Two weeks later, the toll of my new role as Aiden's assistant has only deepened. Each day is a relentless juggling act. The long hours, endless demands, and Aiden's fussy preferences have become a constant presence in my life.

As today finally draws to a close, exhaustion settles in every fibre of my being. I've been pushed to my limits, tirelessly managing endless paperwork, and emails, and attending to every demand Aiden made throughout the day. The weight of this job is taking its toll on me, both physically and mentally.

With a sigh of relief, I power down my computer, leaving my desk littered with sticky notes and half-empty cups of cold coffee. My eyes feel heavy, and I can't shake the persistent ache that's formed at the base of my neck from hours of hunching over my desk.

The once-vibrant office has now grown dim as the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows that seem to stretch infinitely across the room. Co-workers have already left for the day, leaving a deep silence in their wake.

Dragging myself to the elevator, I lean heavily against the cool steel, trying to muster the energy for the commute home. The elevator ride seems to take an eternity, and my mind drifts as I consider my fucked up life.

My thoughts shift between the demanding nature of Aiden's requests and the deep well of determination within me. I understand that proving myself as Aiden's assistant is essential, and I'm committed to the task. But at the same time, the relentless pace of the days is becoming too much. He continues to pick on every little thing I do, making the job more insufferable by the second.

As the elevator doors finally open, I step out into the crisp evening air. The bustling city is far from quiet, but there's a sense of solitude in the midst of the quietness. I approach my car, fumbling for my keys as I unlock the vehicle. The realization that I will be seeing Aiden at home intensifies my fatigue, and I briefly rest my forehead against the steering wheel.

During the drive, my thoughts continue to swirl around everything that is going on in my life at the moment.

Finally, I arrive home and step out of my car, my weary body yearning for the comfort of a bed. As I make my way to the front door, I let out a sigh of relief, glad to be free from the demands of another exhausting day.

Aiden had left work early today, mentioning that he had some matters to attend to. I glance around the quiet house and realize that he still hasn't returned. An unexpected sense of warmth envelops me as I realize that, for now, I can breathe without his imposing presence.

After a quick, refreshing shower that washes away the stress of the day, I head to the kitchen. There, I find some leftover steak from the meal Aiden cooked yesterday. It's a rare moment of convenience, one where I don't have to worry about preparing a meal. I reheat the steak and savour every bite, appreciating the flavours that Aiden is so skilled at creating.

With my hunger satisfied, I retreat to the living room and switch on the TV. Tonight, my escape is found in the comforting glow of Netflix. I settle into the couch, my mind seeking refuge in the stories unfolding on the screen.

The hours pass by in blissful tranquillity. It's a rarity to have such an evening to myself, free from the constant demands, fights and glares from Aiden. The episodes of the show blur into one another, and I let myself be carried away by the fictional world on the screen.

Time slips away, and I lose track of the hours until, unexpectedly, the front door creaks open. The sound of Aiden's arrival jolts me from my trance. I glance toward the entrance, and there he stands, his presence imposing and commanding as always.

He's returned from whatever errand took him away earlier, and the weight of his return fills the room. My curiosity gets the better of me, and I can't help but ask, "Aiden, where have you been?"

He walks past me, seemingly oblivious to my inquiry, and heads into the house. His demeanour is distant, his thoughts a mystery to me. The silence in response to my question is perplexing.

Undeterred, I try again, "Aiden, can you at least tell me where you've been?"

This time, he stops in his tracks and turns to face me. His gaze locks onto mine, and his expression is inscrutable. For a moment, the world seems to hold its breath.

Then, he utters only a single sentence, his voice tinged with an air of authority, "None of your business."

His response leaves me disheartened and frustrated. The tumultuous nature of our relationship continues to baffle me. But despite his dismissive words, a persistent part of me refuses to back down. I deserve to know where he's been, and I'm determined to get an answer.

My patience begins to wear thin, and a feeling of defiance rises within me. Aiden's reluctance to share even the most basic details about his whereabouts is infuriating. I've put up with his erratic behavior for far too long, and I'm not willing to accept silence as an answer.

"Aiden, we can't continue like this," I assert firmly, standing my ground. "You can't just walk into this house and expect me to be in the dark about your life."

Aiden's eyes narrow as he meets my gaze, the tension between us escalating. "Aaliyah," he says, his voice laced with an unmistakable hint of warning, "don't push me."

I've heard that phrase from him before, a warning that hints at the depths of his temper. In the past, it was enough to make me back down, but this time, something within me refuses to yield.

"No, Aiden," I respond, my voice steady, though my heart races. "I deserve to know where you've been. We can't just coexist in this house without any communication."

Aiden's gaze softens, and for a fleeting moment, I believe he might open up. But my hopes are dashed when he turns away, heading further into the house without another word. His actions are an unmistakable dismissal of my concerns.

As I stand there, a surge of frustration, confusion, and powerlessness courses through me. It's as if Aiden has built an impenetrable fortress around himself, and no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to break through its walls.

In a moment of impulsive decision, I let my emotions guide me, and I make my way to Aiden's room. The sound of running water suggests he's in the shower, which gives me an idea. Without overthinking it, I quickly shed my clothes and step into the bathroom.

The steam envelopes me as I pull back the shower door. Aiden stands there, his eyes widening in surprise as I join him. The water cascades over us.

I reach for him, my hands tracing the contours of his wet skin. The tension between us is palpable, but so is the magnetic pull that has always drawn us together. Our lips meet in a fierce, hungry kiss, and the world outside the bathroom fades away. Aiden's arms encircle me, pulling me closer as if he's finally letting me in.

For a brief, stolen moment, the outside world ceases to exist. Our desires and frustrations meld in the steamy embrace of the shower, and the complex dance of our relationship takes a passionate turn.