Loving The Better Brother novel Chapter 158

Chapter 158 Haven

ARDEN

“Oh crap,” I muttered under my breath when I noticed a notification from Silver Quill. It appeared that we had an activity scheduled for tomorrow and I needed to buy a book from the local bookstore.

Owen halted in his tracks and turned to me, one eyebrow arched inquisitively.

“Do you know where this place is?” I asked, holding up my phone to show him the name of the bookstore.

“Haven? It’s that one,” he replied, pointing towards a shop not far from us. It was only a few blocks away, which caused me to sigh in relief. “Why do you ask?”

“I need to buy something from there,” I explained. “You should go ahead first.”

I stepped back and noticed the hesitation in Owen’s eyes. Confused by his expression, I tilted my head slightly.

He glanced up at the skies for a moment before letting out a small sigh. “It looks like it’s going to rain soon.”

“What do you mean?” I chuckled, following his gaze to the heavens. “The skies are dark, but they’re perfectly clear, and the stars are shining bright.”

He pursed his lips. “I just… have a knack for these kinds of things,” he said defensively.

A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth, and I nudged his shoulder playfully. “Why? Are you worried about your new friend?”

“Don’t worry. I won’t take long,” I teased, leaning into the banter. “If you’d like, I can text you once I’m home.”

He let out a deep breath and shook his head. “It’s not like that,” he grumbled, a hint of exasperation in his voice, which made me chuckle even louder. I had never had a younger sibling, but I imagined that this might be a slice of what it would feel like to have one to provoke and tease.

“Whatever,” he muttered, a hint of annoyance creeping into his tone. “I warned you. ahead.”

going right

With that, he turned around and started walking toward Elite. “See you tomorrow, Owen!” I called out, but he didn’t look back, which caused another giggle to escape my lips.

I walked over to Haven and quickly entered, a chime ringing above my head. As I stepped inside, I couldn’t help but gape at the enchanting scene before me. From the outside, it seemed like such a modest store, but within, it felt utterly magical.

The shop had only one floor, but the shelves reached all the way to the ceilings. An antique ladder wound its way around the place, and artful vines twisted around it, appearing as if they were free of dust despite the store’s age.

Along with that, the air was infused with the scent of both fresh and old pages, a combination that evoked

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Chapter 158 laven

a sense of nostalgia. I closed my eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply and relishing the fragrant atmosphere.

nished

When I opened my eyes. I nearly jumped back in surprise upon spotting a stunning woman with olive- toned skin and wild, curly hair pulled into a half-up, half-down style.

She seemed just as astonished to see me.

“Oh, hey there,” she chuckled awkwardly, her checks tinting slightly. “Umm, right. I must have forgotten to flip the sign at the front. We’re already closed,” she said, scratching the back of her neck sheepishly.

I bowed my head slightly in apology. “My apologies,” I replied. “I didn’t realize. I just needed to buy a book for Silver Quill, but I can come back tomorrow.”

Her expression softened when she saw how genuinely apologetic was. A small smile crept onto her lips. “For Silver Quill? I guess it’s alright then. The book for your club is already behind the counter. It’s just a quick transaction.”

“Are you sure?” I asked, unsure if I should press my

luck.

She nodded, still smiling. Her light and carefree personality brightened the already lively atmosphere of the bookstore, and I found myself willingly following after her.

“No worries!” she chimed cheerfully. “Here you go. That will be $4.99.”

I handed her a five-dollar bill, and she quickly returned my change before presenting me with the packaged book.

I smiled widely as I received it from her. “Thank you…”

“Elara,” she answered with a glimmer of enthusiasm.

“That’s a pretty name,” I muttered, finding myself captivated by her charm.

“Not as pretty as you,” she winked lightheartedly. I felt a warm flush creep across my cheeks at the compliment coming from someone so vibrant.

“I’m Arden, by the way,” I introduced myself, extending my hand.

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