"Um, can I help you?" Mia had been called to reception to greet a guest. Upon arrival an elderly man stood with a lace box in his hand, looking rather meek.
"Forgive me, my name is Yang. Master Li asked me to drop this off for you." Mia felt slightly embarrassed, this must be his trusted assistant. There she was standing in cheap pants and a doctor coat while he stood in an Armani suit. This wasn't a very good first impression. Mia looked at the box questionably, it was only small. Does that mean what was inside it was small too?
"Oh, my name is Mia. Thank you for dropping this off for me." Mia bowed politely before taking the box. Yang smiled before leaving, he wasn't much of a talker. Perfect for someone like Aiden. Jhan peaked over the reception desk looking at the box when her eyes suddenly lit up.
"That's a T.M Lewis box, I'm so jealous!" she squealed. Mia had never heard of such a thing.
"Um, Jhan is this expensive?" Jhan scowled at her. Only the best.
"Absolutely! You don't even know the brand!" Mia's embarrassment grew with each word. How could she unravel someone mind in less than three seconds but didn't know anything about clothing? How could she call herself a woman?
"Not really, anyway have a good shift. I'll see you tomorrow." Jhan smiled and waved trying to conceal her jealousy. Whoever was courting her sure was extravagant as well as a gentleman. It pissed her off to her core.
Mia returned to the staff room and began changing, it had been yet another successful shift. Now she was out of work mode her heart was in her throat. If Jhan was jealous then this dress must be something special. Mia looked at the box with temptation the whole time she got changed, the anticipation was killing her. Gradually, she unraveled the black ribbon and lifted off the top. Inside was a ruby red silk, tight fit dress. Its ribbon fastened around the cape of her neck and it had a slit at the side. Mia rested her head on the bench, this was his revenge for sure. Red signified lust, all eyes would be on her if she wore this which surprised her, Aiden used to hate people looking at her that way.
Its material felt soothing and cooled her down after such a long shift. Mia looked at her hair, it didn't look right being so prepped, so she untied her hairband at let it flow down. Aiden had definitely outdone himself here. Staff members began coming in for a shift swap catching Mia in the act. Mia blushed and gave them all a terrified look.
"D-Doctor James, you look like a model. We didn't even recognize you!" one of them spoke in shock. Mia watched their jaws slowly drop, she didn't see the big deal. It was only a dress?
"Are you going on a date?" the others asked, they were swarming her like vultures. Mia felt really flustered.
"U-um yeah, don't you think it's a little too much?" she said awkwardly. The staff had never seen her look so feminine before. One of them ran over to their bag and held out some diamond studs.
"You can give them back tomorrow, if your wearing that you should at least go all out." She said kindly. Mia took them gratefully and placed them in. Mia gave herself one last glance, who knew she could look so feminine she thought to herself. Everyone bombarded her with questions until she politely slipped away seeing she was going to be late. Jhan watch in shock as she ran out of the doors, she thought it was intruder. Mia looked like a totally different person.
Mia panted heavily as she ran to her car.
"Mia!" a familiar voice called out to her. Spinning around she watched as Chu's cigarette fell from his mouth.
"Sorry, um wrong person." he said shyly before turning around.
"It's me idiot, what do you want?" Chu froze and spun around hearing Mia's voice.
"You've got be kidding me." He said in disbelief, Mia was a little offended. Fair enough she didn't dress up often, in fact never would be more accurate. But she didn't look that, differently did she? Mia rolled her eyes and went to open her car door.
"Whoa, I'm sorry you just surprised me that's all. I never knew you could look so.." he tried to find the words while Mia placed her hands on her hips.
"Female." He said awkwardly. Mia casually walked over a flicked his head painfully.
"Ow, come on you know I'm not good with words. Anyway, if I say anything more Master Li will probably kill me." Mia finally understood, he was scared to compliment her in-case Aiden got jealous. Which was a no go, Aiden wasn't a man you want to contend with.
"What do you want Chu?" she said exhaustively looking at her watch, if she was late her punishment would only fester.
"Oh, I'm your chaperone." Mia felt her face darken. Was her car that embarrassing?
"What's wrong with my car, is he really that embarrassed by me?" she said harshly, Chu put his hands up in surrender. That wasn't what he was getting at.
"No, he just doesn't want you going anywhere alone after what happened." He didn't want to remind her, but Mia nodded to say she got it. Every time she recalled that night it made her skin shiver in discomfort.
"Fine." She replied bluntly before getting into his car. Chu took a deep breath, Joni was hard to contend with. How did his best friend manage, it was exhausting?
Their journey consisted of causal small talk, Chu didn't want to rile her up too much. If she was in a bad mood for their date Aiden would let him have it. Truth was Mia was already in a bad mood before Chu showed up. Mia hated being the center of attention, it was to attentive. It was too troublesome having everyone stare at you.
"So, Joni how are things between you and Master Li?" he asked bravely.
"Yeah, they're pretty good. What about you? Aiden should treat you more like a friend and not an employee. Go have a drink with him or something." Chu gave her a complicated grin, it was clear what she meant.
"If we did that, who would protect the goddess?" he joked. Mia sighed, it was worth a shot.
"Seriously Chu, isn't it tiring keeping tabs on me all of the time. Don't you have a girlfriend you'd rather spend your time with?" Chu chuckled harshly.
"You're kidding, right? Women are too troublesome, I like a single life. One-night stands are much more satisfying." Mia scoffed at him.
"How lonely, I pity you." She said with a smirk.
"Ouch, your definitely Master Li's girl. He told me the same thing." Mia smiled, great minds did think alike after all. Mia pulled up to a very fancy strip filled with top clubs and restaurants. Immediately she felt out of place seeing all the beautiful women in fancy dresses, with signature wealth hanging around every wrist and neck. Chu also looked around at the overwhelming wealth, some rings were worth more than his car.
"Dear god, what is this place. It's terrifying." Chu said awkwardly. Mia nodded in agreement, so this was what the upper-class was like. Chu's car slowly came to a stop, Mia looked up at the red sign above her head. Royal Luxury Cuisine, she felt her face drain of color. It was the most expensive restaurant in Hangzhou, what was he thinking? Mia never got anxious over anything, but her heart was racing, and she felt like she couldn't breathe.
"Aiden's coming to meet you outside. Are you alright?" he asked concerned seeing her stare off into space. Mia shook her head and snapped out it. There was nothing to be nervous about, it was only dinner she could manage that much surely.
"I'm fine, I'll wait outside for him. I need some fresh air. Thanks for driving me Chu." Mia fanned her face as she paced back and forth on the strip. Mia leaned against the wall outside of the restaurant trying to ground herself. Why was she so flustered? Mia closed her eyes for a while trying to calm down and jumped feeling someone tap her shoulder. A well-dressed young man stood ahead of her looking her up and down. Mia gave him a warning glare, she didn't like the way he was looking at her.
"Can I help you?" she asked in annoyance.
"Not really, you just looked a little flustered. I wanted to check if you were alright." Mia settled herself, she was being rude.
"Sorry, thanks for your concern but I'm fine." She smiled kindly.
"Are you a new model, I haven't seen you around here before?" he was cool and collected but Mia could tell what was going through his head.
"No, I'm not." She said bluntly trying to end this conversation before Aiden came.
"Well you should be, your pretty enough. Your bodies healthy too. If you don't have anything to do would you have a drink with me?" Mia felt her face burn with rage, how perverted could he be? Healthy body?
"I'm waiting for my boyfriend, he wouldn't be too pleased you complimenting me in such a way." She said sternly. The young man chuckled, she was feisty.
"Please, I'm sure I could show you a good time. I'll buy your drink all night. Your boyfriend doesn't seem so interested leaving you here alone on the street." He said playfully. Mia was about to raise her fist when she felt a hand grip her and drag her away. Aiden stood beside her with his arm wrapped tightly around her waist with a dark expression on his face. The young man eyes widened in fear, he was talking to Master Li's girl. How could he be so stupid?
"Um, Master Li. My apologies I didn't realize she was with you." He said in a panic. Mia was still looking at Aiden in shock, his face was scary. Here she was thinking he'd matured, if she wasn't there, he'd probably maul him like a rabid dog.
"Don't worry about it. Don't you have some hookers to entertain Hiro?" he said harshly. The young man soon nodded and retreated his tail tucked between his legs. Aiden's face softened the minute he spun around and looked at her. Mia was still looking shell-shocked after he'd practically saved her yet again.
"No wonder, you look stunning." He said in awe. He imagined she would look beautiful, but she had exceeded his expectations. His heart was beating heavily. Mia blushed and looked away.
"Thanks, you have good taste." She said reluctantly. Aiden walked over wrapping his hands around her waist, his eyes wide with wonder.
"Are you okay?" he said sympathetically looking at her shaking hands. Mia felt a calm come over her, the minute he'd touched her the anxiety disappeared.
"I am now." She said softly. Aiden kissed her forehead before leading her into the restaurant. Faces turned from every direction as the famous Master Li appeared with a mysterious female companion. Mia held onto Aiden's hand for dear life feeling overwhelmed again. The waiter showed them over to a private booth away from everyone and Mia had never been so thankful for his status in her life. Aiden had been watching her for a while, she was like a deer in headlights.
"You can breathe now Mia." He said concerned. Mia nodded and released a heavy breath she'd been holding in since entering.
"How do you do this?" she asked inquiringly. Aiden smiled at her.
"I don't very often but I always feel the same way. I'm just better at hiding it. It's pretty pitiful having nothing better to do than glare at someone." Mia was surprised, he also hated being in the spotlight. Whatever method he was using, she wanted to learn. Mia was finally noticing her surrounding and was captivated by it. The place was laced with cherry blossom trees, it was adventurous indeed, she could see why it was so expensive.
"This place is beautiful." Aiden leaned forward and parted her away so he could see her ears. Mia blushed shyly.
"They're pretty, where did you get them?" he asked suspiciously. Mia gave him a complicated look, he would get jealous over earrings?
"My work colleague let me borrow them. What's gotten into you? "She asked annoyed, Aiden made her feel like a criminal. Aiden soon realized how he was acting and took a deep breath.
"Sorry, I guess old habits do die hard. "Mia gave him a hopeless look.
"Aiden, I'm here with you because I want to be. Stop letting jealousy get the better of you. Do you not trust me?" she asked seriously. Aiden shook his head in a panic.
"It's them I don't trust, men are animals. Especially when it comes to you, please don't take it the wrong way but your unique. Men strive to be superior among the rest, someone to show off in the spotlight." Mia was really happy he would be this honest with her, it was interesting seeing what went on in a man's mind when it came to women.
"What about you?" she asked awkwardly. Was that why he loved her? Because she was unique?
"I didn't fall in love with just your looks. You were always quick witted and hard to keep up with but when I eventually caught up you were really kind and considerate. I've always wanted to meet someone who I could relate too. Then, I found you." Aiden smiled thinking about the first day he met Mia. Mia also remembered it like yesterday.
Mia was walking home from Judo practice and passed Aiden's school where they had also just finished. Most of the boys would try to flirt or annoy her but she payed them no attention until one day, a boy from Aiden's friend group got pissed off when she rejected him. So, he pushed her causing her to fall to the floor. Aiden heard the commotion and went to see what was going on. To his surprise a little raven haired lifted herself from the floor with thunder on her face and hit him back knocking him down. Aiden got pissed seeing his friend rolling around clutching his face so he chased after Mia until he finally caught her. When he spun her around seeing the graze in her cheek, he felt guilty but that wasn't just what he felt. From the minute he looked into her baby blue eyes his heart began beating heavily. Mia instinctively called him an asshole and threw a punch, but Aiden wrapped her arms around her back until she calmed down.
"I remember, you pinned me there for almost fifteen minutes until I stopped fighting you. You had it coming though, your friend was an idiot." She said laughing while they both reminisced.
"That was the day everyone started calling you Joni and my friends asked the coach to move practice hours so they wouldn't bump into you again. You rattled the whole male population in that place." He chuckled. After that Aiden started waiting outside of practice to see her again, he liked she wasn't passive and cute like the other girls. Mia was always a tom-boy since being small, she was exciting which is why Aiden took an interest in her. Mia would usually ignore him and walk ahead but after about three weeks of him constantly pestering her she gave in and went on a date.
"It was the Ferris wheel; our first date wasn't it. I finally gave in on the fiftieth time you asked me to go." Aiden smirked.
"Yeah, you hated heights, but you still went with me. That's when I knew you had a good heart. You would always do things with me even if you hated it." He smiled happily at her, Mia nodded and blushed. It was true she didn't like inconveniencing other people, as long as they were happy then so was, she.
"You haven't changed that much either, your still just as jealous. Just as much of an idiot but I'm happy you came back for me. I was really selfish to think I was the only one hurt." Mia tried to hide the sadness in her voice, but Aiden could see through.
"Where did that come from?" he said a little startled.
"Talking about all of the good time we had together, it just reminded me that I wasn't the only one cherishing those moments. You were too." Aiden leaned over and took her hand giving her a heartfelt gaze.
"I'll never leave you ever again, we can still make more of those memories. I'll never forget what we had but I want more Mia. I want to live with you, get married, have kids whatever it takes. As long as you stay with me." Mia was tongue-tied, he had really gone the extra mile there, but she couldn't lie anymore she wanted that too. More than anything. Mia squeezed his hand back and nodded, she couldn't admit it just, yet she wasn't ready, but Aiden understood that.
They chatted and laughed for a while consuming drink after drink, they were like a real practical couple and were turning heads everywhere. Mia soon zoned out to the whispers around her and focused in Aiden. She probably shouldn't have drunk so much as she didn't have very much of a tolerance, but it didn't stop her. They were having an amazing time together. Of course, times lie this were short lived.
Sam and Lang Hai wandered into the restaurant causing people to fall silent, they all knew who Lang Hai was. After all he was one of the most dangerous men in Hangzhou, he quietly sat in a booth across the way from Mia. They had no idea the girl they were discussing was just across from them. However, Mia was in a blind spot and blocked by another couple ahead. Sam began telling Lang Hai everything he could about Mia, from her childhood to her high school debut. Lang Hai listened carefully when he mentioned the infamous Aiden Li. He was familiar with his father, he had done jobs for him numerous times. Money was all he valued, nothing else. Sam and Lang Hai were also drinking heavily discussing the job when they overheard some females beside them talking about Aiden. Sam pricked up his ears and began eavesdropping.
"You hear that?" Lang Hai asked also picking up on it. Sam had a scheming smile on his face. They were talking about Aiden being here on a date, so it ruled him out as Mia's savior. Lang Hai also felt relived, it would be near impossible to steal away Mia from someone so powerful.
"Thank f*ck for that, looks like he's not obsessed with her anymore. Here I was thinking that rich boy would never let her go." He chuckled naively. Lang Hai still listened and slowly his face began to drop. The description of his mystery date could only correspond to one person.
"Sam, I'd rethink that." He said darkly. Immediately, he peaked behind the gossiping women and was met with an unbelievable sight. Mia was drinking having the time of her life with none other than his arch enemy. This couldn't be any worse.
"Fuck!" he exclaimed gritting his teeth, he had come back for her after all. He was an idiot to believe he would leave her alone. Did that mean he was the one who saved her the night of the kidnapping?
"If you still want me to get her, I'm going to need more money. A lot more." He emphasized the word lot. Aiden was wealthier than he made out, Mia didn't even know how much wealth he had accumulated after taking over Shijie Li Industries. Sam eyes pricked up as he watched Mia head towards the bathroom, this was perfect. If he could get a hold of her on the way back, it was a winning bet. Mia was quite drunk but not enough she wasn't aware of her surroundings. Aiden was also having a really good time and watched her walk away with adoration. They had no idea they were being watched.
"Lang, distract him. I'm going for it." Sam went to stand but Lang dragged him back down.
"Are you that stupid, it's a public place. Don't get ahead of yourself is that man finds out we're done for." Sam shrugged off his hand, he was way too impulsive in situations like this. He could finally get Mia alone.
"I don't care. Do your job." He said bluntly before shooting up and following her. Lang felt like beating him to a pulp and slammed his fist on the table in frustration. This could get really bad very quickly. Seeing no other option, he walked over to Aiden's table.
Aiden shot down another shot of whiskey and expected Mia to be sat there when he lowered his head. Unfortunately, he was mistaken.
"Long time no see squirt, when did you get back?" Aiden's face soon darkened, and he gave him the most frightening look Lang had ever seen. This kid always had a way of making him nervous. Aiden knew who he was, it was often this asshole would come by his house when he was a child. Aiden wasn't stupid and knew he was caught up in some undetectable ways of getting money.
"Cut the small talk, what do you want? Did my father set you up for this?" he said hatefully. Lang looked away awkwardly and loosened his collar. So, the rumors had been true. Aiden had estranged from Jai, this could be problematic.
"No actually, I just wanted to ask if you need my services. I always give bargains to customers I'm familiar with." Aiden gave him a warning glare.
"I'm not interested. Leave." Lang held his hands up I surrender, he got the message even though he was just stalling.
"Who's the chick by the way? I have to say you got good taste kid, she sure is something." Aiden lunged forward and gripped his tie tightly.
"You so much look at her the wrong way and I'll kill you." Lang was surprised how quickly he reacted, she sure did mean a lot to him. Which only added to the difficulty of the situation, he was hoping he wasn't to enthrall so when Sam did get a hold of her, he wouldn't kick up much of a fuss.
"Calm down kid, I was only stating the obvious. I got the message." Lang stood up giving him a kind smile before leaving, Aiden thought it was suspicious he would start up conversation like that in such a public place. Better yet…where was Mia? She had been gone a while. Aiden felt a sudden panic in his heart, and he stood up trying to discreetly run to the bathroom without attracting any unnecessary attention. If Lang was here then surely his associates were also, he was in a wolf's den.
Mia was on the phone to Yu about the date, she promised her she would give updates. Practically buzzing with excitement, they chatted for a while. Mia realized she had been gone quite a while and decided to head back before Aiden came looking for her. As she opened the bathroom door to exit a force pushed her back against the wall before a hand covered her mouth. Mia tried to focus being dizzy from the impact as well as the alcohol. As she saw the man before her, Mia's heart almost stopped.
"Didn't I tell you I would see you soon?"