Chapter 28_ Vandalized Car

Alex caught sight of a trendy haircut, sporting short sides with a longer top and swept back hair, evoking a stylish demeanor. It exuded confidence and a touch of rebellious charm, transforming him from the nerdy Alex, always sporting spectacles, into a cool and handsome young man.

Arya's attention was drawn to Alex's striking appearance. "Arya, is everything okay? You seem lost in thought," he commented, causing her to snap her gaze to his face.

"I-I'm fine, I was just taken aback by how incredible you look. You could be a model in a magazine," Arya stammered, clearly impressed by her little brother's transformation.

Alex beamed, reveling in the admiration. His attention then shifted to Kane and he noticed the bandage on his hands. "What happened to your hands?" he inquired, concern etched on his handsome face.

"Just a harmless argument with Piston, nothing serious," Kane replied with a nonchalant shrug.

"Piston? You need to watch out for that guy, he's dangerous," Alex warned, a frown forming on his handsome face.

"Well, starting today, it will be Piston who needs to watch out for Kane," Arya chimed in proudly.

"What? Did you knock him down?" Alex asked, eyes widening in surprise. When he saw Kane shrugging, his admiration for him grew. "That guy is huge! You're a hero," he exclaimed. Then he sighed and added, "If only you could take pictures as well as you throw punches. Can you take a snap, Arya? We've been trying for half an hour but he's better at cooking than taking pictures."

Kane scowled at Alex, mouthing words of indignation, while Arya let out a small laugh and took Alex's phone. "Don't worry, I'll make sure to capture a breath-taking photo," she reassured him. True to her word, she snapped a stunning portrait of Alex and he couldn't help but be pleased with the result. He immediately posted some of the photos on Instagram.

"Thanks, sis," Alex said gratefully. And just as he received a like from Selma, he exclaimed, "Oh my God...Selma liked me."

His excitement was palpable, evident from the wide grin on his face. Kane chuckled at his reaction, making Alex's elation even more apparent.

A second beep from his phone revealed a comment from Selma: "You look great." Overwhelmed with joy, Alex eagerly asked, "Wow. I'm so happy. What should I say?"

Kane and Arya, seemingly in sync, responded in unison: "Nothing." Alex couldn't help but tease them, saying, "Aren't you two spending a little too much time together?"

"Don't change the subject, Alex." Kane's teasing tone quickly turned serious. "Don't respond to her yet, otherwise it would be all for nothing."

Dejected, Alex's shoulders slumped in defeat. Sensing his disappointment, Arya squatted down to his level and pulled him close. "Alex, I'm not saying you shouldn't like Selma, but don't let it consume you. You're still so young, and right now, your focus should be on your studies and getting into college." Her gentle touch on his hair conveyed her sisterly love and concern.

"I know, sis. I'll wait until I grow up to be like Kane, and then I can ask Selma out officially and marry her!" Alex declared, stunning both Kane and Arya with his proclamation. Did he just mention marriage? Arya couldn't help but wonder as she glanced at Kane, quickly averting her gaze.

"Sounds like a solid plan. But for now, I think we should all get some rest. It's been a long day." Arya yawned, covering her mouth. "And don't stay up too late on your phone, Alex. Sweet dreams." With that, she retreated to her room.

"Goodnight, guys. And thank you for everything, Kane." Alex flashed a beaming smile at Kane, showing off his pearly white teeth.

"It's nothing, kiddo. Goodnight." Kane ruffled the boy's hair, earning a scowl from Alex. What was it with people and his hair?

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Arya found herself inexplicably situated in a car with Kane on an isolated highway, only to have a truck materialize out of nowhere and wreak havoc upon their vehicle. The cacophonous sounds of shattering glass and metal bending echoed around her as the car tumbled in an endless spiral. She struggled against her sleep, eventually jolting awake in a state of terror, sweat beading on her forehead.

As she turned over, her body was met with the comforting support of her pillow. Her mind raced with relief as she thought, 'Thank goodness...I'm in my bed...I'm safe...it was all just a nightmare.' Silently assuring herself, Arya furrowed her brow when the overwhelming sounds of mangled metal and shattering glass continued to reverberate in her mind, growing louder by the second.

'Wait a minute...this is no longer a dream...the noise is coming from outside.' Arya pondered as she hastily got out of bed and rushed to her window, throwing open the curtains to reveal the sight of Kane's car being ruthlessly destroyed by the retreating figure of Piston and his henchmen, laughter ringing in their wake. As Arya anxiously observed the scene, her thoughts immediately turned to Kane.

Concern etched onto her features, Arya tried to make sense of the chaos unfolding outside as she heard the door to her room creak open. Kane walked in, his face a mask of worry as he asked, "Hey, are you okay? I heard all sorts of noise..." Little did he know, the sleek and captivating sports car he had parked outside had been brutally vandalized.

Arya turned her head to face him, her gaze lingering on his face as she began, "Oh, Kane...I'm fine, but--"

"But what? What happened?" Kane interjected, making his way further into the room until he stood beside Arya, gazing out the window at the wreckage of his car. His expression froze as he took in the sight, his hands balling into fists and his pupils dilating in anger. Without a word, he slammed his fist against the windowsill, his teeth audibly grinding in fury.

"It's my fault...I'm sorry. I'll cover the cost of the repairs. I have some money saved up for Alex's college fund," Arya offered, her gaze never wavering from Kane's face. Uncertain if he was even listening, she gently tapped his shoulder, hoping to get through to him.

"Did you hear what I said?" she asked, and Kane turned to face her.

"You mentioned something about the money you saved. What about it?" he asked with disinterest, still seething over the damage to his car.

"I saved a considerable sum over the years for Alex's college... but since the damage was my responsibility..." Arya's voice trailed off.

"Don't even think about it! I won't let you use your brother's future for a car. It's my car, and I will find a way to pay for the repairs," Kane firmly stated.

"But Piston wrecked your car because of me. I feel responsible," Arya argued, but Kane shook his head at her.

"Piston smashed my car because he's a coward and a terrible fighter. Don't worry about it. I'll make him pay when the time is right. You have no reason to feel guilty," Kane said with a reassuring smile, trying to ease Arya's guilt over what had transpired.





A/N; We are finally live, guys! Please drop comments, add Taming The Playboy to your library, leave a review and subscribe. It will go a long way! Thank you, everyone for your support!