Marked By Darkness

Chapter 98- Side by Side

A few days later, Jenesis approached Ruhi with an excited smile. "Hey, Ruhi! I'm having a birthday party in a few days. You have to come! And bring Hina too, okay?" Jenesis said, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

Ruhi smiled, nodding in agreement. "Of course, we'll be there."

Later that evening, Ruhi and Jenesis walked home together, chatting and laughing. Anshi had been absent from school that day, and Hina had gone home with her friends. As Ruhi and Jenesis were talking, enjoying the evening, a voice called out from behind them.

"Hey, sis!" Aiden's voice was loud and clear.

Jenesis rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Sorry, brother, but I can't." She teased, as Aiden approached her.

Aiden grinned, pretending to argue. "Come on, just tell mom I'm going to be late," he said, but his attention quickly shifted to Ruhi. He turned to her with a softer expression, his voice gentle. "Don't you want that doll my little sister? I can give it to you on your birthday."

Ruhi froze for a second, surprised. She smiled politely, looking away a bit awkwardly, not quite sure how to respond. Jenesis raised an eyebrow, glancing between her brother and Ruhi.

"Really? You're offering dolls now?" Jenesis teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Ruhi smiled again, a little uncomfortable with the attention, but didn't respond. Aiden, seemingly not noticing her discomfort, continued. "I'm just trying to be nice," he said with a slight shrug.

Then, Aiden turned to Jenesis. "So, your friends are invited, right?" he asked, his tone light.

Jenesis smirked, teasing him back. "Why are you so tense? Don't worry, she's invited," she said, a grin on her face.

Aiden sighed, trying to act casual. "Good," he said, looking down for a moment before flashing a quick smile.

Suddenly, a familiar voice interrupted them from behind. "Hey, Aiden!" Hina's voice rang out, cheerful and excited. "Hi, I'm Hina. Remember me?"

Aiden smiled warmly and turned to her. "Yes, I remember you," he said gently. "How are you?"

Hina grinned. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thank you for that day again."

Aiden nodded, his expression softening. "I'm glad to hear that. You don't have to thank me. It's good to see you doing well."

Then, he turned back to Jenesis. "So, sister, please tell mom I'm going to be late. I'll be with Elijah," he said with a grin, making sure Jenesis heard.

Jenesis's cheeks flushed a soft pink when she heard Elijah's name, and she tried to act unaffected, but her gaze involuntarily flickered towards the direction where Elijah had been.

"Sure, sure," she replied quickly, still feeling the warmth on her cheeks. Aiden nodded and, with Elijah beside him, walked off in the distance.

"So, are you excited about the party?" Jenesis asked, breaking Ruhi's thoughts as they continued walking home.

Ruhi nodded, but part of her couldn't stop thinking about the unexpected encounter with Aiden and the strange connection between him and her sister.

That evening, as Ruhi and Hina arrived at the bungalow, the atmosphere was filled with excitement. Jenesis looked absolutely stunning, like a fairy, as she greeted her guests. The party was some of VIP members, and the air was thick with the hum of lively conversations. Aiden was surrounded by his friends, deep in a discussion when Hina, full of excitement, rushed over to him.

Ruhi, on the other hand, walked toward Jenesis, carrying a birthday gift for her. She handed it over with a warm smile and wished her a happy birthday. Jenesis, touched by the gesture, pulled Ruhi into a hug. It's her 15th birthday.