Chapter Fifty-Four: The Countdown Begins 2.0

Eve of Kiara's eighteenth birthday Kiara POV: The cool interior of the pub was a welcome contrast to the scorching summer heat outside. The place was packed, the air filled with the hum of laughter, chatter and the rhythm of the music pulsating from the speakers. I guided my friends towards an empty table near the bar, all the while trying to suppress the anxious knot forming in my stomach. I took out my phone, and quickly dialling Aiden's number. He picked up on the third ring, his voice calm and composed. "Hey, Kiki. What's up?" He said "Hey, Aiden. We're at the pub. Would you like to join us?" I asked, trying to keep my voice casual. There was a pause before he responded, "Sure, I'll be there in a bit." The moment I ended the call, I felt a strange tension fill the air. JJ and Rex shared a glance, their faces taut with a grim expressions. I sighed, deciding to let it be. There was no point in arguing further. Aiden arrived a few moments later, his usual confident smile lighting up h