My heart stops at Cora's actions, and I can't fathom what I might have done wrong. We barely talked, and her calls and messages numbered less than ten. Even Selena, whom I had just met, reached out more frequently.

Fear gnaws at me, leaving me uncertain about what's happening. I decide to hold off, avoiding the urge to message or call her.

Desperate for some connection, I dial Selena's number, longing to feel that someone cares for me. To my surprise, she answers immediately, not letting the phone ring longer than a second. Tears well up in my eyes. This girl is proving to be a true friend, something I need desperately right now.

"Hey," I manage to force a smile onto my face, even though she can't see it.

"What's going on? Are you okay?" She whispers, her voice laced with concern.

Why is she whispering?

"Why are you whispering?" I mimic her hushed tone, puzzled by the secrecy.

"Because Aiden might be there, and I don't want you to get caught," Selena explains in a hushed tone, her concern evident.

My hand instinctively rests on my pounding heart. I'm overwhelmed with love for her.

"Aiden is not here, so we can stop whispering now," I say with a playful giggle, still mirroring her earlier hushed tone.

"Oh," she finally responds, her voice returning to normal.

"Do you want to talk about it?" She gently inquires.

I hesitate for a moment, contemplating whether to reveal my true feelings. But then I realize that Selena genuinely cares about me, and I need to trust her. It's a unique experience, to have someone who is genuinely concerned for me without any obligation. So, I decide to open up, and I share all the details, not just a summary like I did before, as she listens without interruption.

"Now it all makes sense."

"What do you mean?" I ask, puzzled.

She lets out a deep sigh, "That's why Aiden got upset with me for being rude to you. I remember how excited he was when he saw your resume. He even went out of his way to create the perfect office for you within a few days. Aaliyah, he loves you, and it's crystal clear."

I press my hand to my mouth, attempting to stifle a sob, not wanting Selena to hear me cry.

"You two are a perfect match, even though you're a badass and he's a grumpy old man. You need to make things right with him, bestie. If you don't, you're letting go of the one true love you may never get back."

I chuckle at her unique perspective but nod in agreement. She's absolutely right, and I'm determined to make amends with Aiden. I realize that I need him in my life, and I can't bear the thought of letting him slip away again.

"You're right. Thank you so much for being there for me. I really needed a friend today."

"It's alright. Go and make something for yourself. Get some ice cream, and I mean a lot of it. If there is none in the fridge, Ulber it because your man has the money for it. Spoil yourself while he is not there and prepare yourself to apologise."

After a good thirty minutes of random talk and Selena's stories to cheer me up, we bid each other goodbye, and I end the call.

I quickly prepare some breakfast and make a batch of popcorn. Fortunately, Aiden has a massive bowl of rainbow ice cream with various flavours, and I gladly help myself with it. Today is all about relaxation, and I have no intention of feeling guilty about being a little lazy.

With an array of snacks on the couch next to me, I settle in and turn on the TV. It's time to trim down my Netflix watchlist.

Hours pass swiftly, and the bowl of ice cream and popcorn is now empty beside me. My stomach rumbles, likely from the sugar overload I've just indulged in.

The resonating click of shoes invades the house moments before the door closes. Panic courses through me - Aiden is home. With my heart racing, I jump to my feet, attempting to tidy everything up. Yet, I'm too late. Aiden stands there, his gaze sweeping from one mess to the next.

"Shit, shit, shit. Don't panic, just act cool," I mutter to myself. No, wait, it'd be better to say hello first.

"Hi," I whisper, offering a smile. However, he doesn't respond; he just stares.

His eyebrows furrow, deep in thought.

"Hello," I try again, this time more loudly.

Ah, that's it, I must not have said the initial 'hi' loud enough. So, there I stand, smiling awkwardly.

Instead of a verbal response, he simply nods and walks away.

Refusing to give up like the stubborn person I am, I trail behind him cautiously, moving like a snail with dread. Thankfully, he leaves the door ajar, making it easier for me to follow.

With his back still turned to me, Aiden begins to undress, I should give him some space, but I just can't tear my eyes away from the sight. His body is a work of craftwork, and I find myself entranced by the way his muscles move as each piece of clothing falls away. The desire wells up inside me, making me ache for him.

As he stands there naked, he looks like a piece of art. I clench my thighs together, trying to contain my longing.

Aiden heads toward the bathroom, each step causing his buttocks to gently jiggle. It's a hypnotic sight.

Before I even realize it, my own clothes are coming off, and my legs carry me toward the bathroom. Aiden's back is to me now, and his head rests against the wall.

Silently, I step into the bathroom and wrap my hand around him. Aiden doesn't flinch or react; this man knows my every move. I'm sure he anticipated my joining him, which explains his calm demeanour.

Slowly, he turns to face me, and our eyes lock. God, I've missed him. How did I ever manage to live all those years without him? It's barely been a week, and it feels like a century since I last touched him or been this close.

On my tiptoes, I press my lips to his, and he allows it. After a few moments, he takes control of the kiss, pulling me closer. He sucks and nips at my lips before breaking the kiss and swiftly pushing me against the wall. His grip tightens on my hair, pinning it to the wall.

With a sense of urgency, he trails his lips down my neck, leaving a trail of fiery kisses. My breath hitches, and my hands grip his shoulders, pulling him closer. I can feel his warmth, his presence, and it's like a comforting embrace after days of absence.

As he continues his slow, deliberate exploration of my skin, my heart races. I know where this is going, and it's a familiar, thrilling path. Every caress, every touch, every kiss rekindles the passion between us. Our bodies come alive, and for this brief, stolen moment, everything else fades away.

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