Rejected: A love story-Chapter 122: Brothers war

"Fiona!" I turned to see Mike waving at me and I waved back.

I waited till he cross the streets and joined me.

"Hey!" I greeted and he smiled.

"Going somewhere?" He asked as we began walking together.

"Um. Just the supermarket." I replied putting my hands in my pocket.

"What a coincidence, I’m going to get some grocery also"

"Alright, then."

We continued walking, and to be honest Mike’s presence beside me felt awkward.

"How’s college going?" he asked casually.

"Busy," I replied. "But I’m managing."

Mike nodded. "You know, you’re the first girl I’ll come across that manages things efficiently."

I glanced at him briefly. "You’re just saying that." I replied.

"No, I’m not. I admire you."

"How’s the bakery?" I asked instead. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"Same as usual. The morning rush is getting crazier, though," he said with a chuckle.

"People love free samples," I said, smirking.

He laughed. "Yeah, they do. And they love you too. I swear, some of those regulars only show up to hear you say good morning."

I rolled my eyes. "They just like fresh bread. Let’s not get carried away."

Mike shook his head, smiling. "You’re too humble, Fiona."

We reached the supermarket, and I paused. "I’m going to grab a few things. See you later?"

Mike raised an eyebrow. "You’re ditching me?"

"You’re a grown man Mike, you can handle grocery shopping on your own." I replied, smirking.

He chuckled. "Alright, fine. See you back at the bakery."

I nodded and turned into one of the aisles, scanning the shelves. I wasn’t in a rush, so I took my time.

As I reached for a box of tea, someone stepped into the aisle.

"Hey there," a voice said.

I turned to see a guy standing a few feet away. He was tall, with dark hair and had a confident smile on his face.

"Uh, hi," I said, grabbing the tea and turning back to my basket.

"You look like you know your way around here," he said, stepping closer. "Mind helping me out?"

I frowned. "With what?"

"Just looking for a recommendation," he said, holding up a random box of cereal. "This any good?"

"It’s cereal," I said flatly. "It’s not that deep."

He laughed, clearly unfazed. "Fair enough. I’m Ryan, by the way."

"Cool," I said, moving to the next shelf.

Ryan followed. "And you are?"

"Busy," I replied, not looking at him.

He chuckled again. "Alright, Busy. Nice to meet you."

I sighed, glancing at him. "Do you need something, or are you just here to annoy me?"

"Can’t I do both?" he said with a grin.

I stared at him for a moment, unimpressed, I knew guys like him. Always thinking they can flirt with anyone. "Look, I’m sure there’s someone else in this store who’d love to talk to you. Go find them."

Before he could respond, another voice cut in.

"Ryan."

I turned to see Mike standing at the end of the aisle, his expression was cold.

Ryan’s grin widened. "Mike! What are the odds?"

Mike walked over, It was obvious he wasn’t happy to see this guy, whoever he was to him. "What are you doing here?"

"Shopping," Ryan said innocently. "Same as you."

Mike’s rolled his eyes. "Since when do you shop at supermarkets?"

Ryan shrugged. "Since today, I guess."

Mike glanced at me, his expression softening. "You okay?"

"I’m fine," I said simply.

Ryan raised an eyebrow. "You two know each other?"

"I’d advise you to stay away from her Ryan." Mike said shortly.

Ryan’s grin didn’t waver. "Well, well. Small world."

Mike ignored him, turning to me. "You done shopping?"

"Not yet," I said.

"Alright," Mike said, his tone lighter. "I’ll wait for you by the checkout."

Ryan smirked. "Don’t worry, Mike. I’ll keep her company."

Mike shot him a warning look. "Don’t."

Ryan held up his hands, laughing. "Relax, little brother. I’m just being friendly."

Mike didn’t respond, but the tension between them was obvious.

I grabbed another item on my list and headed for the next aisle, leaving the two of them behind. There was clearly some history between them.

Back at the bakery the next day, Mike was quieter than usual. He seemed preoccupied, and I couldn’t help but wonder if it had something to do with that guy Ryan.

"Everything okay?" I asked as I wiped down the counter.

Mike looked up from where he was organizing some items on the shelves. "Yeah. Just... thinking."

I didn’t push him for more. Whatever was bothering him, he’d talk about it when he was ready.

Not long, the door to the bakery opened and I looked up to see Ryan walk in.

"Hey, Fiona," he said with a grin.

I frowned. "What are you doing here?"

"Just checking out my brother’s bakery," he said, looking around. "It’s nice and cozy."

Mike appeared from the back, his expression darkening the moment he saw Ryan.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his tone sharp.

Ryan shrugged. "I was in the area. Thought I’d stop by."

Mike didn’t look convinced, and I stayed quiet, not wanting to get involved.

Ryan leaned against the counter, his gaze flicking to me. "So, Fiona, what’s it like working for my brother? Is he as bossy here as he is at home?"

I ignored his question and focused on cleaning the rest of the tables.

Mike stepped forward, his voice firm. "Ryan, if you’re here to cause problems—"

"Problems?" Ryan interrupted, grinning. "I’m just here to say hi. No harm in that, right?"

Mike didn’t respond, and Ryan smirked.

"Well, I won’t stay long," Ryan said, straightening up. "Just wanted to see the place. It’s nice. You’ve done well for yourself, Mike."

Mike didn’t say anything, and Ryan turned to leave.

As he walked out, he glanced back at me and winked.

Mike let out an exasperated sigh, and I turned to him.

"Your brother really knows how to get under your skin, huh?"

Mike nodded, his expression tense. "You have no idea."