Transmigrated: Stealing the CEO husband-Chapter 29: A glimpse into the past

Ariana clicked on Elias's likes and dislikes, only to be transported to a strange site.

She looked down at her hands—transparent. She wasn't truly here. She was an observer, witnessing an event of the past.

Elias walked home from high school. While other students traveled in noisy groups, he was alone. His steps were slow, almost reluctant, as if the path home felt heavier than it should.

A small Chinese noodle shop came into view, and he stopped. Inside, a family sat together, their laughter echoing softly through the glass. A steaming bowl of noodles was placed in front of a young boy by his mother, who ruffled his hair affectionately. The boy grinned, leaning into his father's side, completely at ease in the warmth of his family.

Elias's fingers curled into his palms. He stood there for a moment, staring, before releasing a quiet sigh and continuing on his way.

The scene vanished.

Ariana jolted upright in her chair, back in her room. Her heart pounded as she placed a hand on her chest. She could still feel it—Elias's silent yearning, the weight of his loneliness pressing into her.

Her eyes flicked to the notepad where she had scribbled down the name of the restaurant.

"That's it," she murmured. "That's where we're going today."

"You still haven't ordered takeout?" Elias asked casually as he entered the living room, tossing his bag onto the couch.

Ariana grinned. "Nope. We're going out to eat."

Elias raised a brow, unimpressed. "You? Going out to eat? That's new."

"Come on, get in the car." She grabbed her keys and practically dragged him outside.

The ride was quiet, except for the occasional side-eye Elias threw at her. Something was off. The route they were taking... it wasn't anywhere near her usual spots.

When they finally pulled up outside the restaurant, Ariana gleefully stepped out. She reserved them a table inside, completely ignoring Elias's growing suspicion.

His arms crossed as he followed her inside. "Have you been spying on me?"

Ariana blinked. "What?"

"This place is nowhere near where you work, and it's not exactly famous. Why are we here?"

She waved him off. "I saw a poster for it and wanted to try it for a while now."

Elias didn't look convinced, but he sat down anyway.

When the menu arrived, Ariana ordered without hesitation.

Elias frowned. "Wait... how did you know I was going to order that?"

Ariana smirked. "I know a lot more about you than you think."

Elias scoffed. "Oh, really? The younger brother you've treated like a ghost for the last five years? Suddenly, you know everything about me?"

Ariana's playful demeanor faltered. She took a deep breath, her fingers tightening around her glass.

"I know mistakes were made," she admitted softly. "But I've realized something, Elias. In this vast world, we only have each other."

Elias studied her carefully, his expression unreadable.

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"So... what? You just decided, out of nowhere, that I matter now?"

"Yes," Ariana said simply. "I want to rebuild our bond." Her voice wavered slightly, her eyes glistening for an extra effect. "No matter what it takes, I'll keep trying."

Elias narrowed his eyes. "I don't believe you."

"Trust takes time." She met his gaze, unwavering. "I'm here, you're here, and I'll keep putting in the effort."

Elias remained silent, but there was something in his eyes—a tiny crack in his carefully guarded walls.

"Can I ask you for something?" Ariana asked gently.

He hesitated. "What?"

"Can you keep an open heart when it comes to us?"

Elias was speechless. A war waged inside him.

'No. She must have ulterior motives. This is too good to be true.'

And yet, when he looked at her, really looked at her, something in him wavered. His elder sister, the only family he had left, was sitting right in front of him, reaching out.

"...Fine," he said at last. "Let's see if you're still here two weeks from now."

Ariana smiled, relief washing over her. "Take your time."

At that moment, the waiter arrived with their food.

Ariana had ordered a steaming bowl of special beef noodles for herself and sweet and sour pork for Elias—his favorite.

As they ate, they talked. It was awkward at first, but slowly, the tension eased. Ariana learned about Elias's struggles at school, the subjects he liked, the ones he hated. Elias, in turn, listened as Ariana recounted her work stories—how she outmaneuvered rivals and handled impossible clients.

For the first time in years, they felt like siblings again.

After dinner, they walked to a nearby dessert shop—Sugar Panda.

Ariana ordered a brownie shake, while Elias opted for a classic brownie. They sat outside, enjoying the cool breeze and the quiet chatter of people passing by.

It felt... nice.

Elias was just about to take a bite when—

"Elias! Is this your girlfriend?"

A voice rang out from behind them.

Ariana choked on her drink. Elias's fork froze midair.

Slowly, he turned, dreading what he would see.

A smirking figure leaned against a nearby post, arms crossed, clearly enjoying the situation.

Ariana glanced between the two. Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she took a slow sip of her shake.

This just got interesting.