Chapter 3 A warm gesture

Lena POV

"So you are?" He began initiating a conversation I never really wanted to last this long.

"Lena" I flatly said with no emotions and a wistful glance at the cup, recalling the words people often said to me.

'You're weak, you're useless, you're too nice which is dangerous, you fall easily, you'd never make it alive if a war strikes...no one will want you"

"Well, I'm..."

"Adam, everyone knows, the pack's favorite prince charming" I interjected lifting my eyes to meet his alluring stare.

The rumors were helpful.

His eyes were searching me, as though trying to find a way to make me feel better.

"That seem interesting" he commented and there just this smile on his lips that isn't breaking.

I was disinterest in that now, still lost in thoughts on how I wish to disappear from here.

"Lena" he called in a subtle manner as though afraid to hurt the name and I stared at him, fixed with so much emotions steaming in my eyes just like this tea.

"You're more than you think"

My eyes soften as I cocked my head slightly to the side. It might be a line but then...it suddenly registered in my head like I needed it right now and nervous, I gulp another round of tea.

"Maybe I should have a rumor about you. The pretty girl who I rescued from...her ex-boyfriend? Bully? Crush”

I poured back the coffee in the tea cup almost choking not until I felt a warm palm on the small of my back stroking me gently and drawing circles that felt like a relief.

I turned to look at him, suddenly running out of breath as I was only staring at his face which etch with worries.

The kind I've always wanted to see genuinely in someone else eyes.

He was so close that I could feel his breath on my face and my heart sank.

I just don't want to look vulnerable again...but what if...just what if I could actually use him against Aaron?

Will he help me out? To crumble the people who left me traumatized?

"I'm sorry I didn't mean for that to happen" he mutters, quickly grabbing a napkin to wipe my mouth.

He didn't even let me hold the napkin as he took the cup from me and placed on the table while squatting low to my level.

My heart thumps faster than expected and that sent a jolt running through me.

"Are you alright?" He asked but then, I wanted to break down...to burst into tears but I swallowed it and jerked up from the chair.

"Yeah, I need to really go" I hastily uttered as the words slipped out before I could even think.

I didn't even wait for his response as I had already turned my back to leave but he suddenly grabbed my arm.

I froze and for a second, I forgot I had lungs as that mild grip sent cold rushing down my spine.

He took his hand off almost immediately as soon as he notices how I cringed.

Adam threw his hands up like he was giving himself away and those alluring eyes that has me hypnotized danced in their sockets.

"Oh, I'm sorry again...I just wanted to offer you a ride back to the airport"

Just when I was about to refuse his request, Aaron suddenly appears opposite where I stood, not alone but with mother.

She looks gloomy, barely lifting her eyes as though guilt were eating her up.

I was glued to the spot as his cold eyes had me transfixed and I'd want to break out of this feeling.

"That's the girl you're searching for Lucy" Aaron mumbles as his eyes loom over my face as though memorizing every features on me.

His hands were in his pockets, chest out and a cold expression that already narrates how he feels seeing me here.

“Mom?” I heard myself say, breathless, as if the word itself could anchor me to the present.

Why is this happening to me? I keep seeing people from my past. I shouldn't have come.

"Mother?" Adam repeated like it sounded strange to him. We were standing beside each other and exchanged a quick glance.

"Mom?" Aaron suddenly calls too as though testing the words.

Mom draws in a long breath and when her eyes met mine, it's like I was staring at my older self who might end miserable just because I want to be noticed.

I don't want to be like her, weak but maybe... I'm just her.

"Lena dear...meet your stepbrothers, Adam and Aaron" She introduces barely looking at my face.

What!!!

"Brothers?" I mouthed breaking out from my distressed shell.

Aaron's eyes widens, the anger, and cold mask he wore gave room to something else.

Possibly, panic, or shock.

Wait! I've been dating my brother in secret?

Aaron and I widened our eyes at each other or rather flinched as it sounded disgusting.

I felt like throwing up while Aaron dropped his jaw as he takes his hands away from his pockets and then ran his fingers to his head as though processing the whole news.

The only one who wasn't surprised was Adam who's arm brushes against mine.

"Not bad, I've always wanted to have a younger sister...you and I can make a team" he whispered in a friendly tone, and I felt his breath pours against the side of my cheeks.

He's really close, standing beside me.

Aaron cleared his throat and when I returned my gaze at him, he was already clenching his fists and I could see sweat bead on his forehead.

My mind raced, piecing together fragments of conversations, half‑remembered rumors, the way Aaron had always avoided talking about his family beyond his brother Adam.

"Welcome to the family Lena, it could be scary but then, I'd guide you through" Adam continued as he was more relaxed now.

Aaron’s mother—no, my mother?—took a step forward, her hand reaching out as if to touch me, but she stopped short.

“Lena,” she said, her voice trembling just enough for me to hear. “I didn’t expect to see you here. I thought—”

“You thought I’d refuse your proposal?" I completed annoyed by the whole turn of event.

Mix emotions were already exploding inside me as I didn't want to

accept the fact that I'd be related to Aaron.

Just when I thought I could use Adam and this revelation was unfolding?