Aiden smiled, a slow, predatory curve of his lips that hinted at the power he held. "Then I will make sure to satisfy my wife," he murmured, his eyes glinting with something dangerous.
He captured her lips in a kiss. The kiss started slow, a tender exploration that quickly deepened, his tongue tracing the seam of her lips before demanding entrance. His hands, strong and sure, moved to her neck, fingers gently stroking the sensitive skin beneath her ear, sending shivers down her spine. The pressure of his lips intensified, his breath hot against her skin as he trailed kisses down her jawline, each touch arousing a mixture of pleasure and apprehension.
His kiss, a storm of passion and possession, was abruptly halted by Aliya who pushed him away,her breath ragged, her eyes wide with a mixture of desire and terror, pulled back, a tremor running through her body. The intensity of the moment had been too much, the echoes of her past too loud to ignore. She couldn't still get over the night she spent with an unknown man.
"You scared?" Aiden chuckled, a cold, harsh sound.
"I... I... I just wanted to talk to you," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.
Aiden stood, his movements sharp and precise. He lit a cigarette, the flame illuminating the harsh lines of his face as he inhaled deeply, smoke curling around him like a shroud. "About what?"
I won't take her to see the city tomorrow, Aliya blurted out, the words tumbling over each other. I'm not a tour guide. My company is facing a financial crisis. I'm incredibly busy."
"You didn't read the agreement?" Aiden's voice was dangerously low.
I did, Aliya said, her voice trembling. "But I can't do it. I have a crucial meeting with potential investors. I can't cancel that."
Aiden's eyes narrowed. If you don't take her around tomorrow, I guarantee those investors won't show up. The threat hung heavy in the air, unspoken but understood.
Aliya understood what he meant, he was threatening her. Always threatening her.
"You should really learn to obey, Aliya," he said, his voice laced with contempt. "Go back."
Aliya fled his room, her heart pounding against her ribs.
Matilda, watching from the hallway, saw Aliya emerge from Aiden's forbidden room. Was something really going on between them?
Later, Aliya spoke to Linda, her assistant.
"Are you sure about this, Maam? Your father handling the investors? We worked so hard to secure them."
"Yes, Linda", her voice hesitant. He's the president, he can handle a few investors.
But... this is a crucial moment for the company.
"I know," Aliya sighed, a weariness settling over her. I have other matters to attend to. I'll check in later if I have time.
"Okay, Ma'am. I'll do my best to assist the president."
The next morning, Aliya joined Aiden and Matilda for breakfast. The forced civility was a thin veneer over the simmering tension. After breakfast, Aiden prepared to leave. Aliya watched him speak to Matilda, a gentle glint in his eyes.
"I'll have Gary and Tessy follow you," Aiden said to Matilda. "This is Capital City, not home. Be careful."
It's okay, Matilda said, flashing a smile at Aliya. With Aliya around, nothing's going to happen. The words were laced with a subtle undercurrent of something else.
Aiden finally left and they had to got ready for the day.
Aliya was ready to leave but was told that Matilda was not yet ready and she had to wait.
I don't really have all the time in the world to wait, can't she hurry up.
Miss Finch, the young Miss will be here soon so just be patient, Tessy replied arrogantly.
Aliya had to wait for two hours before Matilda was finally done.
I'm so sorry Aliya, I just got here so I'm still a bit under the weather. Hope you're not angry?
It's okay, let's go, Aliya walked out.
Matilda smiled smugly following her out.
Their tour went smoothly until they arrived at City Square Mall.
City square Mall, the largest and most upscale mall in the Capital City, it was about thirty floors with a dazzling array of international and local brands. From high-end luxury to unique artisan finds. It was rumored to have been on the verge of bankruptcy but was acquired by an anonymous company who revamped and renovated the whole system making it still stand at the top in Capital City.
Aliya and Matilda walked into the mall together with Tessy while Gary waited outside.
While Matilda shopped, Aliya sat on a couch, her mind far away. She spotted Ryan, a pang of guilt hitting her. She needed to apologize.
"Ryan," she called out.
Ryan turned, his expression hardening at the sight of her. He started to walk away, but Aliya caught his hand.
Ryan, we need to talk, she pleaded. "I'm so sorry."
"What's there to talk about?" Ryan said, his voice cold. "You're married, Aliya. The alliance is off. What do you want?"
Matilda and Tessy, descending the escalator, witnessed the scene.
This Miss Finch, Tessy hissed, her voice low. "Shameless. Married to the boss, yet she can't keep her distance from other men."
Matilda smiled, a chillingly calculated expression. I think I have an idea, she thought.
"Push me, Tessy," she whispered, feigning a stumble.
Huh! Tessy, confused, pushed Matilda slightly.
Matilda dramatically fell, her cry echoing through the mall. The fall was staged, but the resulting chaos was real. Bystanders rushed to her aid.
Aliya, still talking to Ryan, was oblivious.
Aiden arrived moments later, his face a mask of fury. He found Matilda surrounded by concerned shoppers.
"Mat, are you okay?" he asked, his voice tight with worry.
My knees hurt terribly,Matilda cried, her voice laced with dramatic pain. "I think it's fractured. Call a doctor!"
"Where's Aliya?" Aiden demanded, his eyes scanning the surrounding.
Matilda feigned confusion looking arround.
I... I saw Miss Finch. She... she went that way with a man. Tessy said pointing at a certain direction.Her words were a carefully crafted with a hidden message.
Aiden's face turned cold, a storm brewing within his eyes. "Wait here," he said, his voice dangerously calm. I'll be back