Alia was sitting quietly as she sat in her brother's car. It was her first time riding a car with her brother, so she was a bit anxious. Alia doesn't know if she should talk to Aiden or not. She can't even think of anything to talk about with him. Besides, it's Aiden who was driving the car, so she doesn't want to disturb him.
Aiden noticed her staring at him, so he questioned her, "Is there something wrong?"
Alia blinked her eyes as she realized that she had been caught.
"No,brother. There's nothing wrong."
Her brother glanced at Alia, turned back his eyes on the road and asked, " Are you sure?"
"Yes, brother. I'm sure." Alia responded with a small smile.
She was happy that her brother seemed to be concerned about her. Alia hoped that their sibling's relationship will continue to be better.
But, she doesn't want to push her luck. She'll just enjoy this while it lasts.
They continued their journey to the mall peacefully.
After thirty minutes,they arrived at their destination. They got out of the car, and went inside the mall.
Alia remembered that her brother wanted to buy something for his fiance, so she turned her towards him and inquired, " Brother, what gift would you give to sister Sarah?"
Aiden turned towards his sister then replied, " A jewelry and a few kitchen tools, I guess."
"Oh! Kitchen tools?"
Alia remembered that Sarah is a chef. She just pretended not to know, because in this life, she hasn't met her sister-in-law, yet. So it's normal not to know something about her, due to this and because she wasn't close with her family. They rarely met, so it's going to be suspicious if she knows something now.
Aiden remembered that he had not talked to his sister for a long time. He's always busy with work, and out of town most of the time. Either that or he's out of the country. Even though he's not working, he's busy preparing for his wedding.
He should change that. And he's going to start now.
He smiled and explained, " Yes. Your sister Sarah is a chef. She loves to bake and cook, so I'll buy her some kitchen tools."
Alia put on an amazed look, her mouth forming a little 'o' and replied enthusiastically,"Really?! That's amazing!"
The young miss of the Qins was really amazed. She didn't have to pretend. She also wants to learn how to cook and bake, but she didn't pursue that dream in her last life. She wants to focus on business, so she studied business seriously, and forgot about her desire to be a chef.
But now…. Maybe she could pursue that dream this time.
She hopes so.
"Hey, are you alright?" Alia was suddenly reminded that she wasn't alone and she's outside home. She berrated herself for being so absent-minded.
"Oh, yes, sorry big brother! I was just so amazed with big sister Sarah!" She apologized and explained to Aiden, her past life's dream was omitted, of course.
Aiden was convinced with her explanation. He led her to a very well-known jewelry store. It was named Les bijoux de Jem, a famous store in the city.
It was known for it's well crafted and uniquely designed jewelries, made from different gems. Alia calculated that it was only established for almost five years at this time, but it's reputation was really good. Les bijoux de Jem is one of the best jewelry stores in town. The store was even included in the country's Top 20 Best Jewelry Awards, in which it ranked top 3.
The siblings looked around the store, as they followed the store clerk that welcomed them. Aiden had already told the clerk that they would be looking at the store's necklace section, so she was leading them there.
As they arrived, Alia was amazed with the store's products. They were really crafted beautifully. You can see at a glance that it was made with utmost care and attention. The necklaces' designs varied from birthstones, gold, silver, jade, and many more.
What attracted her the most, was the Ruby Rose. It's not because it's her birthstone, but because the rose itself was created to look like a real flower. The only giveaway would be the way it glistens and the size.
She wants it. But then, Alia remembered that they're here to buy a gift for her soon to be sister-in-law, and not for herself.
Her eyes dimmed a bit.
What Alia didn't know was, her brother noticed it all. It made him sigh internally. He's not close with his sister and was mostly annoyed at her being childish and always sticking close whenever he was home, which was actually one of the reasons that he doesn't want to go home until that happened. That dream, or should he say…nightmare, made him suddenly worried enough to go home.
And worst, he saw his sister acting differently than before. It pained him. He felt like he lost something. Something that can't be gotten back. Aiden's chest throbbed with an unknown pain. Good thing that he thought of a way to close the gap with their relationship. He knew this wasn't enough to repair their relationship for now, but Aiden promised to himself, that he will do his best.
He won't disappoint her.
Alia walked side by side with her brother, until he stopped. Her eyes widened in shock, then after she recovered with her initial reaction, her eyes turned dimmed again. And this time, it was more prominent.
"Do you think it's beautiful?"
Aiden pointed at the Ruby Rose necklace on the display glass, as he asked Alia.
She gulped. 'Why did her brother have to notice the necklace that she wants?' Can't he not add it into his choices? Huhu. Why?!'
Noticing his sister's reaction, Aiden suddenly wanted to laugh. Why did he just notice it now?
His sister is so cute.
Finally regaining control over her emotions, Alia answered, "Yes, it's beautiful."
But of course, deep inside she was still bitter.
"Do you want it, Lia?"
Alia's eyes widened, "M-me? A-aren't we buying here for sister Sarah?"
Aiden smiled noticing her shock, "Yes. But it doesn't mean I can't buy things for you too, right?"
"Really?!?"
"Of course. So, do you want this?"
"Yes!"
Alia can't help but beamed in happiness. She almost hugged her brother.
"Okay, let's pay now." Aiden beckoned her, then walked towards the counter.
Huh? Pay? Aren't they looking for a gift for her sister-in-law?
Her face turned into a confused one, " Brother? What about the gift for sister Sarah?"
"I already ordered something for her. Don't worry."
Oh…. D-did t-that mean that….
He let her come… to buy something for her?
Thinking about this, Alia's smile widened.
Her heart felt warm all of a sudden.
~~~
The siblings continued to stroll and shop. Aiden bought everything that Alia seemed to like. And who would've thought that her brother, the stoic Qin heir, will be seen carrying his sister's shopping bags?
After two hours in the mall, they've decided to go to a restaurant. The Qin siblings chose to dine in a well-known restaurant for it's various delicious Asian cuisine.
After they've ordered their food, Alia excused herself and went to the comfort room.
As she finished doing her thing, Alia went out but she suddenly bumped into someone.
She held her aching nose, and exclaimed a loud, "Ouch!"
Instead of apologizing, the man just looked at her unemotionally, and accused, "That won't work on me."
Alia was confused for a while, then as realization came, she suddenly became enraged.
Who is this arrogant and full of self confidence guy?
Excuse me? What are you talking about?! I don't even know who you are!"
Alia harrumphed and then decided to walk away.
She never noticed that the guy was looking at her disappearing back for a long time then a smirk appeared on his face.
As his sister sat down, Aiden noticed her sour mood.
"What happened? Did something happen?"
Alia fixed her facial expressions and answered, "No, brother. Everything is fine."
He didn't believe that. So he questioned again,
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, brother, don't worry!" Alia replied and smiled widely to convince her brother.
Seeing that she is really trying to convince him, Aiden lamented, "Okay, if you say so. Let's eat now."