chapter-32: Sudden Anxiety

Zaiden Storm
I was completely engrossed in my work when I heard someone knocking on the door.
��Come in,�� I permitted and Aria entered with her cheeks puffed. ��What is it?�� I stopped typing on my laptop and paid her my undivided attention.
��Why haven't you had your lunch yet?�� she demanded.
��Lunch?�� I let out in confusion and checked the time to realize that it was past lunchtime. ��Oh, it completely slipped my mind.��
��You even said that we were going to have lunch together, but look at you being a workaholic like always,�� she fumed, crossing her arms against her chest. She looked like a cute angry balloon.
��Why are you getting so mad?�� I asked her. Aria also forgot to have lunch in between her work sometimes, so she couldn't just accuse me as a workaholic.
��Because you always make sure to take care of me. Of course, I need to take care of you too,�� she said and took a hold of my hand. ��You can continue it later, can't you?��
I nodded my head and got up from my chair when all of a sudden someone burst into my cabin. It was Liam.
��Oh, my God, how did you get in?�� Aria exclaimed as I had fired him already.
��Well, I have my ways. Ms. Anastasia, I'm sorry but I need to complete my task,�� he said then turned his murderous gaze at me, ��Which is to kill Zaiden Storm.��
He had a knife in his hand which he must have grabbed from somewhere in the office. Of course, he couldn't bring in a gun with the tight security of the building.
��Oh, please, I don't have the time for you,�� I scoffed and looked over at Aria who seemed a little shaken up. ��What do you want to have for lunch, Aria?��
Aria leaned closer to me and whispered, ��Don't you think you should take him seriously?��
��He's no threat. Don't worry,�� I assured her.
��I will show you why I am a threat,�� Liam let out and held the edge of his knife as if it were a dagger, ready to throw towards Aria. That was when he angered me.
I stood in front of Aria and pulled out my gun, pointing it in Liam's directly. ��You can plan to do whatever you want with me, don't even think about hurting Aria.��
My voice seemed to have scared Liam a little as he took a step backward. But it was too late. I wasn't the type to forgive my enemies that easily.
I put my finger on the trigger, ready to pull it. Just then I felt a hand grab a fistful of the fabric of my shirt. I peeked over my shoulder at Aria who was quivering at the thought of me killing someone right before her eyes.
I sighed. I was such an idiot. I shouldn't kill Liam in front of her.
I put down the gun and dialed Ash's number. ��Take this guy away from here,�� I ordered and hung up.
After Liam was taken away, I turned around to see Aria smiling at me.
��Why are you smiling?�� I asked in awe.
��I'm glad you didn't kill me, at least not in front of me,�� she told me which made my heart flutter.
��So, do I get any reward for that?�� I asked mischievously, gazing at her lips.
��I will consider that after my stomach stops growling. Now let's go and have lunch.�� With that, she ran out of my cabin before I could catch her.
Aria really loved testing my patience.
After a few busy days, I was having dinner with Aria after we managed to secure a great deal with the Harbors.
I had been so busy with work and Aria lately, I almost forgot about a big family event until I received a call from my third youngest brother, Eltan, who was only twenty-one yet a renowned artist.
��Someone seemed to have forgotten that they have a family,�� Eltan said through the phone.
Aria arched an eyebrow in question as she saw me receive a call in between our dinner which I rarely did unless it was an emergency.
��No, I didn't, because I still know your name, Eltan,�� I emphasized his name so that Aria could understand that I was talking to my brother.
Her mouth formed in a cute circle as she gave me a thumbs up and continued eating her food.
��Glad to know that. I hope you didn't forget about the family get-together tomorrow,�� Eltan reminded.
I almost choked on the food that was in my mouth. ��What? It's tomorrow?�� I let out.
��Yes, my dear oldest brother.��
��Fuck,�� I cursed. How could I forget about such an important event?
��I knew that you would forget. Anyway, don't forget to bring your new girlfriend. Lance told us about her. We all can't wait to get to know her,�� he chimed. However, his mischievous tone wasn't the friendliest, and I could hear my other brothers whispering in the background. They all must be gathered at Dad's place by now.
��Sure. She can't wait either. Anyway, I will see you tomorrow.�� With that, I cut the call and put my phone in my pocket.
��What was Eltan saying?�� Aria asked with enthusiasm.
I pursed my lips, not sure of how to tell her. I knew how she would react, but I had to tell her. ��Um, I forgot to mention it to you. Tomorrow is our family get-together.��
��Oh, that's great. Send me photos of your family.��
��And you are coming,�� I added.
The bright smile on her face dropped, eventually curving into a nervous one. ��That means, tomorrow I'm meeting your family.��
I nodded.
��You have got to be kidding me, Zaiden.�� She started laughing on her own in disbelief. After a moment she stopped, realizing that I wasn't joking.
For the next few moments, she just blinked at me cluelessly. She looked so funny yet so adorable.
��Oh, my God!�� she squealed and stood up from her seat. ��What sort of dress should I wear? Wait, will I even fit in there? What if they don't like me? I'm really excited to meet them. At the same time, God, I'm so nervous.��
��Why are you nervous? My family kills people but they won't lay a finger on my girlfriend. So, relax.��
��Well, I wouldn't be nervous if a certain someone informed me about the get-together at least a week before,�� she scolded me.
��Why do you even need a week to get prepared?�� I let out. Was she going to book an appointment in a parlor a week in advance?
Aria glared at me and said, ��You forgot about it, didn't you?��
I slumped my shoulders in defeat. ��Fine, sorry. I forgot about it.��
��You should have informed me way before. What do I do now?�� Aria started pacing around our table out of anxiety.
��Sit down, Aria,�� I told her calmly. She groaned but once she was seated, I took her hand in mine, caressing my thumb over her knuckles. ��Trust me, my family will love you.��
��But what if they don't? I know Kael loves me, but I don��t know anything about Mrs. Storm. Besides, Lance was about to kill me so he definitely hates me. What if no one except Kael likes me?�� she asked, feeling nervous.
��If they don't, it's their loss. It doesn't matter. Just be you, okay? Everything else will just fall into its place,�� I assured her. Even though I loved and cherished my family, Aria has earned a bigger spot in my heart.
I was used to staying away from my brothers and parents, but I couldn't imagine staying away from Aria. I would feel lifeless. In fact, for the last few days, despite her being near me, we were still busy with work which made me miss her.
Aria seemed to have calmed down a little as she took a deep breath. Just as I released a sigh of relief, she spoke up, ��Still, we need to choose a perfect outfit for me.��
I gave her a flat look. What was the point of me saying all that?
She was indeed crazy, and my family loved crazy, even me.