Continuation of Kais's pov.Unexpected GuestThe bell chimed again just as Kennedy was on her way to the door. Aubrey held up a hand, stopping her mid-step and signalling her to stay back. He took a calm, steady breath as he approached the door, and I, meanwhile, was locked in a ridiculous mental debate.If there was a murderer outside, should I at least grab one last bite of my food before I die? Or should I die fighting, like a real man? Not that I'd even be needed—Aubrey alone could probably handle an entire gang of thugs. But hey, if it came to blows, I'd happily jump in to help vent a little rage.Aubrey's hand wrapped around the golden door handle, twisting it slowly. My stomach knotted right along with it, every nerve on edge. If there really was someone dangerous waiting on the other side, well... maybe I'd finally get a chance to cool off by pounding the life out of them.One, two, three... I counted, tightening my grip on the fork, anticipation making my pulse quicken. I was ready for anything—or so I thought.When Aubrey opened the door, though, there stood Michael. Michael freaking Morais.My heart sank, annoyance prickling at me. Michael and I weren't exactly close. We'd only known each other for about seven years, and even that was thanks to my sister. Our connection was more convenient than brotherhood. We'd spent enough time around each other to get on each other's nerves, but never enough to truly break past the surface.He stood there in his usual calm, unreadable way, his expression so robotic it could drive anyone mad. No pride, no anger—barely even a hint of real concern as he glanced at Aubrey. That subtle, detached care he had for him? It was the one thing that made me tolerate him. But it wasn't like I felt any deep sense of loyalty toward him. If anything, he was just... there.And yet, despite the frustration, part of me couldn't help but feel a reluctant familiarity. We weren't brothers, not by a long shot, but seven years of run-ins and mild disagreements had given us something close to a routine. He was calm where I was impulsive, detached where I was easily riled up, and maybe that's why he got under my skin.Aubrey once told me I had a problem with almost everyone. But honestly? That's just my way of loving people. Weird, right? I mean, I'm not like Ayah—she's got her priorities so straight it's almost intimidating. She knows exactly how to treat people like she's got this secret rulebook for relationships. And I'm not like Hayat, the sweetheart who somehow sees the good in everyone, even when it's buried under a mountain of flaws.Me? I'm the one who spots the cracks first—the flaws, the mistakes, the imperfections. It's almost automatic. And yeah, I'll admit it: I don't even bother acknowledging the good in people most of the time. Why? Because I'm scared.Think about it. What happens when you let yourself get too comfortable with someone's goodness? You start to rely on it. You begin to forget that, beneath all that kindness and charm, there's a darker side—a beast. And when that beast finally shows itself? Guess who ends up hurt? Yeah, me. Every. Single. Time.So, tell me—what would you do? Would you take the risk and embrace the good, or would you guard yourself like I do?"Did I come at a bad time?" Michael's voice cut through the tension, his gaze shifting between me and Hayat before settling on Aubrey, who was still lingering at the door."No," Aubrey replied, his tone measured but slightly caught off guard. "But I won't lie—I wasn't expecting you. Is there something you need from me?"Michael hesitated for a moment, his usual calm demeanor betraying a hint of unease. It was subtle, but I noticed it. He was nervous. And, honestly, the awkwardness was starting to gnaw at me."How about we sit, eat, and talk?" I blurted, mostly because my stomach was making the decision for me. The tension in the room was enough to kill my appetite, and I wasn't about to let that happen.Thankfully, they both agreed without much fuss. Aubrey took the host seat at the head of the table, I claimed the guest of honor spot (a personal victory, if I'm being honest), and Michael sat directly across from me. Hayat slid into the seat right beside me, her presence as comforting as it was unassuming."So," I said, breaking the silence as plates began to fill, "what's the agenda here? Or is this just one of those 'see where the night takes us' kinda things?" My eyes darted between Michael and Aubrey, hoping someone would clue me in.Aubrey smiled at me, but oh, I knew that smile—it was the kind of smile people give when they're more pissed off than polite. "So, Michael," he said, his voice calm but edged with tension, "are you comfortable enough to tell us the reason for your special visit?"Michael let out a dramatic sigh and rolled his eyes in my direction. "Seriously? Couldn't this wait until after dinner?"Oh, great. Thanks, Michael. Love you too.I didn't miss a beat. "Well," I said, stabbing a particularly juicy piece of meat with my fork and making a point to take my time chewing, "I was very focused on finishing my dinner. But then you showed up, so yeah, I think I deserve to know what this is all about."I made eye contact with him as I hopped another bite into my mouth, chewing slowly for effect. Hayat stifled a laugh beside me, and even Aubrey's annoyed smile threatened to break into something more amused. Michael, of course, just looked at me like I was the most exhausting person alive."So, spill," I added with a mockingly sweet smile. "What's the grand reason you couldn't wait to grace us with your presence?"Michael began fidgeting, his composure slipping. "Well, uh, actually... there's no logical reason. I mean, I'm not here for business or anything," he stammered, glancing awkwardly at Aubrey. Then, after a moment's hesitation, he continued, "But if you don't mind, may I stay over... to hear the story of you and Ayah?" His cheeks flushed a deep red, and I could practically feel the embarrassment radiating off him.Aubrey raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair with an exasperated sigh. "Wait, that's the reason? Are you serious, Michael?" He pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head. "For fuck's sake! Here I was, thinking it was something important. Fine. Yes, you can stay—but don't ever pull this crap again. Do you even know how tense you made me just now?"Michael offered a sheepish smile, clearly regretting his dramatic entrance. But then, as if trying to change the subject, his eyes darted around the room."Where's the interviewer?" he asked, his tone more inquisitive now. "Wasn't he supposed to stay until this whole thing was wrapped up?"Aubrey smirked, glancing at me with an amused glint in his eye before tilting his head toward me. "You mean that interviewer?" he asked, his voice laced with playful sarcasm.Michael's gaze followed Aubrey's, landing on me. His face instantly shifted from mild curiosity to pure disbelief. "This asshole is the interviewer?" he blurted, his tone teetering between shock and irritation.I leaned back in my chair, lazily twirling my fork between my fingers, and flashed him a grin. "Surprise," I said, my voice dripping with mockery. "Bet you weren't expecting this level of professionalism."Aubrey chuckled, leaning his elbows on the table. "To be fair," he said, looking at Michael, "he is an asshole—but he's also pretty good at what he does. Most of the time." He shot me a teasing glance, and I shrugged."High praise coming from you," I retorted, spearing another bite of food. "Let's just see if you feel the same by the end of the night."