CHAPTER 6- KIYA

A week has gone by since Asher announced the reward for any information concerning Aria's disappearance. A lot of attempts have been made by a lot of people, but it all just turns out to be futile. Apparently, there were many women who had a striking resemblance to Aria.

Asher went over to his mother's place for their monthly dinner as a family, which basically just included him, his sister Camilla, and his mother, Claudia.

"You shouldn't waste your money on this, Asher dear." Claudia said to her son, referring to the reward. She is what you call a queen mother; she always needs to feel in charge of everything that concerns the lives of her children, and she can be very critical of their decisions. Asher and Camilla have gotten used to how she can be, but it doesn't make it less annoying.

This monthly tradition of them having dinner as a family had been a staple since their father's passing. Their mother, Claudia, had made it a point to stay connected to Asher and Camilla's life. She would do anything, even stoop as low as blackmailing them in whatever way she could to make sure they show up for the dinner, and now they don't even bother to try not to attend.

"Mum, it's not a waste of money if it helps clear my name," Asher countered. "And so far, it's been working."

Claudia nodded resignedly. "Okay, dear, if you say so. I just think it's a waste of money and that Aria girl is probably just somewhere living her life with all the money she has made from dating you," she added. Asher just gave her a look and pretended he didn't hear the last part. He knew she didn't like Aria, as she has never liked any of his girlfriends.

She then turned to Camilla, a hint of disapproval and disgust in her voice. "So, Camilla, how's that so-called boyfriend of yours?"

Camilla's response was laced with defensiveness. "Derek's fine, Mum. You've never even met him, yet you've already formed an opinion."

Claudia's expression remained sceptical. "I don't need to meet him to know he's not right for you. He owns a small diner, Camilla. What kind of future can he offer you?"

Camilla's tone turned sharp. "You never think anyone is good enough for me, do you?"

The tension in the room escalated, but Asher intervened, attempting to mediate. "Hey, let's not fight. Mum, at least give Derek a chance. Invite him to our next dinner."

He then added, "A real chance, Mum. Get to know him before judging."

Claudia grumbled, "Fine." Extend my invitation to him to our next dinner, she said to Camilla.

Camilla looked at Asher and whispered a thank you to him with a smile.

Their mother has always been very difficult to please, if not impossible, when it comes to their love lives. She harbours the conviction that no one is worthy of her children, and if she had her way, she'd handpick their partners herself. Whenever Asher introduced her to someone he's dating, she's either overtly dismissive or subtly condescending, making her disapproval impossible to miss, unless you're oblivious.

Claudia's gaze turned back to Asher, enquiring. "So, are you seeing anyone new?"

He shook his head. "No, Mum. And to be honest, I don't think I will be anytime soon—not until Aria is found or this whole issue dies down."

Camilla placed a comforting hand on Asher's, her eyes filled with concern as she turned to her brother. "How are you holding up, Asher? I know you cared deeply for Aria". Camilla knew just how much Asher really loved Aria. She was the one person he spoke to when they started having issues so she knows that the relationship was already going through a tough season but she knew despite it, Asher loved Aria.

He offered a reassuring smile. "I'm actually doing okay, Camilla."

As dinner drew to a close, they all bade their farewells, and Asher headed out. As he strolled through the now quiet streets, he saw that his favourite coffee shop still had the lights turned on, so he looked to see if they still had some time before they closed. With barely 10 minutes left for them to close, he decided to go in and just grab a cup of coffee for the night. He felt like he hadn't been in the coffee shop for a bit, at least a week.

Asher has always loved the coffee shop, and it's not just because of their amazing coffee; the smell of the shop reminded him a lot of his childhood. Every Saturday his dad made it a ritual to wake him and Camilla up with the smell of freshly baked cookies and hot chocolate. It's a core memory that stuck, and the coffee shop smelt exactly like that. It made him feel close to his dad again.

That was why he would rather get a coffee and sit inside the shop to have it than take the coffee to go. Over time, it soon became his little sanctuary. He'd often come there to read and even sometimes work. The owner, who is a kindhearted man, is always so welcoming, so that added much more warmth to the already almost perfect environment.

As he entered the coffee shop, the brunette behind the counter called out without turning around, "Sorry, we're about to close."

Asher ignored her comment and proceeded to ask if she wouldn't mind delaying closing for an extra 10 minutes, stating that all he wanted was just a cup of coffee, and after that he'll be off.

Then, as he was about to request his very specific order, the brunette turned, and he stopped midway as he was stunned at the sight in front of him.

She was the most beautiful girl he's ever seen, with shoulder-length wavy brunette hair that frames her heart-shaped face. Her eyes were a deep, rich brown, her small lips were curved into a gentle smile, and her flawless skin glowed in the dimly lit shop. His eyes slowly trailed off to her pocket, where her name tag held the name "Kiya."