ARAMINTA’s POV

“Sure, I'm listening,” I said to her, eager to hear what she wanted to say. There was a bit of silence before she spoke “Uhmm…I was working at Tankol before I came to Althan and I know you and your brother well….” She paused but at the mention of Josh, I raised my eyebrow. “This might sound weird to you but I kind of —-like your brother”

Holy moly! I didn't know if I should bust out laughing. I was beyond surprised, and my lips parted. No words came out, and she spoke again, this time jokingly “Please don't scold me, we met—at a store, but I could not approach him.” 

I could not help it anymore because I giggled hard, “Wait….” I tried to think of the best thing to say to her that wouldn't make her feel bad, but my lips were curled up with a smile. “Julliet, I admire your courage for telling me this but…..what do you want from me? 

I tilted my head and stared at her, her face was red from embarrassment and I could understand the feeling. “Josh is such a badass,” I thought to myself and wondered how a pretty and innocent girl like Juillet could like him. 

“Is he in Althan also? 

I shook my head. “No. Actually, Josh stays abroad” 

“Ohn” she sounded meek, and I continued “I’m sure you saw him one of those times he came home” 

She responded almost immediately, “That must be it because I never saw him again but….I like him.” 

“I can understand how you feel, I like you and my brother is single…. Uhm… I’m not giving you any hope, but let me see what I can do, okay? 

She nodded and smiled, “Thank you, Ma’am” 

I felt truly happy doing matchmaking. Was that how my Father felt? At the thought of my parents, I felt a tight twist in my chest. They haven't reached out to me since I left Tankol and none of them replied to my delivered messages. 

After about an hour, we were done with the massage and I got out of the building when the driver informed me of Shirley and Maya’s change of plan. My heart leaped with joy knowing I would be going back alone. My mind wandered around during the drive. I reflected on how different my life in Tankol was from my life in Althan. I didn't get to go on outings, it was just me and my painting. Come to think of it, I haven't painted anything recently. Maybe I needed a break. 

“Stupid Noah! I muttered under my breath as I checked my phone for the hundredth time today and I hadn't gotten a single text from him. As I was thinking about Noah meeting up with that girl, Josh’s call came in on my phone. I chucked, I had wanted to call him and tell him about his new girlfriend. 

“Where are you? 

“Woah, Woah, Woah……is that how you greet your sister? I scolded and rolled my eyes. 

He scoffed and responded “Ara, it's been a while, and it never crossed your mind to put a call to me?! 

“Did you call me?! I retorted instantly with my voice sharp, but he shut me up when he said “Check your messages and see how long you have been ignoring them.” 

I gulped hard, I was awful at replying to messages. “How are you, little brother? I said, trying to keep my voice calm and sweet to avoid angering him further. Sometimes, it felt like I was the younger one, and it was annoying. 

“Ohh nice of you to say that, where are you? 

I twitched my mouth, “I'm in Althan, what’s your deal? 

He responded calmly, but there was frustration beneath his tone “Of course I know, are you in the Palace? 

I rubbed my head, I hated being questioned so much, and I didn't get the reason he was doing that right that!

“No, why these questions? 

“I’m in Althan” 

My eyes widened, and I covered my mouth in surprise. “You are in Althan?! How...why….when??! 

He chucked and responded “Ask me those questions when we see.” 

My heart danced with joy, I was meeting Josh!!!! My brother!!! I could not wait to see his handsome face….I mean, ugly. 

“Where in Althan are you? I asked eagerly,

He scoffed “When did you start exploring the city? 

He hit the nail on its head. I had been in Althan for two months now, and I still didn't know anywhere. 

“I will just come to the palace” 

“No…no…no” I interrupted, “I'm not in the palace right now.” 

His voice hardened “Where are you, Ara?! 

For a moment, Oh, he sounded like Noah…..oh not Noah again! What the hell was wrong with me thinking about Noah every second??? Noah is with Isabella for fucks sake, Ara!!! Get a grip. I scolded myself before I said to Josh “I went out for a spa, let’s meet up in a restaurant.” 

“Okay, let me text you a location” he responded, and the location entered my phone within a minute. 

“See ya,” he said and hung up, this boy was rude! 

“Josh!!!!!!! 

I screamed and jumped on him without caring about the other customers in the restaurant. My cheeks were hurting from too much laughter. I hugged him tightly and inhaled that familiar scent of his. I had missed him greatly, but he would surely find a way to ruin the mood. “You are staining my outfit” 

I hissed and hit his chest hard before I got down. He raised his hand and patted my hair. “When will you grow up? 

“Have you forgotten I'm the eldest here?! I glared at him, earning me a chuckle. 

He held my hand and led me to a table. He had ordered my favorites and I wanted to praise him, but he was not worth it. I wouldn't waste my energy. 

“You look more beautiful, looks like your husband is taking care of you,” he said teasingly and winked at me. “Shut up, please.” I didn't mean it, I was blushing hard. Noah’s mention should be forbidden in my life. 

“Why are you in Althan? Don't tell me you are in some kind of trouble…..” I narrowed my eyes at him, and he smiled “Nah, I just have some business dealings, and I couldn't leave without seeing you.” 

“I would have killed you if you left without meeting me”, I pointed my fork at him. 

He laughed and poured me a drink. 

It had been hours since I met Josh, we chatted and caught up in some old memories. I was genuinely happy, and my worries were nowhere to be found. 

“See you when again? I pouted as I was about to enter the car.

Josh responded with a hint of a smile on his lips “Soon. It's late now, go in.” 

I nodded and gave him one last hug before I got into the car and drove away from him. 

I was still smiling and reflecting on my outing with Josh when I saw a notification that ruined everything….well, not ruin, because my heart was racing with joy as I opened it. 

“Text me as soon as you get home” 

I read it so many times and could not wait to get home, but I was still pissed. 

***************

The palace was unusually quiet, but I guessed the witches were not home yet. That wasn't my problem because I quickly went up to my room. I jumped on the bed and typed “I'm home” but waited for a long while before I finally sent it. I didn't know what was wrong with me. I shouldn't be doing this…….” Live at the moment, it will be over soon” 

I patiently waited for his text, but he called me instead. My hands were trembling, and my heart was racing. I immediately adjusted my hair and my face was hot. I picked it up and waited for his calm and soothing voice, but I heard otherwise. 

“Did you drink?! He asked as soon as he appeared on my screen, his forehead furrowed together.