A/N: Hey guys, this is chapter seventeen. Enjoy!
Chapter 17 {Rivalry For Love}
Aster glared at Jesse as didn't want to see him. The others felt the tension between them as most of them apart of Atticus didn't know what's going on. Jaden closed the door as they all sat down. They each grab the menu and pick their order. After it's been decided, they press a button to notify the workers. A waiter came in to write each of their orders and left the room. The door was closed as the room went silent for a couple of minutes until Jaden spoke up.
"It's been a while since all of us hung out together." Jaden said happily.
"Thanks for inviting us to this restaurant Jaden. This place is nice." Atticus said.
"I never thought someone like you can afford this much less make a reservation." Chazz said.
"Well I wanted to try out this place for a while and I heard they make the best sushi. Now let's dig in." Jaden said as each of them took a bite.
"Hey, it's actually good." Chazz said eating the sushi.
"Delicious." Sartorius said also taking another bite.
"I should ask the chef for tips." Atticus said.
"It's good." Jesse replied as they kept eating.
"So, Aster how are things going with you and Bella?" Jaden asked as it cause everyone's attention.
Atticus coughed as he almost choked on one of the sushi rolls. Sartorius sighed as he drank a cup of green tea. Jesse stayed silent and a little annoyed. Chazz was clueless about the situation asked the brown-haired man.
"Bella? Who's that?" Chazz asked.
"Oh, the maid that served us the maid cafe we went to the other day." Jaden answered.
"Aster has been hooking up with the cute maid, nice." Chazz said nudging at Aster who was annoyed by Chazz's antics.
"Is it steady between the two of you?" Jaden asked as Atticus tap on Jaden's shoulder.
"Umm... Jaden I don't think you should ask that." Atticus whispered to Jaden as it made him confused.
"Huh? Wh..." Before Jaden asked, Aster answered his question.
"We're getting along well, you could say we're very close." Aster said as his cold eyes darted at Jesse.
"Really? Have you hang out with her outside the cafe by any chance?" Chazz asked moving his eyebrows.
"Yes, we hang out at the mall, watching a movie together, stood next to her on the subway, and walked her home." Aster replied still staring at Jesse as the teal hair man didn't like his friend was rubbing it in but he chose to stay quiet.
"Great! So, does that mean you two are dating?" Jaden asked as Jesse choked up with his drink.
"Jesse, you ok?" Atticus asked in worried as he didn't want anything to happen between the two men.
"*coughs* I'm fine." Jesse said as Aster narrowed his eyes.
"No, we're not dating but I will ask her out in due time." Aster replied as Jesse gave him a cold glare.
"You better do it soon, Aster. Not only she's hot, but I bet a lot of guys tried to go out with her." Chazz said as Aster smirked at Jesse for a second which Jesse pick it up.
"She has guys chasing her but I won't let that happen." Aster said drinking his tea.
"You mean Bella won't let that happen." Jesse said as Aster put his cup down on the table and glare at Jesse.
That comment created silence as Sartorius and Atticus felt awkward. While Jaden and Chazz were clueless about this negative atmosphere between Aster and Jesse.
"Jesse, do you know Bella?" Jaden asked.
"Yeah, Atticus and Alexis's cousin. I have talked to her multiple times. She's a kind, understanding, and trustworthy friend." Jesse said emphasizing the word friend which tick off Aster.
"So, you hang out in the cafe just to see her?" Chazz asked.
"Yeah, it's easier this way. Bella is a busy woman." Jesse said keep staring at Aster.
"Yup, she sure is. I'm glad she's opening up her social life. Maybe, I should bring her to our friend circle." Jaden said.
"If you're going to invite Bella, you have to bring Alexis or her friends Jay. It might make some of us feel uncomfortable." Jesse said it made Aster fed up.
"Throwing someone under the bus, I didn't expect you to throw shade to one of your friends, Jesse." Aster said with an attitude.
"I didn't say names from anyone in this room." Jesse said.
"Then don't beat around the bush. If you have something to say, then say it." Aster said coldly.
"You don't have to be aggressive but it's probably hard for you to control it." Jesse said getting irritated by Aster's attitude towards him.
"You really want to start with me?" Aster asked raising his voice.
"You were rubbing it in on purpose." Jesse said as the others were concerned and thinking a fight is about to go down.
"I wasn't, Jaden asked the question and I answered it. You were no different with your answers." Aster said angrily.
"You didn't have to make it so obvious. Sure you talk to Bella privately but I have my fair share of having a conversation with her." Jesse said crossing his arms.
"Oh please, you don't know her well like I do. You don't even know the things I did for her." Aster said as Jesse rolled his eyes.
"So arguing about lying and talking to a guy is a good enough reason to yell at her." Jesse said as it angered Aster.
"That's none of your business Jesse." Aster said slamming the table.
"It is when I'm the reason why you and Bella fought yesterday." Jesse said as the others kept quiet.
"It wouldn't happen if you didn't flirt with her." Aster said.
"At least Bella enjoys talking to me to the point that she gave me her number." Jesse said it surprised everyone.
"What?!" Chazz and Jaden yelled in unison.
"Oh no." Atticus said as he facepalms himself.
"Repeat that." Aster said clench his fists.
"Aster try not to los..." Sartorius was to calm his best friend down but it was interrupted by Jesse.
"Bella gave me her number." Jesse said confidently.
"Hold up, hold up, hold up, Jesse you're telling me that you have the maid's number who is the same girl that Aster was trying to hook up?" Chazz asked.
"Yes." Jesse said.
"Hahaha! That's freaking priceless!" Chazz burst out laughing.
"Jesse can you confirm that you have Bella's phone number." Sartorius asked as Jesse took out his phone.
"You must be buffing." Aster said thinking that Jesse is pressing his buttons.
"That's her numbers but if you don't believe me asked Atticus or Jaden." Jesse said as the other turned to them.
"Yeah, that's her number already." Jaden said awkwardly.
"Ummm... Yeah." Atticus said.
"Damn, you're in her dms. Well, Aster looks like you got some competition." Chazz said jokingly.
"Hey, Aster has her number right?" Jaden asked as everyone turned to Aster.
"Do you have Bella's number?" Sartorius asked as Aster stayed silent and looked the other way.
"Oh my God! He doesn't have her number! *laughs*" Chazz said making fun of his friend.
Aster had enough of Chazz and with full force nudged Chazz's stomach which caused him to cry out in pain and hugging his stomach.
"Dude what the hell! That hit was meant for Jesse, not me! He's the one who stealing your maid!" Chazz yelled at Aster.
"Guys why not we change the subject." Atticus said trying to calm down the situation.
"Why do you have her number?" Aster asked with his blue icy eyes were on Jesse.
"Because I asked for it and she was ok with it. This shouldn't bother you if she's a friend." Jesse replied noticing that Aster was ready to knock him out.
"Damn he got you there Aster." Chazz said still in pain.
"You're heating up here have some ice-cold water." Jesse said grabbing a glass cup of cold icy water and slide it towards Aster.
"Ohhhhh burn! Savage Jesse strikes on the uptight rich boy." Chazz said.
"So Aster, what are you bother by Bella lying and not telling you everything or me taking her away from you?" Jesse asked.
"Why are you asking this and what the hell do you mean that she's not telling me everything?" Aster asked angrily.
"I'll answer your questions if you answered mine first." Jesse said.
"Guys, order me some popcorn, I want to see this go down. Aster, you better one-up him. Jesse keep playing the role of Mr. Steal Your Girl." Chazz said as Jaden smacked him by the back of his head.
"Chazz, shut up. You're making things worse." Jaden said as he also was fed up with Chazz.
"Hey, it's not my fault that I started it like you." Chazz said with an annoyed look.
"*sigh* If you want the truth, then both. I'm waiting for my answers, Jesse." Aster said.
"First, I asked you that question because when you left the cafe yesterday after your argument with Bella. She came out of the kitchen crying. I don't know the details about the fight but you shouldn't be so hard on Bella. Come on, yelling at her just for lying. That ain't right especially when she's not your girlfriend." Jesse said as Aster chuckled at Jesse.
"Wow, Making yourself look like a good guy by taking her side and comfort her. For what, getting her closer to you and showing affection." Aster said as Jesse kept his cool.
"I'm not picking sides. Sure, she lied to you, could have made the situation better, and I understand your anger. Bella didn't want you to know because she didn't want to hurt you which was the reason why she cried. She knows that your ex recently crawling back to you and knowing how you react. I can't blame her." Jesse said honestly.
"You're really starting to get on my nerves. I don't need your advice and looked down at me for my mistakes. It's my problem and I'll fix it. Do me a favor and stay out of this Jesse because it's pissing me off for you to get into other's problems." Aster said angrily as he just frustrated by the situation.
"I don't care if you're mad at me but Bella shouldn't deserve this. The other day I came in the cafe before you and Bella kept me upstairs. I waited two hours for her to talk to me. You want to know why because she was with you the whole time. Atticus was there, asked him." Jesse said as Aster was surprised by this information and turned to Atticus.
"Ummm... *sigh* Yeah, Jesse was alone upstairs for two hours while Bella was with you." Atticus answered awkwardly.
"You're still mad at her now." Jesse said.
"No, I didn't know this." Aster said.
"Bella would have mentioned it if you didn't explode at her." Jesse said.
"Alright, we got everything out. Now let's talk things out and enjoy the rest of the day." Atticus said once again tried to intervene.
"Got any other secrets you want to tell me, Jesse?" Aster asked with irritation.
"No, as a matter of fact, if you're so curious to know my relationship with Bella then you should ask her. Just remember to not lose your temper if the information is too much for you to handle." Jesse said as he stood up from his seat.
"I'm so enjoying two guys arguing over a cute maid." Chazz said as he kept eating his sushi.
"I don't need a reminder, Jesse. We have a close relationship and help each other out. Bella is comfortable talking to me as we have exchange imitate conversation." Aster said as he stood up from his seat.
"Then it wouldn't be a problem for her to tell you everything because that never happened to me. I would rethink your relationship if I were you because it's starting to show some cracks. If you don't fix them soon, someone will have Bella change her choices." Jesse said as Aster walked towards him and standing face to face with Jesse.
"Wait guys let's talk..." Jaden tried to stop but with no success.
"Jesse going to say this once, I'm not to back down without a fight. Tried taking Bella away from me and you won't get a pleasant experience. I love her and I will do anything for Bella. So don't get in my way if you know what's good for you." Aster said giving him a cold death stare.
Sartorius acted his instincts as he stood up and walked towards Aster and grab his arm.
"Ok just settled down As... " Sartorius tried to talk it out with him but Aster pulls his arm away from Sartorius.
"Your threats won't work on me, Aster. I'm not giving up on Bella so easily. You may be my friend Aster and wanting to win Bella's heart but that's not stopped me from seeing her." Jesse said giving Aster one last cold stare then left.
The room was silent as the others didn't know what to do. Feeling guilty for causing the fight, Jaden walked towards Aster and tapped his shoulder. With concerned Jaden asked his friend.
"Aster yo..." Jaden tried to finish his question but Aster interrupted him.
"I'm fine." Aster said then he left and slam the door shut.
The others looked at each other knowing what they just witness.
"I sorry guys, I didn't know that things will turn out this way." Jaden said looking upset.
"Well yeah, you shouldn't be asked about a chick." Chazz said with annoyance.
"*sigh* It's fine, Jaden. This had to happen but it was unavoidable." Atticus said trying to make Jaden feel better.
"This as may be the beginning of rivalry for a maid's heart." Sartorius said as others agreed and stayed in the restaurant to finished eating their food.
Time-Skip to Tonight at the Cafe
The cafe was closed as most of the co-workers left. Akemi was in the private room as she already changed and have her purse with her. She stayed hoping that Aster will show up.
"Where is he? I can't wait for him all day." Akemi complained as Cinder came in.
"Akemi sweetie, you should go home right now. It's been thirty minutes since your shift is over." Aunt Cinder said noticed her niece is very upset.
"Right." Akemi said.
"You're still waiting for Aster." Cinder asked.
"*sigh* Yes, I want to talk things out with him but who am I kidding. He probably still mad and I'm not surprised that he won't come to my place tomorrow for his outfits." Akemi said.
"Sweetie, don't be upset. It might take some time for him as it was an unpleasant argument. I promise you that he'll talk to you again." Cinder advise her.
"I know but I need him to come to my place tomorrow. I need his measurements and his take on the types of fabric he picks." Akemi said
"Maybe he'll come tomorrow. I doubt Aster would want to delay your project." Cinder said.
"*sigh* He better be because time is something I don't have. See you Monday, Aunt Cinder." Akemi said walking towards the exit door.
"You too, sweetie. Enjoy your day off." Aunt Cinder said as Akemi head outside the cafe.
Akemi left the cafe as she walked down the street in the night. She was really upset that Aster never came. As she keeps walking, a silver Corvette stops by Akemi. She stopped and looked at the car as recognize it. The window went down as Akemi could clearly see Aster on the driver's seat.
"Nice evening isn't it." Aster said with a smile.
Akemi stay silent as she was still upset. She kept walking down the street, Aster slowly drives by her with his silver Corvette.
"Bella, I know you're upset but I want to talk to you." Aster said as it made her annoyed.
"And you could have done it an hour ago." Akemi said as stop walking as Aster stop his car.
"Bella, please. I don't want to argue with you." Aster said as she turned to him.
"You really not going to argue with me?" Akemi asked coldly.
"Yes, can you please get in the car?" Aster asked.
"*sigh* Fine." Akemi said opening the front passenger door and went inside. As the door closed, the car drove off. Aster at times glance at Akemi who was looking at the window. It was silent until Aster turn the opposite direction where Akemi's apartment is which made her quick to notice.
"Aster, where are we going? This isn't the right direction." Akemi asked.
"We're going somewhere private." Aster vaguely answered.
"This isn't funny Aster, turn back." Akemi said getting annoying by his answer.
"I'm not turning around until we talk about yesterday." Aster said which made Akemi sigh and rolled her eyes.
"*sigh* Do what you want." Akemi said crossing her arms.
The whole ride was quiet as Akemi was getting impatient. She's clueless about where Aster is taking her. Then, the car stop by the side of the hill. Confused, Akemi couldn't understand why did Aster bring her here.
'Why did he bring me here?' Akemi thought to herself.
Aster got out of the car and walked towards the passenger front door to open it.
"Are you coming out?" Aster asked as Akemi rolled her eyes.
She steps out of the car as Aster closed the door. Akemi walk towards the rail and stand by it as she admired the view from the city. Aster grab something from the backseat of the car and locked it. He walked towards Akemi who is staring at the city lights. It made her smiled as she finds it beautiful.
"Loving the view?" Aster asked trying to make a conversation.
"I guess it's nice." Akemi said looking away.
"Bella about yesterday..." Aster was about to apologize but...
"I'm sorry." Akemi said turning his direction and looking down at the ground.
Aster stayed silent as he waited for Akemi to speak first.
"I lied to you and hide it. I should have told you sooner that I been seeing Jesse. I didn't want to make things worse honestly." Akemi said showing remorse.
This made Aster walked towards her and by his left hand lift her chin. Akemi's eyes were on Aster. He gave her a sign of forgiveness by giving her a reassuring smile.
"I know and I can't stay mad at you. I also want to apologize for yelling at you. I shouldn't dictate your social life. I know you didn't mean any harm given my temper. Just next time, be honest with me." Aster said as Akemi nodded.
"Ok." Akemi said.
Aster took out a bouquet of roses from his back which surprised her.
"Here, I wanted to make it up to you." Aster said giving her a bouquet of roses.
"Thank you, but an apology is more than enough for me." Akemi said grabbing the bouquet.
"You might think that but I believe you deserve better. Besides, these roses reminded me of you. Beautiful to see but protective towards the ones you care deeply. " Aster said with a smile.
"That's sweet of you to say Aster. I can see why girls fall for you by your prince charming personality." Akemi said with a warm smile and blushed.
"*chuckles* I never thought that you see me that way. Then again I can't blame you since I have my way with women." Aster jokingly said with a grin as it made Akemi annoyed.
"Just for that, I'm going to take back what I just said." Akemi said while pouting.
"*chuckles* You're cute when you pout." Aster said patting her head.
"Whatever, will you still come tomorrow morning at my place?" Akemi asked moving her hair behind her back.
"You know I will." Aster said as they both smiled and forgave each other.
Time-Skip to Next Morning
Akemi woke up around eight fifty as she prepares herself. She walked towards her closet and opened it. Look at the clothes she made herself, Akemi thought to herself what she should wear. It took about fifteen minutes until she picked the outfit and undressed.
Akemi dress in a peach halter crop top that shows off her stomach, parts of her back, and has an open area in the middle that reveals her naked breasts. With ripped navy blue jeans that complement her hips and gives an illusion that her butt is a bit bigger. Her beige low heel strappy sandals with a small peach rose on each shoe. Wear a rose gold infinity bracelet and trinity earrings. She fixes her hair and put on some makeup. She put away her glasses and put them in a box in her closet. She looks at herself in the mirror but was interrupted by her father who is awake and was surprised to see his daughter woke up and dress up.
"Sweetie, why are you up early, and what's with the look?" Her father asked.
"Oh dad, I didn't see you there. I'm prepared myself and clean the apartment first before I leave. I'll be going to the mall around eleven." Akemi answered.
"Oh, well I can understand why you dress up. Let me help you with cleaning." Her father said as Akemi nodded.
They both split up with the chores. Akemi vacuuming, does the laundry, throwing the trash, cleaning the stove, washing, and drying the dishes. While her father cleans the bathroom, mopping the kitchen door, cleaning the tables and counters. As they were finished cleaning, she wanted to make sure everything is good. After checking around the apartment, Akemi was nervous as she hadn't told her father that she's invited her boss here. She to a deep breath and walked closer to him.
"Hey Dad, I really need to ask you a favor and it's very important for me." Akemi said.
"What is it, sweetie?" Her father asked turning to her.
"Can you be out of the apartment for a while?" Akemi nervously asked as her father raised an eyebrow.
"How come? It's odd you asked that?" Her father asked out of curiosity.
"Well you see I been assigned to work on a project and this means a lot to me because it involves my passion. Someone pay me to make clothes for them as they're attending important events. I invited a visitor today and after I come back from the mall, we'll be staying here for a while." Akemi explained.
"You don't say. Well, Akemi I know that fashion has been your passion for a long time. If it makes you happy and benefits you in the future. Then, I can't say no to you." Her father said which made Akemi very happy to hear.
"Thanks, Dad. You're the best." Akemi said hugging him tightly.
"*chuckles* Easy there pumpkin, so if I may ask. Who's this visitor?" He asked which Akemi quickly changed the subject.
"Umm... oh well look at the time. You're going to be late. You don't want to leave your friends hanging" Akemi said pushing him from the kitchen to the living room.
"Wait I haven't got my keys and wallet yet." Her father said as Akemi quickly grab him.
"Here, they are. Now go relax and have fun." Akemi said forcing him to grab his keys and wallet.
"Akemi, you still haven't answered my question." Her father said as Akemi pushing him towards the front door.
"It's someone important. Bye dad." Akemi said as her father step outside.
"Bye... Honey." Her father said as Akemi quickly closed the door.
Akemi lean against the door as she sighs in relief and went back to her room. She opens the closet to grab a white mini backpack that has cherry blossom designs and it also comes with a matching purse. Akemi put her personal stuff in her purse including money before putting her purse in the backpack. She went to her desk to grab her sketchbook, pen, and a small notebook to take the items with her. After fixing her item in her mini backpack, she closes it as she put it behind her back and went back to the living room. Akemi checked on her phone and it's eleven twenty-five a knock was made from the front door which causes Akemi to look at her reflection one last time.
"Ok, I look good. Hopefully my outfit isn't too much." Akemi said as she went to the front door.
She took a deep breath and opened the door. Akemi look to see Aster wearing the same outfit from the mall that she brought for him. He smirked at her as he was surprised to see her all dress up.
A/N: That's the end of chapter seventeen. So what do you think about this chapter and comment down below. Thank you for reading and I hope you have a great day. Bye!
