He Asked Out My Sister Instead

Aria POV

Im Aria, notorious in our circle as Hunters biggest simp.

I practically gifted him opportunities, literally put my life on the line for him on that treacherous mountain. For three whole years, I laid my heart bare, and Hunter was finally starting to thaw.

Everyone thought we were destined to be together.

But then, he turned around and went official with my distant relative, Chloe.

The whole social scene watched me, whispering about how heartbroken I must be.

But just as they were clucking their tongues, an anonymous video suddenly went viral online.

The clip showed a dimly lit private room, the camera wobbling slightly with movement.

The hand of the person filming, tattooed with thorny vines, flashed at the edge of the frame. And there I was, sprawled on the couch, completely wasted.

Drunk-me, face flushed, bent down to light a cigarette. The smoke rings blurred the lens.

Then, I suddenly looked up, staring directly at the camera, a mocking smirk curving my wine-soaked lips.

"Hunter, huh"

I flicked the ash.

"His temper sucked, and his skills? Seriously underwhelming. Honestly, nothing to write home about."

Aria POV

I picked up my phone, my head throbbing from the hangover.

Id only just woken up to the video drama.

I hooked my fingers around the cigarette pack on the floor, pulled one out, put it in my mouth, and lit it, exhaling a slow puff of smoke.

The rush of nicotine made me sigh contentedly as I leaned back on the bed.

The screen next to my pillow suddenly lit up. A new message hung in the notification bar, just one concise sentence:

"Woke up? Get to Skylight Room A2."

I raised an eyebrow.

Hunter actually reaching out to me again?

Id already prepared myself for us to never speak again.

I genuinely liked Hunter, Ive never denied that.

When people called me his simp, it wasnt an unfair accusation.

After all, three years ago, on that rainy night, I was cornered in an alley, taking a few stabs.

If Hunter hadn't happened to pass by and pull me out, I probably wouldnt be alive right now.

Even though back then, he didn't even spare me a second glance. He just dealt with those thugs and left.

But that was the day I fell for him, hard.

I chased him relentlessly for three years, even saving his life during an avalanche. Only then did Hunter's attitude finally start to soften.

Just when I thought we were getting somewhere, he suddenly went public with Chloe.

Chloe, a distant relative from a troubled background, was practically dumped on my doorstep.

I wasnt bad to her, but I never expected her to scheme against me.

I decided to just call Hunter directly.

My phone rang a few times, then the call was disconnected.

Staring at the 'call ended' screen, I paused for a moment, then redialed.

This time, the call connected, but there was only silence on the other end, just the faint sound of breathing.

"Hunter," I started.

"Got a moment? Can we talk outside"

My words were cut short by a blurry burst of laughter through the receiver.

Then, Chloe's voice chimed in, dripping with undisguised triumph:

"Aria, Hunter's busy with me right now. He can't come out."

I didnt get angry. I just smiled.

"Really?"

"Well, tell him to call me back once he's done."

Without waiting for another response, I decisively ended the call.

My phone landed with a dull thud on the couch as I tossed it aside.

I stood still for a moment, then bent down and took a car key from the coffee table drawer.

Maybe, just maybe, there was some misunderstanding?

Hunter was always so stubborn; Id just have to be more proactive.

I pushed the motorcycle to its limits, the wind roaring past my ears, trying to stop myself from overthinking.

Soon I arrived at The Skylight Club. The first floor was a booming party scene, the music deafening.

I tossed the keys to a valet and headed upstairs.

Just as I was about to enter the room, someone stopped me.

Aria POV

Skylight Room A2 was my VIP suite, a gift from my family. It had the best view, overlooking the entire downtown.

I saw Hunter eyeing it, and like an idiot, I just gave it to him.

Now, I, the original owner, couldn't even get in.

The bodyguard in front of me was a head taller, looking down at me.

"Mr. Hunter said, Miss Aria, youre not allowed in without Miss Chloes permission."

I looked at him.

"I need Chloe's permission to enter?"

I scoffed, pushing past the bodyguard and kicking the door open.

The bustling crowd inside instantly fell silent.

Chloe sat in the center of the room, queen bee, accepting drinks handed to her.

I grabbed her collar, yanking her from the main spot to outside the door.

I stared at the panic-stricken Chloe.

"Since when did I need your permission to enter this room?"

Seeing her face turn white with fear, I finally let go, turning to walk back into the room. I sat directly in the center, surveying the varied expressions of the people around.

"Where's Hunter?"

No one answered.

Just as the atmosphere grew tense, someone clapped their hands in the corner.

The person was sitting in the darkest spot, almost hidden by the sprawling plants.

Hunter stood up.

He was dressed all in black today, a tight black sweater clinging to his torso, concealing the tattoos on his neck, only a sliver visible behind his ear.

His skin was strikingly pale, and a subtle, devil-may-care smirk played on his lips.

"Well, well, Miss Aria. What a display of authority."

Aria POV

The smirk on his lips told me he was angry.

But remembering my drunken words from the video, I felt a wave of embarrassment.

"Hunter, about that video, I can explain. I was wasted that night, and what I said later"

I stood up, taking a few steps closer to him.

"Apologize to Chloe."

My words were cut off. I froze, staring blankly at Hunter.

The slight tenderness he once had for me was gone, replaced by utter coldness and mockery.

Something was off.

Thinking back, from a certain point, he had suddenly grown distant, instead focusing on the ever-demure Chloe.

I forced down the surge of anger and hurt, softening my voice:

"Hunter, can we talk outside, please?"

He acted as if he hadn't heard me, looking at Chloe, whose eyes were red-rimmed.

His voice grew colder:

"Last time I'm saying this: apologize to Chloe."

My nails dug deep into my palms.

The room was so quiet I could hear the faint music from afar. All eyes were fixed on me, scrutinizing me with various unspoken judgments.

I looked at Hunter's expressionless face:

"Why should I?"

"Why should you?"

Hunter seemed amused, a flicker of scorn in his eyes.

"Because Chloe is mine . Who gave you permission to lay a hand on her?"

He suddenly grabbed my wrist and pulled.

"If you don't want to apologize with your mouth, then get on your knees."

I stumbled, dragged two steps forward.

Before I could react, he pushed down on my knees, forcing them to bend.

I trembled, shaking off his hand, and reluctantly lowered my head to Chloe:

"I'm sorry."

I'd apologize now; I'd explain to Hunter later

But my apology hung in the air, with no response from Chloe.

A few muffled snickers echoed around:

"Some hotshot Aria, she's nothing special."

"Just Hunter's pet, ready to kneel on command."

Hunter let go of me, leaving me frozen in place.

He turned and walked towards Chloe, who was still kneeling by the door, then, to everyones surprise, swept her into his arms.

He said gently:

"Satisfied?"

Chloe nestled in his embrace, peering at me timidly.

A flicker of triumph, fleeting yet unmistakable, crossed her eyes, then she buried her face in Hunter's neck, shaking her head slightly.

Hunter looked up at me, pointing to the unopened amber liquor on the coffee table.

"Drink that yourself,"

His voice was completely flat.

"Until Chloe is satisfied."