"Is it just me or did I see Thomas and the others when we entered the restaurant?"
Anastasia could swear she saw the group when they stepped into the restaurant. What a coincidence.
"I didn't take note."
Kyle shrugged and got up from his chair. They had finished their dinner and was ready to leave. By the time they stepped out of their private booth the place was almost empty except for the six men sitting at the same spot Anastasia had seen them.
The men saw that the siblings had come out from their booth and were ready to leave.
"Mimi!"
Esmeralda stopped in her track and froze. She could never forget that nickname that she had grown used to, and that voice. She turned her head to the direction of the voice and stared at the men who smiled like they had won a jackpot. They all got up and walked towards her. Their faces had a nice glow to it after seeing her.
"It is you! Where have you been?!"
Thomas who was filled with questions started his interrogation. He held her shoulder and eyed her body. He was relieved to know that she was okay.
"Hello guys. It's nice seeing you again."
Esmeralda calmly said. She looked unfazed at the group in front if her. She was happy to see them again after years of not keeping in touch with each other. Her best friends.
"Nice to see who?! You woman!! We couldn't find you and thought you disappeared. We almost went insane thinking that you left us and didn't want us anymore!"
Rooney lashed out and a look of hurt settled in his eyes. He missed her, they all missed her. When they couldn't contact her again they fell into a state of panic.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know that my lack of communication could cause you guys great fear."
Esmeralda apologised. She was happy internally and greatful that these people cared about her. They were like family to her. More like big brothers.
"It would take more than "I'm sorry" to earn our forgiveness."
Esmeralda recognised that smug look on Robin's face. She knew she wouldn't get out of this so easily so she was prepared to accept what condition they've laid out.
"What do you want?"
She asked with a straight face. If it was in her capabilities she would do it but if was something outrageous then... they can kiss their plan bye bye.
"Treat us to lunch."
Esmeralda rolled her eyes at them. Typical answer. They love food more than anything and yet they're so fit and muscular. She nodded her head and the men rejoiced. It wasn't everyday they get to be treated to lunch by Esmeralda.
"But not tomorrow. Maybe some other day, I'm busy."
"It doesn't matter as long as it's you hosting then there's no problem."
Ethan shrugged and placed his hand on Esmeralda's shoulder.
Thomas settled his gave on the woman who was standing beside a tall man by the counter. His face lit up and he sauntered towards her.
"Anastasia!"
Anastasia cringed when she felt the annoying Thomas slide up to her side. She sighed and shook her head mentally.
"Hello Thomas."
She greeted the man and removed her mask, offering him a smile on her beautiful face. He still looks the same but more matured and manly. She moved close to Kyle and held his biceps. Little did she know that her movement irked Thomas.
Before Thomas could say anything he was interrupted by the others who walked towards Anastasia and greeted her.
Esmeralda stared at Thomas who glared at Kyle and couldn't help but shake her head. He still had a crush on Anastasia after being rejected multiple times. How many years has it been?
Finally, someone seemed to notice the man standing quietly by the side. He looked familiar. Ethan walked towards the man and brought out his hand
"Ethan."
Kyle stared at the hand that was stretched out towards him. He had a complicated look on his face and didn't know what to do. He looked over to Esmeralda who nodded her head at him. Getting the go ahead signal he accepted the handshake and removed his mask.
"Kyle."
Ethan stiffened when he saw the man removing his mask. The others behind him also gasped. Isn't this the famous Kyle Accardi? Temporary CEO of Realm Industries?
Unbelievable!! They were all stunned and we're still in a daze until an annoying voice stated
"So you rejected me because of him."
"Huh?"
Anastasia frowned at Thomas who was looking sad and hurt. What is wrong with this drama queen? She followed his gaze and found out he was looking at Kyle. She realised that he was referring to her brother as the bad guy in his supposed love story.
Kyle was wondering why Thomas was looking at him as if he was plotting his downfall? Did he do something wrong?
Thomas felt a sharp pain at the back of his head and turned to look at the person who dared to hit him. Seeing that it was Esmeralda he pouted. A big man pouting because he got hit on the head by a small woman was worth the sight.
"Stop glaring at my brother like that."
Esmeralda warned earning a series of gasp from the men. How many times did they gasp in total?
Brother? She was Kyle Accardi's sister? They knew they have the same name but never thought they were related. But wait...when did she have a brother?!
"When did you have a brother?"
Mark expressed his shock. They thought she only had a sister which was Anastasia cause she was always with Esmeralda anytime they were together. It's like she plan's on giving them an heart attack this evening with the many surprises!
"Twenty-three years ago."
"And you didn't tell us?!!!"
They all asked at the same time. They made it seem as if they caught her red handed with her lover whom she had been having an affair with for the past years without telling them.
"Didn't feel like it."
She answered nonchalantly and ignored their piercing gaze that didn't affect her at all.