Chapter 3 It's A Prank

• I had been restless in the car since earlier, while Elena seemed unfazed. I wanted to ask her what was truly going on because I felt like she was just playing a prank on me. As we traveled to the hospital where she said Ares was, she didn't talk to me, and I sensed no concern from her.
• "Are we still far away, Elena? Is there no one we should contact at the hospital? Should I call his dad or his mom?" I bombarded her with questions, periodically checking my cell phone.
• "Don't call anyone, Ana. We're almost there, don't worry," she replied, her tone was serious. I looked at her in surprise.
• "What do you mean—"
• "Just relax, Ana," she interrupted me and accelerated the car.
• Confused, I waited for us to reach our destination. A few more minutes passed until we stopped in front of an upscale restaurant. I turned to Elena, ready to question her. But before I could speak, she swiftly got out of the car and opened the passenger seat door. I was met with her apologetic face.
• "What's going on? Why are we here? I thought he was in the hospital—"
• "Damn it, Ana. I can't keep lying to you. I'm risking my position with Sir Ares by doing this," she said, surprising me even more.
• I got out of the car and confronted her. For a moment, I peered inside the restaurant we were now in front of. There weren't many people there, just a few waiters.
• I turned to Elena, who was engrossed in her phone.
• "Why are we really here? What's going on? Where is Ares?" I asked, growing increasingly annoyed.
• She quickly stashed her phone back in the pocket of her corporate attire, scratching her head as she looked at me.
• "Just go inside. He's waiting for you," she replied, then flashed me a smile, causing my eyes to widen.
• "What am I supposed to do inside? I'm in casual clothes, Elena!" I exclaimed in frustration, while also dialing Ares' number, struggling to understand this woman's actions.
• "So what? It's okay. There aren't many people inside," I heard Elena say, but I didn't pay much attention as Ares answered my call.
• "Ares? Where are you? Elena said something bad happened to you—"
• "Look inside," he cut me off. His voice was serious but gentle.
• Confused, I looked inside the restaurant once more. My eyes searched for Ares, and when I saw him standing near the entrance, it all clicked.
• "What's going on, Ares Constantine? Were you just playing a prank on me?" My eyes narrowed at him, and I saw him scratch his head.
• "I'm sorry. I just didn't know how to tell you, knowing you don't like places like this," he replied softly, leaving me shaken.
• But at the same time, I let out a relieved sigh, knowing nothing bad had happened to him. I couldn't bear the thought of something terrible occurring. Accidents were something I despised.
• I sighed tiredly while still looking at him from outside.
• "Please, don't do this again. You have no idea how worried I was—"
• "I know, I know. I'm sorry, baby. Let's just talk here. I have something important to tell you," he interrupted me again, frustrating me. He clearly didn't enjoy being lectured about his pranks.
• In the end, I could only follow what he said. After we talked, I turned to Elena, who was smiling mischievously beside me. I promptly slapped her arm, causing her to yelp.
• "You should've just told me so I could at least fix myself!" I chided her as I adjusted my appearance.
• Even though I wanted to decline Ares' invitation to come inside due to my appearance, I couldn't. I was only in a pajama suit and had my hair in a messy ponytail. Annoyed, I removed my hair tie and tried to tidy up.
• "I was just following orders. Why are you blaming me?"
• "Even so! Look at how I look!" I scolded her and left her there. I could hear her laughter, which only fueled my irritation.
• When I entered the restaurant, I noticed a CLOSED sign at its entrance, which surprised me. Why was it closed if it was still open?
• "Good evening, Ma'am. This way, please," greeted the waiter who had been waiting there.
• "Good evening," I greeted him, feeling embarrassed, and rearranged my clothes. This was truly embarrassing!
• "Why is it closed if it's still open?" I couldn't help but ask him. He smiled slightly in response.
• "This is Mr. Aragon's property, Ma'am. He ordered us to close it tonight for your dinner."
• I pursed my lips at what I heard. Seriously? Why did he have to do this when we could have eaten anywhere without flaunting his wealth?
• Before I could speak further, Ares came to greet me. As I looked at him, I realized he was also in casual attire—gray shorts and a white t-shirt.
• "Why are you wearing that? And what's going on?" I asked him, completely astonished.
• He gently grabbed my waist and pulled me closer. He kissed me on my forehead and cheek, leaving me even more embarrassed due to how I look.
• "I just woke up, Ares. Why are you wearing that? Where have you been?" I resisted and slightly distanced myself, worried that my breath might not be pleasant. It was really irritating!
• He looked at me intently, and his smile widened even more. I could see the happiness in his eyes as he observed me. I couldn't quite describe his expression—it just felt so wonderful.
• "I knew you'd be embarrassed to walk in here dressed like that, so I didn't bother dressing up either. Besides, you're still beautiful no matter what you wear. Stop doubting yourself when you're with me, hmm?" He said softly and held my hand even tighter.
• I bit my lower lip and just smiled at him because I didn't know what else to say. Every time he complimented me like this, I struggled to respond because I felt like I didn't deserve it.
• But Ares always told me, whenever I doubted myself, that it never changed. He was the reason my self-confidence grew. He had played a significant role in my personal growth.