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.