"Really? This is what I find?" Serena’s voice dripped with sarcasm as she stood at the doorway, her eyes narrowed. "Here I am, being the dutiful wife, bringing you lunch, and you’re busy with something else entirely?"
The couple hugging in front of her jumped apart. Serena leaned against the doorframe, her gaze shifting from Aiden, who wore his usual scowl, to Aileen Pratt, his supposed partner in crime.
Aileen quickly shook her head and stepped forward. "It’s not what you think, Serena," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "Aiden was just comforting me. I’ve been going through a tough time. Please don’t misunderstand.But Aiden and I are only childhood friends and business partners. Nothing else."
Serena’s eyes flickered from Aileen to Aiden and then back at her, as she questioned, "Is that so?"
Aileen clasped her hands together, looking down as if truly ashamed and walked towards her. "He’s been there for me when no one else was," she said softly. "I know it might look bad, but truly, there’s nothing between us. Aiden is just too protective of me. He’s been like that since we were kids. He cannot see me hurt...We didn’t know you would be coming here or we would have gone somewhere else..."
"It is the same for me. I was with him the entire time you were in the hospital. Never leaving his side."
Serena’s expression hardened as she fought back tears. "I see," she said, her voice wavering. "It seems like he cares more about you than he does about me, his wife."
Aileen shook her head quickly. "No, Serena, it’s not like that. Please, you have to understand. We’re just friends."
But Serena wasn’t convinced. She shook her head and sighed deeply. "How am I misunderstanding when you’ve made it clear that you and Aiden care for each other more than anything else?"
Aileen turned to Aiden, who had been silently observing the entire exchange. "Aiden, please, explain to her. There’s nothing going on between us."
Serena cut her off, her voice cold and full of tears.. "Just leave, Aileen. I know what I saw. Leave now!"
"Alright. But please, Serena, don’t let this ruin your trust in Aiden. He cares about you deeply. He might not show it, but I know it. "
"Yes Yes! You don’t need to tell me what my husband feels or not! Just go!"
As Aileen walked out of the door, a triumphant smirk briefly crossed her face. Serena’s eyes filled with tears as she turned to Aiden, her voice breaking. "Are you cheating on me, Aiden? Is there something going on between you two that I should know about? Is that why you have been sleeping away from me?"
As the door closed behind Aileen, Serena’s tears vanished instantly. Her expression transformed from one of heartbreak to curious like someone eager for some ’tea’.
Placing the lunch box in her hand on the side, she sat down on the edge of his desk as she raised an eyebrow," Why are you trying to use me to protect yourself from her? A strong man like yourself?"
Aiden raised an eyebrow at that,"What do you mean?"
"Oh please! I’m not blind. When I opened the office door, she was clinging onto you like a leech but your hands were to the side. She might not have realized it, I did. Also, what is her problem? Why is she trying to be such a ’white lotus’?"
"I didn’t ask you to handle her."
"Well, was I supposed to let her continue? Because, I didn’t see you jumping in trying to stop her when she was going on trying to convince me there was nothing between you two."
Aiden shrugged," It was entertaining."
Serena narrowed her eyes and warned," Aiden Hawk, tell me the truth or I am going to her right now and asking her what is going on."
Aiden frowned at that," No need for that. I can handle my own business. Now, what brings you here to my office?"
Serena crossed her arms and stared at him, refusing to answer, as she waited for him to give in.
Aiden shook his head frustratedly. "You’re reading too much into this. Aileen has always been like that. She’s clingy, yes, but that’s just how she is."
Serena scoffed. "Clingy? Are you blind, Aiden Hawk? She’s practically throwing herself at you. And you’re letting her."
"I’m not letting her do anything," Aiden shot back. "Just, stay out of my business, Serena. You are not really my wife!"
Serena snapped her mouth shut, feeling a sting of hurt. She moved to get up and bring the lunch box over, but Aiden swiftly placed his hands on either side of her, trapping her against the desk.
"What? You want to snap something else as well?"
"No. And please understand that there is a reason I am doing what I am doing. But I cannot disclose it."
Serena rolled her eyes with indifference and pushed away his hand, walking out of his trap," I don’t care what you do. Just don’t try to involve me in your games. I came here because of grandma. Here, this is your lunch and this is mine. I am supposed to send a picture to her once we are done. So eat up."