CHAPTER EIGHT

                                    

                                          

Hope's Point Of View 
"Lady Hope, young master is here," our maid informed me. I quickly made my way to the main door. From the glass wall, I saw Alexander stepping out of his car. I moved closer as he entered.
He walked straight to the living room where I was earlier. I followed him quietly. I couldn't help but smirk when I saw him reclining on the couch, feet up and now eyes closed. Slowly, I approached him and smacked him! "Shit! Who the hell... Noona!?" he exclaimed as he sat up abruptly. "I thought Wesley and the others were just teasing me. When did you arrive?" he asked, rubbing his head, startled. I stood there with crossed arms, still holding the paddle stick.
"Where were you last Saturday?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at him. He sniffed and seemed to mutter something as if he could deceive me with such antics.
"I was at Andromeda—" Smack! "Noona, seriously!" he protested, his hand now rubbing his head. This kid would lie through his teeth as if he didn't know me.
"Where?"
"At Andro— Shit! Noona, fine, I'll tell you," he said, still rubbing his head. I chuckled as he continued to grimace, obviously annoyed. I even heard him mutter, 'Why did you even come back?'  "I was with a friend who got sick. I stayed to take care of her; I couldn't leave her alone," he explained. I knew exactly who he was referring to because Natasha just told me about it. She mentioned running into Stella. It's been a while since I last saw Stella. I hope she attends the party tomorrow.
"Who? And since when did you develop a conscience? and she? a girl? when did you start having interest in another girl" I stared at him before speaking again. Alexander's expression was comical, like a puppy begging for mercy. Despite my tough exterior towards him, despite not being full siblings, I love him more than our parents. Alexander is the kind of person who wouldn't let you get hurt. He's the one who stopped Mom from arranging my marriage to one of our company's partners, meaning I won't inherit the Mendez Corporation. It's fine with me because I couldn't bear marrying someone I don't love. I also supported Alexander's decision two years ago, even though I knew Mom and Uncle Lucas (Alexander's dad) were against it. Alexander is the heir to the Henderson Empire and the Mendez Corporation, and like me, he needs to marry-- arrange a marriage our parents approve of. But he didn't because he loves someone else. I wanted Alyosha for him, but I couldn't do anything when the accident happened.
"Aesha," he mumbled.
"What's so special about her that you've become like this? I know you, Alexander. I've never seen you with a girl or talking to one besides us—except for Alyosha," I said. His eyes widened at my words-- the name I dare to speak-- he didn't want to hear it because he blamed himself of what happened to her and for the friendship he once built, with Stella. He stood up and put his hands in his pockets.
"I'm hungry," he said, taking a step, then pausing. "She's Alyosha. Because that's how I feel." With that, he walked away. He hadn't gone far when I spoke up.
"You're delusional, Alexander!" I shouted. I was annoyed, not because of what Alexander believed but because of what might happen. He couldn't see Alyosha's identity in someone else or Aesha. He couldn't love Aesha thinking she was Alyosha. Aesha would be the one hurt and suffering. Love that we cannot have is the one that lasts the longest, hurts the deepest, and feels the strongest. I couldn't wait to see her tomorrow.
*****
Stella's Point of View
Aesha looks stunning today. She's wearing Natasha's white long dress. I'm just adding some light makeup on her. I've just finished fixing myself up. I didn't want to go, but I couldn't let Aesha go alone.