Chapter Eighteen - Dinner

"Let's go," Caspian said, grabbing my wrist. His touch felt cold on my skin. "Where do you think you are taking her like this?" Athereld asked, grabbing my other hand. I was perplexed at their sudden approach. "Do you think you are in the position to question me after what you did?" Caspian asked coldly, sending Athereld a chilling glare. Aphrodite stared at Caspian's grip. Earlier, Athereld and I unexpectedly discovered Caspian with Aphrodite. It was their first date after they decided to get married. I could never feel more inferior than standing before Aphrodite. She was shining brightly in her coral pink sundress. Her glossy, plumped lips and big, round eyes had added a dreamy aura to her face. "You are scaring her. She is only a child, Caspian," Aphrodite gently said, placing her palm over Caspian's shoulder. Even Aphrodite's voice rang like a siren's voice in my ear. Aphrodite gently grabbed Caspian's forearm, making him release my wrist. Caspian stared coldly at Athereld and me. Everything about Aphrodite, from her gesture to the way she talked, screamed elegance. I realized why Caspian was annoyed with my demeanor before. "It was nice to meet you and this beautiful young lady here. However, I assume Lady Aphrodite won't feel good if you ruin your perfect date because of us. Why don't you enjoy the evening like you were doing before?" Athereld questioned bitterly, pulling me away. "Not at all," Aphrodite answered, smiling brightly at Athereld. I noticed the frown on Athereld's face, making his disliking of Aphrodite apparent. Aphrodite continued, "Indeed, we wanted to meet and spend some time alone. It's been quite a long time, after all. But I am more than excited to meet the granddaughter of the Alpha Lord." Aphrodite smiled at me. She got close to me, gently cupping my face as our eyes met. "You seem uncomfortable. Is Caspian too hard on you? Don't mind him. He has gotten a bit rough after dealing with the thugs all day, no?" Aphrodite turned to Caspian and asked. "No-not really," I answered awkwardly. I didn't know why I slurred in front of Aphrodite as my cheeks turned red. "If you have other plans, please, excuse Bailey and me. I don't think Bailey has done anything to get scolded by you again today when you are enjoying the night with your fiance," Athereld turned to Caspian and said, placing his arms over my shoulder protectively. Before Caspian could give Athereld a stern response again, Aphrodite asked, "We wanted to have dinner together. Why don't you two join us?" "Noway!" Athereld and Caspian immediately declined as I stared at them skeptically. "It's understandable if Mr. Athereld feels uneasy around me. He never wanted you to be with me anyway. But why are you so against it?" Aphrodite turned to Caspian and asked. I was still unable to fathom why Athereld despised the idea of being around Aphrodite. However, it was apparent that these two were not on good terms. "That's delusional of you," Athereld answered calmly as his grip tightened around my shoulder. "I had already promised Bailey dinner at my house tonight. Hence, we have no intention of meddling in your date or ruining our dinner," Athereld said. A slight smirk appeared on his face. "Bailey won't go to your house at night," Caspian declared coldly. I could not fathom why Caspian was mad over the entire incident. My grandpa indeed placed my responsibility over Caspian. However, I had already turned into an adult. And Athereld was capable of rescuing me if some other gangs were to attack me. Caspian's concern seemed incomprehensible. "I wish I could follow your orders. However, I have already asked the Alpha Lord," Athereld said. I turned to Athereld with wide eyes. I didn't know Athereld had taken permission from my grandpa. "Let's go," Athereld turned to me, smiling. Athereld brought me to his home. From the outside, the house looked impressive with its modern architecture. The indoor was sophisticatedly decorated with white cedar wood and gray brick tiles. The house was equipped with a massive kitchen and a cozy living room. If it weren't for the incident earlier, I would have admired Athereld's taste. However, I was still in a state of bewilderment. I couldn't get Caspian out of my head with Aphrodite. I was aware they would get married shortly. Still, I was ashamed to accept the heart-wrenching pain. Athereld turned the lights on, welcoming me with a warm smile. He helped me take off the surcoat. I was calmer than ever as Athereld noticed my gloominess. "You were all cheered up after meeting your uncle. If I had realized Caspian's presence sooner, I wouldn't have risked your smile," Athereld said, unpacking the groceries over the massive olive green counter. My cheeks flushed at Athereld's remark. I went by his side, attempting to help him. Athereld grabbed my shoulders, forcing me to look into his eyes. "I will prepare dinner. You don't have to help me. Take a shower instead," Athereld said. "Don't worry. I won't ask you to wear my clothes," Athereld said, noticing the concern on my face. " I had already prepared everything earlier today, including your change of clothes. As you see, I had planned this dinner long back," Athereld said, smiling at me cheekily. "Why do you hate this?'' I asked in a tiny voice, clenching the sides of my skirt. "What?'' Athereld asked, staring at me confusedly. "You didn't look happy with the encounter earlier," I said again, pulling the bag filled with potatoes. I wanted to affirm. I was curious to understand the unusual feelings swerving inside me. "Why do you despise it?'' Athereld questioned me instead of answering mine. "Perhaps, I also don't like it for the same reason," Athereld said. I stared at Athereld as tears appeared in my eyes. Athereld hastily cupped my face, getting concerned. ''Why are you crying?" Athereld asked. "Did I say something inappropriate? Did I hurt you?" he asked concernedly. I shook my head barely, staring at the kitchen knife touching my face in Athereld's grip. The onions Athereld cut earlier with it had left their annoying chemicals on the knife as well, making my eyes teary even more. Athereld noticed the source of my discomfort and hastily got away from me. "I apologize," Athereld said. "Let me prepare the dishes for you as I had promised. I will ask for your help if I need anything," Athereldsaid, caressing my face gently.