Chapter 11: 6.𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫

It's time for a party. After I told Jasmine that I met him again she couldn't stop rambling and teasing me . But got pissed when she got to know that we didn't exchange numbers and she was at the same thing as before that we will meet again . She was so invested in it that she started to search for his social media accounts

Cami hit my shoulder slightly bringing me back from my thoughts "where are you lost ? Let's go" she said, pulling me in . Ian held his party at his own house. I thought it would be another location. When we entered I was starstruck with the house actually it was a mansion , where I assumed it would be a noisy party but the inside was totally different.

Apparently he is the son of one of the richest families in Australia . And I got to know that a few hours ago when I went to pick up the donuts. Cami gave me an ear full after knowing that I selected donuts as a present for a millionaire's son .

I couldn't tell her about Asher and couldn't blame him either . He didn't know about Ian's family nor did I yesterday at a point I thought that donuts is a great gift but now after seeing the mountain of large gift boxes set aside in the hall my dear trust had abandoned me

Everyone dressed in formal attire suits and dresses. It looked more like a business party instead of a birthday celebration.I am so glad I chose a simple black dress instead of Jasmine's glitter dress. I would look like a disco ball here.

"Camilia, Jasmine Glad you could make it" Ian said making his way through the hall holding a glass of champagne in his right hand followed by Max and Julian. He first hugged Camilia then me , dressed up in a 3 piece suit. He was looking like a multi millionaire, totally opposite from what I saw the other day .

"Happy Birthday Ian'' Cami wished him "Happy Birthday Ian , I didn't know what to give you so I just bought a simple thing hope you don't mind" I said and forwarded the donut box to him , Cami crossed her fingers , I hope he doesn't get pissed "are these donuts?" His voice showed a tone of amusement . I nodded in response , Cami sucked in her breath, Julian whispered to Cami about something it was only max who was smiling widely

"I love it! How did you know I like them?" Ian shrieked . We all looked at each other "You do?" Julian asked .Ian opened the box and his smile was growing bigger. He looked as excited as a kid "totally I have a huge sweet tooth"

wow it worked out so well "and they are from my favorite place! Thank you Stella" Ian thanked me again and gave the box to a waiter telling him to keep it in the kitchen.

"I am sorry I can't give you guys much time . Enjoy the party"

"Ian, what about Liam?" Cami asked "don't worry, he said he will be here . When he gets here I will surely introduce you to him" Ian assured us . But the tension just wasn't going down . Ian was pulled away by his friends and vanished in the crowd. This party was silent, only some faint music was playing in the background. I like the silence but this party is giving me anxiety , before I could realize Cami , Max and Julian were already spread across the hall and I was left alone standing near the buffet table .

A hand patted my shoulder "Hey Stella '' a familiar voice hit my ears. I turned around. Zuri stood in front of me in an elegant green off shoulder dress and hair styled in a bun, her green eyes complementing the dress. I could guess she loves green "Zuri, what are you doing here?" I was shocked to see her "I am invited by Mr. Reynolds"

"Ian's father I mean" she cleared. Wait, I thought they broke up? Are they still in contact "our families are friends" she explained more am I saying everything out loud now-a-days?

I tried changed the subject "You look beautiful" she blushed at my compliment

"Thanks you look like a princess yourself" That made me smile "Your blonde hair compliments your features especially your eyes'' I gained some confidence with her words . It's rare that people compliment my hair . I slightly brushed my hair back .

"So how's the project going?" Zuri asked and I had to explain the whole plan to her . After listening to everything she said "that's good. Liam would be great help"

"You know him too?" She nodded, "He is very popular." We had a little more chat about studies. She also had to excuse herself to meet the guest. It's always exhausting to attend parties like these. Even though you don't do anything but just stand like a doll and greet everyone with a fake smile plastered on your face . They are more of a business deal instead of a celebration and I hate it . I hope at least Ian is enjoying his day

It's been an hour . Did Liam come or not ? I decided to look for others or maybe I can find Ian and ask him again . I was looking around when someone held my hand , I jerked my hand luckily the grip was lose "Sorry I didn't mean to scare you like that" I was still getting back from shock when Asher appeared in front of me "are you okay did I hurt you" he testified checking my hand

"What are you doing here?" was the first thing I said "I am also invited. Is your hand okay?" He asked again I pulled my hand back "yeah" i didn't realize that he held my hand till now

"I saw you rushing somewhere I wanted to stop you but my way wasn't good" he apologized

"No it's okay I was just caught off guard"

"But how? What are you doing here?" I asked. I was still processing the fact that we met again "I told you we will meet again." His response made my eyes go wide remembering his words from yesterday "you knew?"

"Of course Ian is my friend" he replied "why didn't you tell me then?" I asked "you didn't ask" he said sipping his drink "okay that's not an excuse" I hissed but he refused to reply to me and focused on his drink

My shoulders relaxed a bit , at least someone whom I know is present here "Your idea was great Ian loved the gift " I thanked him

"I knew it would, you own me remember" I nodded "who were you searching for?" He questioned . Oh I totally forgot I was looking for others "my friends. they-" I was interrupted when Ian came around "oh I was searching for you guys" he said then he noticed Asher present with me "you guys already met? Great! But let me formally introduce you again from my side"

Cami , Max and Julian also joined us . They were nowhere to be found just a while ago. How are they suddenly appearing? "Everyone meet the famous campus God Liam Carter" Ian announced , pointing at Asher . I frowned, why is he introducing him as Liam "him?" I asked Ian and he nodded.

Others gave their introduction to him "You said your name is Asher?" I questioned. He smirked. I noticed a personality change in his face or is it just my thoughts . He kept his drink aside

"yes it is" he forwarded his hand for a handshake

"My name is Liam Carter Williams" He claimed and it seems like my world just blanked out

She's Beautiful

If a word could describe her it would be beautiful. Her golden hair and ocean blue eyes, She is dressed up today in a simple black dress, her hair falling down . She hid her freckles with makeup tonight but her freckles enhance her features more .

She was looking deep into my eyes, more like staring into my soul . Her mouth opened a little after knowing about me .

I shouldn't have lied , but I wanted to know why they wanted to meet me so desperately Ian mentioned about them . And when she told the whole story I couldn't believe that she is one of the students

I wanted to test them to figure out if they actually needed some help or had some alternative motive. Listening to her rant and her opinion about me was quite fun. I rather enjoyed her talking bad about me . All of her friends introduced themselves but she didn't. She stood without moving.

A girl who introduced herself by the name Camilia shook her out of her thoughts. She does zone out easily. what's going on in her head

Ian clapped his hands "okay everyone as the introduction part is done let's have some drink" he announced. A waiter came towards us with a tray of champagne and wine , Ian took another glass of champagne. Others did the same it was only Stella who refused "I gotta drive back" Ian gave her some non-alcoholic drink instead.

"Remember what I told you '' Ian whispered to me, patting my shoulder , he was smiling widely because he knew. I scoffed of course he knew or else he wouldn't have insisted to meet them. I looked at them and their body language screamed they were nervous except a guy who looked unbothered.

Julian was it? When I made eye contact with him . He rolled his eyes at me, it hasn't even been a few minutes since we met and I already have an enemy?

Stella walked away, Camilia tried to stop her but she didn't and stormed away in anger . I could notice therowing range in her eyes and tensed shoulders. I did make a mistake,

I wanted to follow her but couldn't .

"I heard you guys need my help" I said while sipping the drink. It's really sweet but I like the flavor. The 3 of them whispered among themselves who will speak and the girl replied first "we want you to mentor our project" Ian's friend Max said . I already know that much

"I will say it from the start" and she began the same story which Stella told me . After hearing all of it I nodded my head "is it a yes or no?" The uninterested looking guy asked "Are you sure your Projects are similar? " I highlighted

"Yes, that's what the professor said . We don't know how but we didn't copy it . Maybe it was a coincidence?" Max said

"I know you guys didn't steal it but I said do you think someone actually stole it?" I asked again

Julian scoffed "then why do you think we are doing the project again? And wasting our time on-" he stopped when his friends glared at him. Does he have a problem with me or is he a jerk to everyone? "Could you please spare some time and help us" the other guy, Max, said. His face is a little familiar

"Yes please" camilia also requested

They didn't get what I was trying to imply. There's no use in me explaining they wouldn't understand and not believe me . It's better if they figure it out by themselves.

"I am sorry but I couldn't help you guys. I am busy on my own . It was nice meeting you though" saying this I turned away and moved a little away from them . I could hear Julian cursing and Camilia trying to call me .

I stood at a distance from them and watched their actions. Seeing Julian throwing a tantrum Stella rushed towards them and Camilia explained the whole situation, Stella's face dropped and she looked around. I moved behind the pillar to avoid her gaze. Why am I hiding?

"Hey, what are you doing here?" Ian called out.

I took a step forward "what happened? Did you agree with them" I denied "Why , they need help or they will be disappointed" he blabbered

"It's better if they figure it out on their own we all did" I said , he signed and looked at their direction a sense of sympathy in his eyes "it's your decision" he shrugged

"You knew and you introduced me as Liam Carter?" I asked . He was smiling as if he did a great thing "they need to catch up on something at least" so this is his defense "Stella already couldn't believe that I am liam when she knows about the Carter thing I ain't responsible" I sighed

He just laughed it off "You gotta deal with this especially when you are The son of Emily Carter and James Williams" he said keeping his voice low . I have given the surnames of both of my parents but after people got to know I am Emily Carter's son everyone started to call me Liam Carter and Williams got silent .

"Thanks for the invite I will be leaving now" I announced "stay a little why leaving so soon?" Ian insisted "My work here is done . I still have a lot more to do back home"

"It's my birthday and you didn't even gift me anything"

"The donuts you got are because of me so that's my present for you" he nodded in disappointment. I did buy him a gift but it might have mixed with the others "wait? You suggested the gift but how-" he was trying to process the whole situation. I bid him goodbye I tried to meet Mr. Reynolds but he seems too busy with his friends .

"Hey Liam" Zuri greeted me

"It's been awhile, how are you doing?" I asked her , "Nothing much. What about you ? How is your work going?"

"Same as usual but it will get busy when the new collection is launched," I replied. She nodded, "Did you agree to help them?" Not this again

"Just tell me one thing why are you guys so invested to help them?" My tone was a bit loud maybe because I was annoyed with the fact "Because they need help , they are really talented and you also know it's not their mistake that they have to redo everything" she protested

"Zuri, they will learn from it , they need to know how to handle these situations. It's very common in the fashion industry"

She sighed at my words "I know I am sorry but my brother is one of them" Max! No wonder he looked familiar "so you are doing this for him?" I asked but she didn't reply. Everyone worries about their family. It's common "I understand but I am not promising you anything" she smiled at me. She was about to speak again but Ian interrupted us

"Hey I thought you already left" he stopped midway when he noticed Zuri near me. He kept his left hand in his pocket and walked to my side seeing that Zuri rolled her eyes."Good evening Ms. Zuri" Ian greeted her but she ignored him like thin air. He chuckled at her behaviour "somebody needs to learn manners again" he mocked her

Zuri's jaw tightens and they just glared at each other. Even without words they are having a conversation with their eyes. Let me rephrase that they are having a war with their eyes and the tension between them is making me nervous

I cleared my throat grabbing their attention "It was nice meeting you Liam, see you later" Zuri said and walked away. Ian was staring at her until she disappeared among the crowd "I will get going" I muttered but I am not sure if he heard that or not

The Reynolds luckily have the space for parking my bike, I should forget the fact that people passed some unwanted attention to it .So I had to leave it in the backyard garden. Mia was whining about me taking my car but my stubbornness didn't let it happen and looking at the sky it's gonna rain soon

"Wait!"

Stella came running, stumbling towards me . Her heels made her lose her balance and almost fell but she didn't. This girl! Whenever I met her, she is always wearing heels this is the 4th time

She stopped a distance of 5 steps between us. She held her stomach trying to stabilize her breathing.

"Why? Why did you lie?" She asked panting, "I did it to protect my privacy, " she squinted her eyes "The hell with your privacy " her index finger pointing at my face "you cheated!" She yelled If she was a little closer than it would have poked my eye

"Stop with the smile" she warned yet I continued "I wanted to know your motive for approaching me that's why I did that" My words made her scoff in disbelief

"Leave that, it's not important. But why did you refuse to help us? I have already said my situation, you know-" she ranted . okay my name's not important now? Wasn't she who kept talking about me in the mall

"What will I get?" I questioned

"What?" She was confused, so I walked to her and decreased the distance between us. She looked away. This is the second time she got embarrassed. "What will I get by helping you all?" I asked again. She opened her mouth to speak, couldn't find a reason and stopped. That's what I thought

"I hope you got the answer" I was about to wear my helmet, ready to head back when she interrupted "But others helped . Zuri also helped right?" I snuck in my breath

"Zuri is max's sister, she will also receive grades to mentor your group" I snapped

The speed of wind increased, the sky was getting filled with dark clouds . The wind made her hair flow a little she rubbed her arms trying to warm them "we are totally doomed" she murmured. I took out my jacket and put it around her shoulders "why don't you offer something to me and maybe I will help you out" I hinted

she stared at me without saying anything

God those eyes

My mother always told me I have the most beautiful pair of eyes and I was so proud of it until now

But hers?

Wearing my helmet I sat on my bike, she still didn't speak or move "go inside Stella it will rain soon" I started my bike and drove off . I wasn't even 5 minutes away and it started raining again making my white shirt drenched . I hope she went inside

I tried to be fast but the slippery roads are not good for me .It took me 30 minutes to drive for a 15 minute route . I need to have a shower.

Parking my bike in the garage, I entered the house. The silence said either no one's at home or everyone already went to sleep. The living room lights were off but a dim light from the kitchen was making it brighter. "I am gonna kill you!" A voice came around followed by a female scream then a male scream

Hell What's happening

I switched on the lights, hoping everyone is fine because those screams are so familiar. The television was on and Mia and Lucas were sitting on the couch clenching on to each other like their lives depended on it . They look like koalas hugging . I tried to suppress my laugh

"What are you guys doing?" I asked and Mia screamed again. My ears are going to heaven today "Mia! Quite down" they both opened their eyes recognising my voice

"It's you God. I thought the killer came" she let go of Lucas. I picked up the remote and switched off the tv and they both whined "if you guys can't bear to watch horror movies then don't. I thought someone broke in" I taunted

"She got scared first that's why I did too" Lucas pointed to Mia "I am a girl you are my brother you are supposed to protect me" she threw a cushion at him . He caught it and threw it back at her hitting her face then she launched herself on him grabbing his ear "But don't you always show off your self defense skills? What happened now champion" he mocked

"Self defense is for people like you, not for ghosts!" She yells. He is trying to push her away carefully, not trying to hurt her .

"Mia! Lucas, stop right now!" I shouted that somehow they left each other and settled. I had to take Lucas' name too because if I hadn't they would have started another fight "I am going to have a shower and when I come down I want this place to be clean . Am I clear?" They both nodded "start cleaning then" I ordered. They got up from their seats and started to clean the mess they made watching the movie.

Juice cans and chips packets lying around. Their cushion and blanket looks like rugs on floor

I headed to my bedroom and took a shower changing into joggers and a hoodie to keep myself warm . When I came down the couch was clean but they were still arguing and noticing my presence they stopped.

"Did you guys eat yet?"

"Yeah the chef made some really cool pasta it tasted like it came straight from Italy you should try it too" Mia said

"Did you eat?" Lucas asked

"Yeah I will eat now . You guys sleep" I went to the kitchen and heated the pan . The pasta looks delicious. My hunger increased with each minute. I should have eaten something at the party .

Mia and Lucas entered and sat on the chairs around the kitchen counter "let us join you" Mia said making me smile .Before eating I passed her some hot chocolate and cookies to Lucas

"So how was your day?" I asked them

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Author's Note

Sorry for late update, that's why I wrote a long chapter than usual. Hope you guys enjoyed it

Remember to vote and give me your reviews. This chapter is unedited so you may find some mistakes, pls excuse them

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