The Traps of Black Swan

Dax and Zain too admired Aaron like Shawn. Their respect for him was above par especially after hearing Shawn. They couldn't even imagine how strong he had to stand and perform surgeries after surgery on the woman he loved.

However, both had regrets too. Dax hadn't believed Aaron completely and Zain had raised Aaron's problems.

Even though Aarvi understands and doesn't hold any of them responsible for her ill fate, they couldn't stop blaming themselves.

On the other hand, Aaron couldn't understand why he kept hearing a hum of a song from the kitchen that was at quite a distance from the living hall. But it made him more miserable.

Aaron had a long list to blame himself. If he had cared more about Shawn in country S instead of drowning himself in the study by ignoring the world, he probably would have met his Cupcake there. If he had shown little interest in social media and checked Shawn's post, he would have got to see her. If he had tried to know Little Heart who Shawn always adored nonstop, he probably would have known her.

The worst part of everything was, he numerous times knew Dax and Little Heart of Shawn were at his apartment door or parking lot whenever Shawn visited him on his birthday or other days.

All he needed to do was peek out or agree to celebrate his birthday with Shawn's friends or ask him to call his friends inside or attend Shawn's birthday party.

She was so near him yet so far. If he hadn't shown his back to the world, would they be living better? He had thought he showed his back to the world for his Cupcake but he forgot his Cupcake is one in that world.

But all of those were ifs of the past and nothing can be changed.

Aaron broke the silence after some time, "Were you guys fooled with the work, or were they successful?"

Zain was more composed than the other two so he responded, "Apparently, nothing was fake. I got to meet the doctor, Shawn registered the first branch, Dax got the project. It wasn't suspicious back then. I got no proof even when I investigated ."

Again silence was enveloping, Aarvi exited the kitchen holding a big tray of four glasses and light snacks. "Aaron..." She called being careful of the tray's weight, taking short little steps.

Her melodious voice stretching a word instantly calmed the four men pulling them out of their endless distress.

The past is over, Ava Kelly is Aarvi Evans, a sly, scheming woman who is too alert of her surroundings. All they need to do is just stand beside her while she rules.

Aaron quickly reacted seeing her carrying the four tall highland glasses and different snack plates in a large tray that looked bigger than her. He reached her and chided. "Why are you carrying heavy? You should have called me or maids?" He quickly carried the plate leaving her relieved from the weight.

Aarvi just giggled and followed him to the living hall to see all having fake smiles and ready to tease her. She guessed what they might have talking but she didn't want to make them awkward.

So she cheerfully asked, "Why don't you guys help me in the kitchen?"

Shawn and Dax raised their hands, folded the palm down at the wrist, facing the backhand to her, and waved as they uttered together, "Shoo... Shoo... Shoo shoo…"

Aarvi: "..."

Zain chuckled seeing her at a loss of words looking at two men who were shooing her away like a dog on the street.

She looked around and grabbed the vase before jumping over the couch and chased after two, "Gormless men, stay right there if you dare."

Zain and Aaron could only smile seeing her purposefully changing their mood, The former reminded her after a few seconds, "Pumpkin, kitchen…"

He had just uttered, "Catch" Aarvi threw the vase at him and ran to the kitchen causing two to chuckle and say, "Evil Dum Dum, don't you dare feed us roasted spoiled food."

Then three bantered, one from the kitchen door and two from the living hall leaving the other two men speechless and the maids entertained in their room.

---

After fifteen minutes of fierce verbal battling, the duo noticed the other two men enjoying mocktails and snacks prepared by their friend. They quickly yet silently in elegance took the tray to their couch placing it between them causing Zain to chuckle.

"Excuse me." Aaron's emotionless voice sounded and he elegantly stood up and walked towards the kitchen.

"Kitchen Romance!?" Shawn guessed in curiosity.

"Sneaking?" Dax probed.

Zain was speechless hearing them planning to sneak peek at the couple.

"Brother Zain, do you want to come?" Shawn asked excitedly as they stood up.

"I like food more than dog food." Zain stood up and circled his finger around indicating he is going on a mansion tour.

"Boring!" The duo exclaimed before going to the kitchen. They weren't going for dog food but to see how they behave with each other.

The opening scene was Aarvi's both hands were paused which were ready to marinate the chicken, Aaron was holding his glass at her lips to help her drink the cocktail leaning on the kitchen counter.

Seeing their gentle and playfulness, they instantly felt themselves full of dog food. However, they saw Aarvi snapping her fingers and calling them out from hiding.

"How dare you guys spy on us?" She demanded after drinking.

Standing visible, "No one likes a fierce lady, behave Dum Dum."

"Little Heart, be a coquettish little lady." He posed for her.

Aarvi smirked an evil one, wickedness craving her expression, bloodthirsty in the eyes as she lifted the butcher knife, "How about I chop you delicately on the chopping board?" Her voice was mysterious and dark.

'Thud' the knife sliced the lamb meat into two before her voice continued, "I will prep the meat and serve it as juicy, tender grilled meat." She let out evil laughter gazing sharply at the two men who gulped their non-existent saliva.

'Why does it feel like she is really going to chop us?'

'Is she really pranking?'

Her expression or voice didn't seem like she was making fun. If she is acting, it's unbelievably hard to guess and she looked like a slaughterer when she traced her slender finger at the sharp edge of the knife.

"Heh?" She smirked.

Shawn and Dax ran away with the tails between legs without forgetting to exclaim, "Devil Dum Dum."

"Evil Bun."

How much ever scary Aarvi might try to look, the man who was standing next to her was still enticed by her expression. Wrapping his arm around her, Aaron lifted her to sit on the countertop as Aarvi left the knife on the chopping board to be careful of hurting him.

"Are you seducing me?" He trapped her between his arms as he closed the distance between them.