JEALOUSY

The horizon was edged with a silver tint and a seagull was flying into that place where the sun meets the sea. The restaurant was situated on the crescent-shaped beach near the Red City. The atmosphere, so laid back, the high beaming ceilings and the eclectic décor worked wonders for the ambiance.

"Amayah!"

With a smile on his face, Stavros eagerly beckoned over his little sister as she made her way into the restaurant where he and Sumire were seated.

They both decided to head to their favorite restaurant, a cozy spot with a warm ambiance where they often hang out. As they made plans, they also discussed the idea of inviting Stavros' younger sister to join them, knowing that Sumire had been longing for her company.

"Sumire!"

The small, jubilant girl beamed brightly as she eagerly bounded over to greet her, completely oblivious to the dejected Stavros sulking in the corner, feeling utterly disregarded by his own kin.

Amayah is the cherished younger sister of Stavros. At just six years old, she has a precocious way of speaking that makes her sound wise beyond her years. Like her brother, she has the same captivating golden eyes and a sprinkling of curls in her hair.

Sumire always finds it enjoyable to be around this little lady. Amayah, with her talkative nature, has an infectious energy that brightens up any room. Though she may be a bit loud at times, Sumire doesn't find it bothersome; instead, she sees it as a charming trait of Amayah's personality. Sumire cherishes these moments and always remembers them fondly.

This little girl was full of questions, a curious child. Just like her, Amayah has an insatiable thirst for knowledge and questions almost everything that exists in the world.

Amayah strode the place with a big dazzling smile, so wide that it could stretch her face when she spotted Sumire with her brother. Despite her brother Stavros being present, Amayah didn't even spare him a passing glance, nonchalantly ignoring him as she made her way to their spot.

"Sumire, you're pretty as always."

Amayah genuinely complimented Sumire with a smile while hugging and kissing the lady's right cheek.

Sumire reciprocated her with a hug and a kiss on the cheeks while squeezing Amayah's rosy red cheeks. She couldn't help but giggle at her endearing remark.

"And you are adorable, little miss."

A dimple forms on one cheek as Sumire smiles at her. Wearing a childish grumpy look, Stavros glared at Amayah whenever she rolled her eyes at him and quickly pouted when Sumire threw a glance at his place.

Sumire and Amayah were engrossed in their conversation, completely immersed in their own world, which made Stavros feel ignored and as if they didn't care about his presence at all.

"Wow, you guys look so happy that you seem to have completely forgotten I am here."

Stavros made a sardonic comment, prompting both ladies to give him a simultaneous eye roll. In response, the young man let out a deep, hearty laugh, acknowledging his defeat.

Amayah was about to speak when suddenly the waiter came to their table and brought them their food.

"Sumire, it's been a week since you met the boy. Did they contact you? Or did you notice something suspicious?"

Stavros suddenly brought up the topic. He was curious about what happened after that encounter.

Even though Stavros and Sumire have been friends for several years, he has observed that Sumire is a deeply private person who rarely places her trust in others. To him, she remains an enigma, a captivating mystery that he is eagerly determined to unravel. Stavros is entranced by her fiercely independent nature, acknowledging that she has a remarkable ability to thrive without relying on anyone else. Sumire's charismatic personality, combined with her proclivity for secrecy, renders her an irresistibly compelling presence that draws Stavros towards her. He is astonished by the revelation that Sumire grew up in an orphanage, a fact that further adds to her intriguing persona.

"Hmm, about that, the boy's father emailed me. Just work-related stuff."

Sumire replied as she sipped on the glass and the young man just looked at her intently and nodded.

"Did you notice anything unusual?"

With a spark of curiosity in his eyes, Stavros asked again. He was unsatisfied with Sumire's answer; something was off and missing. From the way the young Mort's intense gaze fixed on her, Stavros grew convinced that the young boy had motives that were far from virtuous.

"Nothing," Sumire paused for a moment to think, "...hmmm, ah! Someone sends me cryptic letters every night."

Stavros stopped chewing his food and stared at her unbelievably for a long time. Sumire just said it like it was nothing. He does not see even a hint of fear or worry on her face. She was just so calm about it.

"Having a secret admirer, huh? Isn't it tiring to send letters and other things to someone you like without introducing yourself? What's the point of expressing your feelings if you're not willing to have a direct conversation? If you like someone, it's better to be straightforward and tell them how you feel, so there can be progress in your relationship."

Amayah butts in made Stavros' jaw drop and utterly out of words. Sumire, on the other hand, burst out laughing. This kid is in adult mode again.

"Well, maybe he's just shy?"

Said Stavros after regaining his posture. Amayah's gaze was directed to him and roll her eyeballs again.

"A loser and not sorry excuses for cowardly people!"

Amayah said in an annoyed tone and munch on her food with slightly burning red cheeks.

"Why? Did you like someone I didn't know? ...hmmm?"

Sumire teasingly asked the young girl as Amayah's face turned completely red. She quickly evaded Sumire's gaze.

"Hell! Too young for that."

Amayah immediately denied her accusation. The three of them happily talked while eating, teasing, and laughing. Stavros who was now distracted by the two ladies in front of him was now completely forgotten about his suspicion of young Mort.

The air of laughter filled inside the restaurant. Sumire was having fun along with the two siblings and satiating their fill. They left the place laughing merrily unaware of the burning gaze of someone who had been looking at them, especially to Sumire. The young master of the Aslanov clan, Mort was on the opposite side of the restaurant where the three of them came in.

"I don't like this."

Eyes darkened, the young boy Mort blurted out with arms crossed on his chest as he looked at the three people who were in merriment. Klauss' squinted gaze shifted and directed at them.

"Shall I eliminate those siblings with her?"

Klauss asked in a cold tone as he eyed them. The young boy just kept staring at Sumire and the siblings and didn't answer him.

"She hasn't replied to Dad's email, yet?" Mort asked him back.

"Not yet." Klaus bluntly answered.

Little Mort was unable to understand Sumire's thoughts or the reason for her rejection of his father's proposal. Mort even drafted the agreement himself, making sure Sumire would approve of everything he included.

With his brows slightly furrowed and a thumb under his chin, Mort was deep in thought about how easy it would be to get Sumire on his palm. He must move quickly on everything, particularly because some people are already aware of Sumire's existence. The day their paths crossed, her life would never be peaceful again. She is no longer safe alone.

"That guy with her, are you sure he doesn't have any bad intentions towards my girl?"

Mort inquired again, suspiciously looking at Stavros from the opposite side of the street. He had Klauss, his personal butler do a background check on Stavros' identity, but they couldn't find anything malicious against the young man. His background was very clean.

"Or you want me to make a reason for him to plan something bad with Sumire."

Klauss suggested helping out his young master. He will do everything to serve him well in this lifetime.

Mort's face darkened at his remark. Instead of answering the butler, the small lad simply blends into the darkness and vanishes from the scene in an instant.

Sumire, on the other street, immediately lost the smile on her face when she felt a sudden shudder throughout her body. She felt happy and comfortable with her companions especially Amayah who was giving her an air of serenity, when suddenly she felt a heavy feeling inexplicably.

"Sumire, are you okay?"

Stavros asked in a worried tone. Her sudden silence and her worrisome painted vividly on her face. Abruptly, Amayah halted her forward gait and looked up at her. The little girl's expression fixed in worry.

"Yes."

Sumire lied. She was nailed on the ground and feeling anxious for no apparent reason.

She was supposedly hopping into Stavros' car to join them on the way home but it was as if someone was stopping her from getting on. Sumire felt like she would see a crimson-red hue anytime she tried to get into Stavros' car.

"I'm sorry but I can't go with you right now."

Sumire apologetically said making the two siblings exchange glances.

"Why? What happened? Do you feel anything bad about your body? We can accompany you to the hospital."

Amayah said and held her hands. Sumire mustered a slow, sympathetic smile to appease the young girl.

"Thank you but I'm perfectly fine. Maybe I ate too much because my stomach hurts a bit. But don't you worry, it's not that bad."

Sumire tried to let out a chortle to make them not to worry too much about her. However, the two siblings sensed her uneasiness in the place.

Stavros and Amayah felt that Sumire was feeling uncomfortable and even if they wanted to force her, it didn't seem like a good idea.

"Just call us."

Stavros said, he stepped forward to cage Sumire in his embrace to bid goodbye when her one foot unknowingly stepped backward and unintentionally avoided him which stunned both of them.

It was her instinct that told her that nothing good would happen tonight if she made contact with him. Even though Stavros was surprisedd by her reaction, the young man just smiled and gently patted her on the shoulder.

"Take care."

Stavros spoke softly and flashed a sweet lob-sided smile. He then holds his sister's hand to help her get into the car.

Amayah took one last glance at Sumire and nodded at her. The young lassie noticed the reason why Sumire acted that way towards her brother but she chose to ignore it as she felt the danger lurking in the corner.

When the two siblings drove off, a phantom car appeared and stopped in front of Sumire. The car door opened, startling her a little to see Bjorn, the man she'd met the previous day, emerge in there.

"Get inside."

To be continued...