Darling, Thanks For Stabbing Me

Chapter 17

Aiden left when Erik came to receive her outside. He was hesitant knowing Erik was the one who dared fight him but he couldn’t force himself on them. When they entered the apartment, Iris slummed into the couch sighing loudly.

“You guys really pulled it to next level huh but I would have appreciated with some heads up next time.” She said cheerfully and laughed.

Erik and Linda were astonished to hear her. They were worried seeing her condition but now looks like she even hit her head in the process.

“What are you talking about?” Linda asked passing her hot chocolate.

“Huh seriously? I was suggesting for a kidnap and you guys actually made it happen but from next time do inform me beforehand.” She winked at them.

Erik and Linda stiffened. Surely, that was their plan but not today and they didn’t find anyone today to arrange for it.

“Oh I got it! You wanted to make it look real right? Guess. It actually rocked just like my injury. Next time, ask them to be a little easy on me.” Iris said enjoying her drink.

She could take worse pain if that meant reaching her aim.

“Uh- we did- didn’t do anything.” Erik wanted to tell but Linda stopped him.

Iris looked happy and she didn’t want her to be worried about something, at least not right now.

“Yeah, we didn’t do anything so if you have any complain; bang it on them.” Linda laughed nervously and winked at Erik who seemed to take the hint.

They knew they’ll have to be more alert now.

“Ummm... So, I pulled something out from Aiden’s suit.” She smirked which interested the other two.

“Taan-Taanaan!” Iris pulled out his iPhone and showed them.

“I replaced it with the refurbished one. Let’s just hope he doesn’t notice it till tomorrow.” Iris giggled knowing it was the most hopeless hope.

“I want you to export all the data and hack every detail; the financial, business, account related anything linked with it.” Iris handed it to Erik who eagerly started working on it.

He loved doing these parts. There was a reason he chose software engineering.

“I will add surveillance as well to make it easier for us.” Erik commented excitedly.

“No! Don’t ever do that.” Iris was ready to spill the contents of her mouth.

“He is very particular about it. His phone is scanned every now and then so that’s not a wise choice.” Iris’s heart drummed loudly.

She didn’t want to make any mistake now.

“Woah, never mind. We can pull out something for that.” Erik replied.

Iris lay on the couch exhausted as the others were busy among themselves.

Later at night, Linda received an urgent call from her friends Jim and she left in a hurry. Erik was ready to sleep as he unplugged the phone from his laptop and saw Iris sleeping on the couch. He sighed and walked towards her when the door knocked pulling his attention.

Thinking it might be Linda, which was a little odd though, he opened the door but found Aiden standing at the doorstep with his hands inside the pocket.

Erik raised his eyebrow at him which he ignored and peeked inside. He frowned seeing Sunny sleeping like that.

‘Careless cousin.’

He pushed Erik aside and entered their personal space. Erik hurriedly followed him and spun him around.

“What the f**k do you think you are doing?” He spat and Aiden was ready to punch him.

‘How dare he talk like that to me?’

Iris startled hearing the loud voice and jolted.

“Wha-What’s happening?” She tried to get up and winced in pain falling back on the couch.

Instantly, Aiden and Erik rushed to her. Aiden was quick to reach as he held her ankle and lightly massaged it. Erik aimed daggers at him.

He didn’t like the scene and still stood there just as a precaution.

“Who asked you to stand?” Aiden scolded her seeing the inevitable pain on her face.

“Why are you even here at this time? What time is it anyway?” Iris asked which made Aiden laugh inwardly.

“I just came to check...” Aiden wanted to say ‘on you’ but he realized that would mean stupid.

He tried hard to cover it up but then Iris panicked. She thought maybe Aiden found his phone was changed and that is why he came to check.

She looked to Erik with wide eyed and exchanged looks like ‘Is it done?’

Erik stood confused but then seeing her pointed look towards the laptop; he got her point and nodded quickly. He slowly made his way and pulled out the phone from under the cushion. Slipping it towards her, he waited till she held it and then took his place there only behind her.

“Can you keep doing it whatever you are doing? Maybe with some ice packs, will you?” Iris pleaded and Aiden laughed.

“So you are enjoying my free services now. I thought you were annoyed just a minute ago?” Aiden smirked as Iris rolled her eyes.

“Shut up! It was because of you that this happened.” Iris refuted and when she found him engrossed deeply with the talk, she exchanged the phone.

This time, her hand tugged in his pocket while pulling out the refurbished one. Aiden looked at her and she stiffened.

“So-Sorry... My phone slipped.” She stuttered and Aiden nodded.

He thought it was weird seeing her panic but then who wouldn’t when their phone was about to fall. He let it off easily.

Erik was thanking all the gods above for her wits. He thought they were about to get caught.

“Thank you so much. I think you should get going now.” Erik interrupted.

“Why? I came here to see her and looks like you don’t know how to take care of someone.” Aiden answered in a cold tone.

Erik felt angry. ‘How could he say that? I ain’t responsible to answer him anything.’

Although he hated Aiden but he felt been compared to him. He felt the need to prove himself that he could take care of Iris more than Aiden could even think off.

Aiden been Aiden wasn't ready to leave like that. He scoffed and helped Iris settle in her bed. He even offered his help to get her changed. Iris felt nervous around him and so did Aiden.

She quickly changed in record time with the fear of him turning back and seeing her. When she was done, she felt victorious and now happily lay in her bed getting comfortable.

Aiden waved good bye and left before warning Erik to stay in his limits. Erik wasn't ready to let it pass easily. He was determinant to piss Aiden off just to satisfy his ego.

***

“Call and cancel every meeting today. I have something very important to do.” Derek asked his secretary before leaving for the UB.

He had heard a lot about Sunny, the one who looked similar to Iris and today he wanted to see it himself.

He was feeling agitated but he had tried his best to avoid her for so long.

Last night, he remembered when Evelyn was rambling about Sunny; his thoughts went back to the 20 year old lady he had been to take care.

He waited outside the University gate anxiously for her. A large crowd appeared and went endlessly but he couldn’t see the one he was waiting for. Finally, his eyes stopped dead on the girl who looked fiery and bright. She was truly beautiful and his heart sunk. He felt a sudden pain in his chest as his eyes damped.

He missed his baby sister. He missed his Iris and he couldn’t forgive to break her heart in the most wrench able way. He wasn't sure how to tackle with his emotions and thought to give her the taste of her own medicine but what wasn't right was- She wasn't at fault.

She truly looked like Iris; his Iris. He saw her stumbling as he straightened himself and was about to reach her for help. He waited but then couldn’t restrain himself when he saw her almost getting knocked off by someone.

He rushed and grabbed her by her waist pulling her straight. She startled and then quickly breathed deeply.

Her face turned and saw her savior giving him her sweetest yet awkward smile.

“Thank yo—” her words chocked in her throat.

‘Derek’ She was shocked to see him was understatement.

She was scared to see him here. She never expected that.

It was like old times; she would rush out to see her brother waiting for her after her exams and take her for ice-cream or snacks before making it to home. He would even play with her outside and ask her about her day.

Both were drowned in their memories not knowing how the other was cherishing it as well.

‘Just one stupid move ruined everything.’ Derek thought feeling remorse.

“Do you know me?” Derek asked while creating some distance between them.

“No but I am glad to be saved though.” Iris replied coyly.

Derek was losing his self control.

“I am Derek; Aiden’s best friend but I am pretty sure he hadn’t mentioned about me.” Derek faked a laugh.

Iris noticed it and nodded.

“Nice to meet you, Derek. So, how do I owe this privilege to meet you here?” Iris asked gesturing to the surrounding.

Derek laughed and nodded like in deep thoughts. “I have something important to discuss, would you mind accompanying me?” He asked her.

Iris felt contradicted. Last time being with him didn’t go well so should she be going now?’

“I will select the place and drive by my own.” Iris couldn’t help but let her concerns know.

Derek wanted to laugh at her naivete. She is fool to think she would be safe somewhere if he didn’t want to. Nevertheless, he agreed and followed her car.