.”