Laya sat at a quaint coffee shop, her fingers tapping nervously on the table. She had agreed to meet Aiden's friends, Ethan, Alex, and Krystal, hoping to gain some insight into the man she was supposed to marry. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as she anxiously waited for them to arrive.
Soon, Aiden's friends walked in, their laughter filling the room. Laya observed them from a distance, noting their easy camaraderie. As they approached the table, Ethan flashed a charming smile and extended his hand.
"Laya, it's a pleasure to meet you. Aiden has told us so much about you," he said, his voice oozing with charm.
Laya forced a smile and shook his hand. "Nice to meet you too, Ethan. I hope Aiden hasn't been spreading too many stories."
Alex chuckled, taking a seat. "Oh, don't worry. He's been singing your praises, though we're curious to see if you live up to the hype."
Krystal, a witty and observant woman, joined the conversation. "Well, it's only fair that we get to know you better. Aiden can be a handful sometimes."
Laya nodded, her gaze shifting to Aiden, who seemed a bit aloof. "I'm sure he keeps you all on your toes."
As the conversation flowed, Laya couldn't help but notice the sparks of friendship forming between them. Aiden's friends were charismatic and easygoing, providing a stark contrast to his arrogant nature. She found herself warming up to them, realizing that perhaps there was more to Aiden than met the eye.
Just as they were about to delve deeper into their discussion, a heated argument erupted between Ethan and Zain, Laya's protective brother. Their voices clashed, filled with frustration and conflicting opinions.
"You think Aiden is good enough for my sister? You don't even know him!" Zain's voice boomed, his protective instincts in full force.
Ethan shot back, his tone equally fiery. "And you think you have the right to judge him? You don't know him any better than we do!"
Laya's heart raced as the tension escalated. She stepped in, trying to diffuse the situation. "Guys, let's calm down. We're all here to get to know each other better, not fight."
Zain crossed his arms, his eyes fixed on Ethan. "I just want what's best for my sister. And I have serious doubts about Aiden."
Ethan's gaze softened, and he sighed. "Look, Zain, I understand your concerns, but give him a chance. We've seen a different side of him."
Laya felt torn, caught between her brother's protectiveness and the possibility that Aiden might surprise her. She took a deep breath, mustering her resolve.
"I have an idea," Laya interjected, her voice firm. "Let's settle this on the basketball court. A friendly match between our groups. It'll give us a chance to understand each other better."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "You're on. Consider it a showdown."
As the friends exchanged competitive banter and agreed to the basketball match, Laya couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and excitement. Little did she know that this friendly match would become a turning point in her relationship with Aiden, setting the stage for unexpected revelations and intense emotions.