we meet again: 4

Lexi froze for a second, caught off guard by the revelation. Noah has a brother? She thought, her mind racing. She had never heard him mention having a sibling. She had always known him as a lone figure, a bit of an enigma in his own right. So, how could this man standing so confidently before her be related to him?

"Wait, if I may ask," Asher continued, his eyes shifting from Lexi to Mia and back again, "How do you know my brother?" His voice was casual, but there was an edge of curiosity behind his words.

Lexi's mind scrambled, but the question lingered unanswered. She could only stare at Asher, feeling like the pieces of a puzzle just wouldn't fit. He didn't mention having a brother, she thought. How could Noah not tell me about him?

Asher seemed to catch the confusion flickering across Lexi's face. His smile softened into something almost knowing, as if he could read her thoughts. "Don't overthink it," he said with a slight chuckle. "That's just how siblings are. We don't always mention each other, even if we look alike. Trust me, Noah and I are pretty used to it."

Lexi blinked in surprise. "How do you know my name?" she asked, her voice betraying her confusion.

Asher grinned, an easy, carefree expression that didn't quite mask the mischief behind it. "Well," he said, his tone nonchalant, "I checked the register for who ordered what. And I'm good at remembering names." He paused, giving Lexi a quick wink. "But more importantly, your ice cream's melting," he added, glancing at the bowls on the table that had started to soften under the warmth of the room. "Better lick it up before it's too late."

Lexi and Mia exchanged a brief look, then turned their attention back to Asher as he straightened up, ready to return to his work. Asher gave them one last smile before he moved off to help another customer, leaving the girls with their ice cream and a thousand thoughts swirling in Lexi's mind.

Lexi sat back in her chair, still processing the encounter. Noah's brother. Asher. I can't believe I didn't know he had a sibling. Her thoughts were a whirlwind. Had she missed something, or was it simply that Noah kept his personal life close to the chest?

Mia, still observing her closely, leaned forward, her voice low but full of curiosity. "You look like you've seen a ghost, Lexi," she teased gently. "What's going on in that head of yours?"

Lexi blinked, finally taking a spoonful of her ice cream, trying to steady herself. "I don't know, Mia," she murmured, more to herself than to her friend. "Something feels off. How did he know my name? And why didn't Noah ever mention his brother before?"

Mia, ever the optimist, shrugged. "Maybe Noah just likes to keep things to himself. Not everyone's as open as you are, Lexi. And who knows, maybe Asher just has a knack for remembering names. It's not that big of a deal."

But Lexi couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this encounter than met the eye. The connection between Asher and Noah was like an unspoken thread in the air, and Lexi couldn't help but wonder What is Noah hiding?

"You're going to update me on everything about this Noah," Mia demanded, her voice tinged with excitement and curiosity. She had sensed the tension earlier and wasn't about to let it slide.

Lexi sighed, nodding as she began her story. "It all started on my birthday morning. I was running down the stairs, practically floating with excitement. But in my rush, I missed a step and felt myself slipping. I braced for impact, ready to kiss the floor, but instead, a strong hand gripped me around the waist, steadying me."

Mia leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with interest. "And?"

Lexi smiled faintly, her gaze distant as she relived the memory. "I turned around, and there he was the most stunning man I've ever seen. He looked like he'd stepped out of a dream. Tall and lean, with a body that made it clear he worked out. His chiseled face… oh, Mia, you wouldn't believe it. High cheekbones, a jawline sharp enough to cut glass, and those crystal-blue eyes... They were intense, like they could see straight into my soul. His lips had this soft, rosy tint, curving into a smile that could melt hearts. And his hair midnight black, perfectly tousled, like he didn't even have to try to look that good."

Mia's jaw dropped. "You're kidding. He sounds like he belongs in a romance novel or some billionaire fantasy."

Lexi chuckled softly. "That's what I thought, too. But then he pulled me closer just for a second and snapped me out of my trance. I must've been staring because he smirked like he knew exactly what I was thinking. And then he let me go, leaving me blushing like an idiot."

"You? Blushing?" Mia gasped, her eyes widening. "Lexi, you never even look at guys!"

"I know, I know," Lexi admitted, a small smile tugging at her lips. "It's weird, right? I've never been interested in guys, but there's just… something about him. He's different."

Lexi continued, telling Mia how Noah had handed her a luxurious gift bag before disappearing like a ghost. She described what she found inside later that night: a 3D crystal blue rose nightlight, her dream Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, a box of Lindt Lindor Truffles, Levain Bakery Cookies her absolute favorites a stunning pair of long-distance sun bracelets, a Samsung Galaxy S23, and so much more.

Mia froze, staring at Lexi in disbelief. "You're kidding."

"Nope." Lexi reached into her bag, pulling out the phone and headphones to show Mia. "These are just a few of the things I carry around."

Mia nearly choked on her ice cream when Lexi showed her some of the gifts. "Are you serious? Lexi, these are not just gifts; they're investments! Each one of these things is ridiculously expensive!"

"I know," Lexi said, her voice a mix of awe and confusion. "And I didn't even get to thank him. I wish I could've told my mom, but... later."

Mia frowned, her brows knitting together. "You're sure you've never met him before?"

Lexi shook her head. "I don't think so."

Mia licked her ice cream thoughtfully. "Lexi, this sounds like something out of a K-drama. A ridiculously handsome, wealthy guy with impeccable manners just happens to show up, saves you from falling, showers you with gifts, and then vanishes? If I didn't know better, I'd say he's trying to win your heart."

"That's what worries me," Lexi admitted. "It's all too perfect, too… calculated. Guys like that don't just appear out of nowhere. It could be a trap, Mia. I need to figure out who he is and why he's doing this."

Mia smirked. "So, what's the plan? Because I need to meet this dreamboat who's got you all flustered. It's a once-in-a-lifetime event."

Lexi laughed, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I don't know yet. But I'll figure it out. And no, Mia I'm not getting Asher involved."

Mia's smirk faded, her tone turning serious. "Why not? Asher is Noah's brother, right? He might know something."

Lexi shook her head. "I don't want Asher in the middle of this. This is my story, Mia. I'm the detective here, and you're my partner."

Mia leaned back, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Fine I'll join. But don't come crying to me when Mr. Perfect turns out to be a prince, or worse a serial killer."

Lexi shot her a look but couldn't help laughing. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Mia."

"I'm just saying, Lexi," Mia teased. "If he's a prince, I'm calling dibs on his royal best friend."

The two laughed, but as Lexi stared at the gifts in her bag, she couldn't shake the feeling that Noah was more than he seemed. The question was: friend or foe?

---

The two girls finished their ice cream, giggling over the lingering sweetness, and made their way to the cashier's counter to pay. But instead of the cashier, they found Asher standing there, his arms casually crossed over his chest.

Mia raised an eyebrow, a sly smile tugging at her lips. "Well, well. Where's the cashier?"

Asher shrugged, his tone nonchalant but his eyes betraying a hint of mischief. "The boss sent him on an errand. Guess it's just me here now. Don't worry, I'll take care of you two."

Lexi reached into her bag to pull out some cash, but Mia was quicker, holding out her card with a triumphant grin.

"Lexi, no need. I've got this."

Lexi frowned, shaking her head firmly. "No, Mia. Let me pay this time. You always"

"Not happening, Lexi. You can save your dollars for your next shopping spree," Mia cut in, her tone teasing yet determined.

Asher watched the two of them bicker, the tension between their stubborn smiles growing. Realizing this could escalate, he cleared his throat and raised a hand to interject.

"Ladies, hold on," he began, his voice steady but edged with nerves. "I get it you're both trying to be generous. Why don't we make it fair?"

The girls stopped mid-argument, turning their attention to Asher with identical smirks. He suddenly felt like prey under the gaze of two predators. Their playful yet piercing stares made him swallow nervously.

"What do you suggest, Asher?" Mia asked, her voice dripping with amusement as she leaned on the counter.