《The Best Friend's Contract》


 Chapter 1

    Aidan


    My eyes widen at the sight of my mother entering my office with a smirk on her face, leaving me groaning, knowing of what she''s going to say. The same thing she has been saying for the past few months, leaving me frustrated.


    "What are you doing here?" She asks, eyebrows furrowed as she eyes the files on my desk. Then, she turns to look at Flynn, my assistant for the past three years. One of her hand goes up to lift her sunsses, "Aidan Gabriel Ashton, didn''t I tell you to go and meet-"This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    I cut her off, dropping the pen onto one of the files before pulling onto my sleeves onto my elbows. Without me realising, I''ve already clenched my jaw as I sigh deeply, a sign of displeased by her.


    "I''m always busy," I respond, "I don''t have time to go on dates," My voice sounded low and almost inaudible it was loud enough for my own mother to hear; knowing that she is always unsatisfied by my answer. "Bullshit," She replies, causing my eyes to widen.


    "Excuse me?" I raise an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue on as she takes a few steps closer towards me. Her right hand holding onto her phone, shoving it towards my face, making me lean my head back in surprise.


    "Scandals..." She scoffs, shaking her head, "Don''t feed me with lies as if I''m a child, Gabriel. We both know about your pathetic reputation," She scrolls down her phone, her nose scrunching in disgust; showing it clearly through her expressions, "Look at this," She adds. I lean to look at her phone, my picture was taken randomly a few days ago while someone was holding onto my forearm as we were entering the hotel. Within seconds, I am already pinching the bridge of my nose before leaning my head back in disbelief. "Why are you even keeping up with these things?" I ask,pletely dissatisfied. Especially at my age for being an adult and old enough to control my own life yet she''s busy trying to alter mine. Days spent with her telling me to get married... have a permanentmitment.


    It''s not as easy as ABC. I mean, I can''t just walk down the street and ask a stranger to marry me. First of all, that''s just in stupid. Second, I can''t marry someone I don''t love because marriage is not a temporary thing. It''ll have tost forever-so, I have to marry someone special.


    But as for now, no one owns my heart, yet.


    "Because you''re my son and you''re embarrassing our family with your one night stands. Where''s the benefit of it all? What about the dates I''ve set you up?" She takes a seat near my desk as sigh, once more. My eyes wander to Flynn who is currently, awkwardly standing beside me, giving him signs to make an excuse for us to leave.


    He seems to be getting my signals as he clears his throat, "Unfortunately, Mrs. Ashton... Aidan has another meeting in five and it''s very-" He is cut off by my mother ring at him, "Uh... I think it''s important," He adds, his voice almost inaudible as she sighs, deeply. "Flynn, do you want me to fire you?" She asks, leaving me roll my eyes in disbelief. My arms are crossed as I keep on closing my eyes; hoping this is just a dream, might as well be a nightmare that it shall end soon.


    "He works for me. You can''t do that," I answer and she raises an eyebrow, her lips are curving up into one of her devious smiles before chuckling.


    "And you work for me. I can do as I please," She says.


    "What''s it with you about my life? Why are you so eager for me to get married?" My voice raising as I try my best to control my temper but I''m not so sure of holding it in any deeper due to the fact that she''s doing her best to make me lose control.


    Mother rolls her eyes, "Because you''re wasting your time. Set your brother as an example, he got himself a wife and they currently have a lovely daughter. All I''m asking you to do is be a responsible man instead of wasting your money for women who doesn''t secure your future. You''re acting like a spoiled man-stop that," She says, deadly serious.


    As soon as I''m about to say another word, she has already cut me to it. Her index finger raising up to silent me before showing an unknown picture of a woman on her phone with a cheeky smile stered on her face.


    "Family gathering. This Sunday," She says, eyes showing determination. "Bring your future wife or you''ll have to marry the woman of my choice. Perhaps one of the dates you''ve canceled? Maybe even Shin-hye," She repeats before standing up, clearing her throat. As she starts to walk away, "It''s in three days. How am I supposed to find someone to marry in three days? You''re out of your mind," I reply, clenching my jaw, hard.


    "Aidan Gabriel Ashton, you managed


    to scoop yourself different one night stands in about at least an hour, how hard can it be to find yourself a wife?" She stops for awhile, "I


    assume you''re already interestel.ne


    in


    someone as of why you''ve rejected al of the dates I''ve assigned you to go to," She puts her sunsses on, head held high.


    "I mean, look at me, I got married when I was neen. Got you, your brother and your sister and I''m still not in my fifties. Stop giving


    excuses, Aidan and start showing et


    me your damnmitment


    because that''s how I raised my sons," She turns around as she heads towards the door, leaving me sigh again, closing my eyes in disbelieved.


    "Remember, this Sunday, don''t disappoint me." She adds before finally stepping out of my office, leaving me stare at the spot she once stood. My mind goes nk at the sight of her disappearance yet, left me with a whole burden on my shoulders. I am suddenly remembering back the date with Shin-hye. Don''t get me wrong, she''s a decent young woman with beautiful features. Apart from that, she is also the heiress to the finest hotel in Korea which means that she has a lot of connection but shecks a lot. What''s so good about an heiress that knows very little about business? All I can say is that, she was fed with silver spoons and the title was given. Her parents worked hard while she was spending their money carelessly. How could mother had chosen her? "Should I call Kenna, Mr. Ashton? Maybe, she''ll be able tofort you." Flynn says, making me look up at him before instantly, caught up with an idea of my own. My eyes widen as I think of the possibilities of making it true-Kenna and I have always been close, it might happen. "Actually, I''m meeting her right now. Tell Gerald," I respond, smiling to myself. Without further ado, I quickly make my way towards my desk before taking my phone after grabbing onto my coat, looking up at Flynn who is currently hesitating on something. "Why are you still here?" I ask.


    "Uh, but you have an actual meeting in half an hour," He replies before standing in front of me, the desk separating us. My eyebrows furrow as he hesitates to speak again-Flynn has been careful whenever he speaks, afraid I might respond as my mother as I am known to have a bad temper, which is very true. "So? Just cancel it," I breathe out, slightly annoyed.


    "It''s a very important meeting, Mr. Ashton. I can''t just cancel the meeting because they''ll flip and it''s n-never good when they flip," He stutters while I roll my eyes, taking a few steps closer towards him as I harden my gaze, making sure that he gets the memo. "Cancel it. Do as I say, Flynn. We don''t want you losing your job," I speak and he gulps, sweats begin to form on his forehead as he nods. With a small smile appearing on my face, I begin to make my way out of my office-letting him trail behind me in a hurry.


    As I stand in front of the elevator, I wait for Flynn to press onto the button in which he does before standing beside me. He clears his throat, waiting for the elevator to arrive at our floor. As soon as the elevator doors'' open, I am left looking at my employees, their eyes widening.


    Both Flynn and I enter the elevator that has gone silent as soon as the doors were opened. With both of my hands in my cks'' pocket, I wait for Flynn to press onto the ''G'' button while I stand in the middle-my employees pushing themselves towards the wall as far as possible. We walk out of the elevator, receiving greetings and smiles from the other employees as we walk out, meeting with Gerald who is already waiting beside my car. He opens the door for me, letting me enter the backseat while Flynn goes straight towards the passenger''s


    seat.


    I ask.


    "Call Kenna," I say as soon as he buckles his seatbelt. He looks up at the rear-view mirror, searching for my gaze before nodding. Then, he looks inside his pocket for his phone before a panic-look appears on his face, making his hands shake, "Are you going to call her?"


    The look on his face shows just how


    much he wants to throw himself out of the car instead of answering my question. He turns to look at me with his eyes avoiding making any eye contact with me as the car drives forward, "I''m disappointed to teffyou this, Mr. Ashton but might have left my phone in your office... "He stutters slightly, as I continue to stare.


    "Might have?" I raise an eyebrow and he leans back into his seat, turning to look at Gerald who continues to drive down the road before looking up at the rear-view mirror. "Gerald, we''re turning around so that Flynn here, can get his phone," I say after clearing my throat. "We don''t have to turn around..." Flynn breathes but as soon as he caught the look on my face, he nods his head before looking out at the window while I keep on scrolling onto my phone without looking up front.


    Flynn runs out of the car, in a hurry.


    I look down at my wrist watch, checking the time as I see him entering the building. If my calctions are correct, he''ll be able to make it back to the car in less than ten minutes. With him running instead of walking, it might even be less than six minutes.


    My eyes wander to Flynn who enters the car again, breathing heavily from running as he holds his phone near to hisp. I check the time again, seeing that it took him exactly eight minutes to take his phone which meant he might''ve carelessly spent the two minutes. "Now, call Kenna." I say and he turns to look at me, eyes slightly widening but he does as told, scrolling through the contacts before pressing onto Kenna''s name-putting the phone onto his ear, waiting for her to pick up.

 Chapter 2

    Gerald drives back down the road, heading towards the hospital. The road appears to be less busy today than it has ever been before which is slightly surprising.


    "Kenna, it''s Flynn. Mr. Ashton would like to speak with you," He says as soon as she picked up the call before turning around to give me his phone. Then, he leans back onto his seat, still trying to control his heavy breathing which makes me frown, he has always been the one to run back and forth trying to get files and even my coffee, why does this suddenly tire him? "You could''ve called me yourself," She says through the other line. "But then, that wouldn''t be the Aidan I know... now, what do you want?" She asks, her voice sounded a little bit cheerful which causes me to smile as I look out of the window.


    "Hello to you, too. You sound cheery," I reply before hearing the sound of her surroundings, it might appear that she''s still at the hospital, ording to the time-it''s a couple of minutes until lunch hours.


    "I''m always cheery. Unlike you," She chuckles, "You''re like another version of Grumpy from Snow White-the resemnces are there which is not surprising." She continues to speak which causes my lips to curve up into a wider smile, thinking of her rolling her eyes as she has always have whenever she has to deal with my ''annoying'' attitude. "I''m picking you up for lunch," I mutter.


    "Actually, I''m on my way to have lunch with my co-workers." She replies and I immediately turn to look at the entrance of the hospital, seeing that she is standing alone in the middle, her phone attached onto her ear as her eyes wander to look around.


    Without me realising, I''ve already let out a soft chuckle before eyeing her. She has her hair tied up into a ponytail instead of a regr half up and half down style. Just as Gerald parks the car a bit closer towards her, "You''re a bad liar... you know that, right?" I ask, smirking.


    "On what proof, Aidan?" She smiles down at the ground as I press down the window, yet she still hasn''t noticed my presence. Both of her eyes are wandering somece else instead ofnding onto the car or more, onto me.


    "Wait here," I say towards Gerald after hanging the phone call and stepping out of the car, heading straight towards Kenna. My eyes stay focus onto her back, seeing that she''s smiling as she talks to herself, making me slow my steps.


    She sighs, "Typical Aidan. Calling me for no reason and hanging up without saying goodbye. Remind me again why he''s my best friend," She mutters under her breath but it appears to be loud enough for me to hear as I''m only a couple of feet away from her. "Remind me again why I''m friends with a liar," I say and she turns to face me, immediately with a surprised look on her face. My lips curve up into a smile as her light blue eyes are staring directly into my brown ones beforeughing.


    "Says the person who associate with liars every day," She replies, crossing her arms while tilting her head to the side.


    Kenna and I have been close ever since we were kids. We went through kindergarten, middle school and high school together because we were just inseparable. If it weren''t for her wanting to go to medical school, we might''ve been in the same business school. There are a lot of reasons why we''re best friends, one of them is because I pushed her down the swing.


    Well, that was only the beginning.


    "Yet, they weren''t terrible at it," I state the truth in which she responds with another chuckle, "Is standing alone waiting for a cab... another statement of going to lunch with your co-workers? Because I don''t see anyone," I add and she rolls her eyes, as expected. She breathes out, "You caught me. Now, what? Are you going to arrest me?" She raises an eyebrow as I take a few steps closer towards her, grabbing both of her wrist before pretending to cuff onto her wrists with an imaginary one, leaving both of us smirking. "Arrested. Now you''re going to have lunch with me," I say, starting to walk towards the car after letting go of her wrists. She follows beside me in her heels as we reach towards the car. Just as Gerald steps out of the car to open the door for us, I held my hand to stop him. I open the door myself, gesturing for Kenna to step inside first. She smiles at me, shaking her head at my behaviour before stepping inside in which I pursuit after. Gerald steps back into the car before looking up at the rear-view mirror, waiting for me to give a location. "Hey, Flynn." Kenna says as she smiles at him in which he smiles back. Ever since Flynn became my assistant, they are close enough to consider themselves as friends. I''ve never forbid them to be friends, anyway-easier for me because he can call her for me. "Hey, Kenna." He replies, ncing at my direction.


    "Where to, Mr. Ashton?" Gerald asks.


    "Cafe Lalo," I answer before turning to look at Kenna, seeing that she''s ncing at me with a mischievous smile. She has her arms crossed near her chest before leaning back onto the seat, "Why are you giving me that look?" I ask, pretending to be oblivious about it.


    If she''s able to pick up the tracks,


    she would''ve actually guessed it. I''ve never liked going to Cafe Lalo due to


    the amount of people there but shet


    loves going there, said she has. always liked the pies... most likely because she''s fond of the people who work there. So, with me taking her to one of the ces she loves but I don''t, she must''ve guessed that I''m hiding something.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "No reason," She replies after peeking down at my phone, seeing that I''m currently holding it without pulling it away from her view. As soon as she sees that I''m currently going through the notes in my phone, she leans back on her seat after clearing her throat. With a smirk, I continue to scroll.


    As we''ve arrived at Cafe Lalo, I quickly step out of the car before walking towards her side, opening the door for her. She tucks a few strands of hair behind her ear as she eyes the cafe, her eyes are glinting with happiness-I''ve assumed she would be. "Be back in an hour," I say towards Gerald before turning to Flynn, "Here. Go and have lunch," I hand him a hundred dor bill as I make my way inside the cafe with Kenna. Then, I turn to see that Gerald has drove away with Flynn. "Kenna, it has been awhile since you''ve been here," Samuel, one of the waiters here says with a smile on his face. He turns to look at me, "You must be Aidan... Kenna''s friend," He adds as he stands in front of us while I turn to see the cafe is filled with people. I shake hands with Samuel, "It''s nice to finally meet you. Kenna has told me quite a lot about her rather friendly-friend... you''re different in person," He frowns a little bit as sheughs, nodding her head before avoiding my eye contact.


    "I''m not surprised," I reply, knowing that Kenna must''ve lied a few things about me. She does that all the time-finding me as her source of enjoyment. As soon as we both turn to look at the tables again, one of the customers are already making their way out. "Today''s your lucky day... didn''t even have to wait long. I''ll take your orders in a bit," Samuel says as soon as both Kenna and I are seated near the wall. I carelessly run my hand over my coat while I sit, ufortably in my seat with her staring at me. "You wanted toe here. At least show that you want to be here," She says, cing the menu on the middle of the table, "This is why we don''t go to lunch together. It''s clear that you don''t want to be here," She adds, chuckling as she continues to eye the menu. I clear my throat, "Says who?"


    "Your face," She replies.


    I stay quiet for a few seconds, "Let''s


    just order, okay?" I say before pulling onto the menu from her and sheughs, giving in to me. I am


    instantly remembered back to umet


    having lunch together... I like going to expensive ces with lesspeople while Kenna likes the opposite. Preferring to be in an affordable restaurants or cafes, either of us would feel ufortable.


    She has always been the one who understands more. When we were kids, her father''spany almost went bankrupt but my father brought it back up to where it is now. It''s now a well-known financepany which is currently expanding, too.


    Yet, she saw it when it was the worst. Ever since then, she hated going to expensive ces or own anything out of the range of her sry. She has never epted a penny from her parents because she knew the pain they went through... transformed her into who she is now.


    If I am ever topare myself with her, I''d bebelled as the spoiled-rich guy while she''s the exact independent angel. That''s one of our differences yet it brings the goodness in both of us... putting us back to ce, always reminded that nothingsts forever. "I''m going to go with a regr sandwich and water," She mutters, interrupting my thoughts as she looks up at me, "What about you?" She asks, waiting for my answer.


    As I clear my throat, "I''ll have the same." Then, she calls out for Samuel who is walking back towards us with a notepad in his hand-writing down our order before heading back towards the cashier, inserting our orders into the system.


    "Okay... Aidan, talk to me." She says, all of a sudden which causes me to raise an eyebrow at her, "You''re obviously hiding something from me and I can see it through you. You brought me here to my favourite cafe to have lunch-it''s not an every day thing for you," She adds.


    Our eyes are focusing into one another as I try to think of the consequences. She might start to freak out about my decision because it''s not something a friend would normally ask. Even if it''s to help a friend... still, it''s a crazy thing to ask. "Kenna, will you marry me?" I ask.


    Both of her blue eyes widen in surprise before leaning her head back intoughters, making me stare at her. Herughter seems have caught everyone''s attention as most of them turn to look at he yet she doesn''t bother. As she looks back at me, it shows how she thinks that this is a joke when I''m actually. .. deadly serious.

 Chapter 3

    Kenna


    My stomach begins to hurt as I continue tough, wanting to give him some credit for making me genuinelyughing as I''ve been dealing with enough stresstely at the hospital. My eyes wander to meet Aidan''s, seeing that he''s only staring at me, expressionless.- "Okay, Aidan. I think it''s too early for a birthday prank but where are the cameras?" I ask, eyes wandering around the cafe, seeing that most of the people here are staring at us. They are all shaking their heads as they turn to look away, leaving me in a confusion of my


    own.


    "White people," Someone says, under his breath.


    With an acoustic version of History by One Direction ying in the background, I begin to realise that Aidan has done nothing but stare at me. His lips have not curved up into a smile or burst out intoughters like how he would always react whenever he makes a silly joke.


    He''s exactly how his employees would describe him. Expressionless. Boring. Evil. Maybe, I exaggerated thest one but that was all they said... but, he has never reacted that way towards me. Not even once.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    I lean back on my seat, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear as my eyebrows furrow. Deep inside, I start to realise how I''m beginning to feel ufortable-more likely with his stare and the way he''s just sitting there while I was busy bursting outughing. "Are you done?" He asks, gesturing to my sudden burst. Both of his brown eyes are staring directly into mine, making me feel slightly ufortable to make further eye contact; he has been my best friend for years, I''ve never felt like this around him except now. "You''re not joking... are you?" I ask, my voice low and almost inaudible as I lean forward, not wanting anyone else to hear our conversation except for him. Then, he leans forward, too, with his face inches from mine.


    "No," He answers before leaning back.


    "Wrong answer. Take that back," I mutter before leaning back and mentally pping myself. My eyebrows continue to furrow as his lips curve up into a smile, leaving me with an urge to just smack his face to turn his smile upside down.


    "Why would I joke about this? In fact, Kenna... I''m actually very serious but you managed to surprise me. I didn''t expect a reaction like that when I ask someone to marry me," He replies as he leans back, eyeing my every movement which leaves me frustrated. As I m my hands onto the table, "You''re asking me to marry you, for god''s sake. How do you expect me to react? Jump with joy? You''re out of your damn mind," I continue to say before crossing my arms in disbelief, continuing to catch people''s attention. "If you''re not going to marry him, I will." The waitress says as she serves our food, both of her dark brown eyes are looking at him before turning to look at me. Her skin''s dark glow gives me a slight envy as I frown at my own tanned skin. Without further ado, my eyes are glued to Aidan... seeing him slightly surprised.


    "Do you want to marry her?" I ask, pointing at the waitress as she stands beside our table. She has her right hand on her hip before ncing at Aidan who seems to be speechless. In fact, everyone in the cafe has turned to look at us, all of them remaining silence. Aidan clears his throat, "No. No, thank you."


    "Well, if you ever change your mind... you know where to find me," She adds before turning to walk back towards the kitchen, making everyone else continue what they were doing previously while Aidan and I, nkly stare at one another.


    I quickly drink my water until my final sip while he stares at me, letting me take my time. As I keep on drinking, I raise my right index finger up as a sign for him to wait. After putting the ss down, I start to breathe heavily which leaves him smirking at me. "I can''t breathe," I mutter.


    "Fine. I''ll give you a minute to breathe," He replies before taking a bite of his sandwich, chewing it slowly. Both of his eyes are never leaving mine yet he continues to eat his food as he continuously check the watch on his wrist.


    Aidan must''ve lost his mind. He has never reacted this way or taken our friendship to the next level-we''ve always been friends. Close friends and I''m pretty sure, both of us wanted it tost that way... except for now. He''s acting differently. Everything around me seems to disappear as I am left on my own, trying to figure out what the hell is happening with my life. This morning, I woke up praying for a better reason to wake up every other morning other than waking up for coffee but I did not expect this. God must''ve been confused about my prayer.


    "Can you breathe, now?" He asks, breaking me from my thoughts as I look down at his te, seeing that he has finished his sandwich.


    When he doesn''t get a respond from me, he begins to sigh. "You should''ve listened to my exnation first because you''re overreacting," He continues to speak, taking a nce at his phone to check the time before turning to look at me again. "There''s an exnation to this?" I ask.


    "There''s an exnation to everything. If only you wouldn''t jump to conclusions then, you would''ve really understood more. The reason why I''m asking you to marry me is because I want you to help me," He answers, "And, you''re also the only one who can help." "How is marrying you... helpful?" I roll my eyes which causes him to raise an eyebrow. "I mean, don''t get me wrong, Aidan but you''re asking me to marry you when you''ve only seen me naked when I was eight and it wasn''t even pleasurable," I add, reminded back of the memory when he identally walked into the bathroom when mother was bathing me.


    Heughs, "That memory will forever stain my mind." Then, he clears his throat, "But that''s not the point, listen... if you''re not going to marry me, I''ll be forced to marry Shin-hye. You know how she is, right?" He shakes his head, cringing.


    I burst intoughters, "She''s Korean. I don''t think that''s a problem," I furrow my brows as I think back of the night he went on a date with Shin-hye because his mother forced him and the situation was forcing too.. his mother brought her to his office when he was leaving.


    "What does that even mean? I can''t


    marry her... we can''t evenmunicate


    a damn


    trantor," He leans back after sighing deeply while I''m too busyughing back at the memory when he called me continuously that night, Coining about the awful date. "Apparently, my mother fell in love with their culture that she wanted me to marry a Korean," He adds.


    "Funny. You speak sevennguages yet Korean is not one of them," Iugh as I take a bite of my sandwich, "You could''vemunicated without a trantor. She might''ve been a great woman to be your wife," I say as he groans, clenching his jaw. "Korean is hard to learn," He shrugs.


    "Stop giving excuses. You speak fluent Mandarin when it''s harder than Korean," I chew the sandwich in my mouth as soon as I take another bite, leaving him sigh, again.


    "Nationalities or race is not the


    problem, Kenna. Mother is trying to ruin my life because she has been busy finding me an heiress to marry.


    I


    If I even agree to marry the woman


    of her ghoice, I''m not surprise if she starts to n the wedding, picking the venue or even tell me the better sex position for her to have a grandchild," He says, eyes showing annoyance.


    me.


    My mind was absolutely losing focus as Iugh, finding this as humouring. The way his eyebrows are frowned and his eyes showed disagreement-it''s all clear. We''ve been best friends for too long that I''vepletely lost count of how many times he hasined to "Come on, Aidan. I know you... you just don''t want to get married," I mutter, "That''s why this is bing a problem for you." I speak, truthfully of his situation.


    "And, that''s why I need your help. You''re the only one who understands me more. You have always been there for me and right now, I want you to actually be able to help me. We just have to get married and that''s it... she''ll have to agree because she loves you," He grins.


    "I hope you realise what you''re talking about. Marriage is a sacred thing for me, Aidan. This is not just a game where you can end whenever you want because this is a very important thing, especially for me. I know how our perspectives are different but you know mine," I reply which causes him to clench his jaw at the realisation.


    He stays quiet for a few seconds


    before speaking, "I''m setting up a contract. You''ll be a part of it where


    it satisfy both sides. All we need to do is get married for a year and when the year is up, we''ll get divorce. We''ll convince our


    paren


    that it didn''t work out and that we''re better off as friends," His eyes widen with every word, leaving me gape at him.


    "What makes you think that she won''t ask you to marry again?" I cross my arms, trying to find an escape to this whole thing but Aidan''s clever than that-he''s not going to give up easily because he''s a really determined person. He works hard to get what he wants. "I''ll just say that I can never love someone else as much as I''ve loved you," He points out which leaves me sighing-thinking of the contract. "I''m sure she''ll understand because we''ve been friends... long enough and the pain must be too much to bear," He adds.


    As I continue to stare at him, I think of the possibilities of this might turn out to be. We''ll be able to survive the year pretending to be a happy married couple when it''s only for a short amount of time-we''ve known each other for too long, we don''t have to worry about being ufortable or about falling for one another.


    For twenty years, we''ve been friends for twenty years... I''m confident that we will never forget the main purpose of the contract. Besides, helping my best friend is worth it. He has been the one to help me before ever since we were in middle school, might as well return the favour. "It might work," I mutter.


    "Does this mean that you agree?" He asks, raising an eyebrow. Our eyes meet for a few seconds before I nod my head, causing him to smile widely; revealing his perfectly pearl white straight teeth-believe me, he got braces in middle school. So did I. We got it together.

 Chapter 4

    "Well... I want to help my best friend. I don''t want to see you marrying Shin-hye, having to have a trantor live with you for the rest of your life and not being able tomunicate with your kids. So, I''m doing you a favour. Besides, it''ll onlyst for a year and then, we''ll be going on our lives just the way it is, now. We will always remain best friends...we have nothing to lose," I reply, after thinking it through. "You''re a god damn lifesaver, Kenna." He chuckles, letting out a breath of relief while I smile to myself-seeing myself as a knight in shining armour, saving the damsel in distress but instead... he''s a grown man.-


    "But, there are conditions." I say which causes him to stop smiling immediately, making him turn to look at me before leaning forward, "I only have two right now but I''ll figure more tonight before emailing them to you...prender?"


    "Si," He nods, "What are they?"


    I roll my eyes, "First of all, you can''t think I would just agree to marry you without a proper proposal, right? I''m a woman and I have ss-you don''t get to choose me. So, you''ll have to work on proposing me andst but not least, you''ve got to have the ring," I smirk. He clears his throat, "You mean..."


    "Yes, Aidan. You have to go on one knee," I stand up, looking down at him as he stays focus, "If you would like to disagree, I wouldn''t want to sign your contract or agree to marry you. Okay, that''s all for now, you''ll have to send me back to the hospital as I have patients to attend," I say as I make my way out of the cafe, leaving him all by himself calling for the bill after giving him the professional gesture.


    As soon as I step out of the cafe, I am greeted with both Flynn and Gerald as they stand beside the car. They turn to look at me before looking at someone behind me, the none other than Aidan.


    "Kenna," He calls out.


    I turn to look at him, "What?"


    Surprisingly, he takes a few steps closer towards me while I stay still at my spot. My eyes wander to look at his face as he grabs onto my left hand... leaving me raising an eyebrow but I stay quiet-waiting for his next move.


    Both of his eyes are focusing onto my hand which leaves me pressing my lips into a thin line before he looks up at my face after letting go of my hand.


    "Let''s go," He says as he walks towards the car, opening the door for me while I keep on ncing at him as I step inside with him trailing behind me. Expectedly, he starts to take his phone out before typing something in which I don''t bother to invade. When we''ve arrived at the hospital, he grabs onto my hand just seconds before I can step out of the car which causes me to look down at his grip, "Don''t forget to email me your list of conditions. Just... make them bearable," He says and I chuckle. "You''ll see," I answer.


    Just like that, I step out of the car before making my way towards the entrance. My lips curve up to the few doctors that are smiling at me and as soon as the air-conditioners greet me, I am left sighing in relief.


    "Kenna!" I turn to see Lucas walking towards me with a smile on his face, "I was about to ask you to grab lunch with me but they told me you left," He says, revealing his right dimple. Both of his green eyes are looking directly at me which reminds me of ... nts? "I was with a friend," I reply, "You really need to work on your timing, Lucas." I continue to speak and heughs, leaving me smiling at him before turning to look at Willow, seeing that she has both of her eyes glued onto me.


    Lucas nods with a smile, "I''ll just have to make sure that I don''t have surgeries to perform before asking to grab lunch with you," He replies.


    Well, you see... Lucas here is a surgeon. He''s a specialist in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department which means he deals with giving birth and pregnant women. Yet, he seems to be smiling a lot-other than getting the pressure from hormonal women. He also appears to be a highly-requested doctor in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department due to his good-looks... patients said they were able to bear with less pain when having him as their doctor.


    Like I said, hormonal pregnant women.


    Just before I can answer, someone calls out for me which causes me to turn around-seeing that he has a panic-look on his face. I turn towards Lucas, "Sorry, Lucas. Duty calls," I say and he nods, gesturing for me to make my way as I quickly walk to the nurse. "Albert has nightmares again... it''s getting severe," He says as we walk towards the stairs, after ncing at the elevator-seeing the amount of people there. My eyebrows furrow at the thought of Albert, he has been having trouble breathing for the past couple of weeks yet he''s such a tough cookie.


    A stubborn one, I tell you.


    "Why didn''t you call the other doctors?" I ask as we both push onto the hospital doors, reaching towards the third floor. The hall is busy with the amount of nurses walking in a hurry with files in their hands while others are dealing with patients. "He didn''t want them," He replies.


    As soon as I enter Albert''s room, I am greeted with two other doctors trying to calm him down as he keeps on shouting for my presence while his heartbeat is raising. The two interns turn to look at me, gesturing for me to make my way towards them. "Albert... it''s me," I say and he starts to calm down a little before turning to look at me, "You need to calm down," I add when I realise that his heartbeat is not slowing down.


    "What happened?" I ask one of the interns, seeing that they''re breathing heavily from trying to contain Albert. He has been in the hospital for the past couple of months but due to his age, it seems impossible from him to not have any sickness. "He was having nightmares and he started screaming so we helped him but he has been shouting for you. We were trying to give him a sedative," He replies and I quickly take it from him before turning to look at Albert again.


    "Albert, I need you to calm down. Just look at me and breathe," I continue to say but he has both of his eyes focusing onto the other doctors-leaving me turn to look at them. My hand grips harder onto the sedative, "It won''t hurt... it''ll calm you down," I add. "They were hurting me!" He says.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    "It''s okay... it''s going to be fine," I slowly inject the sedative into his veins, causing him to lose grip on the sheets as his body begins to rx. My eyes focus onto the beeping machine, seeing that his heartbeat is also slowing down to a normal rate. Then, he closes his eyes as he drifts into a deep slumber. The nursese inside to help him by checking his heart rate again, seeing that they''re normal. Both of my eyes wander to the two interns, "You must be new. He''s not fond of other people," I say. "We were just trying to help,"


    "He hates that. It''s okay, don''t worry


    about it." I nod my head and they both turn to leave the room, leaving me looking down at Albert-seeing that he''s deep in his sleep. His nightmares are getting severe than before and it has not helped him with the death of his wife, either.


    Albert was supposed to be under Doctor John but apparently, he


    wasn''t very fond of John. When John was absent that day, I was the one who calmed him


    down apparently, he was kind of


    fond of me... since then, they


    transferred his name as one my patients. He has been suffering with high-blood pressure yet he can''t


    seem to control his temper.


    "If he keeps this up, there''s a higher chance he''ll get a stroke." I mutter under my breath to the nurse beside me as he nods his head, agreeing. As I look down at my wrist watch, I quickly make my way out of the room and down the hall.


    Hours have passed as I take off my coat before looking down at the time, seeing that it''s gettingte but I had to wait for Albert to wake up or he''ll react the same. As I make my way towards my car which is parked in the basement, I turn to see Lucas.


    "Kenna, you''re still here?" He asks,


    stopping his steps. Both of his eyebrows are furrowed as he eyes my outfit seeing that I''ve changed into a shirt and pair of skinny jeans. "It''s gettingte... I thought you didn''t have night shifts this week?" He continues.


    "I''m heading home and uh, I had to wait for Albert. What are you doing back at the hospital?" I ask, realising that he had left a few hours ago.


    "Albert... right. He doesn''t like other doctors," He replies and I chuckle, "My patient gave me a call saying that she was on her way to the hospital. The baby is due a little bit early," He answers, leaving me nod my head before unlocking my car. "I''m sure it''ll all go well," I say.


    Lucas smiles as he reveals his dimple, "You should go home. Sorry for taking your time because you look tired and I should''ve noticed. Drive safe," He says and I smile before stepping inside my car before locking the doors again.


    Without further ado, I quickly drive out of the basement and head straight home. My mind has been thinking ofying in bed while surrounded with pillows which causes me to press harder onto the gas pedal-unable to deal with the temptation of sleeping. As soon as I''ve arrived home, I immediately push my heels aside before running towards my bedroom. Just as Iy onto my bed, I am left staring at myptop which causes me to sit up straight before putting it in front of me.


    The conditions.


    With a deep breath, I begin to write.

 Chapter 5

    Aidan


    "You''re getting what?!" Dimitri exims as his eyes widen in surprise. Everyone in the restaurant has stopped talking as they turn to look at us but neither of us really cared, especially when Dimitri is the owner of the hotel.


    "I''m getting married," I repeat before leaning on my seat after taking a sip of the red wine. My lips curve up into a smirk as he continues to look at me in disbelief which is quite true. I''ve told him I wouldn''t want to get married until at least I reach forty but now... I''m a twenty-six year old bachelor who''s admitting to his guy best friend about getting married.


    Heughs, "Okay... where are the cameras at? You got me, Aidan. You got me really, really good and I believed you," He says, continuing to chuckle before taking a sip of his drink while his eyes are busy wandering around to look for cameras.


    With a deep sigh, I shake my head. Kenna and Dimitri are no different, thinking that I''d drag in a few cameramen to take scenes of this when I''ve been dead serious the whole time. I roll my eyes at the amount of annoyance overflowing in my body as I look out the window. We''re high up which makes it possible for us to see the city just by looking out the window. This has got to be the best view at night-no doubt.


    "No, no, no. Wait a second," He raises his index finger up before leaning forward, "You got someone pregnant, didn''t you? That''s why you''re getting married?" He asks, his eyes showing concern with slight worry which causes me tough as I lean my head back- enjoying the look on his face just by this sudden news.


    "No one got anyone pregnant, okay? I''m getting married and that''s it," I reply with a smile on my face, imagining the look on my mother''s face when I tell her about this. It better be priceless because for once, I actually feel like recording her reaction, especially when I''ll tell her that her daughter-inw will be Kenna... her son''s best friend.


    Dimitri smiles, "This isn''t you, man. A week ago, your face was on the cover of the damn newspaper with some girl clinging onto your arm and now you''re telling me that you''re getting married which is ... hard to believe," He adds.


    "If you didn''t get someone pregnant, why else would you end up here and saying that you''re getting married? I thought I had to wait for another twenty-years," He continues tough while I listen to his remarks.


    "You know my mother... she has been controlling my life ever since I got a bit too much with women. She has beenparing me with my brother and also setting me up on dates that I never wanted to go," I state the truth, "She threatened me that if I don''t bring my future wife to our family gathering this weekend, she''ll ask me to marry Shin-hye,"


    He bursts out intoughters before running his fingers through his dark brown hair, "Oh my god, of course you wouldn''t want to marry Shin-hye. Let me guess, you set up a contract with someone and pay her like... one million dors. She agrees to be your wife for an amount of time before you two get a divorce and you''ll say she cheated on you and you''d be too heartbroken to move on," He points which makes me scoff.


    "Some of it is true except I didn''t have to pay her or say that she cheated on me," I mutter and he squint his eyes, thinking of something else that has lead someone to agree marrying me. "She agreed to help me and she said she''ll email me the rest of the conditions tonight," I add.


    He stays quiet for awhile, "Who''s the unlucky woman?"


    I lean forward as my elbows rest on the table, "Actually, she''s our best friend and we both know there''s only one... none other than Kenna," I reply and his eyes widen, again.


    This time, he has identally dropped the ss of wine down which causes him to stand up before pointing at me without uttering a single word. My smile spreads wider into augh as he shakes his head in disbelief.


    One of the waiter hurries to our table to wipe away and pick up the broken ss while he is left standing and staring at me. The thing is-Kenna and Dimitri have known each other since we were all in college. Dimitri and I went to the same college while Kenna went to medical school which wasn''t a problem because we ended up meeting each other, frequently.


    During those meetings, I brought Dimitri with me and the two got close. So, the two of them are my best friend. I mean, I can''t just have a girl best friend without having a guy best friend because how am I supposed to talk some weird... weird stuff? "You''re fucking kidding me," He responds as Iugh, "No fucking way, man. Stopughing and start telling me the truth... you asshole," My hands go up to defend myself as soon as he starts to make his way towards me to push me on the shoulder.


    "I asked for her help and she wanted to help. Besides, Kenna is the only one that I can ever trust and she''s also my best friend which means I''m much morefortable with her than I can be with anyone else," I try to exin as he sits on the table with a sigh, escaping his lips.


    "But it''s Kenna," He mutters.


    "It''s not like anything going''s to happen, Dimitri. If something was bound to happen, it would have happened like years ago but I''ve known her for twenty-years and nothing has ever happened that would ruin our friendship," I add.


    He breathes out before chuckling, "You''re a cocky bastard. Seriously though, I''m just worried because it''s Kenna... and you even set up a damn contract!" He rolls his eyes.


    "A year of marriage and we''ll get a divorce. Just look on the bright side, my mother will obviously believe me when I say that I can never love someone as much I''ve loved Kenna so she will never bring up topic of trying to get me to remarry or anything," I smile.


    "A year is not as short as you think, Aidan. Anything can happen in five minutes so, what makes you think that nothing can happen in a year?" He raises an eyebrow before taking a bite of his food while I furrow my eyebrows in confusion.


    I clear my throat, "What do you mean?"


    "Look... I know that we''re talking


    about Kenna and I know that she''s our best friend but she''s also a woman. You get to spend a year with her under the same roof, probably in the same bed... what makes you think that nothing will happen? Yes, you''ve been friends with her for twenty-years now and things have been going on just fine but you guys have never kissed or slept together before, emotions don''t just fly without connection, do they?" He stands up as he walks towards the ss window with a cheeky smile on his face.


    "You''re trying to scare me," I mutter.


    "No, Aidan. I''m trying to apply what can happen in a matter of three-hundred and sixty-five days... anything. How can you know? Nothing is impossible," He sits back down.


    "No matter how hard or how


    convincing it is whenever you say that you''ll never want to fall in love or get married because women are just a waste of time, you''ll still end up falling. You''ve been saying that because you''ve never yet met the right woman in your life but when the timees, you''ll be begging on your knees for that someone to stay," He continues to speak.


    "Take me as an example. I was once


    the cocky bastard you are and I


    found love. Made her my wife the moment d''d realised that I never wanted to lose her and have myself a son. Yeah, I know that you''re going


    to tell me that it all ended with


    a


    divorce but I don''t regret it," He says.


    I stay quiet, listening to him. "Sure... she cheated on me and you were there to get me through where I am. I wasn''t stable because I was hurting but I came to realise that I really did found love but I didn''t find the right love," He breathes out. "Your French side is showing," I say.


    Dimitriughs before taking another bite of his food, chewing it. He nces down at his phone with the lock-screen a picture of his son which makes me sigh, deeply.


    "How can you say that?" I ask and he raises an eyebrow, "How can you say you found love but you didn''t find the right love? You still trust women? One of them was the cause of your pain and suffering," My voice low.


    "One of them, Aidan. Women are not the same. Yes, one woman did hurt me but that doesn''t mean I can me them all," He says, something glinting in his eyes.This is from N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 6

    Dimitri had gotten married when we were still in college and after graduation, he was happy because he got himself a son. He knew the risk of marrying at such a young age but he couldn''t care less... even when his parents warned him. Unfortunately, as he grew older, he was busier with work and especially with the hotel. It was a tragedy for him. A painful one. He found out that his wife was cheating on him with some other guy because he saw them in a hotel room, with no clothes on and they were kissing one another. He was devastated he exploded and he''d almost killed the man. I got there in time and I stopped him.


    "About... Kenna, I hope she''ll be able to sort out your mother. She has always been the crazy one with wanting to get you married but believe me, that''s not the end. You''ll have to start figuring out excuses when she starts asking for a grandchild," Heughs while I join him.


    It''s a possibility. No, it''s a fact. My mother will start asking questions about giving her another grandchild and she won''t stop until she gets one. She''ll start giving hints or just directly ask it. There''s no running from her.


    "You''re giving me a headache, man. I thought my problem is solved but damn... kids? Grandchildren?" My lips curve up into a smirk before turning to look at a beauty who has passed, making me eye down to her legs. Both of her eyes are looking directly at me with a seductive smile appearing on her face as we both share the gaze.


    Her dark blonde hair curls nicely as they fall down to her shoulders, making me stare down at her tight red dress that seems to cling onto her body perfectly before eyeing the jewellery on her neck. Then, my gaze wanders to her tanned, long legs, moving swiftly towards her table.


    Dimitri follows my gaze, "That ass." He mutters under his breath but loud enough for me to hear which causes me to chuckle. "She''s definitely tempting you,"


    "She definitely is," I reply without looking away from her face as she puts the menu down onto the table. Both of her eyes remain focused onto mine before leaning forward, purposely revealing her cleavage for disy, causing my lips to curve up, assuring her that it''s working.


    "Toote for that. You''re getting married," Dimitri says, leaving me look away from her, immediately. He has his lips curved up into a smirk before chuckling.


    Nothing is ever toote. I''m getting married but it''s not something sacred between Kenna and I, besides, our marriage won''t even be real. She has always been the one to understand me most and she will, too, understand me even after our marriage. I''m sure. Just as I''m about to speak up, my phone begins to beep which causes me to look down at the screen. It seems like I''ve just received an email from Kenna:


    To my best friend... Aidan,


    Here are the conditions that you have to promise to fulfil in order for me to agree with this whole ''marriage'' thing or I won''t. Just take a deep breath and try to keep them in your head, okay?


    1) A proper proposal-I''ve said this earlier and I want you to know I''m very serious about this one. Without a proper proposal... the wedding will never happen.


    "You can help me with a proposal, right?" I stop reading the email to look up at Dimitri. "She emailed me the conditions and apparently, a proper proposal is on the top of them all," I add and heughs, nodding his head.


    He smiles, "That''s the Kenna we all know. You''ll get what you want as long as she gets what she wants but fair enough, she''s asking for a proper proposal. A proposal is going to determine how much you want to marry her," Then, he stops for awhile, "In a fake way," I roll my eyes before continuing to read:


    2) Of course, there''s always a ring. Let me be a little demanding about this one because I''m not going to wear crap for the whole year. You need to surprise me with the best, Aidan.


    "Let me guess. You need a ring," He says, interrupting me while I chuckle. "Those two is like a damn package, you can''t propose without a proper proposal or a ring because... well, you just need them both."


    3) Buy me lunch at Cafe Lalo for a whole week. It won''t matter what you''ll order but... you can''t fool me by buying at somece else.


    "Aha, I know this one!" He stops me, making me raise an eyebrow, waiting for him to keep on guessing. Kenna, she is somehow predictable. "She wants you to buy her lunch for what... a week? A month? Food is her life,"


    "A week. She wants me to buy her lunch for a week," I reply and he ps his hands, continuing to chew his food before dipping it into the barbecue sauce.


    "At the one spot, Cafe Lalo." He adds, proudly. We know quite a lot when ites to Kenna. She''s our only female best friend so we care a bit too much for her.


    4) I need my own room. Yes, this means that you will have to clear your game room and no, we will not be sleeping in the same room nor the same bed. Repeat, my own room. We can''t be living under different roofs now, can we? I know how your mother will react if we


    do.


    Thest one will be a bit... hard for


    you but if you want this fake


    marriage to work, then you have got to put some effort. So, I''m giving you a warning. All of these conditions will not be valid if you disagree and let me off the hook but if you wish to continue, I do hope that you''ll follow up with each of them.


    5) Faithfulness.


    Uh oh, I know that look on your face but no, this is not a joke. You want me to help you, right? You''ll have to agree with me. Yes, it means that no sex for a year. You won''t be seeing other women or even fool around with one night stands. Intolerable. I won''t catch you with other women as it is considerably, ''cheating'' in our fake marriage.


    Don''t worry, it''ll go the same with me but honestly, there''s nothing to worry about me though because I''m not as horny as you. Whatever, I''m sure you''re able to cross four out of five, for now. Your bestie,


    Kenna


    My eyes widen at thest condition before looking up at a confused Dimitri who has been eyeing me for the past couple of minutes. He puts his ss of wine down as he clears his throat at my sudden change of my expression.


    "What was thest one?" He asks, raising an eyebrow at me as he calls out for the waiter. Then, he looks back at me, trying to read my expression but I''m staring out with nothing showing on my face.


    "ording to the look on your face... it seems like she''s asking for something impossible to fulfil but man, I can''t read you. What was thest one?" He continues to ask before grabbing onto my phone while I lean back, running my fingers through my hair, carelessly. Dimitriughs out loud, "You''re so dead."


    He reads thest one, over and over again, making me groan as I grab back my phone. "That''s something I would like to see. Aidan not having sex for a year? That''s golden... I don''t think you''ll make it," He smirks.


    My mind tries to focus back onto the conditions, especially thest one. No sex for a year. That seems like pure torture for someone like me. Kenna has got to have some mercy but then again, we are getting married.


    Whether the marriage is based on a contract or not, we will still be married in front of the priest, automatically making the marriage genuine and legal. Sleeping around with other women would make myself a damn cheater. It''s something that I would never do, married or not.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "I''m going to do it," I say, stopping Dimitri from chewing his food, "How hard can it be? It''s not like I''m slowly going to die or anything. I''m going to fulfil the conditions without alterations," I add, with confidence.


    He leans his head back, "You''re a man of your words, Aidan. I''m willing to see how long you''llst," He lifts his ss of wine, chuckling lightly.


    "I just need your help with


    something," I say as soon as I''ve


    realised that i''ve never done this


    before and he has. No matter how


    badly his marriage was or why it ended he is still a man full of passion for women. He quite


    believes in second chances when ites to love or even more.


    "Anything. What''s up?" He leans forward.

 Chapter 7

    Aidan


    "Oh my god," Dimitri moans, eyes rolling.


    Then, he continues to bite onto his hamburger, making me furrow my brows. The way he chews it and continuously moaning with pleasure, leaves me slightly ufortable. My eyes wander around to look at a couple of women ncing towards our direction before


    giggling.


    "This is so good," He swallows, tilting his head to the side and taking another bite.


    Dimitri is no different than Kenna, they both miserably enjoy food. They are the easiest people to bribe because... only with food. I don''t need to pay them with arge amount of money or buy them something expensive because as long as I pay for their lunch, they''re pretty much happy.


    Which exins why we''re both sitting in a restaurant, letting Dimitri enjoy his hamburger while he can. He seems to cherish the moment as he pays attention to nothing but his food. As I clear my throat, I nce down at my wrist watch-looking at the time. "Let''s go," He says, finishing hisst bite before taking a sip of his water.


    As soon as I''ve paid for the bill, we both walk out of the restaurant and straight towards my car, seeing Gerald opening the door for the two of us. I step inside the car and see that Flynn is ying with a game on his phone which he quickly closes, clearing his throat. "Have you called Kenna?" I decide to ignore his previous action before scrolling down at my phone, seeing that there are a couple of texts from my mother, reminding me of my future wife at the gathering. He nods, "I have."


    My eyes focus onto the back of his head, waiting for him to continue but he keeps quiet. I let out a deep sigh, gesturing for Gerald to begin driving. The whole car remains silence with nobody daring themselves to speak, especially not Flynn.


    I let my ego slip, "What did she say?"


    "She''ll be at the hospital until five. Then, she will go home with no stops. She even refused to have dinner with me... the invitation that you nned," He replies.


    Before Flynn called Kenna, I practically told him the whole idea of the conversation. So, it was Flynn''s job to ask her about her day and how long she''ll be at the hospital but it''s currently Dimitri''s job to n the whole proposal.


    He has not yet given me ideas or even ways to start the proper proposal but he said about going down on one knee, which is considered important as I''ve known. It''s like a symbol; a man would go down, just for the woman he loves but the situation is pretty much different for us.


    She asked for it. I''m just giving what she wants.


    "Here!" Dimitri exims which causes Gerald to immediately press onto the brakes, causing the car to stop. I turn to re at him as cars behind begin to horn... leaving him chuckle without a single care before stepping out of the car.


    "Drive around. Be back in fifteen," I say, both Gerald and Flynn nod their heads. Without further ado, I step out of the car as I nce at the car behind us-raising my hand as an apology. The woman''s eyes widen as soon as she sees my face but I''ve already made my way towards Dimitri without waiting for her respond.


    My eyes look up at the building, "Cartier?"


    "What do you expect when you ask a French guy to help you with an engagement ring?" He raises an eyebrow before making his way inside, leaving me trailing behind him with a sigh.


    The only reason why I asked Dimitri to help me with Kenna''s engagement ring is because he was married before... maybe he knows how to choose one. It''s not like I can''t depend it on the people who works here but personally, Dimitri is good at observing people. He''s good enough to observe about the liking of others. Without a doubt, he''d know the type of ring that Kenna would want or like. It''s quite a push on my ego... admitting how I can''t determine my best friend''s kind of interests after knowing her for twenty-years but in a situation like this, I don''t mind giving in.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    As long as Kenna epts the proposal and likes the ring, everything can go on as nned. The ring is something for her to keep, too-I won''t ask for it back when we get a divorce. It''s like giving my best friend a present but something more exquisite and expensive. "Wee, I''m Louis. How may I help?" A man says, standing in between two women. My eyebrows furrow at him... realising that I''ve seen him somewhere but can''t recall, perfectly.


    "We''re looking for an engagement ring," I reply and he looks at both Dimitri and I, realising that he seems to be getting the wrong idea-as if Dimitri and I, are the couple. "I''m proposing to my girlfriend," I add which causes him to nod and gesture for us to follow him with a wide smile stered on his face.


    Aha! He looks exactly like the guy from Princess Diaries who did the whole makeover thing. Honestly, being best friends with a girl ever since I was little... had quite an impact. She would always be the one who get to choose movies up till now, don''t me me when I end up knowing girly movies such as Barbie.


    "What is she like?" Louis asks, turning to look at me. Both of his eyes squint as he tries to get me to say something about Kenna... in order for him to find the perfect ring but it''s only making me realise how he''s really no different than Paolo.


    "She''s... she''s beautiful?" I speak which causes Dimitri to roll his eyes, knowing that he''s probably mentally pping himself for having a friend like me. As for Louis, he is ncing at the two women beside him, shaking his head.


    Then, all of a sudden, he grabs onto my hand before gesturing for me to take a seat. He looks deeply into my eyes, making mine widen in surprise but stay still, instead. He squints his eyes again, flicking his wrist once which causes me to release the breath that I''ve been holding.


    "Sir, I''m not trying to teach you how


    to describe your woman but... that''s definitely not it. You should describe her with passion, admiration, as if she''s the most amazing woman you''ve everid eyes on. The woman that you will love for the rest of your life, He speaks with full of energy, as if he was possessed before opening his eyes again, looking back at me.


    "He''s right," Dimitri smirks.


    M


    Louis stands up straight, looking down at me. "Now, sir. What is she like?" Both of his eyes are looking at nowhere but me which leaves me staring down at my hands, realising that I can''t describe her with passion, admiration or even love. Just in a way of love between friends.


    I stay quiet, trying to think of Kenna. Focusing onto her light blue eyes and how she wouldugh loudly at my silly jokes or even roll her eyes at my stupid decisions, making me imagine her perfectly shaped lips curve up into a smile as we tease each other.


    Kenna has all the good qualities in


    her. The qualities that I haven''t found in other women but I''ve never paid enough attention to her... to an extent that I would be in love with her. Her beauty is no doubt, a killer. It''s a surprise for a man like me to stay friends with a woman like her but we''ve always remained that way, happy in our own way.


    Whenever I look at her lips, I''ve never felt the urge to kiss her and whenever I look into her eyes, I''ve never felt the temptation to see through her. So... describing her with passion and admiration seems impossible. It''s like, we have this border in between. "Forget it. What about this one?" Dimitri interrupts which causes me to blink a few times, finding myself back into reality as he points at the ring.


    Louis ces the ring in front of us, "The ssic setting. It has been the world''s favourite engagement ring. The ring of rings... as it has been called," He states, making me stare at the simple ring, in fact, I''ve seen them quite a few on newly-engaged women. "No," I reply, receiving both Louis and Dimitri''s attention. "The ring is too simple. Like, it''s just a ''will you marry me'' ring instead of ''I love you and I want you to be my wife'' kind of ring. I''m just saying that it''s a no and I won''t buy that," I add which surprises Louis.


    He grins widely, eyeing down at the suit I''m currently wearing before ncing at Dimitri. He seems to be getting the whole idea as he clears his throat, "Actually... I can give you something more meaningful and special. It''s not as simple as this ring but it''s not too much. It defines how you want it to be defined, an ''I love you'' ring with the meaning of marriage," He replies.


    "Show me," I respond.


    Dimitri and I walk out of Cartier with the bag in his hand while I ce the red box inside my coat''s pocket. My lips curve up into a smile at the design I''ve chosen, satisfied by my own choice.


    "You''re wee," He says, walking pass me and into the car with Gerald opening the door.


    I raise an eyebrow at his attitude before entering the car with a light chuckle escaping my mouth, "All you did was brought me to the jewellery shop. I was the one who chose the ring and paid for it," I reply, smugly.


    He scoffs, "You still need me for a proper proposal," Then, I am left turning to look at him; knowing that he''s got a point. "You better y nice or your proposal will do you no good... how does that sound, Aidan?" He adds.


    Even though I have the sudden urge to just shove him deeper into the car seat, I am left ring at him as I hold back my annoyance. There''s no doubt that he''ll be able to help me with the whole proposing thing because he''s quite ady''s man. He uses words to get them instead of just shing off the beauty he thinks he holds.


    "It better work," I mutter.


    Heughs, running his fingers through his hair effortlessly, "You''re talking to Dimitri, the damn MVP. Believe me... it''ll work," He smirks, proudly.


    Minutes have passed and he won''t stop typing on his phone with a sly smirk stered on his face.


    So, the whole thing with Dimitri and his ex-wife, it''s something that took him quite a long time to move on. Up till now, he still hasn''t managed to fully forget about her even after all she had done to break his heart.


    Truth be told, I don''t see anything wrong with him. The true corrupt was the ex-wife, herself. He remembered everything... her birthday, their anniversary. I guess those kind of things weren''t enough to make it seem as if his love for her was genuine. Years spent trying to know each other better but at the end, it did him no good.

 Chapter 8

    "Try to remember this. Say it out loud," He says, slowly handing me his phone which causes me to furrow my eyebrows at the word count. This does not seem like a proper proposal because this seems like a damn essay. "Okay, when you get there... pretend as if you''ve been running to see her. Like you were going to lose her if you didn''t hurry. You were supposed to be on your flight to somewhere but you ditched your flight so that you''d be able to propose to her. Sweet, eh?" He says, grinning. "This is like a Bollywood movie. Do I have to change clothes, too?" I ask, causing Gerald to let out a scoff but he quickly covers it by clearing his throat-continuing to look down at the road with both of his hands gripping onto the steering wheel.


    Dimitriughs, "Man... since you''re proposing in public, I''m trying to attract people to watch your damn proposal. Once they start lifting up their phones and record the whole thing, it could just get viral. Then, you can shove it in your mother''s face." He replies. If anything about me goes on the inte, mother wouldn''t be pleased. Well, if those kind of things are scandals... but if it''s a proper proposal, she''d flip with confusion and joy at the same time, especially if she finds out that it''s Kenna. Does proposing in the emergency room at the hospital count as a proper proposal? The main point is to surprise Kenna. She doesn''t need to know I''ll be proposing today because like she said, she wanted a proper proposal a proposal where the other person is surprised.


    "Do you think it''ll work? The emergency room is always busy and what if I get kicked out?" I question with a slight worry showing on my face as I keep on gripping onto his phone.


    "For all I know, you''ll be curing those people." He responds before pointing onto his phone, "Now... stop procrastinating and start reading. Memorise them," He adds.


    As I''m about to read, he stops me.


    "Never mind. Let''s do a little bit role y here," He turns his body so that he''ll be sitting the opposite from me instead of beside me. "I''ll be Kenna and you''ll be yourself, now read the damn proposal," He says, making me think that the proposal might already be damned. "Kenna... thank god you''re here," I begin to read as I look up at his face, making sure that I''m doing it correctly before continuing, "Look, do you have a minute?"


    "Don''t forget the panting," He interrupts.


    Just as we both continue the role y, I am already memorising the words. They seem to fit our situation perfectly... me describing the years we''ve spent together and how her beauty somehow mesmerises me she''ll be stunned at the words. Yet, this proposal isn''t something genuine from the heart. It''s made to impress her and also the people around her for them to stop what they''re doing and look at us.


    "Remember what I said, don''t forget to pretend as if you''ve been running." He looks up at my hair, "Run your fingers through your hair a little bit, try making them look messy in a good, attractive way." He adds which causes me to chuckle, doing as told.


    Just as I''m about to ask him something, his phone starts to ring which causes him to raise his index finger up before looking down at the screen-immediately answering the call as soon as he sees it''s no other than his, son.


    "I''m leaving," I say before turning to Gerald, "Drop him wherever he wants and thene back here to pick me up at the exact spot," I add and he nods, making me turn to Flynn who is stepping down the car to open the door for me. As I step out of the car, Flynn quickly catches up with my walking pace before answering his phone that has been ringing for the past couple of minutes.


    "Yes, I''ll make sure to tell him." He says on the phone, quickly hanging up as he stands beside me, "Mr. Ashton... you''re needed in the office as soon as possible. Esmeralda told me that" I cut him off by turning to look at him, causing him to press his lips into a thin line. "Flynn, I''m going to propose to Kenna and you''re asking me to head back to the office? That has got to wait, this can''t." I reply before entering the emergency room which is not as packed, making me swiftly walk in the middle, eyes wandering to look for Kenna.


    Flynn is being left behind, answering another phone call as he makes his way towards a different direction-making me turn back to look for Kenna. ording to the informations I have gathered, she''s working at the emergency room this week during the day with no night shifts so she should be here... somewhere.


    All of a sudden, I find Kenna walking towards one of the patients which is a little girl around the age of six. The little girl''s eyes are filled with tears as she holds back the pain from the injury on her knee, making me see that Kenna is doing her best to calm her down. Kenna smiles at her as she cups onto the girl''s face, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. The little girl nods her head, wiping away the fallen tears with her tiny hand-somehow, leaving me smiling at myself at the current situation.


    On the other side of the bed, stands a little boy, also around the age of six with his parent holding onto his shoulders-realising me that the little boy might''ve pushed her down and cause the injury which leaves me remembering about Kenna and I, in the past. "You''re a strong little girl," I read Kenna''s lips as she wipes away the blood with an antibacterial liquid on the girl''s knee, paying attention to her expression and seeing that she''s wincing in pain. "We''re almost done and you''ll get better," She adds, putting the bandage. As soon as Kenna''s done, she begins to stand up and turn towards the parent. She looks down at the little boy, gesturing for him to walk towards the little girl which he does and slowly, he is already standing in front of her, saying something unreadable from my distance. I smile to myself, seeing them shake hands.


    My eyes widen as soon as Kenna turns to look at me, her lips curving up into a smile when she sees me standing in the middle of the hallway. I continue to stare at her, seeing her making her way towards me, leaving me think back of the words I''ve memorised. "Kenna... thank god you''re here," I say, earning myself a confused look from her. "Look, do you have a minute?" I ask, looking around at the emergency room.


    "Of course, I''d be here. What''s wrong, Aidan? Is there something wrong?" She raises an eyebrow, her blue eyes are squinting at me which causes me to forget the whole thing I''ve memorised, making me curse, mentally.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Screw it. I thought. I forgot everything.


    My eyes wander around before slowly going on one knee, making a few people stop walking as soon as they get the whole point of a man going down on one knee. Within seconds, I am left staring back at Kenna who has the same confused look on her face. "Here?" She asks, her voice low but loud enough for me to hear.


    "Here," I answer.


    "I''m sorry, I know that you''re working


    but I don''t want to lose you." My eyes are focusing onto her blue ones, "You''re the best thing that has ever happened to me and by far, the only person I want to spend the rest of my life with." I say, the words randomly appearing in my head due to forgetting Dimitri''s words.


    "Oh my god! Someone''s proposing," Someone says and I begin to slightly look around, the people here are turning to look at us including a few doctors.


    "Kenna... I know that things


    between us were sometimes rough. I mean, we met when we were both six and ever since then, we''ve been through a lot but we were always. side to side. You helped me when I was at my worst, you''re my lifesaver." I add, the words slowlying out of my mouth-realising that most of it is true.


    "I am myself when I''m with you. You bring out the best of me because you were just perfectly made that way... your beautiful blue eyes, your pink rosy cheeks and oh, don''t get me started when youugh you''re like an angel. You''re real and I want us to be real, too." I focus onto her eyes which she does the same,


    making me lost unintentionally.


    "I love you, Kenna Anne Roosevelt." I breathe out, "I want you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you... will you marry me?" The question pops out as I take the red box out of my jacket''s pocket which causes the people in the emergency room to gasp before muttering words under their breaths. Kenna stands still, her lips are not twitching into a smile and neither does her eyes. She just stands there before blinking a few times as her eyes wander around the room.


    "If you''re not going to say yes, I will." A man says and people begin to cheer which leaves both Kenna and I tough before turning around, seeing that there''s people standing behind me while a few are on their beds, pping their hands. "Damn girl, he''s hot." A woman says.


    "I will, too!" Someone else says.


    "Say yes! Say yes!" They begin to cheer which surprises a few doctors, including Kenna. My lips are already curving up into a smile as I look up and wait for her answer.


    Kenna nods her head with a smile stered onto her face, "Yes, Aidan. I will marry you," She answers and I slowly stand up straight, looking down at her due to our heights before sliding the ring into her ring finger-leaving the crowd to p.


    We awkwardly stand as I hold onto her hand and to my surprise, she starts to pull me by the neck, "Hug me." She whispers and within seconds, I am already wrapping my arms around her body as she wraps her arms around my neck, causing the people here to cheer. As we both pull away, we begin to realise that our lips are inches apart so both of us begin to pull further away, seeing that she''s currently eyeing down at the ring on her finger.


    "You got Dimitri to help you... cute," She smirks while I chuckle, looking at the ring on her finger, seeing how much it matches her-slightly leaving me happy for choosing it. "Did he help you with the proposal, too?" She yfully pushes me on the chest before smiling. My eyes are looking into hers, "Yeah." Sort off.

 Chapter 9

    Kenna


    "Hi, Albert. You''re a bit cheery today," I say as soon as I step inside his room, the door closing behind me before cing the tray of food onto the table.


    Both of Albert''s eyes drift away from the television immediately, a smile appearing onto his face-revealing wrinkles on his cheeks. He leans back onto the bed, "I should be saying that to you," He replies as he chuckles.


    I ce both of my hands onto my hips as I smile, frowning slightly at his respond. He shrugs, pretending not to know anything before taking a sip of his soup.


    "The ring shows it all," He adds which causes me to immediately hide my left hand behind my back, out of his sight.


    Knowing Albert, he doesn''t just have a temper but he''s also a cheeky old man. Mischievous, too. He must''ve heard the other nurses and doctors talking about the whole proposal that happened yesterday... like I said, he''s cheeky.


    Ever since Aidan proposed, I was and still am the talk of them all. When I was walking down the hall, a few doctors and nurses came towards me started asking me about Aidan. They alsoplimented my ring and said how lucky I am to be engaged to the ''Top 5 Hottest Bachelor'' of the year.


    It''s not a surprise that they know about Aidan, he''s by far known by almost everyone. One of the youngest CEO to ever aplish and achieve before the age of thirty; women go crazy for him and men want to be him. Well... some of them.


    They won''t stop talking about how attractive Aidan was when he proposed and they even showed me pictures which told me they weren''t lying. I''ve looked at Aidan for twenty-years and it would be a lie if I say that, him being attractive has never crossed my mind because he is.


    Even though his eyes are in brown, they are light and beautiful in their own way. He makes himself look perfect that no one would even realise about his ws. I''ve known him long enough to know how much he hates the shape of his lips but the feature that he hates most is actually craved by women, the most.


    He knows that he''s attractive, beautiful or even hot. As they would say but he also knows how much ws he has. He just chooses to ignore them and unt his wless features.


    "You don''t have to hide it," Albert continues to say, "Your face shows it, too." The way he says without even looking at me causes me to chuckle, knowing how much he has been the one to cheer me up whenever I''m down or even listen to my problems. Albert, known as short-tempered and even grumpy by others but by me, he''s the sweetest old man I''ve ever taken care of. He knows when people are lying to him because he said he has lived long enough to study the faces of liars and I don''t me him, he''s being cautious.


    At times, he would tell me stories about his son. He only has one. By the way he would describe him, it shows just how much he loves him with his whole heart and that he misses him because thest time he saw him was when he left to live in London.


    In fact, his son has never once came to visit. Truthfully, no one ever came to visit. It saddens me to ever think about him whenever I''m at home, knowing that he''s alone in the hospital and just probably wondering about his son, histe wife.


    Her name was Helen, described by him as the most beautiful woman to ever exist. He also told me how much her brown eyes haunt him in his sleep which causes him to miss her more than he already has. Sometimes, he would just look out at the window and hold onto her ne... a ne he gave her on their first date.


    They met back in Texas, at a carnival. He called it as love at first sight because one nce at her, he knew she''d be the love of his life. Apparently, their friends were the matchmakers. They had paired them up during the whole night at the carnival, rode different rides together and even ate cotton candies, for the first time.


    She never had them before.


    It was hard for them. He was a country boy who had a barn and she was the city girl who came to the countryside just because her grandmother was dying-they knew they were fated together and they started to see each other more often, even without her father''s permission.


    Things were different back then, as told by Albert All it ever took to confirm his love for her was just by spending time together-they went through all the things that would only appear in movies but it was real for them, dancing in the middle of the street when it was raining and even picking in the garden with home-cooked food by him.


    After all those nicely spent weeks, he was going to lose her because he was only a poor country boy with no fortune, her father had disagree when he wanted to ask her hand in marriage he wanted to have her forever, as his wife.


    Yet, they both loved each other more than anything else in the world. She had ran away with him, left everything behind her when they eloped. It was the best decision in her life and also his... because death was the only thing that separated them. "You know what, Albert. I wish I could''ve lived in the earlier nies so that I can see how you were when you were younger," I say and he chuckles, shaking his head.


    "I was a very handsome young man," He replies.


    With a smile stered onto my face, "I can tell." Then, I make my way towards him before taking a seat, watching him eat his food as I nce down at his other hand, his wife''s ne in his hand, being gripped tightly.


    "Who''s the unlucky man?" He asks,


    turning to look at me which leaves


    me smirk at him as I nce down at the engagement ring. Ever since had it


    itan, I can''t seem to look away. The way the ring just stares back at me with its own elegancy, I''m left astonished.


    "Can I tell you a secret?" I ask, my voice low and almost inaudible.


    All of a sudden, a nurse walks in which causes me to turn around and see that she''s currently panting from all the running. I stand up immediately, trying to catch up with the words escaping her lips.


    "You''re needed in the emergency room as soon as possible," She says in between pants before gesturing for me to follow her. Both of her eyes are looking directly at me as I look down at her uniform, seeing that there''s blood sttered across it.


    I turn towards Albert, "Tell me some other time." He says and I nod before quickly running down the hall and straight towards the emergency room, trailing behind the nurse.


    As soon as we''ve arrived in the emergency room, I am left staring at someone who has been screaming in pain, immediately making me walk towards him. A couple of doctors are tending to him but ording to his injury, he needs to be in operation room, right now. "What happened?" I ask one of the doctors as he''s busy trying to stabilise the patient''s heart rate. Sweats are forming on his forehead before gesturing for the nurses to take him straight towards the operation room.


    "Severe injuries. It was a hit and run," He replies as we both make our ways towards the operation room before someone begins to pull onto my forearm, leaving me standing in the middle of the hallway, looking straight at the previous nurse.


    "It''s okay, Dr. Mike will be there in the operation room and you are needed to take his ce in the emergency room," She says and I nod, making my way back towards the emergency room before ncing towards the amount of patients in here, increasing.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    My eyes widen as soon as theynded on a familiar figure on of the hospital beds, leaving me stare at him. Without me realising, I am already taking a few steps towards him before stopping once I realise that I''m getting closer.


    His hazel eyes meet mine and we both stare at each other, in surprise. I quickly make my way towards him before seeing that his calf is bleeding which causes me to look back up at him. It''s a surprise to see him here... out of the ces in the world. "Kenna," He says my name.


    "What happened?" I ask, ncing


    towards the doctor who is currently doing the stitches. Noah on the other hand is gripping onto the bed as the pain hits him which leaves me trying to hold back myughter, knowing how much he hates being in pain. He doesn''t do well especially when ites to stitches.

 Chapter 10

    "Rock climbing ident. Scraped his leg." The doctor replies before finishing thest couple of stitches. "Could''ve been worse but luckily, just a slight tear. You''re good," She adds as she stands up, walking away towards the other patients. Both Noah and I look at each other, realising that there''s an unfamiliar figure standing beside him before excusing himself as soon as he realises the tension building.


    "I didn''t expect to see you here," He starts to speak, wincing in pain as he tries to move his leg before letting out a deep breath.


    "I work here," I reply.


    "Still, I didn''t expect to see you-especially in a situation like this." He groans but he manages to sit properly, "It''s still nice to see you, Kenna. It has been awhile," He adds.


    Noah and I met in a restaurant during a clumsy incident. I spilled drink on his shirt when he was walking pass my table, then it all began with the whole embarrassment which ended up being something blissful for once. We dated for a year and a half.


    "It''s nice to see you too. Looks like you''re into rock climbing, now?" I ask, gesturing to the injury and he starts to chuckle, running his fingers through his dirty blonde hair-moving his neck length hair towards the back.


    "What do you expect? I needed something to clear my mind from you," He replies, spontaneously which leaves me speechless. "At least I have something to do other than working because it seems to me... you''re still here," He adds, causing me to smirk. "Well, this is home." I reply sarcastically before shoving both of my hands into my white coat before hearing him chuckling, louder. He seems to be enjoying our sarcastic responds by the way he''s currently looking at me with a small smile stered onto his face. Our rtionship was perfect, people would always tell how we were match made in heaven and I''ve never once disagreed. He''s beautiful with his hazel eyes and both sided dimples, anyone would fall for him in an instant just like how I did when we first met. Actually, he was the perfect boyfriend. People were envious and jealous of me because I had someone like him to go home to-yet, I was never there for him. It would always be him who was there for me... during my worse or even my best. "You look great," He says as he looks into my eyes, "As you have always been."


    I smile, "I''m d you didn''t turn into a slob when I left," I respond which causes him to chuckle again before trying to stand up-in which I help by slowly cing my hand around his waist and the other on the side of his stomach.


    He winces in pain, "I shouldn''t have went rock climbing during a headache. Should''ve remembered your advices," He mutters under his breath but loud enough for me to hear, leaving me scoffing and letting go of his waist as soon as we''ve made towards his friend. Both of his eyes are focusing onto my face as I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear which causes him to nce at my hand-quickly making me realise about the ring on my left hand. Noah clenches his jaw for a few seconds before smiling at me, "Congrattions," I drop my hand immediately, "It''s not like that."


    "What is like, then? You''re engaged, Kenna. There''s no other way telling it but by the ring on your finger," He replies, trying to avoid making any further eye contact with me, "I''m happy for you and I''m d that you''ve found someone to be left alone at home," He adds. Thest few words left quite an impact in me. Like I said, he has always been the one to understand more and because of that... he was too perfect for me. I''m the exact opposite from him and I didn''t want to hurt him more than I already had. "You know why I ended us," I mutter.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Just as he''s about to walk away, "Yeah. No worries," He replies without even looking at me before making his way towards his friend after rejecting my help as he holds onto the pain. His friend walks towards him and tries to help him but he walks off, ignoring him. I furrow my eyebrows as he walks away. Our rtionship ended in good terms but somehow, it was left hanging. Things could''ve been different and better but I didn''t try hard for that... for us when we still had one another.


    My eyes nce down at my phone''s screen before picking the call, "Come at the front." Aidan says through the other line which causes me to let out a deep sigh.


    "What is it with "I am left cut off by him hanging up which causes my mouth to open wide before gripping onto my phone, tightly in anger. After taking a few deep breaths, I quickly make my way towards the main entrance, eyes wandering around looking for him. Just as I''m about to call him back, I am left staring at a familiar matte ck Maserati which belongs to none other than Dimitri. My lips curve up into a smirk as he presses down the windows, revealing Dimitri at the driver''s seat and Aidan at the passenger''s seat. "Get in, loser." Dimitri says as he lifts down his sunsses.


    "We''re going shopping," Aidan continues..


    Then, they both begin tough. All of a sudden, Dimitri begins to wink at another doctor who seems to have passed them before smiling back at him-leaving him eyeing her legs. Well, that is definitely Dimitri when ites to women... he loves them. "Are you guys stupid or just pretending to be stupid? I''m working," I reply as I take a few steps closer towards the car, causing Dimitri to look up at as he holds onto his sunsses, leaving it on the bridge of his nose.


    "I don''t want to do it but you''re making me do it," He replies which causes me to frown but before I can say another word, he begins to press harder and longer onto the car''s horn. People are already ncing towards our direction but he pays no attention to stop. My eyes widen as I reach out to grab him by the neck but he quickly presses up the windows, leaving me hitting my fist onto the windows, itself. I groan loudly at the pain before trying to peek through the dark tinted windows and taking a few steps back, knocking hardly. "Someone''s going to call the cops!" I shout through the loud honking before it stops for a few seconds, as he presses down the window again-both of his eyes meeting mine.


    Aidan is leftughing at the side by Dimitri''s childish behaviour, "Come on, Kenna, Just get in the car and we don''t have to continue this any further Dimitri ces his index finger onto the horn, attempting to press it again but I quickly surrender by entering the car.


    "You two are assholes," I groan, mming the door.


    Dimitri smirks as he nces up at the rear-view mirror before pressing onto the gas pedal, making the car go forward in fast pace. "Don''t you miss me? We haven''t seen each she taps


    other in a week!" He says as


    onto the steering wheel, ording


    to the beat of the music.


    I move forward, in between Aidan and Dimitri before smacking onto the side of his temple which leaves him groaning in pain. "Hey! Doctors aren''t supposed to hurt people but actually do the opposite," He mumbles under his breath as he nces at me. As I''m about to smack him one more time, Aidan grabs onto my wrist before slowly making me stop my previous intention. He turns to look at me, "You''re going to ruin the ring!" He says, examining the ring up close, leaving me rolling my eyes in annoyance. "First couple''s fight. Cute!" Dimitri exims as he turns the volume louder, making me lean back in my seat and cross my arms at his behaviour.


    It''s not something rare to see him or


    them like this, we''re always


    I.n


    somehow childish around one another but today doesn''t seem like a good day for me to be joining. them Somehow, it''s funny to be looking at them behaving this way when they''re all devilish mean and tough whenever in public but when they''re with me... they''re just like a bunch of kids.


    "Why are we going shopping?" I ask, grabbing both of their attention.


    "To impress your future mother-inw," Dimitri replies with a sly smirk stered onto his face as he presses harder onto the gas pedal but to only stop at the heavy traffic.

 Chapter 11

    Kenna


    "Too in," Dimitri mutters before shaking his head, disagreeing to the in ck dress I''m wearing. My eyes wander down to the sleeveless dress as I turn to look in the mirror, seeing how the dress fits onto my body perfectly well but it also appears as if I''m going to a


    funeral.


    "I look fairer though," I reply, looking sideways.


    "Wrong. Men prefer tanned women," He says which causes me to raise an eyebrow at him before looking at my other best friend, seemingly upied with his phone.


    "If you think that I dress up for men, you''re wrong. I dress up for myself," My right hand is on my hip before looking at Dimitri after squinting my eyes, causing him to walk towards me, arms crossed; standing tall due to the differences of our heights.


    He leans forward, "Do you think men dress up for women? No, no, no, we dress up for ourselves too. We just somehow... attract them at the same time. Look around, women are obviously staring at me because I''m just too beautiful," He pretends to flip his hair. "Wow! Excuse me? You''re far from beautiful," I poke onto his chest which causes him to raise an eyebrow at me before taking a few steps back. Our eyes are having a war of their own, ring and staring deeply with the amount of pressure radiating. "It''s me who is beautiful," I add, cockily pulling onto the hair-tie off my hair, letting them fall down.


    Both of his eyes are looking down at my hair before frowning, "Is that strawberry or is it apple? You still use fruity-scented shampoos? Dude, you''re twenty-six... grow up." He flicks my hair on my shoulder which causes them to fall onto my back, making me stand on my tiptoes.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Dimitri and I always have an argument because it''s a part of our friendship. We have different opinions on something... disagreements everywhere in everything. Even something as simple as an ice cream vour can cause us to argue for an hour, straight. It''s no doubt that this current argument can break the record.


    Then again, no matter how much we argue, we would always have each other''s back. I''d still look at him with the same amount of care for him as a friend-enjoying other stuffs together and neglecting our arguments. Maybe, it''s because he''s pretty much a savage. He speaks what he wants to speak, saying words without even thinking how much it would affect someone... especially me but after knowing him for almost six years now, it''s just who he is and I have to ept that. He may be annoying and a little childish sometimes but deep down, I know how much he loves and care for me. Just as I feel towards him.


    That''s one of the reasons why we''re BFFs.


    I lean closer towards him, "You judge me because I use fruity-scented shampoos when you are still using the same scented cologne I bought you for your birthday, four years ago! Don''t let me remind you... just how many girls you''ve gotten in bed with that cologne. Thanks to my sense of smell," My lips curve up into a smile at my respond, seeing him clenching his jaw.


    To my surprise, he takes off his coat before throwing it onto the ground, "You know what? When I get home, I''m going to burn that cologne. It''s going to be gone," He replies, making me pretend to be upset by pouting and draw a fake tear dripping down from my eyes using my index finger, leaving him groaning.


    "Boo!" I keep on poking onto his body as he tries to protect himself from further attacks as he grabs onto my waist, picking me up onto his shoulder-letting me let out a scream.


    My scream ends up turning intoughters as he spins us around, in a slow pace. I keep on pounding onto his back-not bothered by the stares we''re receiving due to our childish behaviour. For once, I actually take it back when I said he''s the only one acting like a child because I''m included.


    "What are you guys doing?" Aidan asks, immediately bringing us back into reality as he drops me onto the ground. I try to bnce myself, looking up at Aidan who stands in between us with a confused look on his face. Then, he looks down at me, "What are you wearing?"


    I raise an eyebrow, "You mean my perfume? Oh, it''s called Bombshell by Victoria Secret. I''m sure you''ve heard of it before because I wouldn''t stop rambling about how much I love the heavenly smell," I reply and he begins to look at me, more confused. "I meant your dress," He replies.


    Both of his brown eyes are looking directly at me before taking a few seconds to gaze down onto the ck dress I''m wearing, his expression changing into something that shows just how much he dislikes the dress. I stand still, letting his eyes wander down my body. "Come here," He calls out for me to follow him and I do as told, after sticking my tongue out at Dimitri who quickly responds back by doing the same. Just as I turn to look at Aidan, I am left immediately stopping my steps... seconds before I can bump into him. We are standing near the promoter, "Yes, Mr. Ashton. How can I help you?" She asks, her lips are curving up into a smile at both of us.


    Funny, Dimitri was the one who had rejected any helps from the workers here and now, we actually need them or this whole shopping thing can turn out into a disaster. Honestly, Aidan''s sense of style is way better than Dimitri''s... when ites to women''s clothing. Maybe, because I''ve brainwashed him enough when we were younger. He has always been my shopping pal, including his sister, Mia. The three of us would go shopping and he''s be the one suggesting which one''s the better outfit. He has never failed, though. "Take her measurements. I want you to give her the best dresses you''ve got and I want to see her when she''s ready," Aidan replies, his voice is much more deeper than usually. It''s weird to see him behaving this way-more serious, professional because he''s theplete opposite when he''s with me.


    Sometimes, it makes me wonder


    just why would his employees ever call him the devil. Yes, I''ve seen him get mad and it was not a good


    experience but he has always been a sweetheart to me. No matter how stressed or annoyed he might be, he''d always give in to what task. At times, I''ve forgotten just how much he has given in for a friend like me.


    We''ve had heated arguments before but I''d rather lose everything else than losing him as my friend. He has seen me through my worst and there''s nobody else who can rece him.


    "I''ll be there when you''re done," He leans before whispering in my ear. Then, he starts to walk back towards Dimitri who is currently talking to one of the women, there making themugh at his flirty personality, instantly leaving me rolling my eyes. "Follow me, miss." The promoter says and I quickly follow behind her to different colours and designs of dresses, leaving me staring in awe. It has been awhile since I''ve actually went out looking for nice clothes and it feels calming, for once.


    Just as I''m about to ask her about


    what kind of dresses she has in mind, I am left speechless at the amount of dresses she has already picked out before cing them, slowly on the sofa in the dressing room. From dresses that would cover up my entire body and down to more of the cleavage revealing dresses, they all seem to appeal in anyone''s eyes.


    "Where do you want to start?" She asks, smiling.


    My lips curve up into a smile before pointing out at the dress in the middle and she is already helping me with the dress after tying my hair up into a messy bun-making the whole dressing up a lot easier.


    I step out of the dressing room,


    slowly in the sleeveless dark purple dress which ends down to my toes before standing in front of my two best friends. Dimitri''s eyes widen as he eyes my dress, showing how much he likes the dress while Aidan just stares nkly at me-making me furrow my eyebrows trying to find if there''s anything wrong with it.


    "Is it not okay?" I ask, my voice low.


    "No, no. I like it," Dimitri replies, giving me a thumbs up which causes me to smile. He smiles back before nudging Aidan on the shoulder, trying to make him say something but he does nothing... only eyeing my face after gazing down the dress for a couple of seconds.


    "I don''t," He finally responds and I keep on looking at him, waiting for him to say something more. Dimitri frowns at him before looking back at me and trying to find the ws of this dress but he''spletely left with none. "Don''t you think it''s a little bit too much, here?" He adds, pointing at his chest, gesturing towards mine.

 Chapter 12

    There''s no denying the fact, this dress reveals quite a lot of cleavage but other than that, it appears to be the perfect dress. I continue to look at Aidan who takes a step forward towards me, eyeing my face, "I''m not saying that this dress is not beautiful on you because it is but all I''m saying is that... it''s a family gathering and it would be a lot more appropriate if you wear a different dress," He says, leaving me nod my head and smile up at him.


    He smiles back, "You can keep the dress but choose a different one to the gathering. How does that sound?" He asks, lifting my chin up before gesturing for me to get back inside the dressing room in which I just do as told, slowly getting out of the dress once I''m inside. My eyes wander at the dresses before sighing, not really knowing which one to choose when there''s a plenty of them in front of me. The promoter clears her throat, "Actually... there''s this one dress. I think it might suit you very well and it might also impress him," She walks towards the back, leaving me turn to look in the mirror, once more.


    After a couple of minutes, my eyes widen at the dress she is holding. A long rose gold dress which would fit perfectly onto my body, showing off the right amount of curves as it covers my chest and it''s also a long-sleeved dress but what makes it more appealing is the back. The dress screams perfection in every way as it is backless, attracting attention. "Let''s give it a try," She says.


    After staring at myself in the mirror, I quickly peek through the door, seeing Aidan and Dimitri are talking but I can''t seem to hear their conversation. Within seconds, I am already walking towards them... standing in the middle but neither of them have turned.


    As I wait for a couple of seconds, yet I don''t seem to be getting any respond from them which causes me to clear my throat. They both turn to look at me and it surprises me to see their expression changes immediately, leaving me tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "What do you think?" I ask, turning around to reveal the bare back before looking at them again, seeing a smiling Dimitri and a pleased Aidan.


    Dimitri''s phone starts to ring which causes him to immediately pick it up, "I have to take this. I''ll meet you guys outside," He says before walking out, talking through the phone.


    Aidan, on the other hand, is busy eyeing the dress. He takes a few steps towards me as he gazes down at my face for a few more seconds, "Give us a minute, please." He says towards the promoter which nods and leaves the room, immediately.


    "Are you worried?" I ask, as soon as I find us enjoying the silence. "I mean, about the whole fake marriage thing... with your mother. Do you think it''ll fail?" I add, waiting for him to answer as he shakes, nod and shakes his head again.


    "I''m not worried about that or about my mother. She will believe us because believe me, I can''t remember how many times she has asked me to marry you." He replies and we both begin to chuckle, "I''m just worried about you. This is all about me and you''re being a true best friend by helping me but I''ve never asked you, are you okay with it?" He adds, silencing me.


    We both stare at one another, leaving me yfully ce my left hand at the side of his face before pushing it to the side-making his lips curve up into a small smile. Then, I let out a deep sigh, "Aidan, I''ve known you for twenty-years and you''ve done a lot more for me than you think. So, I''m just returning the favour for all the past favours you''ve done for me," I say.


    "Besides, what are best friends for? You and I against the world, remember?" I lift my right hand up, waiting for him to fist-bump me and he does, causing us both to smile again. "We''ll still be best friends even though we''re going to be legally married and staying under the same roof but that is not going toe in between us, right?" I ask.


    He smiles, "Exactly. For once, I''m actually happy I pushed you down the swing or we wouldn''t be friends." He adds and I yfully push him by the arm, making himugh.


    "Bill, please." Aidan calls out for the promoter and she walks towards us, leaving me turn to look at her, "I''ll be taking all of the dresses," He adds which causes my eyes to widen.


    "Hey... man, I appreciate that butProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    you don''t have to pay for my dresses


    or take them all. How much does this dress costs, anyway?" I turn towards the promoter who is currently staring at both Aidan and I. All of the dresses here are known to be expensive to extremely


    expensive, not my kind of shop for a gathering but Aidan wants what''s best and he thinks, the more


    expensive, the better.


    "The dress you''re wearing costs around five grand," She replies and I am left gaping before turning to look at Aidan who nods his head, gesturing for her to get all of the dresses ready in the bags. Meanwhile, I am still surprised at the price.


    "No, no, no. I''m not taking this dress," I try to take it off but he grabs both of my hands, stopping me from continuing it any further, "Aidan, it''s just for one night and it''s too much. Maybe, we can choose a different and more affordable dress? You know how much I hate and loathe buying expensive stuff," I look up at him and pout, trying to make him agree.


    "Listen, we''re taking the dresses and this conversation about how much you hate and loathe expensive stuff will be over. For your information, I will be the one to buy all of these expensive stuff without causing any harm to you... financially," He replies, walking away but I grab onto his arm again, pulling him back.


    "If you know how I feel, why would you say that? Like, you put in such an ufortable situation. Like, you know I''m not happy." I take one of Kim Kardashian''s quote, begging for him to change his mind but he rolls his eyes, letting me pull onto his arm as he does nothing.


    "Kenna, you''re doing me a huge favour! You''re getting married to your best friend who is also a womaniser so, at least let me pay for the dresses. How much would they cost me anyway? They''re not going to burn a hole in my pocket or even my bank ount... okay? Just, let go of my arm and try to


    think of all the dresses as a gift," He responds and he walks away,


    quickly before I can grab onto him again.


    With a loud groan, I walk back towards the dressing room to change into the clothes I came here with-white cks and light blue button up shirt. My eyes wander to the counter, seeing Aidan paying for the dresses using his debit card, leaving me sighing. Dimitri walks back inside, "You guys are taking forever. I had toe back," He says and I chuckle, "I mean... I tried to wait for another ten minutes after I ended the call because I don''t want to look stupid when I said I''d meet you guys outside," He adds.


    I keep on staring down at the ground, making him notice the sudden change of mood and expression on my face before trying to lift my chin up. He looks into my eyes, "What''s wrong? You look like your cat died," He asks.


    "I don''t have a cat," I reply.


    "Exactly. What''s wrong?" He asks, again.


    "He''s paying for all the dresses. You know how much I hate it when someone pays for me, especially when ites to expensive stuff and you know what? The rose gold dress costs about five grand... and that''s a huge deal for me. He could be paying for ice cream and I''d be fine with that but right now, he''s paying for the dresses." I mutter, groaning.


    "Actually, Kenna. Just let him do that for you. I know how it feels like and I know you can afford to buy the dresses on your own but... for once, just let him treat you. Try epting it as a gift or something worth keeping to strengthen your friendship with him." He replies. "Besides, you''reining about how much you hate it when he buys you expensive stuff but that ring on your finger isn''t exactly cheap, either." He presses his lips into a thin line, quickly cing his hand on his mouth, pretending to might have slipped it. "You!" I exim and he starts to protect himself from any further attacks from me which begins with a smack on the arm.

 Chapter 13

    Aidan


    With a deep breath, I raise my right hand to press onto the doorbell but as my finger is inches away, the door swings open; revealing Kenna who''s currently putting studs on her ears. She eyes down my suit and tie, a smile stered on her face before gesturing for me toe in.


    "That was quick," I say as she closes the door behind us. Then, I turn to see her making her way towards the kitchen, ncing at herself in the mirror.


    Kenna chuckles as my eyes wander around her apartment, everything seems to be the same except for the sofa; it was not leather, before. Just as I''m about to ask her about the sudden change of sofa, I am left speechless as she turns to look at me-the beauty she holds mesmerises me, the dress glittering due to the downlight shining brightly.


    It''s not just her dress but it''s her. The way her makeup enhances her face to make it more appealing than changing her natural features, she is an absolute goddess. My heart begins to beat utterly fast as I only stand and stare at her without her realising how much I see beneath her beautiful features, she''s perfect... breathtakingly, perfect.


    I gaze down her tanned skin, surprised by how they''re glowing and somehow matching with the highlight on her cheekbones-leaving me clearing my throat as her lips begin to speak words I''m not able toprehend or hear due to being lost in a world of my own. "So... I smacked him again," She says, chuckling softly. "I mean, he was being fairly annoying and I had no other choice we both know how Dimitri is whenever he sees me. He acts like a different person... babbling and just saying things I don''t even want to know," She adds.


    "Yeah, he''s like that." I mutter after clearing my throat again, catching her attention after seeing her raising an eyebrow at me before taking a few steps towards me. "What?" I ask as soon as I realise how close we are, letting me ufortably shift.


    She ces the back of her hand on my forehead, "Do you have a fever? A sore throat?" She asks, making me roll my eyes and push her hand away. Our faces are inches apart but I pay no attention to her eyes nor even her lips because the lesser the distance, the more ufortable I''m currently feeling which causes me to take a couple of steps back, surprising her.


    "I''m good, perfect... wonderful." I reply, fixing my suit as she shrugs, looking at herself in the mirror again-ignoring me,pletely which eases me more.


    There''s nothing in my mind nor my heart other than my eptance towards her beauty. She is very stunning... spectacr. Tonight, this time, right now, I admit she is by far the most beautiful woman I''ve ever met and no one is going to top her anytime soon. She''s at it. "Can you help me?" She asks, making me turn to look at her. My eyes wander to her hands and seeing that she''s currently pointing behind her neck, asking me to help her tie the dress which leaves me nodding, slowly making my way towards her with both of my hands tying the dress without wanting to make any skin contact yet I fail, miserably.


    I look down at her back, clenching my jaw before pulling away as soon as I''m done.


    She turns towards me, "How do I look? My hair? My makeup? My dress? Everything looks fine to you or do I need to change? You can be honest with me... I don''t mind," She asks, her eyes are widening with every words escaping her mouth before receiving a nod from me.


    "You look beautiful, Kenna." I reply, thepliment sincerely heading towards her with a smile appearing on my face which causes her to smile back. Both of us are staring at one another for a few seconds before letting me break the eye contact and make my way towards the front door, gesturing for her to step out whenever she''s ready.


    Ever since Kenna and I agreed to the agreement or more specifically, the contract, I''ve never paid much attention to other women in particrly for... enjoyment. I''ve kept myself busy and mostly focus on work other than enjoying my time like how I used to with Dimitri before the contract was made.


    There''s no way I''m going to ruin the possibility of my mother to stop asking me about my life, mymitment and my marriage with a temporary satisfaction. It''s just a temptation that I have to endure for a year for the sake of my present and future. Of course, it includes my long-term friendship with Kenna because I don''t want to ruin that, either.


    Just as we make our way towards my car, I am left opening the door for her as she steps inside... slowly, not wanting to ruin her dress. Within seconds, I''m already sitting in the driver''s seat with my left hand on the steering wheel and the other pressing onto the button to start the car''s engine.


    Then, we''re on the road.


    "Aidan," She calls out for my name which causes me to nce at her direction, "Do you think they''ll believe us? Do you think we''ll be able to y the role until the contract is over? What if we suddenly fail... don''t you think that''s a risk we don''t want to take?" She asks, the same questions that has been bothering me, ever since.


    I keep quiet for a few seconds before speaking, "It''s unlikely for us to fail and the chances of them not believing us is also low. Remember when my mother wanted us to get married just because I couldn''t stop seeing you? I couldn''t even go on a week without even seeing you once. Do you remember that?" I ask, seeing her smiling as she nods.


    "Senior year. I can never forget that," She replies.


    "Yeah and how insane was she? We were both eighteen and she wanted us to get married just because I couldn''t live without seeing you. I''m sure she''ll believe us because we''ve known each other long enough to somehow... magically fall in love," I continue to talk, "In her own point of view of love," I add and we both chuckle, softly.


    My mind wanders back to the


    memory of us years ago, it was too clear to be years ago but then again, it was too long to be the present. I had to skip school for a week just because my parents wanted me toe with them to Australia, for their sharepany''s anniversary celebration and apparently, Kenna wasn''t feeling well to attend school for the past few days before I was on my flight straight to Australia.


    I was no doubt, moody and even grumpy. The whole week spent in Australia was the worst week of my life because all I ever wanted was Kenna toe with me so that we could travel in a different country, see different sights but it was somehow... destined differently. So, when my parents and I got back from Australia, I headed straight towards Kenna''s house and ran up her room to pull her in for a hug. Her parents were surprised and so was I, at that time because when I saw her, I was relieved.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    My whole misery or even anything else that came in my way was all gone. It was solved simply by hugging her... that was all it took for my mother to let me marry Kenna. We were both adolescents and maybe our hormones were raging crazily, I don''t know but it felt as if all I ever needed was Kenna for my life to go on with no interruptions.


    "If we fail . . . I want you to know that


    you can put all the me on me," I add which causes her to turn and look at me while my eyes are focusing onto the road, "You can say that I forced you into it and everything was my idea but that''s never going to happen," I shrug at the end as soon as I realise how the mood was slowly going a little bit low.


    Both of her eyes are continuing to look at me as I stop in front of the hotel''s entrance, the valet walking towards my direction immediately but I turn to look at Kenna, seeing her blinking a few times as she looks up front, sighing deeply. "We''re here. Are you ready?" I ask, slowly.


    "If I say that I''m not, will we make a run for it?" She responds back with a question which leaves me nodding my head before stepping out of the car and heading straight towards her side of the door, opening it and giving her my hand to grab.


    As soon as her hand touches mine, I''m left gripping onto it before smiling down at her because I want her to know just how much everything will go as nned. We walk side to side, heading towards the hotel''s entrance with the workers greeting us with full of respect as they open the doors, letting us pass through.


    We step inside the elevator before it


    stops, letting a couple of women stepping in with a smile on their faces as soon as their eyes caught mine. They purposely nce back at my direction without even noticing the presence of another woman beside me, leaving me turn to look at Kenna, seeing how she barely notices the women ncing and


    smiling at me.


    I grip harder onto her hand, letting her lean closer towards me which causes them both to notice the sudden gesture before clearing their throats and step out of the elevator as soon as they''ve reached their floor. As for Kenna and I, we wait for the elevator to reach ours. "Wait, can we run?" She asks, making me turn to look at her. Both of my eyebrows furrow at the expression of her face, seeing how she''s panicking just by the sudden coldness radiating from her hand, leaving me turn to face her as I cup onto her face.

 Chapter 14

    "Do you want to run?" I ask.


    Her eyes meet mine, "No. Forget I said that," She replies and the elevator doors open, revealing the amount of crowd in the ballroom. My eyes wander to Kenna again, wanting to make sure that she''s feeling alright as she takes a few deep breaths, trying to calm herself. "Let''s do this." She adds, confidently.


    We step out of the elevator and we''re immediately greeted with my brother, in. Both of his brown eyes are staring directly into mine as he sees my hand gripping onto Kenna''s, causing him to smirk as he takes a sip of his wine. "Not very punctual to a family gathering," He says.


    in is the oldest and also mother''s favourite child because he has a bettermitment, a wife and a daughter to actually prove himself just how much he''s not a waste of time. He had gotten married a year before he graduated and found out Harley was pregnant right after his graduation day... what a life worth living, described by mother.


    He''s not much older than me, only a couple of years but he had gotten married way younger than my current age which is why mother has been talking about it over and over again. It''s tiring to my ears and also to my mind, trying to process the same words for the past few months without having the right to stop her or even prove her how much Imit to my work and my life without even needing a wife or a child, yet.


    "Hi, Kenna." He greets her with a hug. Just because Kenna''s my best friend, it means she''s also close to my other family members including my brother, my sister-inw and my sister, Mia. Especially when she is the only child in her family, she didn''t get the chance to feel the whole sibling arguments and fights.


    "Hey, in." She replies.


    "You look stunning. I''m d you could make it," He continues to speak, "Knowing you have a busy schedule... I''m sure Aidan forced you to be here because he just can''t live without you. You know that right?" He raises an eyebrow, taking another sip of his wine. "Thank you and yes, I''ve known that for years. Don''t worry, in because tonight, I willingly came. Aidan didn''t force me into anything." She replies as she turns to look at me which leaves me to look down at her, too before smiling slightly. "Where''s Ava and Harley?" I ask, eyes wandering around to the amount of people here before looking back at in.


    Ava is their beautiful five-year-old daughter and also my one and only niece. Ava and I are very close because ever since she was born, I couldn''t keep myself away from her. Her closet are mostly filled with the clothes or shoes I bought when she was only a newborn and even though, Harley told me to stop buying Ava clothes until she is at a age where she grows slower, in, my brother didn''t stop me from doing so... he said just buy her everything if I can.


    I nce at in who''s busy texting on his phone and I realise how much he''s a workaholic just like Kenna... they can be twins, at times. "You''re working at an annual family gathering with both mother and father, not even a few feet apart from us. You''re breaking the family rule," I pretend to gasp as he empties his ss of wine before making his way towards the crowd.


    "Your family is huge, I don''t even remember the people here." Kenna says as she frowns before sighing, deeply.


    "I don''t even know them either," I reply and sheughs, catching mother''s attention as her eyes meet mine, causing me to look away immediately. As I clench my jaw, "Mother alert. She saw me and she''s going to interrogate me. So, how should I start announcing about us?" I ask, looking down at Kenna who turns to look at my mother who is currently approaching.


    "Wait... I have an idea," She mutters.


    "It better be good, Kenna. She''s getting closer and I don''t think she''s going to stop even if someone screams bloody murder behind her," I start to nce up at my mother''s direction again, seeing her getting closer and closer with every step she takes. "Oh, shit... she''s


    I am cut by Kenna as she cups onto my face before pulling me down to kiss me on the lips, silencing me immediately. My eyes widen for a couple of seconds but they remain close once I realise I''m kissing my best friend in sync, following the rhythm of her lips moving against mine without showing any signs of stopping soon.


    Slowly, my hands are going up to grip onto her waist as I pull her closer. Her soft lips are moving in a slow pace yet it''s enough to show someone how we belong to each other just by the simple kiss. Even though it''s nothing near passionate... it''s passionate enough in someone''s eyes for them to misunderstand.


    I break the kiss, our lips are inches apart as I slowly open my eyes to see her eyes are still closing from the kiss which causes me to clench my jaw-eyeing her lips. My heart begins to beat fast as her blue eyes meet mine; leaving mepletely breathless at the sudden gesture, which I assume ... a part of her idea.


    Just as I''m about to lean in for more, my mother''s voice interrupted me. My eyes widen at the sight of her looking at us in surprise as her mouth is gaping at our previous kiss, leaving me feeling a slight headache from the kiss, "Uh... mother?" I speak.


    "I knew it!" She exims which catches everyone''s attention before eyeing Kenna''s left hand on my shoulder before her eyes widening again, "Oh my god, Aidan!" She walks towards me as she pulls Kenna in for a bone-crushing hug, making Kenna look at me as she winks.


    My lips curve up into a smile at her idea, making me realise just how cheeky and perfect it turned out to work. No exnation needed.


    Mother finally let go of Kenna before turning towards me, "You should''ve told me you''ve always loved Kenna. It would''ve been easier for me to just meet her parents and go straight ahead n the wedding without troubling myself with all those unnecessary dates!" She says as she pulls me in for a hug, "Why have you been keeping it a secret?" She asks.


    "What secret?" I ask as she pulls away.


    "That you and Kenna are together!" She replies and everyone in the room begin to utter whisper. My eyes wander to look at Mia who is currently looking at me, confusingly. "When did he propose? How did he propose? Please, don''t tell me that the proposal was shitty." She asks, Kenna who starts tough while others chuckle.


    "After you threatened me, mother. I couldn''t marry anyone else because I started to realise just how much I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Kenna. You made me realise that," I answer instead of Kenna as she smiles beside me, "I can''t love anyone else but her," I


    add.


    "So, you''ve been keeping your rtionship a secret? For how long?" She continues to ask which leaves me nk before turning to look at Kenna who masks a smile,pletely nailing this whole act. "I''m sorry because if I have known, I wouldn''t have asked you to go on those terrible dates." She frowns.


    "We weren''t dating," Kenna replies,


    "


    "Actually, I''ve always liked him but we were friends and I didn''t want to ruin our friendship. Then, when he proposed... I realised just how much he feels the same way, She answers without a single doubt appearing on her face or from the sound of her voice which leaves me turning towards my mother again.


    Harley, grins widely at Kenna as she pulls her in for a hug. "Congrattions! You two have always been great for each other... but too clueless, probably. Come on, you have to tell me the details and when I said details, I want to know everything." She says and begin to walk away towards in and Mia who seems, too surprised.


    Mother turns towards me, "I''m d it''s her."


    "Were you secretly expecting me to bring Kenna?" I ask and she chuckles before nodding her head, leaving me clearing my throat-not liking the fact that they actually like about this a little bit too much, especially mother.


    "I''ve always wanted you to end up with Kenna, Aidan. You two have been inseparable ever since you started kindergarten and I can''t help but notice how much you two were really made for each other... I can''t deny that and now, you two are engaged, I know that I wasn''t wrong." She replies, "And, I have just the perfect date for your wedding."


    My eyes widen at the word ''wedding'' before raising an eyebrow, "Wait a second, what? What do you mean, wedding?" I quickly ask.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "How about next month?" She asks without even answering my question which leaves mepletely nk and utterly speechless, not knowing what to say.


    "No. I think that''s too early," I mutter.


    "Don''t be silly. You guys have known


    each other for two decades and I don''t think you two need to wait any longer. Just tie the knot, Aidan..


    stop looking for excuses. You


    found the one and she has always been in front of you the whole time, why wait?" She pulls me in for a hug again, "I''m really happy for you and I can''t wait to help you two n!"


    My eyes meet Kenna''s as she talks to Harley and Mia before running my index finger across my neck as a sign that ''we''re dead'' which causes her smile to drop immediately.

 Chapter 15

    Aidan


    All eyes are on me.


    Without sparing a single nce towards their direction, I stop near the information counter; realising that the receptionist has already eyed me from afar as she fixes her hair, quickly asking her colleagues about her makeup and her hair.


    "Hi," She smiles, her lips widening. "How may I help you?" She asks, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she stares deeply into my eyes, causing me to smile back after clearing my throat; wanting to ease the difort. "I''m actually here to see my fianc¨¦e," I reply and the smile on her face fades away immediately before turning to look at something behind me, causing me to follow her gaze. My eyesnded on Kenna who has both of her hands shoved into her coat''s pocket as she walks with her other two colleagues, talking about a certain topic.


    Within seconds, our eyes meet as she stops walking. Her two colleagues turn to look at me, their eyes widening in surprise before whispering to one another. They pat onto Kenna''s shoulder, gesturing for her to head towards me as she stands there and smile-leaving me chuckling.


    "You''ve found her," The receptionist says, making me make my way towards Kenna. With every step I take, it is causing the other female doctors and nurses to turn their heads, paying attention to us which is slightly surprising. Yet, I pay no attention to look away from Kenna, only letting them mutter whispers as they silently yelp.


    As soon as I''m close enough to her, her two colleagues are already trying to make themselves look presentable as they look at me with wide smiles stered onto their faces.


    "We''ll be going, Kenna. See youter," One of them says as she waves at me before quickly grabbing her friend''s hand, leaving both Kenna and I, together. My lips curve up into a smile as I chuckle, not expecting a reaction like thating from the experienced doctors here. Then again, there are a lot of young, educated and experienced doctors here.


    "I don''t mean to ruin the surprise but people really are staring at you," Kenna says as she leans closer towards me, whispering the words. As she pulls herself back, I am already looking around at the people who has stopped to stare before quickly walking away, causing me to chuckle. "I''m sure you''ll enjoying here more often," She adds.


    "Mm, I wonder why? People don''t stare at me too often," I reply sarcastically, smiling down at aughing Kenna, trying her best to control herself from bursting more intoughters to attract further attention.


    "I''m not surprised," She replies. "What are you doing here, Aidan? Don''t you have work to do other than stalking me here at the hospital?" She asks, her blue eyes are already piercing deeply into mine-making me clear my throat.


    Her gaze has never affected me much in the past. To be honest, her gaze has never affected me at all except for now or recently which is quite surprising. For an unknown reason, the way her blue eyes just stares deeply into mine, sends shiver down my spin to an uncertain level. Maybe, I''m overthinking about it or being too observant due to the amount of stress from work but... I can''t tell.


    "You''re up for lunch? I need you to sign the contract," I answer, holding my car keys and phone on my left hand as I gesture for her to walk out of the hospital and straight towards my car which is parked at the front.


    She nces down at her wrist watch, "Let''s go. I''m free until three," She says and we both walk side to side, towards my car. Once we''re getting closer, I press the car keys to unlock the car before opening the door for her; leaving her chuckling as she gives me a flying- kiss. "Thanks, baby." She winks.


    My lips curve up into a smirk at her sudden role-y before closing the door and heading straight towards the driver''s side, entering the car. After starting the engine, I am already gripping onto the steering wheel and press down onto the gas pedal, causing my matte ck Bugatti Chiron moving forward in a fast pace.


    "Where to?" She asks, as she turns the volume up after choosing a song on my Spotify. My body eases at the sound of the music from Tove Lo. She has always been one of my favourites because her voice causes my body to react in a way I can neverprehend. There are a lot of other singers that I pay more attention to other than Tove Lo. My favourite singers are basically the same as Kenna''s favourite singers because we grew up together, we hear the same music, we jam to the same music during our car rides and we even karaoke to the same music when we were teenagers.


    "Choose a ce because your wish is mymand," I reply, faking a slight ent which causes both of us to chuckle as she says the name of her favourite caf¨¦ which is no doubt... Caf¨¦ Lalo. Of course, she will start requesting for me to buy her lunch for a week because she has stated that as one of her conditions but let''s just hope she forgets about it, for now.


    The car ride is filled with silence as she sings to the songs being yed, enjoying herself. Kenna is always like this when she''s riding in a car with me either she''ll be the one driving or sitting in the passenger''s seat, she will just sing to her heart''s content. At times, I would join her. "We''re here," I mutter as I park the car, finding a good spot near the caf¨¦.


    We both step out of the car as we walk towards the caf¨¦ after pressing onto the lock button. Precautions are very needed here; there will never be too much when ites to safety.


    As soon as we step inside, we are greeted by Samuel. The same Samuel who greeted us when I decided to tell Kenna about the whole marriage contract. He smiles at us before pointing at an empty table, letting us take our seats as he walks away, tending to other "I couldn''t sleepst night," She says, breaking the silence which causes me to look up at her face. Her brows are furrowed as she leans back on her seat, "Maybe because I was overthinking with the wedding or maybe I''m just not ready to lie to my parents," She continues to speak.


    customers.


    "But, they knew." I respond.


    She nods her head, "They do. Diana told them and they were happy," She looks out of the window. "Anyone would be happy to find out that their daughter is engaged to the most-trusted man they know who had grew up and spent time with their daughter ever since she was little,"


    I let out a deep sigh, "We''ve gone this far. There''s no turning back from where we are," I reply, not trying to force her more into this but it''s true. We''ve told them about our engagement, there''s no possibility in turning back from this except to continue on until the contract ends.


    "I know, Aidan." She mutters, "I don''t intend to back off or end the contract because I know how much you want me to help. Don''t worry, I''ll be here till the end." She adds.


    We both stare at one another, letting the silence apany us; only the sound of people talking and the smell of coffee ease us without the sound of our voices. Without a doubt, one day... this will fire back but if we manage to keep it a secret to our graves, it''ll be buried with us.


    "May I take your order?" Samuel asks, standing beside us as he holds onto his notepad. Then, all of a sudden, he starts to point out at Kenna''s engagement ring with a smile on his face, "Congrattions. I heard,"


    "I mean, everyone heard." He adds which causes me to look at Kenna who smiles, ncing up at my direction. Our engagement was widely announced by the media, letting the whole world know that ''The Top 5 Hottest Bachelor'' will indeed end his days of being a bachelor to be a husband. Basically, Kenna is known as lucky by some.


    "I should''ve noticed you were the ''Aidan Ashton'' but I didn''t... how stupid of me," He chuckles for awhile as she looks up at him, "Well, ready to order?" He asks, again.


    "The usual, Sam." She replies, making him write on his notepad before turning towards me, waiting for me to say my order but I can''t keep my eyes off of Kenna. Deep down, I know how much she hates for the engagement to be heard or found by the media because the look on her face shows it all.


    "Can you give us a minute?" I ask, gesturing for him to walk away and just take Kenna''s order to the counter. As soon as he has already walked away, my eyes remain on my best friend who seems to be eyeing her newly-manicured nails, "I didn''t know... I''m sorry," I say. "You''re sorry? For what?" She raises an eyebrow, purposely making me exin.


    "For our engagement to be the topic of the week and probably the month. I didn''t expect the media to find out about this because if I did, I would''ve done something." I say before turning to look at the television on the wall, seeing my picture on the news.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "The well-known billionaire and CEO,


    Aidan Gabriel Ashton will soon end his title as one of the hottest bachelor. Recently proposed to his


    best friend, Kenna Anne Ret


    l.ne


    daughter of John and Julia Roosevelt-heiress of J&J Finance. Rumours have been confirmed, Aidan had proposed during her work hours, at the hospital as she is also a doctor." To my surprise, Kenna''s picture is shown beside mine which causes me to turn and look at her, both of her eyes are fixed on the screen.


    ??? I


    "At least, I looked good in that picture." She says, smirking at me as she sighs. "Look, it''s not even your fault. You don''t need to apologise for something... out of your power. because this is the media, we''re talking about. They are capable of spreading lies or even news to anyone and I should be the one to understand more about that," She continues to talk, "They even called me an heiress,"


    "You are an heiress," I state.


    "No. I''m a doctor," She replies back, "I help those who are in need instead of showing my face to gatherings and in hope to find myself a husband who is worth at least millions before agree for marriage," She adds.


    My lips curve up into a smile, "Okay, you win. So, you''re not mad about... the press?" I ask, slowly.


    Sheughs out loud, catching other people''s attention which causes me to quickly turn and smile at them a? they utter whispers. "Of course, not! Dude, I''m in the news and on the front Cover of magazines can I be mad? Yeah, I hate being the talk of the media but hey, I kind of like it." Herughter slows down, making me chuckle, lightly.

 Chapter 16

    "Good. I thought you were going to kill me,"


    "I was," She replies, making me look up at her face as she remains smiling. Her lips are curved up into a wide grin before flipping her hair, "I just changed my mind."


    Kenna''s orders came, her usual apple pie and warm green tea being served in front of her which causes her to close her eyes and smell the aroma. My grin grows wider at the sight of her enjoyment when ites to food, it''s not an everyday thing to see someone has this much love for food. It''s really, really, really mind-blowing.


    "Here''s the contract," I say before unlocking my phone and pushing it towards her, letting her look down at the screen. "You just need to sign under your name and then, I will make another copy for you." I add.


    Her blue eyes move up to meet mine, "Is this one of your tactics to make me sign without reading the conditions that you have wrote?" She raises an eyebrow.


    "Is it working?" I smirk, causing her tough.


    She grabs my phone before scrolling up, reading the conditions that I have wrote. Her conditions are also in the contract which has been rewrote and stated, neatly with no alterations, whatsoever. "Wait a minute, number two is kind of funny to me." She says, turning the phone.


    She reads it, loud enough for me to hear. "Kenna will not be allowed to see other men or go on dates except with Aidan. Once broken, there are consequences." She says in a confused tone, "What are the consequences?" She asks.


    "I haven''t thought about it yet but we can discuss them together to make it more fair," I reply. "I know that you''re not seeing anybody right now but since you''ve stated that I shall be faithful to you... might as well add that to my conditions. It does not consider fair if it''s only for the other person, doesn''t it?" I question, taking a bite of her apple pie as she continues to read the conditions.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Fair enough," She mutters. "The marriage shallst for three hundred and sixty-five days. Never less and never more under any circumstances, at all-yet, can be further discussed in the future." She chuckles a little bit at the end as she nods, "I like this one... it''s discussable,"


    "Only for certain situations. Serious situations," I nod and she continues to read, scrolling and scrolling as she takes a bite of her pie.


    Her eyes widen as she bursts out intoughters which leaves me frowning, "Either party are not allowed to fall in love with each other under any circumstances. What makes you think this is going to happen?" She asks, her eyes piercing into mine as she chuckles, "I can''t believe I just read that," She adds.


    Dimitri was the one who convinced me to add the precise condition. He told me, anything can happen and I needed to take precautions. A year is not a short amount of time, especially when spent together... under the same roof. There shall be moments where both of us might get lost or confused and in order to avoid those kind of things to happen, he assured me to add it into one of my conditions.


    "Dimitri added that," I say after shrugging. "You and I both know anything can happen and it''s just a reminder so that it shall not happen," I point under her name for her to sign, in which she does before giving me back my phone.


    She smiles, "So, he was worried it might happen? Us, falling in love... it seems impossible, don''t you think? We have known each other long enough and nothing has ever happened before. I don''t think it''s going to happen now," She continues to say with both of her eyes buried into mine in which I fairly agree; spoke the words out of my mouth.


    "Exactly." I agree, "I told him exactly that but he was being very stubborn about it,"


    Both of her eyes roll as she continues to smile, letting me lean back on my seat. "We''ve signed the contract. It''s really going to happen and it''s going tost for a year. Now, there is no more turning back... we just have to go on with it," I say, loud enough for her to hear. To my surprise, I find my mother entering the caf¨¦ which causes me to immediately mutter curses under my breath as Kenna turns, her eyes meeting my mother''s. Then, she looks back at me with wide eyes, matching my current expression. The two of us stare at one another for a few seconds until we hear our names being called.


    "We''re fucked," Kenna and I say, in unison.


    "Thank god we ran into you guys here," My mother, says and I raise an eyebrow as she walks towards us. Both of her eyes are staring at me before turning to look at Kenna, smiling widely, "I called but none of you answered your phones and I saw your car outside. I just had toe in," She continues to say.


    "We? What do you mean, we?" I ask, waiting for her to answer as she turns to point at Julia-Kenna''s mother, standing near the entrance with Amelia, also known as Mia, my sister. My eyes roll in annoyance at the sight of my sister and my mother, knowing she won''t stop bugging about the wedding.


    Mother chuckles, "Come on. Pay for the food ande meet us outside," She says before walking out of the caf¨¦, talking to Julia and Mia as they turn to look.


    Kenna nces down at her wrist watch, "I don''t want to believe that they''re outside. This is a nightmare," She says, her eyebrows furrowed as she closes her eyes. "How can they just pass by and see your car? Does she have a tracking device on you?" She asks. Knowing my mother very well, she will not drop the topic about the wedding once it is over. She will start to n it as if it''s going to best wedding of the century; not caring whether either of us are busy or not having enough time to discuss it any further. She''s like that. This has got to be a mistake or even a nightmare for her toe and meet us here while we''re having lunch. It appears as if she has hired a spy to locate my every move or location in order for her to find me, easily.


    All of a sudden, Kenna looks down at


    her ringing phone before picking it


    up, "How severe? Am I needed at the hospital? She asks through the phone as she looks up at me," be there as soon as possible," Then, she hangs up the phone; leaving figuring it out to myself, she has found her way out of this.


    "What happened?" I ask.


    me


    She sighs, "I''m sorry but there''s an emergency at the hospital and they''re calling the doctors as much as they can. Since it''s lunch hours, a few are answering. There was an ident a few blocks away... a couple are dead and a few are severely injured. I have to get back to the hospital," She says.


    "You''re going to leave me alone? With her?" My eyes widen as she stands up, calling for the bill. Her hands are already looking for money in her jeans'' pocket but before she can reach out, I''ve already ced a fifty dor bill in Samuel''s hand, causing her to look back at


    me.


    "Keep the change," I say as I grab Kenna out of the caf¨¦, straight towards my car.


    There''s nothing wrong with Kenna paying for lunch but I''ve been raised to always be a gentleman. Be the one to pay for food or for any other things, depending on the situation.1


    ld just let her pay but I would be feeling somehow guilty or something in me, for not being the one to pay. Maybe, because I was raised and taught this way, I''m not really sure but I''ve always been the one to offer.


    "You two are free, right? We can go ahead and check in with the caterers," Julia says, making me turn towards Kenna who seems to be anxiously checking her wrist watch over and over again, seemingly her mother seemed to have caught her anxiousness, "Kenna, what''s wrong?" She asks.


    "There''s an emergency at the hospital and I really need to go," She replies, "Aidan can be the one to help and choose the caterer," She adds which leaves me mentally pping myself for her respond yet I stay still, smiling. "What?" I turn towards Kenna.


    "I heard there was an ident that happened. You need to get back because of that?" Diana, my mother asks, and Kenna nods her head, apologetically pulling her in for a hug before gesturing for me to send her back to work. "Can we discuss this matter some other time?" I ask, but due to the looks Julia and my mother are giving me, I''m left sighing. "Just give me the address and I''ll be there after dropping Kenna," I add, they both smile before nodding.


    Without further ado, I step inside my car as I start the engine to drive down the road in a hurry. Kenna, on the other hand, is receiving a lot or calls from the hospital which is causing her to remain anxious about the current situation as she sits, quietly tapping onto her phone.


    As she continues to tap onto her phone, I am starting to feel slightly anxious about it, too. My foot is pressing hard onto the gas pedal-trying my best to pass through cars and the heavy traffic which is impossible especially in broad daylight during lunch hours where people are filling the street.


    I pull over at the entrance of the hospital, "Thank you and I''m sorry for leaving you in a situation like this just, tell me everything when it''s all over." She says, smiling as she steps out of the car in a hurry before making her way inside, pushing through the amount of people.


    My eyes wander around as I let out a deep sigh, noticing a few ambnces stopping near the emergency entrance. Doctors and nurses are quickly transferring the patients inside, cries of pain are heard; quickly, making me press onto the gas pedal to leave the area.


    Then, my phone begins to ring which


    causes me to connect the call


    straight to my car, showing Flynn''s


    name. "Mr. Ashton, you have a meeting to attend in five minutest Where are you?" He asks, panically as Voices are heard at the back, "Please, tell me you''re near He adds and within seconds find myself smiling down the road as I have earned the perfect excuse.


    "I''m on my way," I reply, making a U-turn towards my office instead of a right turn.

 Chapter 17

    Aidan


    As soon as I stop my car in front of my building, I immediately step out of the car to find Flynn anxiously making his way towards me gripping hard onto his phone in his right hand and a file in the other. His eyes are drifting up to my face and down to my suit, making sure I''ll be looking presentable for the meeting.


    "Flynn," I stop walking to see his eyes widening as he turns to look at me, "Did you have lunch?" I ask, leaving him ncing down at his wrist watch before shaking his head, slowly. Both of his eyes are looking back at me yet it''s as if he''s too afraid of making an eye contact.


    "I had to finish your work and I had to prepare the meeting," He replies before ncing down at his wrist watch, again. "Mr. Ashton, is there something wrong? You''re ten minuteste and people are already waiting for you to start the meeting," He continues to speak. Within seconds, I''ve already reached out for a fifty dor bill in my wallet before putting it in his hand which causes him to furrow his eyebrows in confusion. "Do me a favour and spend that money on food," I say as he stands still, utterly speechless. "Fully spend it. I don''t ept changes." Then, I make my way towards the elevator after patting onto his shoulder, leaving him standing there, all by himself.


    "But... Mr. Ashton!" He turns to run after me.


    I raise my right hand to wave at him as the elevator doors close, taking me to the floor I needed to be. Just as I walk down the hall, my employees are already making their way to do their work instead of chatting and talking to the other workers. Both of their eyes stare at me with respect as they let out a deep sigh, as soon as I''ve passed.


    "Mr. Ashton, you''rete." One of my employees say, pushing the door open for me as I am greeted by twelve gentlemen who had waited for my arrival.


    "No. They were early," I reply before making my way towards my seat, gesturing for Oliver; the one who is presenting thepany''s stocks to begin. The lights are being turned off as he starts to talk, pointing at the screen up front-showing the amount of stocks have risen fromst month which is an improvement.


    Everyone are paying attention to the screen, not bothered to interrupt Oliver''s exnation on making our stocks to rise even higher starting from next month. His exnation seems to have pulled me in for further interest, "In my opinion, this can lessen the risk and then, we can have a better ie. When the stocks rise, the percentage will, too." He says, nodding.


    "What about our financepany in Australia?" I ask, causing him to stop talking, immediately. People are turning to look at me before turning to look at Oliver again, who seemed to be caught in between-he clears his throat, trying to figure out an exnation. "Their money currency, uh," He stops talking, "We haven''t figured out further details about thepany in Australia as it is being handled by your brother, in Ashton. He has kept the financial details to himself and it has not yet been shared," He adds, making me nod. Just like that, I begin to stand up before pointing at the screen-starting to see the ws in his presentation. "You do know that we have to worry about Dubai and Italy, right? If we raise the percentage here in New York... don''t you think it''ll affect the interest there?" My question seems to have silence everyone from pointing out any further details.


    "As of my brother, it is also your job to keep up with him. If he refuses to share any further detail as he might think of it as a threat to his...mitment, then you can try harder. There''s nothing wrong with how you present on raising the stocks by next month but I don''t like how you neglect the other financepanies we have in different countries," I continue to speak, "You cane back and set another meeting as soon as you''ve earned the details I need,"


    "But, Mr. Ashton... your brother is impossible to talk to," Oliver says, looking at me with slight hesitation yet I appreciate the bravery he holds-something an employee should have.


    "So am I," I reply.


    "If there''s nothing else, that''ll be it." I fix my coat as I head towards the door, "Please, send me another copy of that to my assistant." I add before making my way out, leaving them talking about it without my anticipation at times, it would be unlikely for me to join their argument on the topics because I find it repulsive.


    As soon as I''ve stepped out of the elevator and head straight towards my office, I am greeted with Flynn who seem to have been standing at the exact spot for the past thirty minutes as he holds onto an undeniably amount of food which causes me to stare at him, confusingly.


    "Flynn, what are those?" I gesture towards food that has been ced on the coffee table and also the ones in his hands, "Why are you bringing food into my office?" I ask, leaving him to raise an eyebrow-notpletely getting my questions.


    "Uh, you said to spend the money on food. You didn''t specifically say what," He replies and I am left mentally pping myself before letting out a deep sigh, "You don''t need to worry about the changes because I''ve given them to the homeless... those who are in need," He grins, pointing at the food before cing them down on the coffee table.


    My eyes wander to the food he had


    bought which can ruin my diet, without a doubt. "Flynn, I told you to spend the money on food... which meant on your food and not mine," I say which causes both of his eyes to widen, "You were supposed to head out and eat lunch, not buy me a stock of food for a week I add, leaving him standing uneasily at his spot.


    "I''ve misunderstood," He mutters.


    Flynn has been by far, the only assistant that hassted long enough than the others. The


    assistants before him was a pain in the ass as they weren''tmitting themselves to their work but to onlyin about the amount of tasks they were given. Women or even men, they were all the same-always finding excuses to leave early or


    even call in sick.


    Due to my temper, a lot couldn''t stand the pressure. They thought they were working with the devil instead of a man. Flynn is too different and too good topare because he would, at times, apologise for the mistakes he did not do. It annoys me but I''d rather have an employee who realises how much toleration is needed other than working with ego.


    That''s why I enjoy hispany.


    "Do whatever you can to make sure that they''re all out of my sight," I say before turning on theptop, pressing my palms onto my desk as I see him quickly opening the door to take one food at a time, cing them all on his desk in his cubicle.


    "I''m really sorry, Mr. Ashton. If you would only just give me a second to clear these out," He replies as he grabs onto the boxes of donuts before cing them on his desk-leaving me stand and y with the pen in my hand, waiting for him to take them, one by one. Minutes have passed and finally, he has already cleared out the whole amount of food in my office before closing the door behind him-leaving me, all by myself with an uncountable amount of work to be finished which I have left hanging for the past couple of days. Just as I''m about to go through the files, the sound of my phone ringing, interrupts me.


    "Aidan Gabriel Ashton!" I


    immediately pull the phone away


    from my ear at the sound of my mother shouting through the other line, "I thought I raised you better than leave your mother, your future mother-inw and your sister hanging. We waited for you and we even called but you didn''t even consider to pick up the phone! I called Flynn and he told me you were in a meeting . . . which you could''ve told us," She continues to speak as I let out a deep sigh.


    "Mother, I''m working." I reply.


    "Yeah, how about I ask your brother to take over thepany in New York, too? How does that sound?" Her voice sounded serious as I begin to pinch the bridge of my nose, closing my eyes in order to control the annoyance I''m currently feeling, spreading all over myThis is from N?velDrama.Org.


    body.

 Chapter 18

    "Are you threatening me?" I furrow my brows as the amount of stress are starting to radiate, leaving me sitting down on my seat-trying my best to just ignore her voice but it appears, she''s good enough to annoy the hell out of me.


    "I''m doing everything you''re telling me to do! You asked me to get married and I''m getting married but now, you''re making it a big deal just because I didn''t show up to discuss about the caterers?" I continue to speak, "Give me a break, mother. For god''s sake... I just need you to let me live a little. You''re not even giving me a second to breathe," I groan, slightly annoyed.


    She sighs, "You''re getting married next month."


    "I know and you don''t need to remind me I''m sorry but I''m really busy and I need to go," I reply before slowly hanging up the call, leaning my head back onto my seat. My eyes are getting tired from theck of sleep and also from the amount of stress. This is why I didn''t want to get married at such a young age when I''m still busy trying to alter my future.


    Hours have passed and I didn''te to realise how time flies. My eyes wander out to the ss window to find the sky has darkened, leaving me ncing down at my wrist watch to look at the time... almost ten. Just as I turn to look at myptop, I see how my work is only halfway done, which will take a few more hours to be settled.


    I look up to find Flynn entering my office, "Why are you still here? I thought I asked you to go home?" I ask, not expecting to see him still working. My back feels strain from the hours spent bending down to look for files and type down the details in myptop which leaves me leaning back, sighing deeply, again.


    "I couldn''t let you do your work alone," He replies. "Here''s your coffee. Please take care of your health, Mr. Ashton. I can finish it up for you in the morning," He adds which causes me to shake my head-not letting him finish my work. There''s nothing wrong with him trying to help since he''s my assistant but he has done my work to an extent, he would forget about his own health.


    "I''m heading home and you should, too." I say and he nods, making his way towards the door before stopping.


    "Have a good night, Mr. Ashton." He says.


    "Goodnight," I reply, watching him leave the office until he is out of my sight-causing me to lean back on my seat, again. My eyes are wandering around the office at the mess from all the files on the ground and a few papers are scattered from trying to find the exact paperwork.


    Just as I''m about to leave after picking up my car keys, I am suddenly hit by a sudden headache which causes me to close my eyes. A normal headache would always bother me from theck of sleep and it has by far, concerned mother. I nce one more time at my wrist watch, not really having the strength to drive all the way home before suddenly, thinking of an idea.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    I scroll down my phone to call Kenna.


    "Kenna, are you home?" I ask, as soon as she has picked up her phone.


    "Yeah... I just arrived," She replies, hearing her closing the door to her apartment as she walks further inside, "What''s wrong? Do you want to stay the night?" She asks.


    Staying the night at Kenna''s apartment has been nothing but something casual. At times, when I''m too tired to drive back to my own apartment, I would just stay the night at Kenna''s apartment-my shirts are also there, also my other necessities such as my toothbrush. The distance to her apartment from my office is lesser than to my own apartment which is one of the reasons why I''d stay the night, especially when I''d be too tired to drive back. She has neverined or anything as we''ve always been close; it''s like a second home whenever I stay the night at hers.


    "That would be great. I''ll be there in ten," I answer.


    She breathes out, "Drive safe."


    Without further ado, I''m already making my way out of my office and straight towards the elevator before arriving at the lobby. My legs stride down the lobby and to my car, unlocking it. Once I''ve stepped inside, I immediately start the engine to drive down the road, heading to Kenna''s apartment ording to the directions in my head.


    The traffic at night is less heavier than it was during the day which eases me slightly, especially with the sound of musicing from Kenna''s favourite ''heartbroken'' ylist she saved on my Spotify. By far, it would be my night jam whenever I''m on my way home from work or just when I''m in the mood for long car rides at night.


    With my left hand up to run my fingers through my hair as my right hand gripping hard onto the steering wheel, I begin to feel myself being lost in the music. The lyrics seem to bring waves of uncertain emotions overflowing in me, even without having to experience it, truthfully.


    I park my car before stepping out and heading straight towards the front door, lifting my hand to knock but before I can-Kenna has already opened the door for me. My lips curve up into a smirk, "You''ve got to stop doing that." I mutter, chuckling softly. "What? I was downstairs when I heard your car," She replies as she closes the door behind me. Then, I am already taking off my coat after throwing my shoes off at the ground before quickly making my way towards the sofa and drop down, letting my body release the stress from haunting me.


    Kenna chuckles, "You look exhausted."


    "Thanks," I mutter as I peek through, seeing her standing near me before sitting down and turning on the television-pressing onto the remote to search for her favourite television series. It''s the one and only, Once Upon A Time... her all-time favourite.


    "Your stuff are where they''re supposed to be," She says before ncing at me, "Go on and take a shower because you stink," Sheughs, making me throw the cushion pillow towards her face which causes her to yelp as she pushes it away from hitting her, directly.


    Just like that, I''m already making my


    way towards the bathroom after taking a pair of shirt and pants from the wardrobe. The warm water sprinkles down my skin, causing my body to rx as the heat open up my pores-letting me close my eyes at the sensation. It would always feel great toe home and just have a warm shower or bath, by far the most rxing.


    When I''m done changing into my new pair of clothes, I brush my teeth after cleansing my face and dapping my face dry with a towel. Without further ado, I''m already making my way out of the bathroom to find Kenna leaning back on the sofa with her nket wrapped around her as she smiles, watching the show without paying attention to her surroundings which is typical of her.


    "Can I join?" I ask, sitting beside her as she moves to give me some space. As I lean my head on the sofa, she is already leaning closer towards me before cing her head on my shoulder.


    "So... is Emma going to die?" My question seem to have caught her off guard as she smacks me on the shoulder, leaving me groaning in pain before chuckling. She has always shipped Emma and Hook together, no doubt she would be upset if anything happens to them.


    She looks up at me, "If you''re going to stay here and watch, you''re going to keep quiet or I''m going to castrate you." She says, threatening me which causes me tough before nodding my head and lean back, eyes drooping at the screen.


    Slowly, I begin to find myself falling asleep even if I try hard to fight it. My eyes are starting to close as I feel my head leaning back on the sofa without further support, letting me blink a few times, trying to stay awake before looking down at Kenna, seeing her still focusing onto the television screen.


    Everything seems to disappear


    around me as hear the voices


    asth


    no further attention, only finding


    myself giving in to my


    tiredness-forgetting about my best friend who seems to be snuggling close towards me, in search of warmth but she could just turn off the air-conditioner. Then again, she has always loved the cold.

 Chapter 19

    Kenna


    There''s nothing better than waking up in the morning close to someone''s warmth. Not just that, but being able to feel the person wrapping their arms around our waist, too. Somehow, it''s an eptance towards our presence which is undeniably soothing. My eyes are slowly opening due to the movement beside me, making me furrow my brows. Thest time I checked, there was no such things as having pets inside my apartment for me to be able to feel any sort of movement near me nor do I live with a roommate. Familiar brown hair.


    As I rub both of my eyes, I try to focus onto the familiar face in front of me. Shaped thick eyebrows and eyshes, perfectly defined nose and puckered pink lips. It''s no doubt that the person in front of me is born beautiful-then again, he seems fairly familiar. "Who are you?" I question, my voice low.


    He pulls me closer towards him by the waist as he opens both of his eyes, a pair of brown orbs staring back at me with confusion while he frowns. Our eyes widen at the same time as soon as we realise the current situation which causes him to push me down, making me drop onto the ground with a loud thud.


    Well, I''ve never been pushed down by a guy before. I quickly sit up straight and take a closer look at my best friend''s figure who has mimicked my action-instantly staring back at me for a few seconds. Confusion has never caused me to overthink except for now which is eptable.


    "Bro, you pushed me off the couch! What a gentleman," I roll my eyes in annoyance before tying my hair up into a messy ponytail, rubbing onto my arm that was receiving the impact.


    "Kenna, what are you doing here?" He asks, eyes looking directly at me. Within seconds, I am alreadyughing out loud on the ground with both of my hands clutching onto my stomach before sitting beside him, poking onto the bridge of his nose-surprising him. My lips curve up into a smile, "Dude, you''re in my apartment. This is my living room and we''re on my couch-I should be the one asking you that question but I don''t suffer from any memory loss. Don''t you remember what we did,st night?" I pout, leaning closer. His jaw clenches immediately, "What did we do?"


    "You''re hurting my heart," I pretend to be upset as I lift my shirt up to reveal the light bruise on my stomach near my waist which causes both of his eyes to widen in surprise. He continues to stare at my bruise as he runs his fingers through his hairpletely believing this, "It could have gotten a bit more passionate and sensual but you fell asleep," I add.


    "Man, I''m sorry... I don''t remember," His voice low, somehow unsure. Then, he looks up into my blue eyes, "Kenna, I''m really sorry. Why didn''t you stop me?" He asks, pulling himself closer towards the sofa as he tries his best to distance himself from me.


    The look on his face shows the amount of regret which causes me to lean back andugh, without having the strength to hold it back any longer. Aidan, on the other hand, stares at me in confusion-not understanding the meaning of my suddenughter. Then, I lift my shirt up again, showing him the bruise which I had gotten from bumping myself into the kitchen counter.


    "Aidan! Why on earth would you give me a hickey on my stomach?" I try to control myughter as he frowns, "I got this a couple of days ago because I bumped into the kitchen counter and nothing happenedst night! I fell asleep minutes after you did," I add, smiling. "Fuck you," He breathes out.


    Just as I''m about to say something, the sudden doorbell causes both of us to react. We turn to look at one another before quickly running towards the front door-eyeing from the camera. Our eyes widen at the sight of our mothers, standing patiently as they both wait for the door to open which freaks us out, slowly moving away from the door.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "What are we going to do?" I panically, ask.


    Aidan nces down at his wrist watch before muttering curses under his breath, "Damn it. I''mte for work and I have a meeting that starts in half an hour," He runs towards the living room to pick up his phone which has thirty missed calls from Flynn and ten messages. "Today is my day off," I happily say, making him roll his eyes at my direction as he begins to pinch the bridge of his nose; thinking of a proper excuse or probably a better idea to get out of this mess with both of our mothers outside my apartment, repeatedly pressing the doorbell.


    He looks at me, "I''ve left some clothes here, right? My cks, button-up shirts and coats from previous nights I''ve spent here... have you washed them?" He asks, making me slowly nod my head which causes him to run straight ahead towards the guest room-leaving me calling out his name but without an answer.


    The doorbell continues to annoy me, without a doubt.


    "I''m going to just open the door!" I shout, heading towards the front door before cing my hand on the doorknob.


    Just as Aidan peeks from the room, "Wait, don''t!" Which was a little bit toote as I''ve already pulled the door open, revealing Diana and my mother to stand with a confused look on their faces. My lips curve up into a smile as I nce down the street, people walking back and forth on a busy Tuesday morning.


    Diana seems to have caught her son''s figure as she raises an eyebrow at my mother, "Kenna, I didn''t know Aidan has started to spend the night here. It''s such a surprise," She says, ncing at Aidan who is currently clenching his jaw before slowly making his way towards us.


    As soon as he''s close enough, he casually ces his hand around my waist in which I respond back with a wider smile stered on my face. Both of us just stand, looking at them without muttering a single word, only curses in our head-of the sudden situation. "What do you expect? She''s my fianc¨¦e," He replies, chuckling as he pulls me closer.


    Diana smiles, "Can wee in?"


    Aidan and I stare at one another before nodding our heads, taking a few steps back to let them in. My mother, nces at our direction with a smile as she walks inside-making me close the door behind them. As expected, Diana starts to eye the whole apartment, instantly catching the attention of a messy living room and sofa, my nket over the floor.


    "Movie night?" She asks, smiling.


    Yet, her smiles have never failed to make me think it as a sarcasm which leaves me to nudge Aidan on the waist, making him chuckle, immediately.


    "We need to take a shower," I say before quickly pulling onto his hand, walking straight towards my bedroom-closing the door behind me with a deep sigh.


    Aidan, is currently staring at me with


    a confused look on his face as I


    slowly point towards the bathroom


    door. "You''re going to be extremelyte if you don''t take a shower and get ready in less than fifteen minutes," I say, causing him to pull his shirt up-revealing his perfectly toned stomach, leaving me blink a few times, going unnoticed by him.


    As he turns to ce his shirt on my bed, I am left pressing my lips into a thin line before licking onto my lower lip-staring at his toned back. My heart begins to beat utterly fast, not expecting myself to react this way... when seeing him shirtless. I''ve seen him shirtless before, countless times but that was probably years ago. When he was not as toned as he is now nor was he actively going to the gym.


    He turns to look at me, furrowing his eyebrows before pointing at something near my lip in which I quickly touch, "You have something. Is that a drool? You''re such a kid," He says, seconds before he makes his way towards the bathroom, closing the door behind me. Within seconds, I am already running towards the nearest mirror on the wall to look at my own face-wiping away the drool. Just like that, I quickly make my way out of my bedroom and peek down the hall, seeing it empty as I run towards the guest room, choosing his office attire.


    Something colourful and cheerful. Unlike his normally worn clothes, always in and grey or even ck. There''s no running away from the professional colours when ites to him dressing himself up but there''s also no point inining as he would always dress to impress.


    "Kenna," I turn to see my mother standing near the door, causing my heart to skip a beat as I hold tighter onto Aidan''s shirt. "You surprised me," I mutter.


    She chuckles, entering the room. "I hope we weren''t bothering you two. You told me yesterday that today is your day off but I didn''t expect Aidan to be here," She continues to say


    before taking a few steps closer


    towards me, "Look, I don''t want to pressure you but Diana has decided for the wedding to happen next month which is an undeniably short time to n it all. That''s why I''m here with her... today, to go and n the wedding," She breathes out.

 Chapter 20

    Julia, my mother, has always been an understanding woman. Ever since I was young, she was my role model-by far, the one and only. I still remember how she used to dress whenever she goes to the office, in her dark red stilettos. She was absolutely an inspiration for


    someone like me to grow up and appreciate the qualities of dressing, nicely.


    Up till now, she has never failed to impress me. She didn''t even prove me wrong and she''s almost in her fifties yet she would know how to ''rock'' it.


    "You''re right and I don''t me you," I grab onto her hands, "Aidan and I are just very busy with our careers and I''m more than happy that you understand. It''s just... at times, I''m not able to fully dedicate myself in nning my own wedding-I know that this would only happen once in a lifetime but sometimes, my work justes first." I add, honestly.


    She sighs, deeply. "You''re really determined and I can''t disagree how much your career would alwayse first in your daily life but Kenna, no matter how busy or how hard it is to try and just set aside, your family and your future husband will alwayse first. Your work is very important and I respect that but... don''t forget how you get to be where you are," She replies.


    "I know," I mutter under my breath.


    "Kenna, where are my clothes?" Aidan appears near the door, surprising us both. My eyes wander down to the droplets of water on his bare skin, making me mentally curse for having an attractive best friend who would soon be my husband for a year, "Uh, I''m sorry." He adds as he sees my mother, chuckling before exiting the room.


    I take my time to eye down his body, seeing him standing there with only his towel covering the lower part of his body-leaving me cross my arms, "How does it feel like to walk around my apartment with only a towel wrapped around your waist?" I ask, handing him his shirt as I pass next to him, leaving the room.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Without further ado, I am already making my way back into my room. Once I''m done choosing casual clothes to wear for today such as a long-sleeved grey cotton shirt and ck skinny jeans, pairing them up with a skin-coloured ts, I instantly make my way towards the bathroom to take a quick but proper shower.


    Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I was never born with perfect skin as soon as I hit puberty but I was grateful at how much I''ve made myself to appear better. There would be a couple of ws here and there from my past e experience but I''m happy at my own skin''s improvement-making me stare back at the smooth, mostly-cleared skin.


    Once I''m done applying a thin amount of makeup onto my face, I quickly change into the chosen clothes; leaving the room with my hair in a ponytail and my handbag in my hand. My eyes wander to Aidan who is standing in office attire, talking to his mother before turning to look at me, eyeing down my outfit.


    "I thought... you werete?" I ask, confusingly.


    "I forwarded the meeting. It would just be a discussion with my employees and I had given them a worthy excuse which is to n my wedding," He replies, "I''ll head to the office around three, after lunch." He adds, clearing his throat as I eye Diana, who remains where she is.


    "Great," I breathe out. My lips are curving up into a smile, not realising how fake it is. This whole wedding is not even supposed toe in between both of our careers but due to his mother''s request, he had no choice but to agree.


    Apparently, Gerald had drove both my mother and Diana to my apartment and is currently waiting for them near Aidan''s car which was parked right in front. I make my way with Aidan towards his car, entering it before letting out a deep sigh before looking out at the window.


    "I know. You don''t have to say it," He says as soon as he has entered the car before starting the engine, "That''s what she''s good in. Trying to alter my life into something better as if my life is not any better than my brother''s but I don''t me her... she wants the best for her son. I''m just annoyed by her actions on trying to make me agree," He breathes out, driving forward.


    "I''m not trying to be rude," I turn to look at him-his right hand on the steering wheel while his left hand is currently on hisp, from the moderate traffic in front of us. "I know how she is. I''ve known her ever since I was a kid and you''ve never stoppedining about how much she wants the best for you. I understand because every single mother would want that,"


    He chuckles yet it sounded insincere, "Sure, every mother would want that but I don''t see it as an excuse for her to make the decisions in my life such as forcing me to get married or else,"


    "Exactly! She has the right to make your life better but she''s only making it worse because she''s not trying to alter your life... she''s living your life for you. Aidan, you''re an adult and you are old enough to make the decisions on your own without others to decide for you. You can think it through and all you have to do is be honest with her," I reply.


    "What makes you think she''ll understand?" He nces at my direction before looking down at the road again, pressing harder onto the gas pedal as soon as the traffic has cleared up. "I''m not her favourite child. It''s as if that everything I do is wrong," He clenches his jaw. "Aidan...don''t say that," I mutter as I look away, not knowing other things to say.


    Neither of us said anything and the rest of the ride was apanied with silence until we arrived at the New York Public Library, stopping near the entrance. My eyebrows furrow as I look around if we''re gust stopping for a short amount of time but as soon as I see him turning off


    the


    engine and unbuckling his


    seatbelt, I am left questioning


    myself.


    We both step out of the car, turning to see Gerald has parked the car behind Aidan''s and both my mother and Diana has stepped out-making their way towards the entrance.


    "At least I got to choose the venue," He says as his lips curve up into a small smile, leaving me turn to look at the public library again.


    From what I heard, wedding ceremonies at the New York Public Library are quite expensive, starting from the range price of fifty thousand dors but the ceremonies here are held with a lot of beauty... no doubt, would manage to attract people in getting married here. "What do you mean?" I ask.


    Having my wedding here is quite a dreame true. Honestly, the public library was in my lists of venues to get married at a list I made when I was just a teenager. The only person who knows about the list is Aidan because he has always been the one who knows everything about me... my darkest secrets and my deepest regrets.


    "I don''t know if your mind have changed but from what I knew and remembered, you wanted to get married here. If you wouldn''t be able to achieve it in the future with your other half... I might as well, have our wedding here. At least, you''ll experience it." He says.


    "You''re kidding," I am left gaping


    before turning to look at him, seeing


    himughing as he shakes his head-leaving me quickly making my way towards him and pull him in for a hug. Our bodies collide with the amount offorting warmth radiating as he wraps his arms around my body, "I can''t believe you


    remembered about my stupid list," I


    mutter.


    "It was not a stupid list," He chuckles. "Your expectations were high. I mean, a wedding held in Maldives or even Bali? I couldn''t put that into consideration because no way would we travel that far for our wedding. Good enough you had the public library in your list," He adds. I pull away, smiling up at him.


    "You''re the best one-year-future-hubby ever," I whisper and he starts tough again, revealing his perfectly straight teeth-making me stare at him in awe at the beauty he holds. Something I should''ve noticed years ago but only now would Ie to a realisation of his own features that has managed to attract different women.


    "Let me own that title," He pretends to flip his hair.


    With a wide smile stered on my face, I begin to pull him towards the entrance of the public library-our fingers entwined.

 Chapter 21

    Kenna


    "Sixty-five thousand dors?!" I exim before turning to look at Aidan who seems slightly surprised at my sudden outburst while my mother and Diana are discussing with our wedding nner but has turned to look at me, causing him to cup onto my mouth. He smiles at them as he pulls me towards the back of the wall and instantly making me push his hand away before trying to control my voice without causing a scene, "I changed my mind and I don''t want to have a wedding here, anymore. Sixty-five thousand dors is a huge deal for me... Aidan, and you know that more than anyone else," I say, frowning.


    "Well, your list was filled with expensive venues and you expect otherwise?" He raises an eyebrow, leaving me speechless. "You knew about the price of renting the public library. At least fifty thousand dors and you didn''t say anything about it earlier?" Both of his brown eyes are looking back at me with slight justice, knowing I was too excited to notice the price.


    I stutter, "Maybe... I didn''t realise how expensive it was fifteen minutes ago. Now, I really just want to get the hell out of here and find somewhere else to held the wedding."


    Honestly, I''ve forgotten about how badly mad I am in trying to keep things at bay especially when ites to spending money. Ever since my family went through a terrible experience with thepany, I was too scared and probably in vain on spending money carelessly. Yes, it''s not going to be a problem for Aidan because it would not affect him, financially. Both of our parents are currently sessful in their business and spending sixty-five thousand dors on renting a venue for the wedding would not even be an issue for them. No matter how hard they will try to persuade me on agreeing, I''d still feel a slight regret.


    "No, we''re going to have the wedding here and that''s final. Kenna, just try to really be open about this and just tell me what the hell you want. This is me, trying to repay you for helping me in this and I want you to know how sincere I am," He replies, "The ring, the dresses, the wedding ns, just please don''t hesitate to go through with it. Don''t bother about the prices,"


    "You know why I''m like this," I mutter.


    "I know and I want you stop being like this. It''s not because I want you to carelessly spend money on unnecessary things but I want you to n the wedding to your heart''s content. Don''t hold yourself back because of the price or how badly you think it might burn a hole in my pocket because this is going to be your day," He grabs onto my hand, "It''s not going tost forever but at least it''s going to be a part of our friendship," He adds.


    That''s the thing. Spending a lot of money on something that wouldn''tst for more than a year has made me question it, endlessly. What''s the whole point on renting a public library? If, the whole marriage isn''t going tost nor will it be a huge part of our lives-just to help him go through the phase... of his mother''s undeniably request.


    "Is everything alright?" We both turn to look at my mother who seems worried. She raises an eyebrow at me before smiling, "The public library is avable to rent for your wedding. You can start nning the decorations in a few days," She continues to speak.


    "I''ll go and settle the bill," Aidan says, caressing the side of my cheek with the back of his hand before making his way towards our wedding nner, Marie. My eyes wander back to my mother who seems a little bit confused yet she stays quiet, noticing that the venue is bothering me to a point, I can''t evene to ept it.


    "I know what you''re thinking but your father and I are doing very well for the past years. What happened when you were little was very terrible but we''ve been fine and we will, too for the years toe. Ever since your father joined with Marc, he has neverined about any financial problems. You should worry less, sweetheart." She rubs onto my arm.


    Marc Ashton, the man behind it all and also Aidan''s father. He was the one who helped bring my parents'' business back up on track when they were slowly going bankrupt. Everything has been going on well very and I can''t seem to deny that but for some reason, I''m just too traumatic about it on ever happening again.


    It''s not the money that I''m worry


    l.ne


    about but the worries in my parents'' faces. They were really devastated about it and it was killing me-as child, for not being able to help. them They were arguing more and more every single day, affected me, too and they wouldn''t even stop talking about how much money they were losing with every passing


    minute.


    It happened because of a traitor. One traitor in thepany who had sell thepany''s share and ruined it all.


    "I''m just worried, mum." My voice came out as a whisper, "If it ever happen again, I don''t know if I''m able to cope-I''d do anything to help and this is me helping," I furrow my brows.


    "No. This is you, worrying. You''re


    worried about the possibilities of the future but honey, the possibilities of it ever happening again is something you should never worry about. Your father and I realised the mistake we both made-it was also our fault on trusting the wrong man to handle


    thepany''s money." She


    breathes out, "Believe me... we''ll be


    okay,"


    Both of my parents wanted me to be a businesswoman. Other than being a heiress to their business, they also wanted me to have one my own while taking care of theirs when they think it''d be the right time. Unfortunately, it was my part to disappoint them on bing a doctor-it has always been in me, to help others.


    Apart from that, I''ve never liked business. I hated the fact of trying to deal with other clients orpanies in order to achieve something bigger.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    At first, my father was too upset about it but my mother supported me the whole way. When he was busy saying how he wanted me to


    be a businesswoman and to take over thepany when time.. mother was only encouraging me to take theth!


    §Ò§Ý§à§ä§à


    want to take. He disapproved when I applied for medical school but Aidan helped to convince him.


    Aidan''s university was close to mine and he had listed the pros and cons of me going to medical school-apparently, the con was one. The pros were mostly because I was closer to him and that he''d be able to look out for me; my father trusted him more than anyone else and especially after his father had helped him through his worst.


    "The bill''s settled. What''s next?" Aidan smiles as he stops near my mother and I, Diana trailing behind him.


    As my mother walks ahead with Diana, Aidan tries to follow them but I hold him back by grabbing onto his forearm-causing him to turn and look at me. Both of my eyes meet his, trying to figure out words to say but nothing came out; leaving me staring back at him in silence.


    "I''m sorry," I mutter under my breath as my lips curve up into a small smile, letting him smile back at me. "You''re right. Maybe, I''m just overthinking or too paranoid about it but I should let it go. It felt as if something bad is going to happen again and I wanted to avoid that as much as I can... that''s why I hesitated," I add, slowly.


    He clenches his jaw as he sighs, "You don''t have to apologise for anything. I understand if you felt pressured about it. In fact, we can still cancel the booking-" He continues to speak but I stop him by pressing harder onto his hand, causing him to raise an eyebrow at me. "No. I want to have our wedding here," I cut him off.


    Just as he''s about to say something, Diana has already called for us to walk ahead-knowing we don''t have much time left until lunch. Then, Aidan will be heading towards the office for his meetings.

 Chapter 22

    It didn''t take us long to arrive at the next destination which is to discuss about the caterers because Diana didn''t choose the caterers yet-she told us, it''d be best if we get to choose them ording to our own taste than hers. Well, I''m not going to me in her any point of that, I love food and there can never be too much of it.


    "What about dessert?" Diana asks, looking at us before ncing down at the menu again.


    "A chocte fountain would be great with marshmallows and even fruits," Aidan replies, pointing at the picture as our wedding nner starts to take note of our dislikes and likes. He continues to speak while I roll my eyes, "Maybe, two chocte fountains." He adds. "You don''t even eat sugar," I raise an eyebrow.


    "Nonsense. I do eat sugar from time to time," He starts to chuckle, shaking his head as he looks down at the menu again which causes me to cross my arms. Both of my eyes are staring directly at him with a sly smirk appearing on my face as he gazes back. "Oh! Like when we were out fulfilling my monthly cravings, you''d be rejecting my offer on buying you cupcakes or choctes of your own because you said it would ruin your diet. Now, you''re telling me that it''s nonsense?" I lean forward from my seat, purposely flipping the pages.


    He scoffs, "You don''t even eat chocte."


    "That''s my point! You''re requesting for a chocte fountain even if you know how much I can''t eat chocte because my skin reacts badly to it," I reply. "No, wait. You''re requesting for two chocte fountains. Chocte fountains with chocte dripping down from it every single passing second while I walk around the hall, staring back at it."


    "Then? We can''t have cupcakes," He leans forward, mimicking my actions.


    "Why not? You''re the one who won''t eat cupcakes even if someone shove it down your throat. Besides, you''re probably not going to eat anything at our wedding day because apparently, most of the food there would ''ruin'' your diet." I fire back, smirking.


    His eyes widen, "That''s a lie. You don''t need to keep on saying how I won''t eat certain food because it''ll ruin my diet because I know pretty much everything about how my diet goes. You don''t need to remind me about it or about anything. I''m sure you''d hate it if I keep on reminding you that you can''t eat chocte even if you want to because of your skin''s reaction," He adds.


    "Well, I''m sorry for not being born with perfect skin!" I exim.


    He clenches his jaw, "I didn''t mean it that way. Why are we even fighting about your skin? We''re discussing about desserts with our mothers and Marie-this isn''t a dermatologist talk."


    Without us realising, we''re already eye to eye as the room grows silence from our sudden argument. Both my mother and Diana are staring at us while Marie remains quiet as she holds onto her tablet-eyeing Aidan and I. My eyes wander around the room to find a few couples are looking back at us, causing me to lean back and clear my throat.


    Aidan and I chuckle, "Couple''s fight."


    We didn''t start another argument and we agreed to almost everything that Marie had nned out for us due to my dislike of chocte and his disinterest in cupcakes. Both of us seem to have forgotten about our current ''status'' as we were busy arguing like we always do, the perks of being best friends for so long.


    The five of us walk out of the bakery as Aidan nces down at his wrist watch, looking at the time as mother and Diana are discussing a ce to have lunch.


    "It looks like I have to go," Aidan says, looking up at our mothers.


    "I thought you said, after lunch?" Diana asks, her son who seems slightly impatient to get into the car and drive away as he keeps on ncing down at his wrist watch.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "I forgot aboutst night''s work. Flynn has been calling me for the past thirty minutes but my phone was on silent. I''m sorry but I really have to go," He pulls Diana in for a hug, "Is there anything else that we need to discuss?" He asks, ncing at me before ncing at Diana and my mother-waiting for their answers.


    Marie looks down at her schedule, "No. Not with you,"


    "What does that supposed to mean?" He asks.


    "What Marie means is that... you will not be needed for the next discussion. Actually, it''s not even up for discussion as it only involves us women." Diana replies, smiling at Marie.


    Aidan nods his head before turning to look at me, "I''m out, then. Call me if you need anything and here''s my credit card. Use it to buy your wedding dress or other necessary things for the wedding," He hands me his credit card, slightly touching my hand as I receive it. Just as he starts to walk away towards his car, "Are you guys still arguing about dessert?" Diana asks, stopping him in his steps-turning back to look at us.


    "Of course, not." He shoves both of his hands in his cks'' pockets, "What makes you think that the argument was serious?" He asks.


    "Oh, you know... maybe because you didn''t give Kenna a kiss but instead you gave her your credit card." She replies, pulling onto my mother''s arm as they both walk away towards the other shop near the bakery-Marie trailing behind them, somehow giving us space.


    Aidan and I gaze up at each other as


    he starts to make his way towards me, slowly lessening the distance between us; making me stand stilkat my exact spot. "They''re looking at us through the shop''s window, aren''t they?" I ask, causing him to nce up at the shop''s direction before chuckling and nodding his head, lightly.


    "You know them so well," He breathes out.


    Due to the differences of our heights, I am left looking up at him as he looks down at me. Both of his brown eyes are staring down into mine-leaving me realise how they''re actually lighter than normally because of the sunlight shining brightly above our heads. Our gaze are interrupted by the sudden sounding from his phone, making him nce down at the screen before sighing. He clenches his jaw for awhile as he leans forward towards me, "I''m going to kiss you, okay? They''re watching." He whispers near my ear.


    My lips curve up into a smile after chuckling, "Go ahead. Knock yourself out,"


    Within seconds, both of his hands go up to cup my face as his lips meet mine. Our lips move in sync-surprising me with the softness of his. He tilts his head to the side, in order for him to kiss me, easily before pulling himself back for a few seconds; his droopy eyes


    meeting mine.


    He nces down at my lips before leaning in again for a couple of seconds. Then, I am left feeling the warmth of his hands radiating to my face as he starts to pull away; making me open my eyes at the sight of his lips turning into a darker yet pinkish colour. "Have fun," He smiles.


    "Drive safe." I reply as he starts to walk away, unlocking his car before entering. Then, he has already drove away-leaving me staring at the empty parking spot.


    As I turn around, I am left looking at Diana and my mother exiting the shop with multiple shopping bags in their hands; making me furrow my brows before smiling. They both look up at me as their eyes wander around to look for something or more specifically, someone. "He left, already?" My mother asks.


    "Yeah. Don''t tell me you guys weren''t practically staring at us?" I raise an eyebrow as they both chuckle, entering the carpletely ignoring my question.


    "Come on, dear. We have to find you the perfect wedding dress!" Diana exims with excitement, seconds before I enter the car; leaving me wonder back to when I was a kid,


    talking about weddings with


    my old school friends. Mostly about our wedding dress and how we would end up meeting our prince charming.

 Chapter 23

    Kenna


    "You really need to work on your vows," Dimitri says as he takes a seat, cringing at the papers in Aidan''s hand-leaving me chuckling.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Aidan and I are currently working on our vows for our wedding, tomorrow. Believe me, other engaged couples would probably work on these kind of things a little bit earlier than we do but there''s not much of a choice. In fact, getting married was also not a choice for him. "Come on, they''re not that bad." He replies, rereading them.


    A couple of hours have passed ever since we started but we haven''t came across any less cheesy vows to be said. Most of the vows that are shown online, states how much love and how marriages are an evesting thing but for some reason, saying that in front of everyone there including our families will be such a lie. A huge one.


    Dimitri just arrived an hour ago and has started to condemn everything especially on Aidan''s vows. It annoys him more than it should but he''s doing a great job not throwing those crumpled papers onto his face which is an improvement on his anger management issues. "Try reading them out loud," Dimitri takes the paper away, "Kenna, would you please do the honour and listen to the vow that your future husband was going to say to you tomorrow but luckily... your second-best-friend came to help and save the day," He smiles. "Fine, give it a go." Aidan sighs, deeply.


    Dimitri clears his throat as he starts to read, "You know me better than anyone else in the world and somehow you still manage to love me. You are my best friend and one true love. There is still a part of me today that can''t believe that I''m the one who gets to marry you," He continues to look at me, waiting for my respond as I furrow my brows.


    "Wait, that''s it?" I raise an eyebrow, expecting something more than just simple words toe out of his mouth.


    "That was it and that was from the inte," Dimitri replies, causing Aidan to lean back on his seat as he takes another sip of his water. "I mean, it was from the inte-you could''ve at least put a little bit more effort. Try looking for something more... appealing than just stating the obvious words we all know about your rtionship," He scoffs.


    "I don''t even know what I''m supposed to say!" Aidan points at hisptop, vows and vows listed by other married couples.


    "Maybe, something cheeky or funny. You don''t need to suffocate people with endless love or words that are worthy of puking. Rte to yourselves... best friends for like what, twenty years and still can''t crack a joke? That''sme," He shakes his head before putting the paper down on the table, remaining to look at Aidan.


    The two men begin to have a ring challenge of their own. It''s something they do whenever one of them feel a slight displeased and it''s not something I''ve never seen before, after spending years together. They''re men and men are sometimes, quite predictable. "Want to hear mine?" I offer, causing both of them to turn and look at me.


    "Go ahead because I''m sure yours will be much lovelier," Dimitri replies with a smirk on his face after ncing towards Aidan''s direction.


    Within seconds, Aidan has already crumple a piece of paper before throwing it directly onto Dimitri''s face leaving him trying to protect his face from the impact yet it was toote. Then again, these two has never failed me by their childish acts. At times, I would also join them.


    There''s just something about Dimitri that would liven up the spirit that once died as puberty hits us. He has this... passion or maybe, it''s just his sense of humour that would bring out an undeniably childish attitude within ourselves. It''s like he has a second soul because truth be told, he''s good in a lot of things.


    Women is one of them.


    A soft chuckle escapes my lips as I look down at my well-written vows before choosing one to read, "It is clear to me now that everything in my life has led me to you," I look up at Aidan who has both of his eyes focusing onto me, "I think back on all my choices and consider even the bad ones blessed, because if I had done even one thing differently, I might never have met you and


    be your wife,"


    His eyes are somehow piercing into my soul, leaving me think of how his gaze would affect someone''s peace of mind. Yet, there''s just something about those brown eyes, something very unlikely to figure out without an exnation, itself.


    "On this day, I''d like to admit how


    wrong I have always been. Love is not blind, in fact love sees all. I love all of you your faults and ws cast a beautiful light¡ªlike the ws of a precious jewel. You are my best friend, my joker and I love you for all time." My lips curve up into a smile as I drop the paper down onto myp, surprised to see both of their reactions.


    "Don''t you think you should save that for a more genuine asion?" Dimitri asks.


    Both of usugh, "It''s okay because I can always find more. Thanks to the inte," I reply before looking up at Aidan-seeing him blinking a few times as he looks away from me.


    "I need to take this call," Aidan says as he starts to pick up the call before making his way towards the balcony, closing the sliding doors behind him.


    My eyes remain focusing onto his back and broad shoulders, seeing him running his fingers through his brown, thick hair carelessly. Even standing there with a tight maroon shirt and grey sweatpants, he seems to look just as attractive as when he''s standing in a suit and tie.


    There''s just something when ites to Aidan... I''ve not yet experienced it.


    "Are you excited?" Dimitri asks, making me turn to look at him; seeing that he''s currently turning one of the papers into an art of origami-something I can never do even if I try to stay focus when learning, he has taught me quite, frankly a lot but I always seem to fail.


    He has sessfully made a swan.


    "For what?" I ask, back.


    His eyes meet mine, "Tomorrow. Do you feel anything about it? Maybe, because it''s going to change your life... for a year and it''s quite a big step. You know, you''re going to have to know how to act or what to say in front of his folks to keep your cover, don''t want to blow it." He adds.


    "Honestly, I''m scared. Not because


    of the wedding or being married but because of lying to their faces. Getting married and kissing in front of their eyes, it''s like I''m betraying them and not just my family but also his, mutter as I nce down at the papers again, "Even though we are getting married for a year but it''s not something that people forget," I say.


    "You''re having second thoughts," He replies.


    No doubt, I am. It''s not that I don''t want to help my best friend in his ''life-crisis'' but there''s just something when ites to lying. Something hurtful to happen in the future that can ruin everything, especially a good and healthy family rtionship.


    "Well, Dimitri... I''m not you," I continue to speak. "You''re the kind of person that takes a lot of chances when you get one while I hesitate and doubt myself for making wrong choices. I know that I won''t back out on this because I want to help him but what if things go wrong and take a huge turn? What if I''m not capable of handling that?"


    "You''re wrong, Kenna. You are simply sitting here and thinking about the future. It''s not wrong to do that but it''s not confirmed to happen-how can you expect the worst?" He frowns.

 Chapter 24

    "I''m just being cautious when ites to my life. Look at you, you took the chances and you were happy but you got hurt in the end. Yet, you''re still putting yourself out there to look for more capable chances of falling in love with someone. I can''t be you and I can''t expect


    the best to happen," I reply, causing him to sit back and watch my sudden outburst.


    "I loved Chloe. She was everything to me," He replies, slowly and almost inaudible. "No matter what she did to me and no matter how badly she hurt me, I will never stop living the life I once lived. She''s not going to be something thates in between myself," He adds. Chloe, the woman he has ever loved more than himself. Everything about them screamed total perfection and I''d be lying if I say I didn''t envy them when they were still together because they were simply, in love. Simple as that.


    Their love was strong, it was enough to convince him and let his guard down but to only receive and ultimate pain at the end. Maybe, he''s just stronger than me, emotionally because he is where he should be with his son, living happily together.


    "I didn''t make a wrong choice by marrying her but instead I made a right one because if I didn''t confess my love to her or ended up being her husband, I wouldn''t know how hard it is to find true love. The kind of love that would ept you for who you are, through thick and thin and not just through the happiness that we once had. So, Kenna... you''re wrong, I don''t regret taking chances in my life," He says, silencing me.


    He''s right. I am wrong.


    "I''m sorry," I mutter under my breath before drinking my water.


    "Don''t sweat about it. I know how women are," He replies with a slight smirk which causes me to chuckle, liking how he would always know how to cheer up the moment.


    Aidan walks back with a sigh escaping his lips as he takes a seat, putting his phone on the table before cracking his knuckles leaving both Dimitri and I to stare at him. We both know that he''s seriously tense about work and he''s never at ease whenever he takes a day off or more. He would even work from home because it pleases him to at least, work.


    "I think my mother is going to be the cause of my death," He says which causes Dimitri to scoff before bursting intoughters.


    "Not a surprise," Dimitri replies.


    "I thought you were getting a call from work?" I ask.


    "I was and she called me afterwards," Aidan continues to speak. "Started to remind me about tomorrow, my tux and all the stuff I don''t want to repeat. She even asked me to list the important things-I forgot one and she asked me to start again from the top," He adds. Dimitriughs, "Believe me, man. She''s secretly a devil."


    "She just wants everything to turn out perfect. That''s all," Aidan runs his fingers through his hair, again. This time, a bit more rough than previously as he sighs, deeply.


    My eyes wander to Dimitri who seems to think of something, cheeky. With both of his eyes are focusing onto Aidan as his lips curve up into a sly smirk, "At times like this... there''s only one solution. You won''t like it, Kenna but there''s only one. One small solution," He says.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "Why won''t I like it?" I ask, confusingly.


    Aidan and Dimitri begin to stare at one another as they both chuckle, exchanging smirks and nces before clearing their throats. "But, I can''t. An agreement is an agreement and I''m a man of my word," He replies, meeting my eyes.


    "Sucks to be you," Dimitri rolls his eyes, "Honestly speaking, we would be hanging around or even in bed with someone instead of sitting here and talking about your wedding vows. I''m not trying to be a satan but I really do miss my hunt buddy," He refers to Aidan, no doubt.


    The word ''hunt'' doesn''t seem to


    ease me, either. These two are men and when I say, men, they''re filled with unfilled lusts and somehow an obsession towards other women: No matter how much I try to deny the fact that Aidan and Dimitri are always out hanging around with different women every other night, but that''s just how they are.


    Were, for Aidan but Dimitri, he''s passionate with women. I''ve heard and seen him trying to flirt with them and he has never once failed to utter romantic words out of his mouth or even try to run his hands on their skin, letting his warmth mix with theirs.


    Casanova, womaniser, yboy, you name it. Dimitri is a mix of them all. Truth be told, Aidan is, too. Really have no clue on how he got away with different women all the time and trying to figure out a whole lot of excuses but he''s just good at it. He gets what he wants.


    Whenever things get a little rough


    with the one night stands, he''d turn to me for help. He would ask me to pretend to be his girlfriend or even his sister who seems to have caught up with his nightly activities. If have to pretend to be his girlfriend, I''d have to be the crazy one by being very possessive with slight mental issues.


    They always seem to work.


    No matter how many times, he''d get p in the face or spilled drinks over, he still manages to scoop different one night stands for every asion which is pretty impressive. Not everyone knows how to win a woman''s heart by gazing or words but he''s good at it, very good.


    Probably the main percent of his sess would be from his appearances. More clearly speaking, his face. The beauty he holds, the way he talks or walks, he seems to be attracting women very often by that. At times, they tend to throw themselves at him and he''d be d to please them in bed without a doubt.


    ..


    Then again, they''re sometimes just two childish men who craves for attention or even some fun activities other than being in bed with someone, doing the freaky.


    I''m the only woman they show off their childish side in which I''d recall myself as one hell of a lucky young woman-luckier than the women who has been in their beds.


    "Coming from you two, it''s not really a surprise. Of course, the only solution to solve your problem is to sleep with someone other than watching a movie or hang out with friends like other normal people but I definitely understand," I start to speak, "Except for you, Aidan."


    mming my hands onto the table


    before standing up and leaning forward towards him, causes his eyes to widen as he looks up at me, leaving Dimitri eyeing us with a smirk. "You will follow the conditions I''ve given you or else. No matter how badly or how much you want to have sex with someone... you''re going to have endure it. If I ever find out that you are betraying me behind my back, you''re going down. This engagement ring-will be shoved in your eyes," I reply with a smile on my face, slowly leaning back.


    "Oh, cold showers would always work." I add.


    Dimitri smiles, "You''re going to have a lot of cold showers."


    "This is actually a very good idea, Kenna. We''d be able to test his patience and his ability to stay focus in life when one of his ''routine'' is out for a year," Heughs, enjoying the suffering of his best friend as he shakes my hand, agreeing. "Well, good luck with that, buddy." He adds.


    Dimitri and I turn to look at Aidan who seems slightly annoyed by our gestures before letting out another deep sigh, leaving us chuckling to one another.


    "Let the games begin, then." He challenges, crossing his arms.

 Chapter 25

    Aidan


    "What if I told you that your bride-to-be has somehow ran away?" Dimitri appears from the door, his hand gripping tightly onto his phone as he looks at me with slight worry-causing my eyes to wander across his face in search for lies.


    Just as I''m about to speak up, he has already burst out intoughters before entering the room and closing the door behind him. "You, nugget. You should''ve seen the look on your face. Can we do that again because I need to record it?" He raises his jet ck phone up with a wide grin stered on his face, clearly enjoying my reaction.


    "That was not funny," I reply as I turn to look at the mirror again, fixing my tie. "In fact, you shouldn''t joke around with things like that. What if my mother heard you?" I question before I start to take a few steps away from the mirror, eyeing down my suit; wanting myself to look very attractive and mouth-watering on my wedding day.


    He rolls his eyes, "Diana and apparently, most of the XX chromosomes in your family are with Kenna." He continues to speak as his lips curve up into a smile, "I also heard that she''s very beautiful today. I''m not sure if you''ll be able to stand up straight when you see her," "Who?" I ask, continuing to eye myself in the mirror before turning to look at him.


    "Kenna. Obviously," He replies.


    "I thought she has always been beautiful? How can she be any different today?" My questions seem to have cause him tough, again. His lips remain curved as he mutters quite something under his breath in French-something I would be able to understand if he''d speak a little bit more louder than just mumbling.


    "You... my man, has a lot to learn." He takes a seat, "I''ll tell you ''I told you so'' when you see her walk down the aisle. The moment your breath hitches, your hands shake and your lips remain speechless at the sight of her beauty... that''s when you''ll lose grip of gravity. Trust me, I''ve been there." He says, confidently without a slight fear of being wrong.


    "You know what, Dimitri? Sometimes I don''t understand you," I reply before looking up at the door, seeing my father standing with a smile on his face.


    Marc, my father, looks down at me with proud and happiness glistering in his eyes. He takes a few steps towards me, "You clean up well, son. Your mother and I will always be happy for you and proud of every decision you make," He says, leaving me nodding my head with a smile.


    All of a sudden, in appears near the door with Ava holding onto his hand. As soon as she sees me, her eyes widen before running towards me-causing me to pick her up from her feet. Her lips curve up into a smile as she bursts intoughters, "Uncle Gabby, you look pretty." She says, both of her arms wrapping around my neck.


    Both in and father watch with smiles on their faces.


    Uncle Gabby... Ava calls me that ever since she learned how to talk. Just because she heard her grandmother calling me ''Gabriel'' all the time whenever she''s being serious and that''s where she picked up the pieces-decided to call me Gabby. At first, I wasn''t very fond of it but it started to sound cute,ing from her mouth.


    I did search about the name Gabby on the inte when Dimitri told me it matches my personality whenever I nag. Apparently, Gabby means excessively or annoyingly talkative. That was definitely not true... I am not excessively or annoyingly talkative. In fact, I do not nag.


    "What about me, Ava? We yed dolls together," Dimitri starts to speak up as he pretends to be slightly hurt from not receiving anypliments from her, "We even had our own tea time and I thought it meant something in our friendship," He adds, crossing his arms. Ava chuckles, leaning closer towards me. "You look okay, Dim."


    Dimitri is being called Dim by Ava.


    She likes giving people nicknames of her own choice because it''s easier for her to pronounce and remember. Unlike my given name Gabby, I actually tease him with the name Dim because it''s easily mistaken for Dim Sum. Ever since then, he


    wouldn''t want to get anywhere near


    Chinese food-what a funny excuse?


    "I think I look more than okay. Probably, perfect but beautiful, at least." He turns to look at in, "One of the reasons why I taught my son to say nice words to people because sometimes, the truth can hurt." He says, leaving in to scoff at his childish behaviour.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Just as the four of us men, start to


    enjoy thepany of Ava, my wedding nner starts to knock


    onto the door before stepping in-her eyes wandering around the room Ava, honey. Are you ready to go and walk down the aisle with Aunt Kenna? We better get you in position," She says and I slowly ce her down on the ground, letting her run towards Marie.


    "We better get going, then." in says.


    My eyes wander to the mirror beside me, staring at myself a little bit longer than before; wanting to look handsome especially in Kenna''s eyes. Instead of finding myself


    staring at her in awe or losinine!


    the


    ability to stand straight when I see her, I''d want her to find herself pulled towards me as her heart beats fast


    when she sees me.


    "Father, would you please give us a moment?" in asks, looking at our father who nods his head and walks out of the room with Dimitri trailing behind him.


    see it as a memory worth telling or worth knowing.


    Even though this whole wedding and marriage is nned, I want it to be one of the best memories we''ve ever had in our friendship. I want to be able to talk about it when we grow older other than just seeing it as something... unwanted or fake. It''d be better if we can

 Chapter 26

    "Cold feet?" He asks, making me turn to look at him.


    There are differences between in and I but there are also a lot of simrities. We''re quite the opposite when ites to our personality or attitude but when ites to our features, we can actually be mistaken as fraternal twins. Other than that, both of our bodies are lean but his are slightly bigger than mine, yet it''s unseen without observation. "No... not really. Just scared if I might trip," I answer, leaving himughing at my respond before joining him, afterwards.


    He clears his throat, "I was at your spot once and I know how it feels like. There''s a lot of fun things when ites to getting married, especially to the love of your life but there are also a lot of responsibilities. You''re no longer a single man and things will start to change. In fact, a lot of things will start to change when you buy dinner, you have to buy one for her. When you go grocery shopping, you can''t just shop for one. When you sleep, you have to make sure that she''s sleeping beside you. If not, you have to start worrying." He says. "Well, you''ve been in the husband department for quite some time and I''m just here, minutes away from joining you." I reply.


    "I still remember when we were kids. We were busy ying around and teasing Mia but now... we''re both adults. We worry about a lot of things," He stops for awhile. "I''m actually happy that you''vee to your senses and I want you to be happy, too." He pats onto my shoulder, leaving me smiling.


    Within seconds, Marie appears at the door and gestures for us to make our way towards the wedding hall. in trails behind as we both trail behind her, making sure we''re heading towards the right room instead of being lost in the public library which is something pretty often being experienced by other brides and grooms, here.


    My eyes wander around the amount of people that are seated as they turn to look at me, walking down the aisle with a smile stered on my face. Fortunately, the wedding is a private wedding where only both of our families and friends are only attending. I''ve made sure of it as Flynn was the one who was checking the list of guests, not letting anyone in without an invitation card.


    Dimitri, in and Flynn was trailing behind me when I was walking down the aisle but now they''re all standing near me waiting for the arrival of the bride.


    To my surprise, an instrumental version of My Heart Will Go On starts to y by two violinists which causes me to clench my jaw in order to hold back my nervousness. For some reason, my heartbeat is beating faster than usual as people are starting to stand up and leaving me ncing down the aisle, waiting for the familiar face to show up.


    Just as I look up, my eyes widen at


    the sight of her. Both of her blue eyes are nervously looking at the


    ???


    wheel


    people around her as her lips are slowly curving up into a smile, leaving me stare at her in awe. As her eyes look up to meet mine, everything around me


    stops-somehow, we''re in a world of


    our own with no people surrounding


    us.


    It takes me awhile to realise the sudden hitch of my breaths, the shakiness of my hands and the speechlessness of words at the sight of Kenna. My eyes couldn''t look away from my best friend who appears to be breathtakingly beautiful, causing tears in my eyes.


    I can''t believe I''m saying but... god damn.


    Everything about her shows an infinite amount of perfection. From head to toe, she''s the definition of beautifully mesmerising. There''s not a single w showing through and even if there is... she''ll be able to conceal just by the way she looks,pletely silencing me and leaving me stand here in disbelief.


    "Wow," I breathe out as I hold back the tears from forming again.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    All I can think of at the moment is, what''s happening to me? Why all of a sudden am I fully attracted to her? Is it the way she walks? The way she''s smiling? Maybe, it''s her gaze. There''s just something radiating from her that causes me to forget about the world as she would be mine in a matter of time.


    I take my time to eye her wedding dress, finding it a long backless dress which reveals her perfectly tanned skin but is being covered by the veil.


    Just from the sight of her, I am


    John pecks onto his daughter''s cheek as I step down, slowly making my way towards her. As soon as we''re close enough, he ces her hand onto mine; leaving me grip onto it as we both turn to look at one another, everyone is being seated down and the music stops ying.


    The hall is left with no sound as the


    priest starts to say, "We gather here to unite these two people in marriage. Their decision to marry has not been entered into lightly and today they publicly dere their private devotion to each other. The essence of thismitment is the eptance of each other in entirely, as lover,panion and friend. A good and bnced rtionship is one in which neither person is overpowered nor absorbed by the other, one in which both give their love freely and without jealousy."


    The priest continues, "Marriage, ideally, is a sharing of responsibilities, hopes and dreams. It takes a special effort to grow together, survive hard times and be loving and selfish." He adds before turning to look at us both, again. "I assume you both have your own vows."

 Chapter 27

    My eyes are focusing into her blue ones as they meet mine.


    She hasn''t heard of my vows yet when we were busy preparing because apparently, ording to Dimitri... my vows were horrible. So, I had ast minutes nningst night when I wasn''t able to get a proper sleep. Hopefully, it''ll be better than saying something simple but at least, it''s not from the inte and sincerely from my heart and mind.


    "Kenna, today... all other things melt away as I look at you and love you beyond all reason and beyond all ideal. I stand outside by myself and join with you my loving wife in our new life. From you, I''ve learned how to dream and what it is to have a loving partner who supports your dreams. I vow to help you in your dreams and desires, and to create a life, and a loving home as your best friend, your husband." I say with a smile on my face, including hers.


    "Even after all we''ve been through, I still can''t believe that I''m the one who gets to stand here and have you as my wife. I love you," I add before blinking a few times, not realising the words to have escaped my mouth but covering it quickly with another smile.


    She smiles back, "Aidan... it is clear to me now that everything in my life has led me to you. I think back on all my choices and consider even the bad ones blessed, because if I had done one thing differently, I might have never met you and be your wife. Technically speaking, if I hadn''t gone to the same kindergarten as you, we might''ve never met." She says and the crowd starts to chuckle because believe it or not, most of them know about how we met.


    "On this day, I''d like to admit how wrong I have always been. Love is not blind, in fact love sees all. I love all of you, Aidan. Your faults and ws cast a beautiful light-like the ws of a precious jewel. You are everything to me, my best friend. We''ve spent twenty-years, two hundred and forty months and seventy-three hundred days together. I can''t wait for more," She ends with a grin, stered on her face.


    Dimitri walks up to give us the rings, instantly letting us exchange rings.


    "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," The priest says and my heart skips a beat as my hands go up to cup onto her face, leaning in.


    ncing onest time into her blue eyes before looking down at her lips, I see they''re curving up into a smile as our lips meet. Our eyes close at the sudden jolts of electricity overflowing in my veins which causes me to deepen the kiss, ignoring the ps and the woosing from the crowd as if there''s only the two of us.


    As I break the kiss, I find myself instantly looking up into her eyes. The sudden sparks were new and they were something I''ve never felt before no matter how many times I''ve kissed someone on the lips. Not even Kenna when we''ve kissed, twice in the past month. "Did you feel that?" I whisper as she looks at me in confusion but before she can ask me the reason to my question, we''re being congratted by the crowd and Dimitri has already pulled both of us into a bone-crushing hug; trying my best not to die out of suffocation. "That was really cute," Dimitri says before letting us go.


    Both Kenna and I walk up the aisle, ncing at our parents and our families as they all p and smile at us. It''s not a surprise to see my mother and Julia to wipe their tears from streaming down their cheeks, leaving me turning to look at Kenna, again who is waving at Ava.


    "Wait," I say as soon as we''ve entered the lobby, letting the rest of the guests to head straight towards the banquet hall before us.


    Just as she turns to look at me, I immediately lean in to kiss her on the lips which surprises her immediately. Both of my hands are cupping onto her face as my head leans in due to our heights and within seconds, the cameras are shing in at the scene-causing me to lean back to see Dimitri, is one of them, using his phone.


    The sparks had disappeared which eases me slightly, knowing I was probably hallucinating when we kissed back in the wedding hall.


    "Right. For the wedding album," She replies.


    As we enter the banquet hall, we stop in the middle of the entrance as we both look around at the decorations. The sky has darken as our wedding was being held in the evening due to a better sky view during the ceremony which is the best choice as the stars are a brighter tonight, including the moon.


    I let out a deep breath before turning


    to look at Kenna, seeing her smiling as she stares around in awe-liking, probably even loving the


    decorations. Ever since she want


    busy at work most of the time, had nned the decorations withmy mother and Julia. Julia did a great job describing Kenna''s likings and it''s no doubt... they''re all true.


    "I didn''t expect this," She breathes.


    I smile, "It''s all for you."


    The guests are pping their hands at our presence, letting us pass through and towards the middle of the hall. Surprisingly, the music


    starts to y which causes m


    look down at her who has a smile on her face before cing both of my hands on her waist as she ces both of her hands on my shoulders near my neck.


    "You chose Till The End by Jessie Ware?" I ask, looking down at her face and instantly realising that we''re inches apart.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    "I didn''t," She replies with a smile on her face as I twirl her once before pulling her towards me again, this time closer. Our eyes are staring into one another-remembering how we didn''t exactly rehearse this during our rehearsal dinner because both of us knew how to


    slow dance.

 Chapter 28

    "Thank you, Kenna for everything. You''ve been a great best friend and all you ever did is make me happy. I''m more than grateful for what you''ve done," I continue to speak as she looks into my eyes, "And you''re very beautiful, today." I add. "Today? What about any other day?" She raises an eyebrow, making me chuckle at the sight of her grin.


    "Well, that''s not fair because you''re beautiful everyday. Honestly, I think I drooled a little bit and I''m only telling this to show how you are very mesmerising." I reply and she leans closer, wrapping his hands around my neck before letting out soft chuckles. "You''re wee. I want to thank you for everything that you''ve done for me, too. There''s no one out there that can rece you and I mean it... you will always be my best friend. No matter what we go through, we''ll go through it together. Okay?" She raises her right hand and I look down to find her lifting her pinky finger.


    As my lips are curving up into a smile, I let my pinky finger entwine with hers and we both start to chuckle at one another-letting the cameras sh at us.


    "I have a surprise for you. I''ll be back," She whispers near my ear before walking away until she''s out of my sight, Mia and Harley following behind her.


    My eyes wander around to look for something particr that woulde out as a surprise but my eyesnded on Julia who has a wide smile on her face as she heads towards me. Not just that but my mother is also trailing behind her which causes me to groan slightly but the smile never fading away from my face.


    "Julia!" I exim as she pulls me in for a hug.


    "Wee to the family!" She says before patting onto my back which causes me to join her inughters while my mother stands beside us with a ss of wine in her hand. "You''ve made me the happiest mother alive for making my daughter happy. Thank you," She adds. "Julia, that''s-"


    She cuts me off by patting onto my back again, causing me to yelp. "Stop calling me Julia. You better start calling me mum because we''re a family, now. If you ever call me Julia again, I''m not going to be very happy about it." She continues to speak, her voice sounding slightly drunk but very much sober.


    "I need more wine. Dianae with me," Julia-mum, walks away with an empty ss.


    My mother ces her hand at the side of my face, "We''ll talkter." She says before walking away with Julia, leaving me eyeing them from behind. They both continue to talk about a few things but are unheard due to the distance between us.


    All of a sudden, Yonc¨¦ by Beyonc¨¦


    starts to y which causes me to furrow my eyebrows as I turn


    around, trying to find if someone


    might''ve turned it on by mistak


    Shoving both of my hands into my


    cks'' pockets, I turn to look at the two doors opening, revealing Kenna but in a shorter wedding dress, hair down in waves and eyes are staring at me directly.


    "See me up in the club with fifty-leven girls. Posted in the back diamond fangs in my grill, Brooklyn brim with my eyes sitting low. Every boy in here with me got that smoke and every girl in here gotta look me up and down. All on Instagram, cake by the pound, circte the image every time Ie around. G''s up, tell me how I''m looking, babe," She starts to sing which causes everyone to cheer loudly, leaving me smiling at her-eyeing down her toned body.


    t


    Both of her blue eyes meet mine immediately before making her way towards me, causing me to stand still as she continues to sing. "Boy, this all for you, just walk my way. Just tell me how it''s looking, babe. I do this all for you, baby, just take aim and tell me how it''s looking, babe. And tell me how I''m looking, babe." She runs her hand around my body and up to the side of my face, leaving me smirking down at her.


    "Drop the bass, man, the bass get lower. Radio say, "speed it up," I just go slower, high like treble, puffing on them mids. The man ain''t ever seen a booty like this," She points at her butt and the crowd ps, wooing even louder than before leaving me chuckling but not cing a hand on her, at all.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    They start to p ording to the beat as I turn to look at in, staring directly at Harley who is currently bing one of Kenna''s backup dancers with Mia. He has a smirk stered on his face as he takes a sip of his wine, enjoying his wife''s dancing to seductively attract him.


    Just as I take a seat behind me, I start to see Kenna making her way towards me before sitting on myp-wrapping her arms around my neck as she eyes down my lips. "Do you like the surprise?" She asks, her other hand on the side of my face. With my lips curving up into a smirk, I pull her closer.

 Chapter 29

    Aidan


    "We can do this. How hard can it be?" Kenna says as she takes another sip of her wine before closing the door behind us with her foot, leaving us all by ourselves in a suite. "We''re both adults in this situation. We''re not kids anymore," She continues to speak. "Exactly. I''m not doubting us in any way possible," I reply. My eyes wander around to look at her as she chuckles, showing off her perfectly straight teeth; knowing Kenna, the only way she would act like this is when she''s drunk. She''s never good in handling alcohol and that''s maybe because she doesn''t drink much in her past years.


    She giggles which causes both of my eyebrows to furrow. Kenna would never giggle because she''s just not that type. To my surprise, she starts to wrap her arms around my neck before pulling me closer as she leans her head back intoughters, "I mean...e on, Aidan. It''s not like we haven''t done this before we''ve been with different people. You''ve been with a lot of different people and you''re very experienced," She runs her index finger across my cheek.


    "Why, thank you, Kenna. Women do tend topliment my skills," My lips curve up into a smile as we start to walk towards the middle of the suite. "I''m surprised to see you admit how experienced I am when ites to things like this," I add, slowly.


    With both of her blue eyes looking deeply into mine, "Don''t bring up other women in front of me. Starting from now... I''ll be one to judge," She smirks, cutely.


    Most of the time, drunk women are very unpleasing to my sight but for some reason, Kenna''s drunk state appears much more pleasing. The way her eyes glint with calmness as she shows her true self, it''s something I don''t mind seeing every day because she''s much more at ease and stress-free than she has always been.


    "Why is that?" My voice came out more like a whisper.


    She nces down at my lips as she cups my face, causing myself to ce both of my hands on her waist. "Do you see this ring on my finger? Till death do us part, baby." The words slip out of her mouth which causes both of us tough, uncontrobly as we let go of each other.


    Herughter seem to fill the silent room as she leans her head back and slowly letting herself drop onto the ground, running her fingers through her loosely curled hair. My body has somehow reduced the amount of stress from the sudden outburst ofughters, letting ourselvesy lose.


    "We''re terrible at role-ying. Oh my god," She continues tough as she ces a hand on her cheek, feeling warmth radiating.


    That''s another fact about Kenna, whenever she''s drunk or has too much tough about, her cheeks would warm up. She''ll start to feel warmth radiating from her cheeks and they start to turn slightly red-it''s one of the things that she hates about herself but I''m very fond of it. She thinks of it as... a w when I think of it as adorable.


    "It''s now or never. We have to do it," I say and she looks up at me, our eyes are staring deeply into one another. Just like that, I''m already slowly making my way towards her without breaking our gaze and as soon as I''m close enough, I let our faces remain inches apart. "I''m asking you again... do you want this?" I ask, my eyes ncing down at her lips as they pucker to the front before curving up into a smile. "Do you really want this? There''s no turning back from what we''re going to do," I add, leaning closer and closer near her neck. She purposely brush her nose against mine, "What''s the point of waiting, anyway? Sooner orter, it''s going to happen. It might as well happen now," She whispers, pulling onto my tie.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "Rock, paper, scissors!" We say in unison and our eyes widen at the result before looking down at our hands. The result shows it clear... the winner is me. Kenna was defeated by a pair of scissors as she was a piece of paper which causes her to groan and running towards the bed in which I quickly catch up, not wanting her to reach it before me.


    "No!" She exims as she bumps onto the nearest sofa which causes her to groan in pain while I make my run straight towards the bed, jumping up and letting my body fall before letting out a breath of relief.


    "Victory is mine!" I grin, watching her making her way towards me as she continues to pant. She has her left hand on her waist while the other starts to rub onto her thigh which had received the impact from bumping onto the sofa. "You can sleep on the couch," I pretend to flip my hair which causes her to roll her eyes, in annoyance.


    "Are you seriously making me sleep on the couch? Aidan, it''s too hard." She leans her body forward towards the bed as she pouts, trying to make me feel a slight sympathy for her but I just feel the sweet sess of iming the bed as mine.


    You see, what exactly happened is that, we made a deal. Whoever wins a round of rock, paper, scissors would get to sleep on the bed while the loser has to sleep on the floor or on the couch. Believe it or not, she was the one who suggested the game because she said it''d be a lot more fair if we do it that way. Now, she''s trying to make me let her take the bed.


    The grin never fades away from my face as Iy back on the soft mattress, letting myself let out a deep sigh. My arms spread wide-pretending to make a snow angel while Kenna stands with envy in her eyes, staring at me.


    "Don''t me me. You suggested the game," I sit up straight, crossing my legs. Then, both of my eyes are following her as she circles the bed with her lips pouted. "To be fair, you have to sleep on the couch. You can''t just persuade me to let us exchange ces," I frown.


    "But, I''m your wife." She pouts again,


    trying to grab my hand but I''ve already pulled away which causes


    her to groan. "We''re equals. Besides, you''re a gentleman and a gentleman should never let a woman sleep on the couch... it''s very ufortable. What if my back hurts?" Her eyes are going wide, trying to make those puppy eyes in order to make me give in.


    Letting out a deep sigh, "I vowed to help you in your dreams and desires. Not to consider whether I should let you take the bed or not," I reply.


    "But... my dream is to sleep on the bed. My desire is to sleep on the bed," Her lips curve up into a smile before poking onto my arm, making me flinch as she continues to do for a few more times, "Fine. I''ll just take the couch," She breathes out, her head low as she walks.


    My eyes remain onto her body as she takes slow steps towards the sofa, giving me time to actually reconsider. She nces at my direction for a few seconds before ying with the tips of her fingers, trying to make herself seem utterly cute... undeniably is currently working.


    "Okay," I mutter under my breath but


    loud enough for her to hear which causes her to turn and look at me with hope in her eyes, letting me sigh. "You can take the bed and just take the couch... how does that sound?" I ask, pulling my body away from the bed and slowly making my way towards the couch as I see her immediately jumping in joy onto the bed, holding tightly onto one of the pillows.


    "You''re making me happiest woman, alive!" She chuckles. Yeah, I''m sure your mother would be very happy, too.


    "I''m going to take a shower," I say without turning to look at her before slowly untying my tie and cing it onto the nearest coffee table. Then, unbutton my shirt, leaving my body bare and clearly seen by Kenna but it''s not like she hasn''t seen me shirtless before. As soon as turn, I see her quickly looking away, holding her hand up to cover her sight which causes me to let out a breathy chuckle.


    The warm water has never failed to ease me or calm me down. There''s just something about the temperature that would cause my body to rx and prepare myself for a deep sleep. After cleansing my face and scrub off all the dirt on my body from sweating, I dry my hair and body with the towel before changing into a long-sleeved shirt and sweatpants.

 Chapter 30

    With the towel in my hand, I step out of the bathroom to find Kenna removing her makeup before ncing towards my direction. "Go and take a shower," I say.


    Within seconds, I already hear the water running as I take a couple of pillows before cing them on the sofa with a nket which is too small for my body. Then, Iy my body on the sofa to try and make myselffortable but failing, miserably. Well, I wouldn''tin sleeping on the couch but right now... I''m much more ufortable than I can exin. One hand above my head and the other on my stomach, I begin to close my eyes after ncing at the wrist watch-noticing it''s nearly one in the morning. When the guests were leaving, both of our families took a couple of hours to drink but then, we were too tired to continue. Especially Ava, she was exhausted from all the excitement.


    Kenna must''ve changed into her pyjamas as I hear her slowly getting into bed but both of my eyes remain closed, not bothered to open them. From the sound, I can hear her typing on her phone; she''s never really the one to turn off the keyboard clicks, even though I''ve done it a lot for her, she would just turn it back on.


    Minutes have passed but I can''t seem to fall asleep.


    "Aidan?" I hear her calling out for me, making me open my eyes and try to adjust my sight in the dark before turning to look at her. Both of her eyes are looking directly at me, "Were you already asleep?" She asks, her voice low. "No," I respond. "What''s wrong?"


    She starts to clear her throat as she pats onto the empty side beside her, "There''s a lot of space up here for a single person. Do you... want to sleep on the bed with me?" She asks, her eyes wandering away while I try my best to hide the smirk from appearing on my face.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    "Why? Couldn''t stay away from me, already?" My questions came out as a tease as she rolls her eyes, letting me smile knowing she would always do that when she tries to cover her own embarrassment or anything in particr.


    "Well, I was just offering. You don''t have to if you don''t want to. I''ll just count to three and then the offer''s up," She leans her head back onto the pillow as I sit up straight, holding tightly onto the two pillows. "One, two..." She continues to count.


    Just as she''s about to finish counting, I have already climbed onto the bed with her. My body is inches apart from her as her lips curve up into a smirk, not expecting me to ept the offer as if it was a life and death situation. "Just so you know, I deserve it." I mutter. Kenna doesn''t say a word but I can already imagine her trying to hold back a smile as she clears her throat, leaving me nce towards her direction and see both of her eyes are closed. Within seconds, I am already adjusting my body to afortable position with a pillow in between us-not wanting to make her ufortable by my presence.


    I''ve been in bed with women before and nothing as being nervous has ever happened to me but right now, I can''t help but think of the presence beside me. I can''t stop thinking of her breathing and the sound of her heart beating if I pay further attention ory closer but I manage to hold myself back by turning my body to the side.


    It doesn''t take me long to finally fall asleep.


    All of a sudden, I feel someone pushing onto me which causes me to open my droopy eyes, looking in the dark. My eyebrows furrow in confusion but the figure beside me won''t even stop pushing me-letting me turn around, seeing Kenna having most of the bed to herself.


    "Kenna, stop pushing me. You''re going to make me fall," I mutter, sleepily. My eyes are slowly closing back after pushing her back, letting myself take back my own space.


    Just as I''m about to fall asleep again, she starts to push me, further. With a groan, I start to sit up straight and remove her leg which was wrapped around my waist. "Kenna, you''re taking the whole space. Just move a little," I say, earning a groan from her as a respond. "Go back to sleep," She mumbles in her sleep.


    "How can I when you''re taking the


    whole bed? I was on the edge," I


    I was


    reply before pushing onto her body and letting her face the other side beforeying down again. As soon as I find thefort to sleep, she has already wrapped her arm around my body and her leg around my waist which leaves me to open my eyes, "Are you serious?" I try to loosen her grip.


    "Kenna, you''re choking me!" I say a little bit louder and she starts to open her eyes, looking directly at me before realising that she has been pulling me in a tight grip.


    "Why were you hugging me?" She groans, pushing me slightly.


    "For fuck''s sake, you were the one hugging me. No, you were trying to kill me-do you even know how tight you were gripping onto me? God damn it, we haven''t been married for twenty-four hours yet and you''re already trying to kill me." I mutter before pulling onto the


    covers.


    After not receiving any respond from her, I begin to turn my body to the left in order to face her and see that she has fallen asleep but seconds before I can turn around, she has already grabbed onto my hand; pulling it closer towards her chest, not showing any signs of letting go.


    "Kenna, you need to let go of my hand." I say but she continues to remain asleep, causing me to sigh deeply before poking onto her forehead. Without me realising, I''m slowly falling back to sleeppletely forgetting having our fingers entwined.


    Everything seems to past


    surprisingly fast. Dreams are cut short and my body is somehow restless. Maybe, it''s because I''m not much of a heavy sleeper like Kenna and she just keeps on pushing me or


    even pulling me close to her.


    never


    It''s quite a surprise, really 9 really notice her sudden ways of sleeping like this when I fell asleep with her on the sofa in her


    apartment but now, she''s like a


    different person.


    Slowly opening my eyes, I start to take a few deep breaths before turning to look at Kenna; seeing her sleeping soundly beside me. My eyes wander down to her face and suddenly realise, a slight drool near her lips which makes me lose interest in staring at her much longer. "Wake up," I pat onto her butt, causing her to open her eyes.


    "What time is it?" She asks, her voice deep and a little bit husky.


    Luckily for her, she had a good night''s sleep while mine was terrible. Don''t get me wrong, I would prefer some cuddling once in awhile but what she did to me was not cuddling. She was choking me until I was at a point, I can barely breathe.


    "Time to wipe off that drool and take a shower," I reply, stretching my arms as soon as I''m off the bed before ncing at her direction, again; seeing her wiping away the drool from her lips as she drops her head back onto the bed-groaning.


    "You know what... I can''t believe


    I''m saying this but I had an awful


    night. You were a terrible person in


    bed and should''ve let you sleep the couch instead of on the be Maybe, it would be better if I didn''t ept your offer to sleep on the bed which


    with you." I start to speak the bed


    causes her to furrow her eyebrows, trying to pick up the pieces.


    "So... it was a bad wedding night?" She raises an eyebrow, her eyes squinting.


    "Terrible. Horrible," I think back of what happenedst night as I shiver, causing her to curve her lips into a smirk;pletely enjoying my suffering as I walk towards the bathroom.

 Chapter 31

    Kenna


    me.


    "Can you give me a hand?" I ask, putting stacks of books into the empty box in front of me; not wanting to leave the apartment without having them near my side-reading is one of the things that I can never stop doing, no matter how convincing someone might be to stop Aidan walks towards my direction before stopping near me, leaving me to look up at him and see that he''s currently giving me a mannequin''s hand which causes me to flinch. He leans his head back intoughters, enjoying my reaction as I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, not expecting him to literally give me a hand.


    "Where the hell did you get that?" I immediately ask as he continues tough, making me try my best not to join him.


    "Kenna, years of knowing you... never thought you were a creep. I found it in the store room and I don''t even know why you have it," He replies, taking a closer look at the stic hand before poking my back with it-making me lean my body forward and away from him. "Give me that," I say as I try to take it away from him but he starts to lift it up, away from my reach due to our heights. "Very funny. Ha ha ha, now give it to me."


    It''s no doubt that Aidan is enjoying this far more than I do as I start to jump up and down to reach the mannequin''s hand but fail miserably, seeing that he''s actually putting it up high. No matter how much effort I put into grabbing the stic hand, he''ll just continue to lift it higher and higher until I give up.


    "If you want it,e take it." He winks, making a run towards the kitchen.


    Within seconds, I am already running after him without caring if we end up making a mess in the process because both of us seem to be finding this as an amusement,ughing and running after one another even though the main reasoning to my apartment, in the first ce was to pack my clothes and necessities.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Aidan, I''m not psychically fit!" I exim.


    He continues to chuckle as we both circle around the kitchen ind, trying my best to grab onto his arm but he manages to slide away. Both of his eyes are gazing directly at me, his lips curving up into a wide grin while his right hand is holding onto the mannequin''s hand up high in the sky-definitely out of my reach.


    "me yourself for that," He replies. "You should''ve agreed to me when I invited you to jog around the block, at least once a week but no... you insisted on going to work. God knows how much calories you could''ve burned if you had ept," He adds, finding this as an amusement.


    Just as I''m about to say something, I suddenly remember that he does have a weakness. His weakness is something I''ve learned years ago when we were teasing each other and by far, I''m the only one who knows about it; not even Dimitri knows about it. The only reason why he insisted on not letting anyone know and never letting his guard down is because he''s embarrassed of anyone ever finding out.


    It''s simple. He''s ticklish.


    "Fine... you can have the stic hand. I don''t want it anymore," I cross my arms before locking my gaze with his-letting him furrow his eyebrows, not expecting me to give up easily.


    My reflexes react quickly as I run towards him, tickling the side of his waist which causes him to lose his bnce and fall down onto the ground but pulling me with him. My grip on his waist tightens, preparing myself for the fall as he let go of the mannequin''s hand in order to wrap his arms around my waist-not letting my body receive the impact.


    With a loud thud, we both fall onto the ground. He groans as he was the one who had received the impact while Inded on top of him-making myself stare down onto his face. Our faces are only inches apart... somehow very close and could lead into something more but all we do is just stare at one another, deeply into each other''s eyes.


    Both of my hands are ced onto his chest but I make no further movement to lift myself up from his body and he makes no sign on trying to push me away.


    To my surprise, his right hand goes away from my waist and up to my face, slowly tucking a strand of hair behind my ear before ncing down at my lips. We are both frozen at our spot, just waiting for something to happen and we both know, it''s something we doubt. I don''t know what the hell is going on in my mind nor his. It''s as if we can''t even move away and just stay still which is pretty crazy. Never would I be frozen at my spot when my best friend is trying to kiss me or lean forward and do things I''ve never imagined but for some reason, I can''t move away. I can''t stop him, either.


    The truth is, he''s my best friend. I can just push him away or p his face and pretend it was a sudden gesture but here I am, staring into his eyes and ncing his lips, only waiting and provoking him to continue whatever he has in his mind.


    All of a sudden, the doorbell starts to ring which causes us to blink away from the trance. I immediately lift my body up and away from his as he clears his throat, trying to make the surrounding less awkward.


    "I''ll get the door," We both say at the same time, quickly breaking the eye contact afterwards.


    "Uh, I''ll just... ce the hand where it came from," He says, standing up and walking towards the back without paying a second nce leaving me letting out a deep sigh, not really expecting ourselves to ever feel this way. The difort.


    Without further ado, I gaze at myself in the mirror to fix my hair before heading towards the door. My eyes roll towards the back at the sight of my other best friend, Dimitri. He has a wide smile on his face before patting onto my head and entering my apartment, leaving me closing the door behind me.


    "What are you doing here?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.


    "Am I not allowed to be here?" He turns to look at me, pretending to be hurt as he ces a hand on his chest. "Kenna, I''m hurt. Just because you married Aidan and not me, that doesn''t mean you can just neglect me as your friend. I need your love more than he does," He pouts.


    "Oh, newssh... I''ve known him longer than you." I reply, heading straight towards the boxes on the ground-making sure I havebeled them. It''d be easier for me to unpackter without needing to check one box at a time.


    He follows behind me, "Yeah but I''m more passionate. I understand women better. I understand you better. Aidan can neverpare to me because look at me, I have the whole package. Looks, personalities, money... you name it, sister. I''m the perfect guy," He says, proudly as he presses both of his hands on the kitchen ind.


    A soft chuckles escapes my lips, "Why would I need a passionate best friend?" Then, I am already putting the boxes near the front door.


    Dimitri frowns, "To care for you, duh. Why are you even asking me that?" He lets out a deep sigh as he takes a seat on one of my sofas, "Speaking of passionate... what happened between you and Aidan,st night? How can you still walk?" He asks, ncing down at my legs.


    "Come on, Dimitri. Don''t pretend as if he didn''t tell you about the contract. The whole point of our marriage is based on a contract we both made you would know that," I reply.


    He chuckles, "I know that, Kenna. I''m just teasing you because who knows? You two might have had some fun,st night. Anything can happen," He leans in to whisper near my ear, "Like they say... opposites attract and you both have different sex organs that would fit." He adds. "You''re disgusting," I smack his arm and he groans, not liking the fact that he has gotten more smacks from me than anything else.


    Aidan appears from the store room, looking up at Dimitri and I as we both turn to look back at him. He raises an eyebrow at his presence, "Did someone invite you? Why are you even here? I thought you were on your flight to Chicago," He continues to make his way towards us.


    Dimitri''s lips curve up into a grin, "Something happenedst night and made me miss my flight. She didn''t want me to leave, either... so, don''t me me." He chuckles before turning to look at me, "They never want me to leave. How insane is that?" He sticks his tongue out at me.


    Name one person that would


    actually want Dimitri in their lives. Not as a best friend or a colleague but as a partner. I mean, sure... he has it all. He''s not wrong when he said that he''s the perfect package because a guy like him is hard to find he just needs to change his ways and his attitude around people.


    He''s full of himself. He''s a sweet talker.


    I fake the loudestugh which causes both of them to turn and look at me. Dimitri''s grin fades away immediately as Aidan smirks, enjoying the fact that whenever Dimitri and I meet each other, we''d pick a fight. "Your ex-wife left you... no offence," I shrug, walking away. "Dude..." He breathes out, "That was fucking hurtful. I really don''t like you, right now. We need to go on our separate ways for a couple of hours because I need to heal," He says.


    Then again, he''s a great best friend.


    He''s not the one who would easily get hurt just because I tease him or offend him : .... he knows it''s all a joke and I''d never really hurt him without any intention of fooling around. Yes, he would pretend to get hurt by cing a hand on his chest but he''s actually just very good in acting. He took drama ss in high school, though.

 Chapter 32

    "Well, I''m sorry but my mouth is a savage. I can''t stop it from saying hurtful things," I reply and heading straight towards the kitchen, clearing the kitchen counter from tes by keeping them in the cab.


    Aidan, on the other hand, continues tough. "That''s the Kenna we both know and that''s one of the reasons why we still love her, dearly. She''s the only woman that can say that to you, Dimitri because believe me, other women would really take care of that fragile heart of yours in order to buy their expensive Prada handbags," He says.


    "I hate how true that is," Dimitri takes a bite from an apple in the basket on the kitchen counter.


    "Maybe... just maybe, I should find someone to have a serious rtionship with. Someone who I''d want to get married and have cute little babies. A perfect mother for Brody and a perfect wife for me," He continues to talk which causes both Aidan and I to stare at one another in confusion, not expecting him to say anything that has to do with marriage.


    He didn''t exactly swear to not get married but after the pain he went through, it would be hard for him to go through it again. Even though he knows that women are not all the same but he must surely think of the possibilities of getting himself hurt is very much still there. "That''s a surprise, especiallying from you." I mutter.


    "Yeah but that''s just bullshit. I''m not going to find someone to have a serious rtionship with or get married and have kids. That''s not going to happen," He starts to chuckle. "I''m happy with my current life and Brody, I don''t need anyone elseing in and ruin the fun." He adds.


    Like I said, it''s too good to be true.


    The doorbell starts to ring again, catching our attention. Just as I''m about to head towards the door, Dimitri has cut me to it. "Let me go get the door," He says and starts to walk towards the living room and straight to the door, leaving me staring at him until he''s out of sight. My eyes wander to Aidan who is currently going through the pages of my favourite books. He has his eyebrows furrowed as he reads the words but there''s just something more than just seeing him holding onto the book or reading it. It''s the way his head buries down into the book and how focused he is on wanting to find out about the storyline.


    "Is Kenna home?" I hear a familiar voice which causes me to turn and make my way towards the front door, seeing Dimitri standing and talking to my ex-boyfriend, Noah.


    "Who?" Dimitri asks, quickly leaving me chuckle at his respond. Both of my arms are crossed, waiting for him to step aside and just call for me but he continues with the poker face and the confusion which cheers me up. It''s always fun to see him fool around. "Uh, Kenna... you know, Kenna Anne Roosevelt? Right, she just got married and she goes with Kenna Anne Ashton, now. Is she home?" Noah asks, looking straight at a ''confused'' Dimitri.


    "That name doesn''t really ring any bells," Dimitri replies, shaking his head and leaning the side of his body onto the wall, "Are you sure that you''re at the right ce? Maybe, you got the wrong address. There''s no Kenna here. Kenna Roosevelt or Kenna Ashton... never heard of those names," He continues to talk.


    It''s not just about how he responded but by the way his face ys a huge role. Anyone and I mean anyone, would believe him because you can''t really seek for a single lie on his face. He seems to be telling the truth and even I would believe him if I were Noah. "Yeah, this is her apartment. I''m sure I''m at the right ce," Noah replies as he tries to peek inside but Dimitri''s body avoids him from seeing anything, "Are you sure? I used to be really close with her and... I''m sure she still lives here." He adds. Dimitri pretends to think, "No. I''m sorry,"


    "That''s unbelievable. That''s her car," Noah says before pointing at my car near Aidan''s car. Dimitri looks up at my car but he continues to furrow his eyebrows in confusion, not really understanding a word Noah just said which causes me to control myughters. "Who''s car?" Dimitri asks.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "Kenna''s car! That''s her car," Noah lets out a deep, frustrated sigh. "You know what? I''m just going to call her-" He stops for awhile to look up at Dimitri, "--but she changed her number."


    "Mmm, are you one of those guys that can''t move on or a crazy stalker? You said so yourself that she''s married but you''re here looking for whoever she is. What was her name, again? I didn''t quite catch it. Was it Kenya or Kanye?" Dimitri asks, frowning. "It''s Kenna. Her name is Kenna," Noah sighs, again.


    As Dimitri is about to say something more, I cut him to it as I appear beside him. Noah''s eyes widen at the sight of me before ncing at Dimitri who starts to chuckle before slowly disappearing towards the back, leaving me taking a few steps down towards my ex- boyfriend who is somehow... here in front of my apartment.


    "Sorry, that was my friend." I say, looking at Noah who has both of his eyes gazing into mine before taking a few steps back, letting me stand in front of him.


    "Best friend. I''m her best friend," Dimitri appears at the door again before disappearing, he wasn''tpletely satisfied by onlybelling him as my ''friend'' instead of my best friend.


    "Yeah... that was Dimitri. He''s


    always like that," I continue to say before clearing my throat, "So, why are you here? I didn''t really expect to see you again." I ask. It''s true, ever since What happened at the hospital, I''d thought that would be oust encounter but here he is


    WI


    which leaves me slightly wondering of the


    reason why.


    "Dimitri? The one you''ve been telling me about but I didn''t get the chance to meet him. That... Dimitri?" He asks, raising an eyebrow.


    While I was in a rtionship with Noah, I told him basically everything but he has only met Aidan. It doesn''t matter how many times I''ve told him about Dimitri but he has never got the right chance to see him until now. "The one and only," I mutter.


    His light eyes are still staring into mine as his lips curve up into a small smile before looking around at our surroundings. The amount of people passing through here is just insane, it really doesn''t matter if it''s during the day or night... people are just always passing around. I guess there are a lot of people who lives in this block.


    "I came because I wanted to talk to you," He starts to speak. "I''m sorry about how I left off at the hospital-I couldn''t stop thinking about how I was treating you. I mean, I have no right to be upset or mad at you for finding the one," He adds, slowly.


    "I watched the news and I saw that you had gotten married to Aidan. I didn''t really say I had expected that but I''m not fully surprised. You and Aidan were always close and of course, feelings woulde forward. I just hope that he wasn''t the reason of our breakup?" He asks.


    I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, "No. You know exactly why we broke up and he was not the reason. Aidan and I... we realised about our feelings a little bit toote," I reply.


    The look on his face shows a slight amount of relief as he smiles, showing off his dimples. It would be a lie if I said that I''ve never missed him because I had, months after our breakup but I was the one who made the decision and my decision was very clear. There would never be anything between Noah and I, anymore. We both understood that.


    "Congrattions," He breathes out.


    "I''m happy for you, Kenna. I''m d that you''ve found someone to take good care of you and would understand you more than I ever did. You deserve him, the right man for you who would always be there for you, no matter what or how. All I ever wanted is for you to be happy and this proves a lot," He continues


    to talk.


    "I want you to be happy, too. You know that, right?" I assure him.


    Even though we''re no longer a couple, it''s never wrong to want each other to receive a happy life. A happy ending. It may seem as if I''ve found my source of happiness which is my best friend, Aidan but little does he know that this is all just a lie a year long lie.


    "Yes, more than anything. So, thank you for all of the memories and the good things that we''ve been through because it means a lot to me. I hope that you will cherish them, too." He stays still at his spot as he shoves both of his hands in his jeans'' pockets.


    Within seconds, I''ve already pulled


    him in for a hug. He wraps his arms


    around my waist to pull me close and for some reason, this feels like the right way to part our ways. We might see each other in the future because New York is never too big but for now, we''re going on our separate ways with different people-this is how we should''ve ended our rtionship.


    "Goodbye, Noah." I say with a smile after pulling away.


    He turns to look at the door in which I follow his gaze, seeing Aidan standing there with a small smile on his face as he eyes us both.


    "Goodbye, Kenna." Noah says before waving his hand at Aidan who replies back the gesture before turning to look at me, who has turned to look back at him.


    We both stare at each other for a few seconds, only to see him going back inside.

 Chapter 33

    Kenna


    "You''ve got to admit, that was funny." Dimitri says as soon as I enter the apartment, rolling my eyes but slowly curving my lips up into a smile. "He was turning all red if you didn''t show up," He adds before leaning his head back intoughters.


    Remembering back of the way Noah started to get frustrated just by Dimitri''s respond was quite funny, it''d be a lie to say that I wasn''t slightly enjoying it because that was indeed worth it. No matter how hard he tried to convince him about seeing me, Dimitri kept on leading him on and trying to fool him into thinking there''s no one named Kenna who lives here.


    "When youe to think about it... yeah," I reply with soft chuckles escaping my lips as I make my way towards him, both stillughing.


    Just as we continue to burst intoughters, Aidan appear from the kitchen with a frown stered on his face; not quite understanding why both of us are red by trying to control ourselves from rolling on the floor. Then again, Dimitri and I are always the type to roll on the floor and p each other''s arms when weugh.


    "What''s so funny?" Aidan asks, raising an eyebrow.


    Dimitri''s eyes are tearing up, "You should''ve seen the look on his face when I was convincing him that Kenna didn''t live here. It was hrious!" He says before running his fingers through his thick dark hair as he clutch onto his stomach with his other hand. "Who was he?" He asks, again as he takes a few steps closer towards us. Both of his brown eyesnded on me who is currently trying to stand up straight from the amount ofughters and the slight pain in the stomach-leaving me breathe heavily. "Bro, it was the ex-boyfriend. Alert, crazy stalker." Dimitri winks at Aidan, sending him a signal that I can barelyprehend.


    "It was Noah and no, he was not being a crazy stalker. He came to congratte and that''s it. Dimitri is just making things up," I say with a smile on my smile, looking directly at Aidan who is still slightly confused but he nods, returning back the smile-making him head towards the back and take a few boxes before putting them near the front door.


    "You can never trust the ex-boyfriend," Dimitri smirks.


    "Why is that?" I cross my arms as I raise an eyebrow, waiting for a respond.


    "Oh... you know," He squints his eyes before looking at his nails, pretending to be blowing them. "I''m just guessing that it''s one of his tactics to try and win you back. Congratting you and apologising so that when you have an argument with your one-year-husband, you''ll be reminded of him and how nice he was," He pouts, making those puppy eyes.


    "That would be true if he was the one who broke up with me but it was actually the other way around," I reply which causes his smirk to grow wider.


    "Wow, you were a bitch. He did seem like a nice guy," He frowns.


    Just like that, I grab onto the nearest object beside me which is one of my cushion pillows before throwing it directly towards his direction. Itnded onto his face and the impact causes his body to lean backwards, making him touch the side of his cheek immediately, finding a tiny cut.


    The tiny cut seems almost invisible unless someone pays a closer look but the look on his face shows how much he''s surprised and left speechless. Both of his eyes widen at the stinging sensation on his cheek before grabbing onto the pillow and aiming it at me,nded straight onto the ground... nowhere near me.


    "You''re going down!" He shouts before running towards me and with a groan, straggle me down onto the ground by hitting my body continuously with the same pillow.


    "Why are you so heavy?!" I shout at him, trying to push his body off of me but he seems to be nting himself onto the ground without making any movements. "Man, are you trying to kill me or something? You''re twice the weight of my car!" I add, frustratingly. "Wait, Kenna. Do you smell that?" He mumbles near my ear as both of my arms fall down onto the ground before letting out a deep sigh. Even with a hard push or a kick, he might not want to move away-he''ll just keep on leaving the whole weight of his body on top of mine. "Smell what?" I roll my eyes.


    "A gentleman," He says before lifting his face and wink at me which causes me to smack his head, leaving him quickly sitting up straight-rubbing onto the exact spot.


    "A gentleman does not hit a woman," I respond before whipping my hair and throw him thergest grin he has ever seen, immediately leaving him shiver at the sight before softly chuckling at my childishness. Truth to be told, if Brody ever sees us fighting like this, he might confuse us as kids. My eyes wander around the room beforending on Aidan who is currently looking at both of us, "I''d like to ask why were you two strangling each other but I know that the answer would be pointless because you two... are always fighting. I''ve nevere to understand why," He says as he messes with my hair like a puppy, leaving me groan.


    "You don''t even know the whole story," Dimitri starts to speak. "There was this one time when Kenna and I were out for lunch. We started to argue about the damn menu... like, we were both literally-"


    "I didn''t ask." Aidan cuts him off which leaves him picking up his jaw from the floor while I start to chuckle before seeing Aidan slowly standing up. Then, he is already walking out of the apartment with one of the boxes, cing them in the car''s trunk. "He has never done that to me," He mutters.


    "Stay strong," I say before slowly standing up and walking out of the apartment after picking up one of the boxes.


    Aidan turns to look at me as he squints due to the sunlight. It has been awhile since I''ve seen him all dressed up in a in shirt and jeans because we would always meet up during work hours-only seeing him in suits instead of casual clothes. The simplest he has been when we meet up during lunch or dinner


    would be in his button-up shirt and cks.


    His hair is also messilybed, with their natural curly ends. I still remember when his hair was the best one during high school-girls were head over heels over him just because of his hair. They said he can wake up five minutes before school and still look perfect without putting any effort, at all which is a confident boost for someone like him.


    Within seconds, I''m already standing on my tiptoes before messing with his brown hair. No matter how much he hates it whenever I do that... I''d never stop. Just like I expected, the same reaction from him which is the same frown on his face.


    My lips curve up into a smile, "Smile a little. Turn that frown upside down," I say before poking in between of his eyebrows, making him p my hand away but starts to slowly smile which causes me to lean closer, nudging my elbows near his waist. "We''re buying dinner on the way home," He says, turning his body to fully face me.


    "What are we having for dinner?" I ask, starting to think of some grilled chicken wings which causes my stomach to grumble but luckily, unheard. Then again, Aidan would prefer something more healthier such as baked salmon, fruit sd or even steamed chicken.


    He chuckles, "What would you like for dinner?"


    "If you ask me... there''s a long list of what I want for dinner. Probably some chicken wings or if you''re generous, might as well the whole, grilled chicken. Then, maybe a few slices of baked potatoes, fries dipped in cheese... oh my god," Both of my hands are resting on my stomach as I imagine to be in food Heaven, eating different kind of food ording to different cultures.


    To my surprise, he starts to pinch my arm which causes me to flinch. He raises an eyebrow, "Where did all the food go?" Then, he ces a hand on my stomach before slowly moving to my waist-leaving me hold in my breath, not wanting him to feel the existent fat. "It''s called food digestion?" I smile.


    "Aha!" He exims as soon as he feels the fat on my stomach, leaving me pping his hand away and pull up the biggest pout he has ever seen which causes him tough. My cheeks are beginning to heat up as they turn red-embarrassed by what he just did. It''s not like I''m embarrassed because I embrace my body as the way they are. No one is perfect but some can look near as perfect. I me myself for not working out or spend my time at the gym for the past years to achieve a perfectly toned body but then again, I never regret eating all of those high-fat foods like fried chicken.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    At times, I feel intimidated by his body because no matter how much time he spends at the office working, he would always have a lean and toned body. Yes, he goes to the gym for at least once a week to maintain a healthy and better-looking body and whenever he asks me to join him, I''d always give an excuse to stick out.


    "You''re cute when you''re flustered," He leans near his car as I look up into his eyes, not expecting him to say that.


    "I may not be skin and bones but my body is way better than the rest of the girls that you''ve ever dated except for Imara," I recall back the images of Imara, by far the most beautiful woman he has ever dated with her dark skin and perfectly structured face, it was a shame to see him ending things with her. Not just that, her body was to die for!


    "Mmm, first of all... I never dated. Second, Imara was alright but she was not my type. Sure, the first few weeks with her was fun-then again, it was just fun. Last but not least, I''m talking about you. Not the other girls I''ve been with. No matter how presentable they look in youreyes.. you might as well take a closer look at yourself. They''re nothingpare to you," He says which leaves me speechless before he starts to make his way towards the front door, taking more boxes to be ced in the trunk.

 Chapter 34

    What was that? Was that a sincerepliment? Was he only trying to make me feel better about myself than sobbing at night?


    I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear before turning to see him crouching to check the box, wanting to make sure it''s tightly sealed. My eyes wander up to his arms, seeing them flex as his veins are pretty much visible... making me shake my head, pulling myself back into


    reality.


    "By the way, are you hot?" He asks, confusing me.


    "Huh?" I furrow my eyebrows as I eye him putting the remaining boxes in his car''s trunk after putting the rest in mine.


    Aidan''s brown eyes are staring directly at me, "You''re sweating. Do you want to change? You should go inside if you''re feeling ufortable," He continues to speak while I scoff, pulling onto the hair tie around my wrist with him eyeing my every movement. "Let me," He interrupts me before grabbing the hair tie away from my grasps. He starts to turn me around, lifting my hair up and away from my face... slowly running his fingers on my neck, trying to take all of my hair. Then, he is already tying my hair into a ponytail. Without me expecting, he appears in front of me to take a better look at my hair and my face as he tucks a strand of baby hair at the back of my ear before smiling to himself. There''s just something about that smile and it''s somehow making me try to find gravity. "Can we go already? We spent hours packing," Dimitri''s voice has somehow awaken me from my sudden trance as he takes a few steps towards us, looking at both Aidan and I.


    "Right, let''s go. Dimitri, where''s your car?" Aidan asks.


    "I took a cab here so I can third-wheel when we get to your house. Besides, I''d like to know what''s for dinner." He replies with a smirk on his face.


    "Great, you can drive Kenna''s car. Just follow behind me," Aidan hands him my car keys which causes him to roll his eyes but head straight towards my car without muttering a single word, leaving Aidan and I standing behind his Range Rover Evoque. Both Aidan and I are already entering inside his car after checking onest time in my apartment before locking the door. My eyes wander to Aidan who is currently having his left hand on the steering wheel while the other on hisp, holding onto his phone-leaving me to look away, out the window.


    Own It by Drake goes up on his Spotify which is connected to his car as I lean my body in the passenger''s seat, not really knowing what has overcame me ever since he started to tie my hair because all of a sudden, I am running out of words to say. "Can I change the song?" I ask, my hand reaching out.


    He nces towards my direction before making a left turn. "You don''t need to ask for my permission but yeah... go ahead," He replies with a small smile stered on his face.


    "Maybe I should just turn it off," I quickly press the button and ce my hand on myp, avoiding his nces as I pay attention to the other cars on the road. Somehow, deep down, I''m regretting my previous action for turning it off because now... we''re left in silence. "Since when do you hate Drake?" He asks, starting a new conversation.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "I don''t hate him. In fact, I love him but I just don''t feel like listening to music, right now. Maybeter," I reply and turn to look out of the window again as wee to a stop at the red light-him resting both of his hands on hisp before letting out a deep sigh.


    "On second thought, I change my mind." I quickly say before pressing onto the button again and change the song on his phone, finding Jon Bellion. At the side, I can hear Aidan softly chuckling as he presses onto the gas pedal, turning on the indicator to make a right turn then stopping near one of my favourite restaurants.


    "Do you want to wait the car or do you want toe with me? It''ll take a few minutes for them to prepare the food," He says.


    "I''ll wait in the car. I want to listen to music," I reply.


    Seconds ago, I was the one who turned the music off because I said I didn''t want to listen to music but now... I want to wait in the car because I actually want to listen to music. What the hell is wrong with me? Maybe, I just need a little smack from Dimitri to make me wake up.


    "Okay. Lock the doors," He says before stepping out of the car with his phone and wallet in hand. My eyes focus onto his broad shoulders as he makes his way towards the restaurant, pulling the door open and slowly disappearing from my sight.


    Hymn For The Weekend by Coldy


    goes on which causes me to tap my


    fingers on myp, slowly enjoying the song. It''s actually one of my favourite songs with Aidan because we seem to enjoy the beat and the rhythm-truth be told, we actually


    have the same taste when?


    to music which makes it easier for us to attend concerts or music festivals.


    "Got me feeling drunk and high," I mumble before flinching at the sudden knock on the window which leaves me to unlock the doors, letting Aidan in.


    The smell of food calms me down immediately, leaving me leaning deeper into my seat as both of my eyes are focusing onto the food. He ces them on myp which to my surprise, causes my lips to curve up into a smile-silently wrapping my arms around it, protecting from any harm like a seatbelt.


    Aidan presses onto the gas pedal and starts to drive down the road, ncing at my direction for a few seconds.


    "Do you remember about the friendship bracelet that you got for me when we were both seventeen?" He asks, turning to look at me as I turn to look at him, slowly recalling back the memories of ever buying him a bracelet as a token of our friendship. "Yeah, the one you lost a couple of days afterwards. That friendship bracelet?" I raise an eyebrow, my lips curving up into a smirk before seeing him smiling as he turns to look down the road.


    "That friendship bracelet," He nods his head.


    He stops talking for awhile, "Well... I didn''t actually lose it." He adds, leaving me to turn and look at him. Both of my eyes are widening at his respond before trying to seek for any lies by his expression but nothing. He seems serious about it as he turns to look at me, too. "What do you mean? You gave it away?" I ask.


    A soft chuckle escapes his lips, "No. I still have it lying in one of the drawers in my room. There''s a reason why I told you I lost it when I didn''t and you''re not going to be very happy when you hear the truth," He breathes out, tapping onto the steering wheel ording to the beat of the music.


    "Do tell because I think that I deserve to know," I join him, chuckling.


    "So... you still remember about it, right? The design, the shape with our names on it, the colour?" He raises an eyebrow, making me furrow mine. "Well... the colour was the reason."


    Our friendship bracelet was beyond cute. It was perfect. Most of the girls at my school had cute matching bracelets with their best friends when I was left with none because apparently, my best friend is a guy... but that didn''t stop me. "What''s wrong with the colour?! It was pink," I exim.


    "You know how my friends were


    back then. They like to tease each other and when they started to see me wearing the bracelet, they were teasing me, too. They wanted to tell the whole school that I had fallen head over heels for my own best friend and I didn''t want crazy girls to run after you or send you death


    notes," He replies.


    "So, you pretended that you lost it?" My arms are crossed on my stomach before turning to look at him, narrowing my eyes.


    "Yeah... during football practice. Then, we spent a few hours after school to look for it. I was just going with the flow because I wanted to make it look real and I didn''t want to upset you but I couldn''t find a better excuse of not wearing it," He continues to speak, defending himself.


    "Bro, I made that bracelet!" My voice


    raising which causes him to immediately press brake, in the middle of the road-other cars are honking behind us, including Dimitri. "It took me the whole week.one hundred and sixty-eight hours to be exact but you were embarrassed to even wear it because it was pink?!" I look directly at him.


    "You said you bought it!" He turns to face me.


    "Well, I lied!" Just like that, I start to turn around and look out at the window as he starts to drive the car, again.


    "I''m sorry, Kenna. Will you forgive me? How can I make it up to you?" He asks, slowly grabbing onto my hand before soothingly running his thumb at the back of my hand, leaving me trying my best to keep my anger high up but it''s disappearing just by his finger''s movements.


    Both of our eyes meet, "Find that bracelet. Wear it for the rest of your life,"

 Chapter 35

    Aidan


    "Where the hell did I put it?" I mutter under my breath before letting out a deep sigh, searching through the crowded drawers.


    I''ve spent an hour and a half to look for the bracelet ever since we got home while Kenna and Dimitri are busy unpacking. Theirughters are heard from above and I try my best not to be bothered by their chatters,ughters and even their arguments as I search my entire room for the friendship bracelet.


    How can something... pink go unnoticed? Thest time I saw it was probably two years ago, when I got new drawers and decided to ce all of my ''unnecessary'' stuff in there. Unfortunately, the bracelet is not really unnecessary, at the moment. It''s like my whole life depends on that bracelet because truth be told, I don''t want to disappoint her.


    Wandering around my room and going through each drawer including my walk-in closet has caused my room to be a mess. Clothes, shoes and even bags are scattered on the floor in different directions, almost leaving the drawers empty in order for me to find the bracelet, easier.


    With a deep sigh escaping my lips, my eyes wander to the top of the drawer near the wall. Within seconds, I begin to realise the pink material which causes my eyes to widen before running towards it-somehow, couldn''t really believe the fact that it has been sitting here all along, instead of being in one of the drawers.


    As I grab it, I start to eye our names, making me smile down at the bracelet. For some reason, I don''t understand why I had given up the opportunity to wear it all along through our high school years and university because I was bothered by what other people would think than be bothered by how much this bracelet means a lot to Kenna.


    Kenna, heart, Aidan.


    It appears more like a couple''s bracelet than a friendship bracelet. Then again, it should''t have bothered me the colour shouldn''t have caused me to lie.


    Just like that, I slide it down to my wrist, seeing it fit perfectly. My mind travels back to when Kenna was busy trying to measure my wrist and little did I know... it was for the sake of this bracelet, in order for her to make sure it fits.


    As an adult, the colour seems to not bother me. In fact, pink looks good with tanned skin.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Ignoring all of the mess I''ve made in my room, I quickly walk straight towards Kenna''s room which was previously my game room. The door is left ajar which causes me to peek a little, seeing Dimitri checking out the boxes while Kenna is busy changing the bed sheets, leaving me to slowly enter the room.


    "There you are," Dimitri says without looking. "I thought you were cking off because you didn''t want to help or worse... you were kidnapped," He pretends to be surprised as he takes out one of Kenna''s books from the box and ce them in the bookshelf. Actually, this room was being cleaned out a couple of weeks before the wedding because I wanted to make sure she gets whatever she needs. Other than that, I also bought a few more furniture such as a new bed, new drawers and I even got a walk-in closet installed. There''s actually a surprise inside but I''m pretty sure she hasn''t checked it out, yet.


    I read online about how much women tends to love makeup and Kenna is one of them. So, I got her a makeup vanity inside the walk-in closet, filled with new clothes and shoes that has been picked out by Mia. She helped designed the room and chose the furniture because she said she knows best... with woman''s intuition.


    "Dimitri, do you mind going downstairs to take my phone?" I ask, immediately causing him to lift his head and raise an eyebrow at me. "It''s in the kitchen, on the counter, near the fridge. I also got Flynn to go grocery shopping a few days ago, I think the fridge''s full." I add, slowly.


    Both of his eyes wander around the room beforending back on me, his lips curving up into a small smirk. "Did you just say... fridge?" He asks, standing up.


    "Did I stutter?" I raise an eyebrow.


    Within seconds, he is already walking out of the door and straight down the stairs, leaving Kenna and I, all by ourselves. Kenna seems to be making the bed before turning to look at me, her eyebrows furrowed as she looks for Dimitri who has disappeared downstairs. "Where did he go? I thought he was supposed to help me unpack," She crosses her arms while I hide my left hand behind my back, unseen by her-the same hand that I''m currently wearing our friendship bracelet.


    "He went downstairs for awhile," I reply and she nods, trying to get back and fill the drawers with her clothes. "Actually, I found something... spent time looking for it as soon as we got back but I found it and I think you''ll be surprised," I continue to speak, getting her attention.


    "What is it?" She raises an eyebrow, her lips curving up.


    The distance between us are getting lesser and lesser as I take a few steps closer towards her, our eyes never looking away. As soon as we''re close enough and only a couple of feet apart, I begin to drop my left hand and raise it up to the front, causing both of her eyes to widen at the sight-leaving me smile, liking her reaction.


    "Aidan, you found it." She breathes out, grabbing onto my hand and touching the bracelet. It may seem a little bit dull as it has been years but it proves just how long we''ve been together and how our friendship will continue to grow, no matter the circumstances or challenges.


    "Yeah, man, I found it. Thinking back


    about it, I should''ve just worn the


    bracelet throughout the years instead of hiding it in the drawers. Now, I''m not going to take it off." respond as her eyes glint with happiness before wrapping her arms around my neck and pulling me in for a bone-crushing hug, making me wrap my arms around her body.


    "Wait," She says, making her way towards one of the boxesbelled as ''important'' which causes me to furrow my brows.


    Kenna goes through the box, looking for something while I stand still at my spot. Then, she starts to grab onto the same bracelet-smiling widely as she wears it on her right hand.


    "Now, we both have matching bracelets." She grins, "I''m serious though, you can''t take it off for the rest of your life and I won''t take it off, either. Consider it as a punishment for not wearing it and lying to me, nine years ago." She eyes down the pink bracelet, leaving me nodding my head-not really considering it a punishment.


    "I kind of like it," I mutter.


    "You do? Then, maybe we should get more matching things such as matching socks, matching shirts, matching watches, matching shoes... but it has got to be pink." Sheughs and I join her, not really expecting her to consider all of our matching things should be pink but then again, I don''t really mind because I think it''d be cute.


    With both of us smiling at each other, it took me a few minutes to realise her wedding dressying on the couch which causes me to walk towards it-taking my time, eyeing and remembering how she looked when she was wearing it as she walked down the aisle. It was a time and moment I can never forget because she was breathtaking.


    "I wanted to keep it at my parent''s house but I didn''t have time to go there," She says behind me as I turn to look at her, shoving both of my hands into my jeans'' pockets.


    "You should just keep it here. You


    know, you can take a look at it or walk around the house in that if you ever feel like you missed it." I reply with a chuckle as she smiles. It


    takes me awhile to imply


    her


    walking around the house in her wedding dress-it''d probably kill me because I know how great she would look, even without her face full of makeup or hair tied up.


    "Sounds like a great idea," She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, grabbing onto the dress and disappearing into the walk-in closet while I eye her from her room, seeing her putting it with care.


    It doesn''t take us long to finish unpacking as we''re already making our way downstairs, meeting Dimitri who appears to be taking a few sips of wine in the kitchen. He seems to have earned happiness from the fridge as he didn''t bother returning back upstairs or with my phone. Then again, I don''t me him... I needed a few time alone with Kenna.

 Chapter 36

    "Oh, matching bracelets. How cute," He says before taking another sip. "It''d be nice if I was ever given one," He rolls his eyes, precisely jealous about always being left out.


    "We got it when we were seventeen. You weren''t even in our lives back then," Kenna replies as she takes a water bottle in the fridge before taking a sip while I take a seat on the stool near the kitchen counter.


    "You really like to break my heart, don''t you?" He ces his right hand on his chest, pretending to be severely hurt but Kenna doesn''t seem to mind as she sticks her tongue out at his direction before cing the water bottle on the kitchen counter-in between Dimitri and


    1.


    All of a sudden, the doorbell starts to ring which causes me to stand up and head towards the front door while both Kenna and Dimitri start to bicker. Their voices are getting louder and louder but I pay no attention; sometimes, I swear I can even predict what they''re going to say.


    I pull the door open to see my mother standing with a smile on her face which causes me to clench my jaw, immediately. "Mother... what are you doing here?" I ask, feeling unsure.


    Please, don''t tell me that she''s trying to alter my life again because I would probably just run away to Germany or even Russia because I''m getting sick and tired of everything. She can''t juste here to my penthouse apartment without telling but she always does that and she gets away with it, all the time.


    Mother starts to frown as she hears noises and grunts at the back while I ce my hand against the wall, not letting her inside. "You shouldn''t be here," I add.


    "Is that Dimitri?" She asks, pointing at someone behind me which causes me to turn and see Dimitri being strangled by Kenna as she climbs onto his back, their voices filling the room. Deep down inside, I feel like face-palming myself or hit my head against the wall because now, mother won''t leave the apartment.


    Both Kenna and Dimitri appear to be shocked at the presence as they stand still, fixing their hair and crumpled clothes.


    "Diana! What a pleasant surprise to see you here," Dimitri exims with a huge grin stered on his face as he pulls my mother in beforending a peck on her cheek, "It has been awhile since we''ve seen each other, don''t you think? How have you been?" He adds, cing a hand behind her waist, leading her inside.


    "We saw each other at the wedding, Dimitri." She replies, leaving Dimitri chuckling as he tries to make the situation less awkward. "I''ve been well, how about you? How is your business going with the hotels? I heard that you''re making a new expansion to Beijing," She smiles.


    "Where did you hear that? News do travel fast, don''t they?" Heughs.


    Kenna and I nce at each other as Dimitri and my mother take a seat in the living room, leaving me to join them. He is always acting like this around my mother and distracting her by talking about his businesses and his achievements because apparently, mother likes it when she hears about sess.


    "How''s Brody? Now, it has been awhile since I''ve seen him. You didn''t bring him to the wedding," She continues to speak.


    "Brody is staying with his mother for a couple of weeks which exins why I''m here and trying my best to find somepany but since you''re here, Diana... we have a lot we can talk about." He smiles at her, shing off his perfectly straight teeth-no doubt, mother has always enjoyed hispany and sometimes more than she enjoys mine.


    "Well, I actually came here to talk with my daughter-inw." She looks up at Kenna who is slightly surprised at the sudden call.


    I scoot towards Kenna and ce my arm around her shoulder, trying to appear like the loving couple mother has always imagined while Kenna snuggles closer towards me. This is going to be a tough act to follow because well, whenever our families are around, there''s always going to be acting and trying to act all sweet and shit.


    "They''re so adorable that I feel like I''m going to throw up," Dimitri fakes a loudugh, running his fingers through his hair, carelessly.


    My eyes narrow at him as he pays no attention, at all. My mother clears her throat as she looks at Kenna, "Have you two decided about your honeymoon destination? It has been a couple of days since the wedding and think that you deserve more time together, far away from the city. Probably, Bali? Maldives?" She asks, a smile stered on her face.


    Kenna shakes her head, "We''re actually very busy and we haven''t found the right time to n our honeymoon. Actually, it hasn''t even crossed our minds." She replies.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "How is that possible? You two are married," Mother frowns.


    I clear my throat, "Mother, I would really appreciate if you stay out of our personal lives and let us discuss it some other time. Besides, we have all the time in the world to go on our honeymoon, right? Why should we rush it?" I fake arge grin.


    "Why should you wait?" She raises an eyebrow, "For all I remember, your brother and your sister-inw was ecstatic to go on their honeymoon because they couldn''t stay away from each other but you two... seems to not be bothered by it, at all?" She adds.


    If we want this marriage to work for a year and fool them, we have got to keep up with our lies and actings. Sooner orter, they might get suspicious especially mother. She knows when things are wrong or when she''s being fooled unless Kenna and I do a really good job at it. "We thought maybe in a year," I blurt out.


    Kenna chuckles, "Yeah... we talked about it but we never really confirmed it. Both of us are very busy with our careers and we seem to understand that. We both know how important it is to spend some quality time together and rushing it would be quite, the opposite." She breathes.


    My eyes wander down to see Kenna ying with her fingers, she would only do that whenever she''s nervous or uneasy and right now, she''s feeling both. Spontaneously, I grab onto her hand and smile down at her; mother instantly catching the sudden action which causes her lips to curve up into a smile.


    Dimitri, on the other hand, stays silent as he eyes us with a smirk.


    "What about you twoe along to Texas?" Mother asks, causing both Kenna and I to drop our smiles and it seems like we''re currently picking up our jaws on the floor.


    "Didn''t we just say that we''re busy?" I furrow my brows.


    "Why... your father and I are


    celebrating our anniversary next week. Your brother, your sister-inw, Ava and Mia are also tagging along. Why won''t you twoe too? It''ll be great. Besides, it has been awhile since both of you went back to my hometown. We''ll be having so much fun, don''t you think?" She continues to speak while I turn to look at Kenna.


    "We can''t," Kenna and I reply in unison.


    True, it has been years since Kenna and I went back to Das. In fact, we went there together when we were both ten it was sixteen years ago We were having a great time


    and it was a great expecte


    that was thest time we ever go back, things started to change and my family got busier, we forgot where we came from.


    Specifically saying, where both mother and father came from.


    Mother starts to stand up as she lets out a deep sigh, "I''m going to say this one more time. You two have forgotten about the importance of family. So, let me repeat... Aidan, your father and I will be celebrating our anniversary in Das. We''ll all be there except for you and your wife but I expect otherwise."


    She continues to speak, "No matter how busy you are or how important that work of yours, your family will alwayses first because they''ve always been there for you. Not your career, not your employees and not your clients. I hope you''ll realise that," She adds. Then, she turns to Kenna with a small smile on her face before heading towards the door, leaving the three of us, utterly speechless at our spots.

 Chapter 37

    Aidan


    "No!" Kenna''s voice on the other line causes me to pull my phone away from my ear, closing my eyes in respond at the tone of her voice. The possibility of me going deaf is high if I have to deal with situations like this in the future, for the whole year. My eyes wander to Flynn-who seems to have heard her sudden tantrum while I loosen my shirt''s sleeves and roll them up to my elbows.


    "We talked about this and my answer will always be the same. I''m not going to Das. If you ever think about going... then, you can go without me." She continues to speak, leaving me turn around to look at the ss window; down the busy street in the city. "It''s their anniversary, Kenna. What can I say?" I sound defeated, not really knowing how to reason with Kenna for being stubborn. "You''re right, we''re both very busy andmitted to our careers but she''s also right, familyes first. I can''t say no to her and you know that," I add.


    When I walked inside Empire, my employees were surprised to see me. They thought I''d be taking a week or probably even a month off to spend some quality time with my so-called-wife. Their eyes widen as they had expected otherwise but then again, I didn''t say anything with the board about taking a time off.


    Rumours began to spread around the building for the past couple of hours ever since my arrival-saying that I''m much of a workaholic for not spending time with my wife and care more about my career than anything else. Little do they know, it''s not what they think. It had only been three days ever since the wedding. Kenna and I took a day off to unpack and help her settle in; that was basically it. We pay no attention to the media about our wedding or news about the ''bachelor'' losing the title when I finally became someone''s husband.


    "My answer is still no but like I said, you can go without me." She replies before going silent. The only sound I can hear is someone calling out her name and stating for some kind of emergency, "Look, Aidan... I really got to go. Bye," Then, the line goes dead without even giving me a second to respond, making me look down at my phone as I sigh, deeply.


    It''s true that I can never understand how busy or how tiring it is to be a neurologist but she really needs to give time for herself. She works too hard as if she''s trying her best to avoid her personal life for some unknown reason which concerns me about her own health while she''s too busy caring for others, especially Albert''s... an old man who she has grown fond of.


    "I don''t know what else to say to her," I look up at Flynn who is currently holding onto a couple of files as he looks at me.


    Flynn clears his throat, "I''m afraid I''m not very fond with women and their ways of exining things, Mr. Ashton. There''s not much I can help you in that department," He replies, causing me to raise an eyebrow at his respond; he has always been quite nervous around me even though it has been years ever since he became my personal assistant.


    My eyes wander to take a closer look at Flynn''s appearance. The same dark floppy hair for the past years without a slight change except a little bit of trimming, thick-rimmed sses and no sign of a five o''clock shadow. It takes me awhile to realise that even after years of knowing him and spending time with him as his boss, I''ve nevere to notice how his appearance has always been.


    "Don''t you have a girlfriend?" I ask, leaning back on my seat without looking away from Flynn.


    He seems surprised at my question, causing him to push his sses back from sliding down on the bridge of his nose. "No... Mr. Ashton. Actually, I''ve never had a girlfriend." He stutters.


    My lips curve up into a smile before growing wider and bursting out intoughters, trying my best not to attract further attention. As for Flynn, he starts to look down at his feet and try to find some sort of amusement like I did but ording to his facial expression, it shows how much he didn''t expect me to end up bursting intoughters.


    As soon as I realise how serious he was, myughter begin to disappear as I clear my throat; feeling a slight regret building in. "You weren''t kidding, huh?" I breathe out.


    "No, Mr. Ashton." He mutters, faking a smile.


    "I''m sorry, Flynn. I didn''t mean to offend you," I let out a sincere apology in which he epts with a surprised expression-not expecting me to apologise. Then again, there''s a lot to people that we can never expect, they''re always full of surprises.


    Years of knowing Flynn, our


    conversations were only short, subtle and business. There''s no such thing as me apologising over something I said or did because ve always thought it s unnecessary but right now, it feels as if O apologising was the right thing to do. It doesn''t depend on certain titles or the amount of money, it''s all about the heart.


    Just as I''m about to say another word, the door to my office bursts open, revealing in who has a small smile stered on his face as both of his hands are shoved into his cks'' pockets. His hair is neatlybed to the back, showing off an office appropriate look which screams respect, power and money.


    "Excuse us, Flynn." I say, standing up and taking a few steps towards my brother. We''re a few feet apart but it feels as if our gaze could burn a hole in our hearts-that''s just how much amount of annoyance overflowing in our bodies whenever we see each other. "What brings you the pleasure to my office?" I ask, running a hand down my chin which causes him to roll his eyes, not liking my attitude. There''s only in and I in my office, causing me to sit at the edge of my desk before looking directly at him.


    "I''ve been calling but unfortunately,


    you don''t know how to pick up a phone which exins why I''m here. Why does Oliver keeps on asking me about thepany''s financial details? Is he the CFO? No, that''s me. He starts to speak and there''s a slight hint of anger in his voice but I pay no further attention, only letting him continue.


    "I handle the financial details perfectly fine. Ever since the very beginning, I was the one who checks on every single detail, record them and graph them. Why would he interrupt my work? Who gave him permission?" He adds before sighing deeply and pinching the bridge of his nose, leaving me to chuckle, softly. "I gave him permission," I answer, crossing my arms.


    "You had no right to do that. In fact, you have no right to nosily y your part in my work." He replies, taking a few steps closer as he points his index finger at me.


    "in... incase you forgot, I''m the chief executive officer and I have every right to nosily y my part in your work. I didn''t mean to disrespect you and your work but you gave me no other choice. You kept the financial details in Australia a secret and why is that?" I ask, silencing him as he clenches his jaw, looking away.


    "I didn''t keep it a secret, Aidan. You could''ve just fucking asked," He throws a file onto my desk before turning around and walks out of my office.


    The thing is, that was what we did. Not specifically me asking him about the financial details because I asked Oliver to y his role and not ck around but how can in be quite emotional about that? It''s a part of the job.


    "Someone''s on his period," I hear a familiar voice behind me which causes me to turn around and see Dimitri leaning against the doorframe, entering the office. "He bumped into me on the way out but by the looks of it, he was ready to kill. What''s up?" He asks, taking a seat before crossing his legs.


    I chuckle, "Nothing. Just the regr family argument,"


    There''s never a secret between Dimitri and I but when ites to work, both of us never pay much attention. Even if I tell him about whatever happened earlier, he might just shrug it off and say that in wille around, like he usually does.


    "Speaking of family argument... did Kenna agree yet?" He asks. If Kenna ever agrees toe with me to Das, that''s probably because she got her head hit by a bus. She''s not the one to easily change her mind, especially when ites to her work. Sometimes, I don''t understand why she''s so ... sensitive about it.


    "Don''t ask. She''s stubborn as hell," My respond came out as a groan, letting me look out through the ss window-thinking of ways for Kenna toe with me to Texas.


    Dimitri seems to find this as his


    source of enjoyment because it appears to be funny to him even though I''m fairly annoyed by Kenna''s attitude. That''s Kenna... Aidan, she cares for her work more than she cares about anything else. You''ve known her longer than me and it''s quite a surprise that you can''t seem to understand," He frowns, replying.


    "Besides, it''s just your parents'' anniversary, right? You can just go for a day and celebrate then,e back to New York." He adds, trying to give me a n.


    There''s nothing wrong with what Dimitri suggested but deep down, there''s just something else bothering me for some reason, it feels as if I want to spend more time with Kenna without her worrying about her career. It seems to be forever ever since we had some quality time together.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.

 Chapter 38

    He seems to have caught the sudden change of expression on my face which causes him to clear his throat, "Clearly... there''s something else bothering you. You really want her to go with you, don''t you?" He asks, eyes piercing into mine; seeking for answers. I quickly cross my arms before running my fingers through my hair while avoiding any eye contact with him, "What do you mean?"


    Yes, I want Kenna to go with me to Das. Not just to celebrate my parents'' anniversary but to spend more time with me. Together. It has been years ever since I went back to my parent''s hometown and it would be great to show Kenna around-spend time trying to have more memories together than just keeping ourselves busy with work. It feels as if nothing has changed ever since we got married.


    Then again, why does it have to change? We''re just pretending to be in love with each other even thought we''re legally married. She can do whatever she wants and I can do whatever I want but there''s just something going on in my mind... bothering me.


    "Dude, you just got married a few days ago and you''re already falling for her." He continues to speak, leaving me confused-falling for her? That''s bizarre and very out of topic.


    "That''s nonsense. I''m not falling for my best friend," My eyes wandering around the room while we both speak about my feelings. "Why would I ever fall for Kenna? She didn''t do anything to make me feel attracted-she''s just... Kenna. Besides, we''re best friends, there''s no such thing as falling in love with your own best friend." I say.


    "It happens all the time in the world," He shrugs. "And, why do you have to keep on saying the word ''best friend"?"


    Just as I''m about to answer, Flynn enters the room with Joanne one of the employees here who works in the Proposal department which immediately attracts Dimitri''s attention. Both of his eyes wander down her body as his lips curve up into a smirk, leaving her to look at him with surprise.


    Joanne is no doubt beautiful. When she first came to work at mypany, I was quite surprised at her humbleness even with all her facial perfections. Then again, she''s also known to be shy around strangers but as soon as she knows them better, she''s morefortable.


    "Mr. Ashton, it''s time." She says, ncing up at my direction andpletely ignoring Dimitri''s gaze.


    Both of my hands grab onto my coat before fixing my tie and make my way towards the door, Flynn and Joanne behind me. My eyes wander back to Dimitri who won''t stop eyeing her with a sly smirk stered onto his face which causes me to clear my throat, "Don''t you have a hotel to run?" I ask, shoving my left hand into my cks'' pocket.


    He starts to stand up, "Hotels... to run," Then, he makes his way towards Joanne as she tries her best to avoid any further eye contact with him. "What''s your name, beautiful?" He asks, leaving me chuckling softly. "Joanne," She replies, her voice almost inaudible.


    "Joanne... a very beautiful name. I''d like to take you out for dinner," He grabs onto her hand before cing a kiss at the back of it-both Flynn and I watch the entire scene with our lips curved up into a smile;pletely enjoying this. She smiles. "Unfortunately, sir. I''m engaged," She replies before pulling her hand away and lifting her left hand, showing the ring.


    Dimitri''s eyes widen at the sight before turning to look at Flynn and I who has already burst outughing, expecting a rejection. It''s quite new for Dimitri when ites to handling rejections because no one has ever let him down before... which leads him to clear his throat, fix his coat and take a few steps away from her.


    "He must be a very lucky man," He clenches his jaw, covering his embarrassment.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    "The luckiest and I''m a very lucky woman," She responds with a smile on her face before walking out of the room after nodding at me leaving me lean my head back as Iugh.


    "Remind me again to nevere here," Dimitri says, rolling his eyes as he makes his way out and straight towards the elevator, ignoring all of the other employees here which is quite an enjoyment for me-seeing him attracted to such beauty and being let down, unfortunately.


    "Shall we, Mr. Ashton?" Flynn asks, gesturing for me to step out.


    The whole day is being spent busily at different departments-it''s something I do once a month to catch up with my employees. I''m known as someone who takes things seriously when ites to work but I''m also very close with my employees. Then again, they''re never brave enough to make any mistakes as I can''t seem to control my temper.


    "Mr. Ashton, here''s your coffee." Flynn says, entering my office before cing it on my desk.


    My eyes wander down to nce at my wrist watch, seeing that it''s almost nine. Almost all of the employees have returned home a few hours ago, leaving Flynn and I.


    "Flynn... you should go home. It''s


    before taking a sip of my coffee. Then, I go through the files again, scrolling down on myptop-trying to finish this before I go home, even though I know that it''s quite impossible because of the amount. "You should never stay thiste. I


    told you to stop working over-time," I


    add, slowly.


    He looks up at me, "You shouldn''t stay up toote, either. Kenna is probably waiting for you at home," He replies.


    A soft chuckle escapes my lips, "It''s funny you mention that when she''s probably taking other people''s shift tonight. She can get a little bit too . addicted with her work," I answer and Flynn smiles, leaving me to realise that I should probably head home. Besides, this job won''t be finished tonight, either.


    "We should head home," I say.


    "Goodnight, Mr. Ashton." Flynn replies before walking out of my office, leaving me all by myself-turning off myptop and close the files, leaving them on my desk.


    It doesn''t take me long to reach home before parking my car next to my other three. I look up at the currently upied spot-where Kenna usually park her car and realise that she''s home instead of being at the hospital, working the hours away.


    I push my front door open, seeing Kennaying on the sofa with earphones plugged into her ears as she holds onto her phone. As soon as she sees me, her eyes widen and she starts to make her way towards me while I make my way upstairs, ignoring her. "Aidan," She calls out.


    "I''m talking to you... not to the


    walls," She adds as I enter my room, loosening the tie around my neck and ce it on the bed before


    unbuttoning my shirt-prene


    not being in the same room as Kenna. "Are you seriously ignoring me? Are you giving me the silent treatment?" She asks, standing in front of me.


    Still pretending not to see her, I walk towards my walk-in closet and pull out a in shirt with shorts before throwing them on my bed.


    "Unless you want to talk about Das, we''re not talking." I reply with a slight smile on my face as I enter the bathroom-being followed by Kenna, leaving me looking at the mirror and see her standing behind me, her eyebrows furrowed and her arms crossed. "Get out. I want to take a shower," I say as I turn to look at her.


    "No, I''m staying here." She replies, stubbornly.


    "Fine," I lean towards her before taking my shirt off, leaving me shirtless as both of her eyes focusing into mine while I proceed with my pants-only standing with my underwear as she tries her best not to look at anywhere else but my eyes.


    As soon as she realises that I''m going to be standing naked in front of her, she starts to turn towards the door; not wanting to look at me while I smirk, quite enjoying to be ufortable around me in situations like this.


    "I want to talk," She says as I shower, the warm water easing me and rxing me.


    To my surprise, she stands still and quietly until I''m done showering. As stubborn as she can be, her ego is just too much, sometimes. "What do you want to talk about?" I ask, standing behind her, purposely letting her feel my warm breath near her neck as I stand with only my towel wrapped around my torso.


    She turns to look at me, "About Das."


    Droplets of water continues to drop down onto the ground from my hair while I run my fingers through it, my lips curving up into a smile before chuckling and walking out of the bathroom, Kenna following my every step.


    "What about Das?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.


    It takes me awhile to realise that both of her eyes were wandering down to my body before quickly looking up into my eyes again as I stand still, shirtless in front of her. Deep down, there''s something building inside of me... letting me feel my heart skip a beat as they fasten.


    My eyes look down at her lips, seeing how they''re naturally pink-attracting me. If we''re not standing a few feet away from each other or if I''m not holding myself back, I would''ve closed the distance between us and cup onto her face just to meet her lips, knowing how soft they would be against mine.


    "I''m going to Das with you," She replies.

 Chapter 39

    Kenna


    To say that I regret this decision on going to Das with Aidan is an understatement because apparently, I quite like it. We might be spending a week in Texas, enjoying our time as a family with his... family but we''ve been childhood friends. Being friends for as long as twenty years is worth more. We used to spend so much time together when we were kids, teenagers and even in universities but unfortunately, after both of us had gone to our own paths in our careers, we lost the time to spend. "There they are," Aidan says before pointing at familiar people in a group, making me turn and follow his gaze.


    Diana and Mia are standing with smiles on their faces as they both wave towards our direction; gesturing for us to take our steps towards them. Both Aidan and I pull onto our luggage, side to side and heading straight as I take nces down the road. To my surprise, Diana pulls me in for a hug which causes my eyes to widen in surprise but slowly raise my hands and pat onto her back. It''s not a strange gesture but our rtionship was quite different before... she was my best friend''s mother but now she''s also my mother-inw.


    If I everpare my own mother-inw and the ones in movies, I can''t say they don''t appear to be the same because she is by one... creeps me out, somehow. All of a sudden, I just have to make myself seem more perfect than I was before in order for her to like me; it''s a quick feeling thates naturally.


    "We''re so d that you both made it," She says as we both break the hug and I slowly smile up at Aidan, who seemed to be looking at us. "We can spend more time as a family together and you two can even consider this as your honeymoon. It brings back old memories to me whenever I''m here... and I hope it can bring you memories in the future, too."


    "Right... where''s the rest?" Aidan asks, looking around.


    "They''re all waiting for you at home," Mia replies. "Ava was mostly excited when she heard that her Uncle Gabby will be spending more time with her this week," She adds.


    "I can''t wait to pinch her chubby cheeks," He replies with a soft chuckle as the four of us make our way towards a silver Mercedes-Benz. Just as I''m about to lift my own luggage and put it in the trunk, he has already lifted it up for me; instantly leaving me to eye his face, seeing that it was a natural gesture for him instead of giving me an actual meaning.


    His brown eyes meet mine, "What''s in there, anyway? It seems like you''re nning to stay here for the whole month instead of a week," He says, closing the trunk.


    After rolling my eyes, I instantly make my way towards the backseat but to only find Mia and Diana sitting at the back-talking about a few things on social media as Mia scrolls down on her phone, leaving me to sit at the front while Aidan''s the one who has to drive. My eyes wander towards the amount of people walking towards the airport and away to the avable cabs, not bothered by the sound of Aidan''s voice beside me probably telling me something important.


    All of a sudden, the smell of his cologne hits me as he leans towards me but to only realise that he''s currently putting my seat belt on; making me stare down at his brown locks. Then, he leans back, our faces are inches apart as he nces down at my lips. "Safety first, love." He grins, sparing a couple of seconds to nce back at a smiling Diana.


    "I could''ve done it on my own," I respond, quietly.


    "You could''ve if you actually paid attention to what I said earlier instead of zoning out," He says as he presses onto the gas pedal before driving down the road. "What has been on your mindtely, Kenna? You''ve been in deep thoughts since morning." He adds, slowly. "Just about work. Nothing too serious," I answer, ufortably shifting in my seat; knowing that his mother and sister are at the back probably eavesdropping to our conversation but then again, they''re too busy talking about some popr celebrity embarrassing herself in public. "It''s just that... it feels different to be away from all the patients,"


    "You mean from all the needles and smell of medicines? That has got to be refreshing." He chuckles, lightly as I join him-actually agreeing to him, somehow.


    Truth be told, I wouldn''t be here in Das with him if Ben didn''t decide to cover up my shifts for the week because out of the blue... he decided to do it which is pretty surprising. I''ve been covering his shifts for the past few months because apparently, he likes to take a few days off or probably even a week.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Ben is one of my colleagues. He''s a nice guy apart from someone who likes to take advantage of my workaholic trait-he knows how much I am married to my work, so he would always ask me to cover up for him; taking extra shifts, including night shifts even when I''m free to go home for the day.


    So... when I told Aidan about going


    to Das with him, it was because Ben said he would cover my shifts. He literally pressured me to take the week off and spend some time with my family or husband because as a newly-wed, I shouldn''t be working my ass off. What confuses me most is that... why would Bercare if I even work my ass off? He has never cared.


    "Why do you think that Ben wants to suddenly cover my shift for the whole week?" I ask, looking at him as he ces one hand on hisp while the other on the steering wheel.


    He nces at my direction for a few second, "I don''t know. He maybe wants to return the favour," He replies, avoiding any further eye contact; leaving me to stare at him, finding him a little bit weird.


    "You''re probably right," I mutter. "But... knowing Ben, he wouldn''t juste to work and meet me in a rush to tell me that I should take the week off. He''s the kind of guy that would actually ask me to cover his shifts more often than to let me rest," I think, deeply. "Well... it''s a good thing he did," He replies after a few seconds of silence which causes me to leave the conversation to an end instead of going further.


    The whole ride continues to remain


    silent without anyone starting a new conversation. It seems to be awkward, sitting in the car and jus listening to nothing but the sound of our own heartbeats. So, I praised the Lord when Aidan pulls to a stop near a familiar family home, to instantly see the sight of a beautiful one.


    Memories of Aidan and I running around the yard when we were kids began to y in my head, letting me remember back the fun moment we used to have. We were just full of life, free of problems and very happy of everything we had but now, there''s just moments where I feel like I want to escape reality.


    I wonder, why did I even bother growing up?


    "Here we are," Diana says at the back as she opens the door, "Let''s head inside. Mia, help your brother and Kenna with their bags." She adds, stepping out of the car to only walk straight inside the house, leaving the door slightly ajar.


    "Just head inside, Mia. I''ll handle the bags," Aidan replies as he looks up at the rear-view mirror, earning a nod from her as she walks away.


    Within seconds, I feel Aidan turning to look at me without saying a single word while I take my time to recall all of the memories. There''s just something about being here and taking a deep breath as we look at every spot to find different, memorable memories-worthy enough to remember for a lifetime.


    "I''m d that you decided toe," He says.


    I turn to face him, "There''s just something about this ce. I can''t stop looking at it without remembering back the things we did," I reply, looking straight into his brown eyes and see him doing the same; leaving us staring at one another.


    "It feels strange, doesn''t it?"


    "No... it oddly feels like home," I


    respond with a slight smile


    ha


    appearing on my face, leaving me to e


    turn and gaze back at the


    house-king how Aidan and I have the purest friendship ever. We''ve seen our worst and our besto..


    never once did we want to end whatever we have. There''s no other friendships out there than can


    defeat ours.


    "So, we''re having a deep conversation in a rental car in front of my family home?" He raises an eyebrow, instantly causes me to chuckle in which he joins afterwards. "Where else would we be having a deep conversation?" I ask.

 Chapter 40

    "In my heart," He replies as both of his eyes are piercing into mine without a single blink interrupting his stare which causes me to seek for any sign of lies yet I find none. Both of his brown eyes are confusing me with the words he said leaving me to feel my heart beating faster than usual as I try to control my breath. Then, he clears his throat. "Because... a deep conversationes from the heart. Where else would be talking deeply?" He chuckles, lightly before stepping out of the car.


    Instantly pushing the thought away, I step out of the car to meet the sun shining brightly before turning to look at Aidan, running his fingers through his hair as he makes his way towards the back; pulling out our luggages.


    Is it normal to feel my heart beating at an unusual pace? When it exploded as soon as he ran his fingers through his hair or his eyes meet mine without blinking... then, his lips curving up into a smile as soon as he sees me staring back at him. How can all of this happen at once even though all of the gestures was normal.


    "Are youing?" He asks, making me blink.


    "Yeah. Coming," I reply with a slight smile as he nods before walking inside, leaving me standing here all by myself; trying to clear my head from all the sudden chaos inside.


    Just like that, I head inside to find another wave of memories, seeing a younger version of Aidan and I running around the hallways as we teased each other. Then, ourughters filled the living room as we yed with dolls and figurines-instantly leaving me smiling at the fade memories of our past.


    "in!" I turn to look at Harley, seeing herughing as her daughter continues to run after her with in following behind. The three of them are smiling widely as they enjoy the moment, leaving me to eye them, closely. Within seconds, in runs past Harley before wrapping his arms around her waist and pull her close towards him; Ava pping her hands.


    My eyes wander down to their lips, reading his. The three wordsing out from his mouth seems to have caused Harley to grin, making me stare.


    "Invading someone''s privacy, huh?" Aidan''s voice seems to have caught me off guard as I yelp and turn to see him grinning widely, chuckling at my reaction. "What are you doing standing in the middle of the door?" He asks, slightly taking a few steps towards me as he closes the door behind me, his right hand right next to my head.


    "I wasn''t invading anyone''s privacy," I clear my throat.


    "Clearly... you were just standing there with a smile on your face. That makes a lot of sense," He smirks.


    Seconds before I can respond, Mia appears near the door with a small smile stered on her face, "Sorry to disturb you two, lovebirds but Aidan, father wants to see you in his library." She says, causing Aidan to take a couple of steps away from me, letting me let out a breath of relief before tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.


    "See youter," He smiles down at me before patting his index finger on the tip of my nose.


    My lips curve up into a sly smile as he walks away, leaving Mia with me. She crosses her arms before gesturing me to follow her up the stairs, "Come on... I''ll show you to your room. Aidan might''ve picked up all the bags upstairs but he''s not going to give you the grand tour," She says, "Do you still remember the way around the house?" She asks.


    "It has been sixteen years since Ist came here," I reply.


    "That long, huh? Well...you''re lucky you got me," She jokes as we both walk down the hall and straight to a room at the end of the hall, which I remember used to be Aidan''s room whenever he goes back to Das.


    "This used to be Aidan''s room," I mutter but loud enough for her to hear me due to the silence. My eyes wander around the room to find myself looking at a neat and cleaned room without a slight mess-and it even looks different from before, as if it has been decorated and refurnished.


    "Yeah... now, it''s yours, too." She smiles, walking towards the ss window. "It''s funny to think back of when this used to be just Aidan''s room but now, he''s married and he has you. It''s okay though because now, I''m the centre of attention because apparently, I''m the only one left who is unmarried," She adds.


    Iugh, liking her expression.


    "I''ll leave you to unpack. It''ll probably take a few hours for Aidan toe back because I just saw him leaving the house with in and father. So, you might as well rest. You must be exhausted," She continues to speak. "Thanks, Mia." I reply with a smile.


    Mia walks out of the room before closing the door, leaving me standing here in the middle, all by myself. Then, I head towards my luggage to take out a pair of sweatpants and a long-sleeved shirt, wanting to take a warm bath before changing into them,fortably. As soon as I''m done, I walk straight towards the mirror and look back at my reflection. My eyes are somehow a brighter blue due to the sunlight as I turn around and head towards the bed, running my hand on the sheet; trying to make myself morefortable.


    Iy my body on the bed, closing my eyes as I let out a breath-liking thefort. It feels extremely rxing to have all of my makeup removed and hair washed because everything feels so much better without having to worry getting anything ruined. It doesn''t even take me long to fall asleep, slowly ignoring the birds chirping outside.


    My eyes blink slowly as I see a familiar figure standing near the walk-in closet as he takes his shirt off, making me blink again, trying to get a clearer view instead of a blurry one. Then, Ie to realise that i it''s Aidan, all along. His back is currently facing me, leaving me to eye his broad shoulders and toned back as he drops his shirt onto the ground.


    Just as he''s about to take his jeans off, I immediately sit up straight before clearing my throat, receiving his attention; seeing him looking a little bit surprised as he drops both of his hands to the side, turning around to look at me and showing off his perfectly toned abs. "You''re awake," He mutters.


    I try my hard to only look at his eyes, "When did you get home? Mia said you went out," I reply, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear as I feel my cheeks heating up at the sight.


    "I just got home. You were still sleeping and I didn''t want to wake you up," He says, our eyes are looking at nowhere but at each other-knowing that this moment can''t get any awkward but it has and it''s disturbing.


    Why does it feel awkward? I''ve seen him shirtless before, countless times. It shouldn''t feel any different than now but all of a sudden, every single detail about him is noticeable. Even by the way he stands or how his hair is in different directions, messily... the details I can''t simply look away and act unbothered.


    "Right... I was just taking a nap," I look down at my hands.


    "Mmm, I was going to take a shower." He replies, slowly as he rubs the back of his neck, leaving me to eye down at his abs.


    I instantly chuckle before standing up, "Don''t make me stop you. I''ll just head downstairs," I continue to speak as I walk towards the door, not wanting to stay in the room and knowing he''s in the bathroom, taking a shower while I imagine the unnecessary details which is definitely something I would want to avoid.


    "I''ll see you downstairs," His lips curve up into a small smile as I quickly step out of the room, not wanting to keep on staring at his body.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    To my surprise, I bump into Harley in the hallway, seeing her eyes widening at the sight of me. "Wow... are you alright, Kenna? You seem a little bit flushed," She says as she eyes my face and into my eyes, trying to see if there''s anything wrong.


    "I''m perfect. Absolutely perfect," I grin, immediately walking down the stairs and straight towards the front door-stepping out of the house and taking a deep breath, eyes instantly meeting the sunset.


    My body starts to ease at the


    amount of oxygen I''m inhaling


    before pulling my hair towards the


    back with my hand; pushing them away from my face. This shouldn''t be the way I react when I see Aidan shirtless, there shouldn''t be any reaction, at all... like how it used to be but why does it feel as if my heart is going to thump out of my chest?


    Maybe, I should start worrying about my health.

 Chapter 41

    Aidan


    dolls.


    I walk down the stairs to find my mother and fatherughing to the jokes they make, instantly causing me to turn around; looking for Kenna but there''s no sign of her presence. My eyesnded on my brother, who''s busy talking to Ava-listening to her exnation about "Where''s Kenna?" My mother appears beside me.


    "She''s outside," Mia replies as she walks past both of us, her phone in her hand without even sparing a second nce-making me nod my head, ncing at my mother again.


    "Call her in. Dinner''s ready," Mother responds, patting onto my shoulder before disappearing into the kitchen.


    It''s no doubt that the word ''dinner''ing from her mouth sounds a little strange. It''s probably because we haven''t had the chance to even have dinner together ever since I left high school but then again, even before university, in was never around at home. He was always focusing on university without even taking his time to go head home... I never me him.


    Maybe... just maybe, it''s because mother has cooked dinner for us. It feels like history is repeating itself¡ªit has been years since I remember her cooking dinner for the whole family. It has also been awhile since I''ve eaten any of her nicely cooked dish.


    There''s some sort of homey vibeing from this house, giving me a chance to relive them all over again without feeling left out. For some reason, I kind of enjoy the whole family loving environment than how we always are. It''s not just in and I who are always busy with work but father is rarely even home to spend some nice quality time.


    As for mother, she''s out making herself busy with her friends and her new boutique. Even after only a couple of months, the sales are rising up like crazy-not giving her any time to sit down and rest.


    Well, as for Mia... she''s being Mia. Always worrying about university or her courses. Even though she has about two years and a half until graduation but she is already worrying about her future career but father told her not to worry because there''s always a ce for her at Empire.


    I head outside through the front door, seeing Kenna standing near the trees. Her eyes are closed as she takes a deep breath-somehow trying to clear her mind as she enjoys the view. I take my time to eye her from behind... slowly and not wanting to leave a single detail out.


    What happened earlier in the bedroom, that was bizarre. Kenna has never reacted that way before whenever she sees me shirtless and I didn''t expect myself to react that way either. I was slightly embarrassed by how she looked at me because I felt exposed; when it was just standing shirtless in front of her.


    I noticed how her cheeks were turning red and her eyes were trying hard not to meet mine, it was hard not to notice. Then, how she yed with her fingers, wanting to find another sort of distraction; it was driving me insane. Everything she does... it''s making me feel like she''s partly wanting me to feel something.


    Which is not too odd for me because I''ve always been the one to notice everything about her. From the way her hairstyle changes or how she wears different colours of clothing and even by the way she responds differently through texts-too much little details for me to notice and I can''t even stop noticing even if I want to.


    "There you are," I say, faking a surprised look even though I''ve been standing at the same spot for the past few minutes without her noticing.


    Kenna turns to look at me with wide blue eyes, leaving me to take a few steps towards her. She has her arms crossed around her body due to the wind blowing onto her bare skin; it''s not that she''s wearing something appealing because she''s just standing there with a grey sweatpants and maroon shirt but apparently, her shirt''s a bit too thin.


    "Uh... I was just heading inside." She replies, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.


    Nervous gesture. I thought in my head before nodding, not trying to make it seem obvious that I''ve been standing long enough to know she wasn''t heading inside.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Dinner''s ready. We should head inside," I continue to speak. "Mother cooked our favourite food... baked chicken and mashed potatoes. So, don''t tell me your stomach didn''t grumble when I told you." My lips curve up into a smile as soon as I hear her chuckle. "I''m starving," She mutters with a small smile.


    As soon as we''re close enough, I wrap my arm around her shoulder before pulling her closer towards me this isn''t something strange for us because I would do this all the time, whenever we''re walking in the park or just snuggling close while watching movies. "Of course you are. Why wouldn''t you be?" I chuckle as we both walk side by side into the house, my eyes meeting my mother''s, seeing her peeking through the window but as soon as she saw me looking...she wanders off in a hurry.


    We step inside, seeing Harley serving the food while in sits beside Ava, feeding a spoonful of mashed potatoes; apparently, her favourite too. Mother clears her throat from beside as she takes her seat near father, leaving an empty spot for both Kenna and I. "Smells delicious. This wouldn''t be my sister-inw''s cooking, would it?" I joke, ncing at in who has already burst out intoughter.


    One of Harley''sck is that, she can''t cook. She''s not a terrible cook but she only knows how to cook one dish-which is my brother''s favourite but the fun part is that...whenever they have dinner, they would always be in the kitchen and cook together. They make everything as an experience even if it''s as simple as saying ''I love you'' to one another.


    I know a lot about them because I practically watched them throughout their marriage until now. The stages that they went through... the ways that in looks at her or how he talks to her, I notice everything. Maybe... I''m just observant.


    "Don''t be too hopeful about that. She can''t cook like this," in replies, earning a smile from Harley as he wraps his arm around her waist before nting a quick kiss on her cheek.


    "You have got to give credit to your own mother, Aidan. I am still a professional in the kitchen," Mother interrupts, gesturing to father who has a sly smirk on his face.


    Mother has always been a great


    was


    cook. When I little, all I ever wanted was toe home early and eat my mother''s cooking-even when she has always been a busy bee, she would never forget to prepare different dishes for me. She would learn new recipes from her cooking books or even the inte because she wants me to have a


    taste of everything.


    I turn towards Kenna, seeing her taking a bite of the baked chicken but both of her eyes are zoning out into a nk space; causing me to frown.


    Slowly leaning closer towards her,


    "Are you okay?" I ask. My warm


    breath hitting down her jawline which causes her to slightly turn, towards-me-leaving me to lean back giving her some space instead but as she turns to look at my family, they''re all currently looking at us.


    "Does it... tastes bad?" Mother asks, somehow concerned.


    Kenna shakes her head with a smile stered on her face, "No! No, of course not. Why would it taste bad? It tastes great," She replies.


    Her eyes wander to meet mine as she pats onto the side of my face, "I''m fine." She continues to speak before adjusting herself on the seat, "I was just wondering how you''re such a good cook, Diana." She adds, earning a chuckle from father and in.

 Chapter 42

    "Mother, Kenna. I told you to call me mother," She responds. "And... about my cooking, feel free to ask me for recipes. There''s one way to a man''s heart and that is through cooking, I managed to win Marc''s heart just by the taste of my cooking. He was head over heels,"


    She smiles, showing happiness glinting in her eyes.


    "I can''t doubt that," Kenna smiles.


    "Right, pass me more chicken!" in exims with a grin, causing the whole family tough and add on further conversations.


    After dinner, we''re all seated in the living room with our heads facing the television screen as we continue to talk,ugh and even joke around. in, Harley and Ava are on the other side of the sofa-seeing their daughter sitting in between them as they snuggle up close, it appears to be the ultimate family goal.


    As for mother and father, they''re being the old romantic couple as she leans her head on his shoulder.


    Then, there''s Kenna... and me. Our bodies are more likely further away from each other as we both lean back on the sofa, eyeing the whole family. It may seem that Kenna and I are going through a rough phase or even just fairly acquainted.


    "Ava was three," Harley says as she points down at the picture in the frame, "This was on her birthday... when you overlooked and she had a mouth full of cupcake," She chuckles.


    "Well... toddlers tend to get pretty active," inughs.


    Mother''s lips curve up into a smile before turning to look at Kenna, eyebrows furrowed at the distance between us which causes me to quickly wrap my arm around her shoulder and lean closer towards her.


    Kenna''s eyes furrow in confusion but as soon as she turns to look at my mother, she leans even closer towards me and starts to ce his hand on my chest. We appear to be as the perfect young married couple as everyone has been saying; the new lovebirds or more correctly, childhood sweethearts.


    "Still not changing your mind about going on a honeymoon, Aidan?" Mother asks.


    "Not anytime soon, mother. We both discussed and we agreed," I reply before looking down at Kenna, seeing her smiling up at me.


    "It''s just odd. You both are young and recently married, why wait? There''s no better moment as a couple than being a newly-married couple. The thrill is different as you grow older together and... while you both are still young, might as well cherish it." She continues to speak, "I can tell that you want some privacy instead of spending a week with us," She adds.


    "No... absolutely not," I respond immediately. "We wanted toe here and we wanted to spend some quality time with you guys," I clear my throat at the end, scooting closer towards Kenna as she shifts.


    Kenna nods, "Maybe, we should start talking about our honeymoon but it''s not going to happen in a few months." She says.


    "Exactly. Besides, we have a new big projecting on," My eyes wander to in who has a grin stered on his face-feeling proud of the achievement we both made for our familypany without the help of others but our own bond.


    in shiftsfortably, "Right. We forgot to tell you that the project would be millions and it''s very important for us... especially Aidan, to stay focus. It''s not everyday that we get a huge project within only a couple of months." He directs the conversation to a different topic which eases me slightly.


    Mother''s eyes widen, "You didn''t even tell me about the project? Aidan... in, that''s very good. I''m so proud," She raises both of her hands as a thumbs up, earning herself augh from my brother as soon as he sees it.


    "Thanks, mother. We wouldn''t have made it without both of your supports," He replies, smiling at father and mother while I just nod my head, agreeing.


    The minutes pass as the living room grew silent, almost as if everyone was dead. My eyes continue to wander around the darkening room, seeing Harley passed out on in''s shoulder as Ava sucks on her thumb, also passed out in her mother''s arms while in continues to watch the show on television.


    As for mother and father, they''re just snuggling close as they watch the show, too.


    I nce down at Kenna, seeing her eyes red with tears, showing how tired she is but she remains close towards me; eyes stered onto the screen. "Do you want to go to bed?" I mutter, loud enough for her to hear as she looks up at my face. "Yeah," She replies.


    I clear my throat, "We''ll be heading upstairs. We''re both exhausted," I say, receiving mother and father''s attention as they turn to look at us-seeing me standing up before pulling onto Kenna''s hand, slowly lifting her up. "See you two in the morning," Mother smiles.


    Kenna and I walk out of the living room as we both head upstairs without sparing a second nce downstairs, straight towards our bedroom-more likely my old bedroom or spare bedroom whenever I head back to Das. "You can take the bed," I say as soon as I see her standing in the middle of the room, looking confused.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "I thought we talked about this?" She questions, which causes me to turn and see her raised eyebrow. "I mean... our sleeping ces. We talked about it on our wedding night,"


    I continue to hold onto the nket, "We didn''t exactly talk about it because you did steal my spot on the bed but I get your point. You mean, we''ve been through the phase of not sleeping separately?" I ask.


    "You know what I mean, Aidan. We''ve both slept together... and I don''t think this time would be any different," She replies, ying with her fingers-leaving me to notice every single detail of her movement without saying another word.


    "You want us both on the bed?" I ask, my voice suddenly deep and low.


    Her blue eyes meet mine but neither


    of us bother to move or lessen the distance between us, only letting our gazes remain the same. Somehow that question meant something more than just sleeping on the t bed because neither of us wanted to get a bad posture or any back pain but it''s as if... we couldn''t stay away from one another.


    The sudden trance was interrupted as she immediately walks towards the bed, her lips curving up into a smile. "Yeah... I want us both to be on this bed. So that, we can both sleep soundly without either of usining having trouble sleeping." She replies. Then, she pats onto the spot beside her, "So... would youe to sleep on the bed with me?" She asks, her eyes focusing into mine.


    "I wouldn''t want it any other way," I reply before walking towards the bed and immediately climb into the covers, earning a chuckle from her as she sees the excitementing from me. Iy my head on the bed and she follows afterwards which causes me to turn sideways, facing her before wrapping my arms around her body.


    "You''re not going to suffocate me back, right?" She chuckles.


    "No, I''m just going to make sure that you''re still here when I wake up." I mutter as a reply, closing my eyes as I feel her breath hitting the side of my neck-before snuggling closer, leaving me with a smile on my face.


    It doesn''t take me long to fall asleep. It''s also a surprise to fall asleep this quick because I would always have some problem sleeping... my mind would wonder and wander about theplicated things in life but now... right now, right here, my mind is clear. My body is at ease.

 Chapter 43

    Kenna


    lucky, waking up next to someone beautiful for at least a year of my life.


    My eyes wander to find Aidan sleeping soundly beside me, his eyes closed and his lips are slightly apart but what attracts me most is the length of his eyshes. They are thick and long enough to make me feel envy... but in a good way. Not only do I feel envy but I feel The exact same guy who pushed me down the swing when I was little, also the same guy who made an agreement with me which involves marriage for an agreed amount of time.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "You can keep staring at me if you want but take a picture... it''llst longer," He mutters under his breath as his eyes flutter open, meeting mine. They are both staring back at me with the same intensity that would cause anyone going weak on their knees but I have my mind set up properly, not going to just stare back at him in awe.


    I scoff, "As if. You were drooling and it was disgusting. Why on earth would I be staring at you?" Both of my hands push away the sheets from covering my body before sitting up straight, seeing his lips slowly curving up into a smile; showing off his perfectly straight teeth, not really believing me.


    He grabs me by the waist, freezing me.


    Then, within seconds, he is already hovering on top of me as both of his eyes gaze deeply into mine. I wouldn''t mind the gazing intensity but due to being so close to him... it starts to make me shift ufortably at my spot, trying not to feel nervous. Then again, I can''t shake off that feeling. "What are you doing?" I ask, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion as I stutter.


    All I can hear is the sound of my heart beating utterly fast as he continues to lean in, closer and closer towards me without showing any signs of backing further away. I don''t know what has gotten into me but I can''t seem to push him away or kick his ass for trying to mess around. It feels as if I want him to lean closer, ce his naturally pink lips on mine and get things heat up.


    Especially when both of us are in bed.


    Just as I feel his lips brushing against mine, I quickly close my eyes... my body dly receiving the amount of pleasure slowly creeping in but it''s cut off short as soon as he pokes onto the side of my waist, causing me to immediately flinch.


    My weak spot. Aidan would poke onto the side of my waist whenever I''m giving him the silent treatment and unfortunately, he poked me for no good reason; letting my body fall onto the bed as he continues tough, cing both of his hands on my hips before tickling me. "You... son of a bitch!" I ufortably move around, controlling myughters. "Get off of me!" I add, seeing that we''ve moved towards the middle of the bed yet he shows no sign of stopping. My eyes widen as he lifts my shirt up to my stomach and continue to tickle me without mercy.


    Heughs, "You hate that, don''t you?" Both of his hands are gripping onto my wrists, nting them into the bed above my head as he hovers on top of me. Myughter starts to die down... realising the little situation we''re in is quite intimate as our faces are only inches apart which can lead into something more.


    "Kenna..." ." He breathes out, slowly leaning in towards my face and down to my jawline; nting soft and quick kisses down my neck which causes me to lift my head up, closing my eyes at the breathtaking pleasure. Slowly, I feel his grip on my wrists loosening before moving one hand down, on my hip.


    Even though his kisses are soft and quick but they only send shiver down my spine, leaving some sort of electricity or more likely, sparks behind. They cause me to feel heat burning in my body as he goes on without stopping, instantly making me know this can lead into something... intimate.


    "Oh my god," I moan near his ear as he bites onto my neck, a sudden wave of pleasure hits me.


    "You don''t want me to stop, do you?" He lightly whispers, his hand going down to my thigh, heading towards in between my legs. Just like that, our eyes meet in an instant, "Right now... right here, I want to make you feel the heat going through your body, hear you scream my name as soon as you feel an uncontroble pleasure and grip me hard as you let it explode,"


    "Mmm," I close my eyes at the way his voice utters those words, only provoking him for more.


    "Do you want that?" He nibbles onto my ear, caressing my inner thigh; letting our fingers entwined with his free hand. "Huh, yes is all I need."


    "Yes. I want that," I answer before feeling him kissing down my neck to my corbone while his left hand is busy drawing circles in between my legs, the pleasure building up intensely. Just as I''m about to let out a soft moan, he leans in to kiss me on the lips.


    Aidan bites onto my lower lip,


    instantly letting him in; leaving me to


    feel an unexperienced amount of pleasure building higher and higher. It''s causing me to shift and grip onto something, it''s as if I''m going through something mind blowing.. not even giving me a chance to take


    a breath as ites.


    "Wake up, Kenna!" My eyes widen at the sound of someone shouting my name, causing me to turn around and see Aidan standing beside the bed after throwing a pillow onto my body. "For god''s sake, how deep asleep were you?" He lets out a sigh. You. Have. Got. To. Be. Kidding. Me.


    That pleasurable and unending


    moment was just a dream? Everything felt real and undeniably worth going further but then againe to think of it... Aidan and are never going to that stage in life even though we''re married because this marriage will end in a few more months and we''ll go back to being


    best friends like we always were.


    Still are.


    I sit up slowly, eyes wandering around the room as I turn to look at Aidan, seeing him all dressed up and showered... ready for the day. "I had a really weird dream," I mutter under my breath but loud enough for him to hear. "Don''t tell me. Was it about monkeys?" He raises an eyebrow, putting on his wrist watch.


    My eyebrows furrow, "Why would it be about monkeys? It was just a weird dream and I don''t think I ever want to dream about it again," I reply.


    His eyes are gazing at me as if I''ve lost my mind as he stands still, "Sure... don''t even have to. Just go ahead and take a shower, okay? Head downstairs as soon as you''re done," He says, his hand running through his hair before walking out of the room. "Phew," I let out a breath of relief as Iy my head onto the bed, recalling back the exotic dream. I mean,e to think about it... it was kind of hot but also cringe worthy at the same time.


    I run my hand to my neck, remembering back how the dream worked out; his lips all over my skin, letting me feel an extreme amount of pleasure before shaking the thoughts away, not wanting to remember them anymore. I''m sure they''ll be gone soon.


    Without wasting any time, I take a quick shower and clean myself up before changing into a in loose blouse and jeans, something casual but stands out as if I''m also ready to head out when needed. I look at myself in the mirror, going through my daily skincare routine before


    applying a thin amount of makeup.


    As soon as I''m fully satisfied with how I look, I head downstairs to hearughters and voices filling the room, causing me to slowly creep in; turning to see in walking out of the house with two bags in his hands, out of my sight.


    Mia turns to look at me after walking out from the kitchen, "Good morning. We''re going camping," She says with a small smile stered on her face as she tries to bear with the heavy bag in her hand. "Camping?" I raise an eyebrow, confused.


    Thest time I went camping was probably when I was ten. It was a great experience... did a lot of adventurous things but as I grew older, those kind of things never really came up to my mind especially when I''m busy with work instead. "Yeah... Aidan didn''t tell you? Actually, mother nned it because she said it''d be great for us all to spend some quality time together." She continues to speak, not realising Aidan stepping in before grabbing onto the bag she was holding; standing in between us. "I''ll be outside if you need me," She adds as she steps out of the house, leaving Aidan and I.


    Aidan looks down at me, "You up for camping?" He asks, both of his brown eyes are looking at me without bothering to look at anyone else. "I just found out about it this morning and I understand if you don''t want to join. I know how you are when ites to things like this," He adds, slowly.

 Chapter 44

    "What if I don''t want to join?" I ask.


    "Then... I''ll stay at home with you. We can have the whole ce to ourselves," He leans in closer as a smirk appears, winking afterwards which causes me to chuckle; realising that it''s actually quite tempting even though it''s only a joke. "How... tempting," I wink back, not realising the distance between us have lessen as he chuckles.


    "So, what''s your choice? Out camping or stay at home with me and we can spend ''our'' own quality time," Heughs even louder before teasingly cing his free hand on my waist.


    "The thought of staying home with you when you have it all sorts of ideas is creeping me out. So, bud, we''re going camping." I reply, walking past him as he follows beside me, his chuckles getting louder and louder with every step he takes. The sun is shining brightly above our heads as we walk towards a shady tree; catching up with in, Marc and Mia. My lips curve up into a smile at the sight of in running around with Mia, teasing her without giving her a chance to run away. "Idiot brother!" Mia shouts,ughing.


    "Put it over there," Marc says, pointing near the tree; gesturing for Aidan to ce the bag there.


    The morning seems to have passed rather quickly than expected as we both prepare ourselves. Aidan and in were busy putting up the tents for tonight while Marc and Diana were prepping chickens for the barbecue in a couple of hours. As for Harley, Mia and I... we gathered firewoods.


    My eyes wander down to my wrist watch and see it''s fifteen minutes before four; leaving me to look up, seeing Aidan near our tent.


    "Want some help?" I ask as soon as I''m close enough, causing him to look up and meet my eyes.


    Within seconds, I''m already crouching to match his current position. "I''m just finishing. By the way, I want to show you something." He replies before standing up, gesturing for me to follow him. "What are you going to show me?" I ask, bumping onto his arm.


    He chuckles, "It''s a surprise. It won''t be one if I tell you," He replies, looking down at my hand that has been hitting onto his for the past couple of minutes which has probably annoyed him.


    To my surprise, he starts to grab onto my hand which causes my eyes to widen before looking up at him but he doesn''t seem phased. His eyes are looking down as he walks without even bothered by how or more shocked I am by the sudden gesture.


    Not only does his hands are perfectly warm to ease the coldness from creeping in my body but it seems to also fit perfectly with mine.


    "There. That would keep you still," He continues to speak, referring to my hand while I try my best to hide away the smile from appearing on my face. For some unknown reason, I feel happy for the way he''s treating me now even though it''s not any different than the way he used to treat me.


    "So... "I awkwardly mutter.


    "So?" He raises an eyebrow, "How''s this holiday in Texas for you? Brings back some old memories?" He asks, wanting to start a conversation instead of keeping quiet.


    "If you think the memories are like when you ran around naked in the backyard... then, yeah. Good unforgettable memories are really haunting inside my head but if you''re talking about how we used to go around looking for flowers, I still remember how much you liked daisies." I reply.


    Aidan responds byughing, "I think when ites to running around naked or seeing each other naked when we were kids, it''s pretty much a win-win situation. You''ve seen me naked and I''ve seen you naked... don''t you think we were fated since we were kids? Fated to see ourselves naked?" Heughs even louder, leaning his head back as he doesn''t even try to control hisughter from getting louder. Both of us ends up staring at each other with smiles stered on our faces.


    "Here we are," He interrupts, pointing down the river; causing my eyes to widen at faded memories that starts to appear, again.


    I see a younger version of Aidan and I ying by the river as we bothughed, enjoying the wind blowing onto our skin while both of our mothers were watching us. They had smiles on their faces; showing how much they liked seeing us together even though we were kids ... as if they had imagine us being more than just friends when we grow older.


    "Come on!" He says, grabbing onto my hand as we run towards the flowing river.


    Both of ourughters fill the surrounding as he let go of my hand to take off his shirt and pants, leaving him standing there in his boxers. What attracts me most is the beauty of his body; lean and somewhat toned, not too bulky but just perfect. My eyes wander down to his abs, staring a bit longer than I should without him realising, eyeing his every movement as he jumps into the river. Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Are youing in or what?" He asks, turning to look at me; seeing that I''m still frozen at the same spot. He has a smile stered on his face, causing me to smile back before slowly taking off my blouse, seeing him eyeing my every movement, too. As my hands move down to unbutton my jeans, he seems busy eyeing my upper body. Once I''ve stripped down and only leaving me in my bra and underwear, I start to make my way towards the river before jumping in; sshing water at his direction. It doesn''t take us long to start sshing water at each other as weugh out loud, enjoying this moment as we did when we were kids. To my utter surprise, he grabs me by the waist before pulling me in the water, causing me to scream as I drag him with me. As soon as I''ve floated to the top, I immediately wrap my arms around his neck as he instantly wrap his arms around my waist, letting me wrap my legs around his waist. Both of us are busyughing, not realising how our position would actually affect our feelings to flutter but I spoke too soon, he realised. His brown eyes are piercing into mine, slowly hisughter starts to die down, leaving me smiling up to the sky afterwards before looking down to meet his eyes, again. They are eyeing my entire face, somehow remembering my every features.


    Slowly, he leans in to brush his lips against mine. Within seconds, we''re already kissing each other as I close my eyes to the rhythm of our kiss. There''s something going through my veins by the way he kisses me ever so softly, as if attracting us further. Just like that, I unwrap my legs around his waist but my arms around his neck remain tight, letting him ce both of his hands on my hips.


    Without me realising, his lips are already moving down to my jawline and my neck, letting me lean my head up; letting myself enjoy the passion. He''s not kissing me eagerly but slowly, as if he wants this very moment tost... as if he''s afraid of it ever ending too soon. As we both pull away, he lets out a deep sigh as he leans his forehead against mine; eyes closed before a smile creeps in, "I''m sorry... I don''t know what got to me," He looks up at me, saying.


    We both pull away, letting the distance between us to increase before turning to look at Mia, after hearing her voice calling out our names. She has a relieved look on her face as soon as she sees us here, together. "The sun''s setting. Are you guysing?" She asks, making me frown.


    "Me too," I mutter.


    "What''s wrong with the sun setting?" I ask, feeling a little bit curious.


    "You''ll see. Come on," Aidan pulls me out of the water as we both quickly get dressed after slightly drying our bodies. Then, we make a run for it back into the same path we took toe here.


    Just as I''m about to ask a question, Aidan stops running, causing me to follow his gaze; seeing him eyeing the sunset. My eyed widen in surprise at the beautiful colours of the sky, turning orange and a little bit tint of pink. The spot we''re standing right now is the most beautiful spot to see the sunset which is by far... extremely calming.


    "I never know about this," I mutter under my breath. "It''s so beautiful, here. You can see it clearly," My voice causes him to turn and look at me with a small smile stered on his handsome face.


    "We found out about it a few years back. By, we, I mean in, Mia and I. We were busy wandering around and somehow... we were led to this exact spot." He replies, slowly taking a seat on the grass.


    "I''m d you found it," I smile,


    continuing to eye him; even though he doesn''t realise me staring but it feels better that way. I can keep on watching him without being bothered by him catching me staring, because for some reason, I want to remember this moment... this moment where I''m sitting here watching the sunset at the best spot in Das, with my one-year-husband.

 Chapter 45

    Aidan


    I can''t help myself. I can''t help it when I feel the need or more likely the urge to look at her. Yet, with every turn and every nce... she would never fail to surprise me with her natural beauty. Even though she used to tell me about how insecure she is, I can''t seem to find the ws she once mentioned. "You can''t stop, huh?" in asks, trying to make sure the tents stay up all night than falling apart.


    "You''re not mad at me, anymore?" I ask him back, changing the subject before he has a chance to ask because I know... it''s always about Kenna. He notices almost everything when ites to Kenna and I, probably because he''s the older brother or he''s just more caring than me but that''s just the way he is.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Especially when ites to Mia. It''s as if he couldn''t stop asking or wondering about her. I mean, I care about Mia, too... she''s my one and only sister, for god''s sake, why wouldn''t I care for her? It''s just that, in cares for her much more than I can even imagine; he''d help her with almost anything.


    A few months ago, Mia had a bad fever. He was worried sick that he decided to stay home to take care of her than going to work; until mother convinced that she can take his ce.


    "About the whole ounting thing? Nah, I don''t have time to be mad at you for a long time." He slowly replies, "But, you can''t simply change the subject, Aidan... you can''t hide it, either. The whole newly-wed thing going on with you two, it''s crystal clear." He adds, turning to look at me. "What about Kenna? What about the whole newly-wed thing? I don''t understand," I answer.


    inughs, "Dude. Seriously? You''ve got to stop lying when ites to something you can''t hide. More precisely... when ites to Kenna. Do you think I won''t find out about it?"


    My heart starts to beat uncontrobly fast, only waiting for him to continue the conversation. There''s a slight chance that he might tell me he has found out the truth about this whole marriage but there''s also a high chance of him never finding out. Then again, what''s going on his mind? What''s he going to say?


    I turn to look at Kenna, seeing herughing with Ava as she sits on herp. They are both pointing up at the sky, probably looking at the trees or even the clouds... but what attracts me most is the way she looks with Ava on herp, it''s as if that''s our future. Wait... did I say our? I meant, hers.


    "Found out about what?" I raise an eyebrow, paying attention to in, again.


    "About you and Kenna," He replies. Both of his eyebrows are furrowed as he takes a few steps towards me, leaving me confused and somehow worried.


    "What do you mean?" I clear my throat, avoiding any further eye contact; wanting for someone to just barge in and interrupt the conversation than letting him say.


    "That she was your first crush. She was the one you told me about, right? You told me that you liked someone but you said you can''t have her; now, it''s all clear... you couldn''t confess and you couldn''t have Kenna because you didn''t want to ruin the ''thing'' you two had, called friendship." He pats onto my shoulder before smiling, "Well... congrattions," He adds.


    "Obviously!" I reply with a loudugh, almost sounding fake but believable enough for my big brother, in.


    Truth be told, my first crush was one of the cheerleaders at school; not Kenna. I''ve never had feelings for Kenna... not until now, I suppose? Her name was Carly, she had straight dirty blonde hair with piercing green eyes and damn, she was a charm. When I had feelings for her, she was with one of the football yers, they were the it couple.


    So, when they broke up, I thought it was my chance to make her my girlfriend but unfortunately, things got out of control and we hooked up on our first encounter which was bizarre. Not going to lie, things got pretty exciting from there... I enjoyed our hook-ups more than actually spending time with her, so... I never did make us official. ¨ª never even say I once liked her because I left things unsaid.


    My feelings for her disappeared faster than I can even say ABC. Guess we were never meant to be?


    Kenna and I were friends from the very beginning, unlike those movies where different genders can never remain friends because one of the opposite sex will start falling for the other. We were really different, Kenna and I have different tastes


    when ites to men or won


    she would prefer someone with a lighter hair with dirty shades and lighter eye colour. Easy to say, she doesn''t prefer herself to end up with any Italian guy which is quite strange if you ask me... I mean, I''m 1/8 Italian and I''m almost everyone''s type but not for Kenna.


    While I prefer someone with lighter eyes and darker hair which matches perfectly with Kenna. Wait a minute... I never notice how much she is quite the dream girl; her height, her body shape, her eyes and even her personality, she''s my kind of girl. ''Get your head straight, Aidan.'' I thought in my mind, not wanting to start thinking about something impossible for Kenna and I; we both can''t end up being more than friends, right? It''s impossible.


    "Uncle Gabby," I look down to find Ava standing near my feet, both of her eyes are looking up at me. "I want to ask you something." She continues to speak.


    Slowly, I crouch down to match her height, a smile stered on my face. "What is it, princess? Are you still curious how uncle Gabby got better looking than daddy?" I ask, jokingly which causes her tough, her cute little giggles cheer me up to an extent.


    "No, Uncle Gabby. When are you going to give a present to Aunt Kenna?" She asks, her eyes wide and filled with curiosity while I frown, somehow confused by her question; what kind of present?


    Is it her birthday? No, not until June.


    "Harley has her own way on telling Ava about where babiese from," in says from beside me which causes me to understand immediately; instead of the exnation I''ve been getting from adults about the dirty, it appears to be a present for Ava.


    "It depends, really...I haven''t thought about it, yet." I reply after ncing up at in who has a smile stered on his face as he watches his daughter''s cute little curiosity appearing. "Why did you ask, Ava?"


    "I want a friend to y with," She replies.


    I immediately chuckle before pulling


    her in for a hug, "You have me to y around with and you even have Uncle Dim to y dolls with. You don''t need to wait for Uncle Gabby to give Aunt Kenna a present, it might take awhile." I respond back, earning anotherugh from in; knowing that this is just something adults would understand,


    "But you and Uncle Dim are always busy." She furrow her eyebrows, "Even daddy is always busy," Then, to my surprise, she starts to pout; looking at her father who has a worried look stered on his face at the sight of his daughter''s change of expression. Within seconds, in has cupped onto her face, wiping away the fallen tears. "Daddy is always here for you... I''m never busy for my little girl," He says as she wraps her small arms around his neck.


    "Can you finish up? I''m taking her inside," in turns towards me in which I nod as an answer as he walks away, meeting up with Harley halfway before saying something, worried shows on Harley''s face.


    "Boo!" A shout appears from behind me as someone covers up both of my eyes, causing me to scream; which appears more girly than manly.


    Kenna bursts out intoughters as she holds onto her stomach,pletely enjoying the moment. "Very funny, Kenna. You caught me off guard," I say, clearing my throat and try my best to hide the sudden embarrassment.


    "Can you stopughing?" I ask, realising that she won''t stopughing; not even when it''s no longer funny; not to me.


    "Okay, okay, okay. I''ll stop," She answers. "Calm down... grumpy pants. I was just fooling around," She adds with a smile slowly creeping up her face, trying her best to cheer me up.

 Chapter 46

    instantly causing me to clear my throat and look away, ncing down at my wrist watch.


    Our eyes meet for a longer duration than usual, in which I begin to realise that my eyes are staring deeply into her; not just carelessly ncing but the way she is looking back at me, shows anything but love. Probably a friend-kind-of-love but nothing more than that; "I think I''m not feeling well. I''m going inside," I say before making my way towards the house but I''m stopped by her grabbing onto my hand.


    "Are you sick? What''s wrong?" She asks and to my surprise, she starts to stand on her tiptoes before cing her hand on my forehead; trying to check my body temperature before quickly grabbing onto my hand in order to check my pulse. "Why is your heart beating so fast?" She raises an eyebrow. "Probably just hot out here," I reply after quickly pulling my hand away from her grip.


    "But, it''s pretty windy." She frowns, not expecting me to pull my hand away so harshly and truth be told, I didn''t expect myself to react the way I did, either but there''s just some sort of nervousness spreading all over my body, something I''ve never felt before... not even when I saw my first crush in high school.


    Ignoring her, I quickly walk away as I keep on chanting in my mind to stay calm and be cool; not to overreact or be foolish in front of her. I don''t want her to notice anything different going on with me and it''s best if we just remain friends as we always have been; not carelessly or foolishly stutter.


    "For fuck''s sake, Aidan. Calm the fuck down," I say to myself, repeatedly.


    I look up at my reflection in the mirror, seeing how my hair''s a mess and my lips are somehow slightly trembling but other than that, I''m good. Quickly running my fingers through my hair, I manage to make myself look presentable.


    Walking out of the bathroom, my eyes meet with a concerned Kenna; standing in front of the bathroom door which surprises me more than a ghost can. Our eyes meet as she crosses her arms, "What''s up with you, huh?" She asks, eyes squinting. "Nothing, Kenna. I''m going back outside," I reply without paying another second looking in her eyes.


    "Avoiding eye contact, short replies, in need of going away. These are the signs of silent treatment. Are you having problems at work? Did I say or do something wrong? Am I the cause of this?" She continues to ask multiple questions, stopping me.


    No. No and yes. If only I can say what I feel inside, the sudden burst of emotions in my body and just get this over or probably just cup onto her face and meet her lips in a passionate and meaningful kiss but I can''t; there are certain things that I can''t do and one of it is being passionate with my own wife.


    "I have a slight headache. That''s it," I reply with a small smile on my face before running the back of my hand at the side of her face, feeling the softness of her skin against mine.


    Just like that, I start to walk away from her. This time, she doesn''t bother to follow after me and ask more questions which is a relief because I feel as if I need to be away from her for awhile; not because of anything else but because I need to reassure my own feelings for Kenna, I can''t simply confirm it without further inspections.


    --


    That night, I''ve been trying my best to keep myself away from Kenna; just for a little while. I want to make sure that these feelings will go away in a short amount of time than letting them linger for much longer.


    Still, I can''t keep my eyes away from her. I would be looking at her for a few times in a minute and I would even search for her when she''s not around, which means that my n is just in bullshit. Maybe, I just have to start epting how these feelings wont simply go away.


    I only have to admit that theye with reasons. Unsettled reasons.


    My eyes wander to Kenna and see


    her walking further towards the trees, causing me to follow her. Her hair tied up into a ponytail, bouncing side to side as she continues to walk, watching her step. Just as she walks on her own, I help her by


    making sure to catch her if she falls by taking a wrong step.


    "I know you''re there, Aidan." She says, not sparing a single nce towards my direction.


    "Intuition?" I ask, taking a few steps closer towards her. "Or just a blunt guess?" My questions seem to have a little hint of humour as she shakes her head, turning her head sideways to look at me.


    "Call it a lucky guess," She replies.


    Then, she continues to eye my face; not wasting a single second. For some reason, I can''t seem to look away and break the eye contact. there''s something in me, wanting to just look into her eyes and continue to experience the way her eyes gaze into mine. It''s not everyday that I get to feel this way.


    "I thought you were giving me the silent treatment but you followed me here," She looks up to the sky; counting the stars.


    How am I supposed to reply that? I simply can''t say a word because I wasn''t giving her the silent treatment... I was just making sure of my feelings. Maybe one day, I''ll be able to sort it out and be confident of how I''ll be feeling in the future but right now, I can never be so


    sure.


    "We used toe here when we were little," She changes the subject. "It''s kind of funny to think about the ces we used to go. Everywhere reminds me of us, Aidan; is that a good thing?" Her voice lower than before but the smile stered on her face is never fading away.


    "Well, we''ve been close ever since we were kids. It''s not weird or funny to have most of these ces remind you of us." I mutter under my breath, crossing my arms; only looking down at her. She chuckles, "True."


    "Aidan, I think I miss us. We used to run along and hide behind one of these trees but now, we''re far away from behind able to relive that. I don''t mean it that we should travel through time and go through it all over again but it''s weird how time flies," She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear.


    Our eyes meet again but this time,


    she seems to nce down at my lips for a few times. I''ve been with different women to understand the meaning when they nce or stare at my lips but I''m not so sure Kenna. What if I''m just confu


    with


    What if there''s just ketchup one


    my


    lips and she''s somehow grossed out about but silently dreading?


    Being with different women has given me experience in certain things but how can I not think of anything when ites to Kenna? Even when she''s flipping her hair or bite her lower lip, I can''t help but to feel mesmerised than turned on. Is that normal? I nce down at her lips before realising that I''m currently leaning closer and closer towards her before brushing my nose against hers.


    That''s it. I begin to hesitate as I feel her soft lips meet mine before slowly moving my lips in sync, leading the kiss. One of my hands run up to the side of her face, trying to make sure that I''d be able to feel how real this is than thinking of it as a dream. We''ve kissed before. Mostly, in front of others but I can''t feel the ecstasy in my veins before until now. The way she leans her body forward towards mine as she remains still at her spot while I cup onto her face... it feels like the first for us. Slowly, I begin to pull away; trying to see the look on her face.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    "I was just testing my kissing skill," She says in a hurry before clearing her throat. "Thanks for that," She adds, looking up at the night sky while I stare and furrow my eyebrows, dumbfounded by her sudden reaction but a smile creeps up on my face. "No problem," I clear my throat. "Always here to help a friend," At the end, I bump my arm against her shoulder before shoving both of my hands into my jeans'' pockets, turning around as I gesture for her to follow up.


    Just as I''m not facing her anymore, I mentally p myself at the word ''friend'' after what we did.

 Chapter 47

    Kenna


    You know that there''s a word called ''smh'' which means ''shaking my head''? Well, that''s clearly what I''m doing right now as I cup onto my face, feeling the heat radiating as I continue to walk back towards our tents; this is way too much for me to handle right now. What was that?


    ncing at his lips? That was purposely asking him to kiss me! That was like giving him a hint. For god''s sake... I can''t be much dumber than now. I shouldn''t have done that because if I didn''t, he wouldn''t have kissed me. He wouldn''t even lean forward for the romantic intimacy. Did I say... romantic?!


    I am slowly going insane. I can feel it. My medu oblongata is probably damaged for letting my heart rate raise; even more, my heart might even be pumping a lot of unnecessary blood throughout my body for the feelings I''m currently having. Let''s admit it. One by one. There are a lot of reasons to have feelings for someone like Aidan. More particr, for Aidan... so, let''s list out why. Maybe, this is just a phase where it will pass and we can all pretend like it never happened.


    It''s probably just nothing and we can all forget about it in the nearest future. He can continue on with his life and I can continue on with mine as soon as we get a divorce in a few more months. Exactly, not a big deal and we''re both adults, we can handle this.


    After all, it''s not just me who would have the possibility of having feelings for Aidan. Come on, he''s good-looking, charming, funny, well-built, clever and he''s even cute, sometimes! What''s not to notice about him? If those typical women could fall for him, I''m no different. Of course, I never noticed how his eyes gaze into mine or when his lips curve up into a smile that shows off his perfectly straight teeth and slightly rosy cheeks due to the heat... but, maybe I''m just starting to notice it now.


    Not only that, even his hands are beautiful. His fingers are long and somehow, his nails are very well-manicured; always short and clean, a little bit shiny if I may add. Okay, okay... let''s all admit that he''s the most good-looking man in New York. Correction, he''s the most good-looking billionaire in New York.


    Enough about his appearances! Even his career and his worth is amazingly surprising.


    So, these are the reasons of why anyone including me, Kenna Anne, might be feeling a lil'' something, something for Aidan Gabriel.


    "Come join us!" Harley invites with a wide smile on her face as she waves at me. She''s sitting with Mia and Ava, getting ready to make some s''mores while the boys are grilling the meats.


    "You''ve tasted these before, right? If not, you''re really missing in life." She continues to speak, putting one by the fire while Mia is busy teasing Ava, trying to make herugh; which cheers me up slightly at the sound of her giggles.


    "I''ve tasted them before. They''re nice," I reply.


    A few hours are spent chatting and eating marvellous foods. Both Diana and Marc are sitting near the fire as she leans against his shoulder, smiling and probably remembering back to the old memories as they grew old together. My eyes can''t seem to look away at the couple, seeing them attracting my curious attention.


    My eyes wander towards Harley who''sughing near the tree as she chews on some s''mores, fed by in. They areughing and smiling to each other, clearly enjoying themselves to a certain level while Mia sits with Ava, showing her the stars above.


    Then, I nce at Aidan; seeing him sitting beside me with no expression on his face. His brown eyes are staring directly onto the fire; seeing it dance as he pokes onto it. As for me, I find him as my source of entertainment for the night. It''s just funny how his family are happy and together while our rtionship or more precisely, marriage is just a contract.


    We made a promise. Thankfully not in God''s house but with His name; to love and to hold each other for as long as we both shall live but deep in our hearts, we know this marriage will onlyst for a year and time won''t stop to look back and give us more chance to be together because one day, it''lle to an end.


    "I think I''m tired," I mutter under my breath but loud enough for Aidan to hear as he turns to look at me with a raised eyebrow.


    "We should head inside the tent," He replies.


    Just like that, he ces the stick into the fire as we both stand up. "Where are you guys going?" Diana asks, her eyes gazing directly at Aidan who seems a little bit tired; his eyes are droopy and his smile appears more forced than normal.


    "We''re both exhausted. We''re going to head in," He replies with a nod, gesturing towards our tent.


    "Goodnight and sleep well. I''ll see you both in the morning," She smiles as Aidan and I, walk towards our tent, a deep sigh escaping our lips as soon as we get inside.


    I look at the space in the tent. Enough for two people but that''s the problem, it''s only enough for two and not for more. It''s ridiculously small and it''d take some cuddling for us to be able to sleep well in this tent instead of arguing about how one of us isn''t getting enough space for the rest of the night.


    "This is just perfect. It can fit everyone in here," I say, sarcastically with a smirk stered on my face as he rolls his eyes, thinking of a solution.


    "Whatever. Let''s just get some rest," Iy on my back as he joins me, a few seconds after but our arms bump against one another; leaving me rolling my eyes at the space we have which is clearly none.


    With a sigh, I begin to sit up straight, "Give me some space of my own, Aidan." I say, trying my best not to raise my voice; not making the conversation being heard outside. "Why is this tent smaller than anyone else''s, anyway?" I groan, slowly.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    "I switched with in. He brought a small one and he said it wouldn''t be able to fit Ava if he uses it. So, we swapped tents." He replies, running his fingers through his, messy brown hair. Somehow, they''re just falling down, effortlessly; enhancing his beauty.


    ''Stop it, Kenna! Don''t bother about his beauty or anything else.'' I thought to myself, wanting to just literally p my face or bang my head against the wall to kick some senses in me but I know deep down, it won''t work as easy as that.


    "Since when are you so generous?" I raise an eyebrow, "Now... we''re stuck in this small tent when it can barely fit both of us."


    "Let''s just try again. I''ll make sure we


    fit," He bumps onto the spot beside him, gesturing for me toy on my back and I do, the same time as he does. Our shoulders bump again and apparently, this time, I can''t help but groan louder before smacking onto his arm, causing him to protect himself from my attacks.


    "You and your damn broad shoulders! Keep your shoulders to yourself, god damn it." I say, angrily.


    "Fine! Fine! Take the goddamn space," He sits up before moving away and leaving me in the middle on my own as he tries not to show how he is suffering from theck of space. Even though he pushes himself further towards the tent, he''s not getting further away from


    me.


    We both stare at one another, only


    looking at each other without saying a single word It appears a little bit awkward and somehow, annoying but I can tutter more words to


    express how this is jus


    is


    Qui


    me


    off than actually letting me feel anything else. Then again, why are we even making it a big of a deal when it''s just about not having enough space in this damn tent?

 Chapter 48

    "Are you just going to sit there and stare?" I ask, after realising that we''ve spent the past couple of minutes, staring at one another without uttering anything.


    "Then, what am I supposed to do?" He asks, "One of us has got to give in and that person is me. You can have the spot... I''ll probably just sleep somewhere else. Maybe even head back to the house," He continues to speak, his eyes never moving away from mine while I feel anxious about the word ''house'' because no, he''s not going back to the house and leave me here sleeping in this tent.


    "Are you serious? What if your parents see you?" I furrow my eyebrows.


    "Look... let''s just work this out. We have toy on our sides instead of our backs because that''s not going to work. We''re also going to be a little bit closer to one another than usually in order for us to fit. If only you would give that a try, it''ll work." He replies, ignoring my question.


    I remain quiet at his solution; not knowing if being close to him tonight would be a good idea when we''ve just went through something intimate this morning. We might evene to develop feelings to each other, things might getplicated.


    "Kenna, do you trust me?" He asks, his brown eyes are piercing deeply into mine; making me stare back, finding how those eyes belongs to someone I trust, someone who has always been there for me through thick and thin.


    I nod my head beforeying on my side, waiting patiently for him toe and join me in which he did, a few seconds after. My heart starts to beat fast at the body heat on my back as he tries to adjust his body behind me, causing me to stay still.


    "I''m not used to sleeping on my right," He mutters near my neck which causes me to close my eyes at the warmth of his breath. "I hope you don''t mind if I face you while I sleep," He adds.


    "As long as you stay on your side," I answer.


    It takes me a few minutes to finally fall asleep due to his presence near me but I can''t help but feel safe andfortable by knowing he''s right behind me without even having the intention to move away. It''s kind of weird how we''re this close for a long amount of time but as long as I don''t think about it, it''ll just be the same as sleeping with him on bed with pillows in the middle of the bed.


    "Goodnight, Kenna." He whispers near my ear before slowly cing his hand on my waist.


    --


    The sound of birds chirping outside the tent causes me to open my eyes, blinking a few times at the change of light. Things were dark hours ago but now, the sunlight is pouring in and everything seems clearer, more likely brighter.


    I turn around to find an empty space beside me, quickly making me step out of the tent. My eyes wander around before breathing in the smell of nature, it''s by far the most calming sensation. Within seconds, I find myself staring at Aidan who has a shirt on with some shorts as he chop a few woods.


    Earphones are plugged inside both of his ears as he pays attention to the woods, not looking anywhere else. The way his hands are gripping tightly onto the axe as he aims it to exactly chop the middle of the wood, it''s breathtaking. Not by the way he chops the woods... obviously, but by the way his muscles reflex whenever he raises his arms up.


    I blink a few times at the sight.


    Am I dreaming or something? I begin to pinch my cheeks and shake my head a few times but I can''t help feel the pain and the dizziness. So, this is by far as real as it can get.


    I make my way towards the house, sparing a few nces back at him but as soon as Ie face to face with Diana near the front door, she lets out a deep sigh which confuses me, slightly; leaving me frown.


    "You''ve seen that side of him?" She asks, making me nce back at Aidan, seeing him taking another wood before chopping it.


    "What side?" I raise an eyebrow.


    "He got a call this morning saying


    that he lost the tender with Wilde''spany and he went straight to change before heading there... chopping woods or more exactly; expressing his anger." She replies as she takes a sip of her tea, "It''s best if you don''t go near him when he''s like that."


    "I''ve known him for so long but I''ve never seen him like that. Was it a huge project?" I ask, concern.


    "Well... it''s up to a few thousand


    dors but he worked hard on that project. So, having his tender rejected, it''s probably stressing him out. He''s very dedicated to his job and I can''t help it when he''s all stressed out or depressed about failing, he''s been a wonderfulson and he has made me more than happy to have him but he wants more and he wants to show more than what he have now. That''s my boy," She lets out another sigh


    before entering inside.


    I heard that Aidan has anger issues. Not major anger issues where it''s uncontroble but he prefers to danger himself when he''s stressed. He''d go for long and fast rides, drink the night away or even... chop wood, something I''ve never seen before or knew. Ever since we met, or ever since we grew up together, I''ve never seen him get angry at me or even get angry at anyone. He''d be pissed, yeah, when people pisses him off but... I guess he''s better at keeping and feeding the anger before letting it all explode all at once. ncing onest time at Aidan, I step inside and head upstairs to take a shower before changing into a pair of clothes from my luggage. A ripped skinny jeans with a checkered top, I pair it all up with ts. Just as I step out of the bathroom, Ie face to face with Aidan. He still has his earphones plugged in but as soon as he sees me, he takes one out.


    "You want to take a shower?" I ask, moving to the side as he nods, a small smile creeping up on his face which leaves me to return it. "I''m just going to grab my phone and I''ll be downstairs," I add.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I nce at him and it surprises me to see him lifting up his shirt, causing me to catch a glimpse of his V-line which leaves me staring but just as he''s about to take his shirt off, his phone starts to ring, immediately causing him to pull it back down. "What is it?" He speaks on the phone.


    Our eyes meet as he turns around


    and I quickly smile onest time


    before stepping out of the room. It''s kind of weird to be reacting this way when I''ve seen him shirtless fore, countless times and it hasn''t


    bothered me, at all! But let me just


    say something, has he been working out more than normal because


    damn, his abs are more visible.


    "Do you need any help?" I smile at Diana who''s busy chopping the vegetables but as soon as she sees me, she lets out a sight of relief.


    "Thank God, you''re here. I just need some help with the potatoes, would you mind washing them and cut them into small pieces?" She asks and I nod as an answer before washing the potatoes; missing how I used to help my own mother in the kitchen, sometimes when I''m not busy.


    But, now... I''m too busy to even cook for myself.


    "How is he? I saw him going upstairs," She starts the conversation by asking about Aidan and I look up to see her still chopping the vegetables.


    "He''s alright; he came up looking a little bit stressed out but he smiled when he saw me. I guess that''s a good thing, right?" I reply, continuing to cut the potatoes into pieces after washing them.

 Chapter 49

    "If he''s smiling... that''s a start," She says.


    "He has never shown that side of him. I mean, I''ve never really seen him get mad. He''d be pissed off by certain things but he was never really the type to scream or shout." Diana continues to speak, "He shows his anger through actions... than words. He''s rather spend time alone to sort things out than pouring his problems to others,"


    "I can see that," I mutter under my breath. "But, I heard rumours that he''s very strict at work and he''s the type to get what he wants, whenever he wants. I''vee to think that he has two sides to show. He shows me a better side of him, a happier, cheerful and funny Aidan instead of the opposite." I add.


    Seconds before Diana can say another word, we hear someone walking down the stairs which causes us to shut our mouths; not wanting Aidan to hear our conversation. Just as the person enters the kitchen, he looks at us with a confused expression. "What? Why are you guys looking at me like that?" Aidan asks, furrowing his eyebrows as he heads towards the fridge to take an apple.


    "I was just talking with Kenna about the town. It has been awhile since she''s been here and a lot has changed. Would you mind picking up some groceries and while you''re at that... show Kenna around," Diana swiftly says, causing me to turn and look at her but her lips curve up into a smile; leaving me turn to look back at Aidan who starts to chuckle.


    "Would you like me to show you around, Kenna?" He asks, like asking me on a date.


    "I''d love that, Aidan." I reply, smiling.


    I walk with him towards the back, seeing a Mercedes-Benz and an unknown covered car. My eyes wander to the car and Aidan seems to have caught my gaze as he walks towards it, "It''s an old truck. I''m not sure if it still works but we can give it a try," He says, pulling the sheet off to reveal the truck.


    He takes the keys on the wall before stepping inside the truck, me following afterwards. It feels nice but different at the same time as I''ve never been in a country truck before.


    "Let''s just hope this baby starts," He mutters under his breath as he puts the key in before twisting to start the engine. It fails for the first time but as he tries again and harder, the engine starts with a noise, causing both of us to grin.


    Aidan drives down the road with both of the windows down, letting the wind blows onto my bare skin as I watch the trees we pass by. My lips curve up into a small smile, liking the experience.


    "We''re going to pick up some groceries first," He starts to speak. "Then... we can have breakfast before I can show you around town. There''s nothing much if you still remember from when youst came here but I guess it''s good to relive them." He adds, making a right turn.


    Silence apany us once more but before it can, any longer, I start another conversation. "I saw you this morning. You were chopping wood?" I half-asked and half-said, not wanting to make him remember back about the tender he lost while we''re going out trying to spend time together.


    "I''m sorry you had to see that side of me but I lost a project and I couldn''t resist the urge to express it. I wanted to fly back to New York and get the tender again but, that''ll be no use." He replies, casually.


    With every perfection he owns, there are certain ws thates along with it. Like anyone or everyone would say, nobody''s perfect.


    "We''re here," He says, gesturing for me to look around. "There''s not much country in Das but you''re still in Texas and this is it," He chuckles at the end, as we both step out of the car; heading towards the nearest grocery store.


    We walk side to side, eyes wandering inside the store before heading towards the aisles. I keep still, only eyeing things around while Aidan chooses the kind of canned beans he''d take.


    "Uh, I forgot to bring something from home and I''d like to buy it here. Is it fine with you?" I ask, as he turns to look at me; frowning.


    "Since when do you ask for


    permission when you want to buy something?" He smirks, tilting his head to the side. "Take what you need, Kenna. It''s what you always do when we go grocery shopping," The way the words casually escape from his lips is somehow cute, knowing that we go grocery shopping all the time together but I''d pay for my stuff and he''d pay for his; even though he would always insist on paying but I can''t let him, we''d even argue all the time.


    "Be right back," I say before making my way towards the women''s aisle where they ce pads and tampons, making me examine over to the same brand I use, ever since I started my period; never changed the brand. Just as I turn, I see Aidan. "Mm, pads?"


    "Duh, my period would start soon and I need them." I reply before throwing it at him, causing him to look around as he holds the pads.


    Aidan is cut off by someone calling out his name from behind which causes me to look at the figure, at the same time as Aidan turns around. "It''s really you! Wow, it has been years since we saw each other," The stranger says as she smiles widely, surprised to see him. He stands there, confused as he tries to remember if this woman in front of him has actually meant something in the past but nothing seems toe in his mind.


    "It''s May," She continues to smile. "I got my braces off and now I''m wearing contacts. I''m guessing I look different; that''s why you don''t seem to notice me anymore?" She raises an eyebrow.


    "May? May Attwell?" Aidan asks, wanting to confirm her identity but as soon as she nods her head, happily; he lets out a chuckle, "Right... you were my summer friend. You''ve changed a lot," He adds.


    Oh, that May Attwell. The one who


    was friends with Aidan during the summer when we were fifteen because he had to back to Das for


    a week. She used to have braces. and big thick-rimmed sses when she was younger but now she looks more like a January than May, if you get what I mean.


    "You too," She exims. "I never thought you would turn out to be more good-looking than you were before but it''s funny how things work,"


    Aidan ces a hand on my back, "May... this is my wife, Kenna. And, Kenna... this is May. She and I used to be friends when we were teenagers but it was for one week," He says while I smile at her, liking how Aidan introduced me as his wife.


    "It''s nice to meet you. I heard that you got married and I even saw it on the news. Wow, congrattions." She smiles, revealing her straight teeth; must''ve been from the braces.


    "What do you do?" She turns towards me, again.


    "I''m a neurologist in New York," I reply. "What about you?" My smile never fading away even though I swear this is tiring, I need to stop smiling.


    "A neurologist? I would''ve never guessed that you''re a doctor! You look more like an actress or a model but I''ve never seen you before... which exins it, maybe." She replies with a slight tone while I furrow my brows, "I work at aw firm," "Are you awyer?" I ask.


    "I''m a secretary," She answers.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    As the situation starts to get a little


    ???


    bit awkward with all the smiling and ncing orgazing, I start to hear Aidan clear his throat; saving the moment. He grips harder onto the pads as he pulls me by the waist, "We have to get going... we got a lot more to shop," He says, chuckling.

 Chapter 50

    "Right... but why are you here in Das?" She asks, wanting to know.


    "My parents want to celebrate their anniversary here. They''re throwing a party tomorrow night. Feel free toe," He replies.


    "I''d love toe but I have a date, tomorrow. It''s kind of like a first date so, I''m pretty excited about it but we''ll see, if I can make it, I''ll be sure to see you there." She smiles, cing her hand on his shoulder while I look like I''m third-wheeling but as she turns to smile at me, "It was nice meeting you, Kenna."


    "Likewise," I reply as she walks away.


    "Let me guess, she has two sisters named June and July?" I raise an eyebrow at Aidan as he bursts outughing; immediately grabbing people''s attention but he doesn''t seem to mind that, much.


    "No... she''s an only child but sure, why not if they''re named June and July? Might as well take August with," He smirks, wrapping his arm around my shoulder as we walk side to side, heading towards the different aisle.


    --


    We ce the groceries in the truck before walking towards the nearest caf¨¦, the smell of coffee and butter overwhelming my senses. My eyes wander around to see people having their breakfast here, chatting away rather than being busy with their smartphones like in New York; everyone would be holding their phones andmunicate through there which is a lil'' bit rude, if you ask me.


    You ask someone out for breakfast, lunch, brunch or dinner but you end up ying with your phone; then, what''s the point?


    "There''s an empty table," Aidan gestures for me to follow behind him as he grabs onto my hand, passing through the amount of people.


    "May I take your order?" A woman walks by as she looks down on her notepad before gazing up to Aidan and I but as soon as she does, her eyes widen in surprise at the sight of him, "You''re Aidan Ashton!" She exims, causing the whole caf¨¦ to grow silent. Aidan clears his throat, "Excuse me?"


    "I''m so sorry but I notice you from the inte. I also follow you on Instagram, you are by far the most sessful man in New York; I mean, the youngest man to be as sessful as you. You''re actually my inspiration," She smiles, widely. "That''s good to hear," He looks at me with a confused look, not really knowing what to say. "I''m just handling my family business... it''s not like I''m the founder or anything,"


    "But you have made it more sessful than before. By the way, my name is Rosie. Can I take a picture with you? If you don''t mind," Her cheeks are slowly turning red as she tries to calm herself down while I stare at them as if I''m not even here. "Sure," Aidan replies with a smile as she takes out her phone, giving it to me. "By the way, this is my wife, Kenna." He introduces me, trying to cheer me up than just faking a wide smile with wide eyes, hard not to burst into sarcastic explosions. "Cool. So, can you take our picture?" She continues to urge me on taking their picture so I grab onto her phone, slowly zooming in to her face before clicking a couple of times.


    "Oops, one more." I grin as I zoom out, taking a proper picture of them; mostly liking how Aidan looks extremely attractive but I also find him looking at me instead of staring at the camera which causes me to clear my throat before handing back her phone. "Thanks!" Rosie says with a wide grin before turning to Aidan, "I just want to say that you''re by far the best thing that has ever happened to the world. You are an inspiration to me and I''m sure to others, too. Can I be a lil'' bit honest with you?" She asks. Aidan chuckles, "Sure. Why not?"


    "I started following you on


    Instagram because you are very handsome. Everything about you screams perfection, your hair, your face, your lips and even your voice So...I started stalking you everyday and then I realised that you''re the CEO of Empire and thad to make you my inspiration. She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear while I keep on repeating the same word on the menu before cing it on the table, looking up at Rosie; our supposed to be waitress for the day but she''s more interested in Aidan.


    A


    "Thank you, Rosie." He replies, shortly; trying to find the words on trying to make her leave as she continues to talk about how he has made her go on with life when she feels down, he has been an inspiration but mostly because he''s handsome. "So, Rosie... I''d like to order," I say which catches her attention.


    "Can you give me a sec?" Rosie says without even looking at me as she continues to mumble on and on and on, nonstop.


    Just as my anger starts to boil, I


    immediately stand up as I m both


    of my palms on the table. Everyone in the caf¨¦ starts to look at me including Aidan and Rosie; surprised at my sudden action. Slowly, my lips curve up into a smile, "Look, Rosie, the reason why I''m here with my


    ''husband is because we want toet


    have breakfast together and when a waiter or a waitresses to our table, we would like to order instead of listening to you going on and on about how amazing he is because for god''s sake, Rosie, I know how amazing my husband is and he knows how fucking amazing he is. You have got to stop reminding him of something he knows because you''re annoying me and you''re also annoying him. You''ve got a picture taken and you''ve got a chance to talk to him but now I''d like to order some food so I can get the hell out of here!" I say while I said the words husband and like a little bit louder than intentional.


    Aidan looks up at me in surprise but slowly, his lips begin to curve up into a smile before chuckling.


    I sit down but the people won''t stop


    looking at me as I try my best to control my emotions from going all over the ce. Rosie, on the other hand, has been dead silent ever since stood up. She has her left hand holding onto her notepad and her right hand holding onto her phone, her eyes never leaving me.


    "I... I don''t know what to say," Rosie mutters.


    "How about you start by taking our order?" I ask, pointing at the menu before smiling.


    --


    "You were bold," Aidan chuckles as we both walk side by side after leaving the caf¨¦, "I''ve got to admit... I didn''t expect you to burst out like that." He adds, bumping onto my arm, purposely.


    "Well, she annoys the hell out of me. What was I supposed to do? Sit quietly and wait for her to finish talking because by the looks of it, she wasn''t going to stop." I reply with a smirk, not really expecting him to find it funny because it''s more likely embarrassing.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    Aidan surprises me by grabbing onto my wrist, causing me to stop as he stares onto the ss window by the shop. I follow his gaze, reading:


    It''s a flyer, promoting a funfair tonight which causes Aidan to smile, instantly letting me know that he has ns for tonight and it has got to do with the damn funfair but I don''t mind.


    As long as it doesn''t involve obsessed fans.

 Chapter 51

    Kenna


    "I have a question," Aidan says, causing me to turn and look at him as we sit on opposite sides from one another on the ferris wheel; watching the crowd below, seeing how humans are rather tiny but we have big dreams while some might even have a big ass sass. "Why


    did you break up with Noah?" He asks.


    "You''re direct," I chuckle as he joins me.


    "I mean... I know that you broke up with him but you never told me why, I want to know. I''m only seeing this as how I see him; in my own point of view but he seems like a really nice guy, Kenna. He was in love with you. So, why?" His question seems more off than I expected, not that I didn''t expect him to never ask questions like this but the reason why I broke up with Noah was never discussed.


    Aidan''s right, Noah was or still is a nice guy. He has always been there for me, no matter what or when. He understood me most and he took care of me when I needed him. There was no such thing as giving space when ites to Noah because when we fight, it''ll onlyst for a few minutes... he''de straight to apologise, even though, sometimes... I was the cause of our fights and arguments.


    "I''m like the bad guy here, aren''t I?" I smile, ying with my fingers as he continues to look at me; only waiting for my answer.


    "I didn''t mean it like that," He replies. "I just want to know why,"Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    "Okay... let me just tell you the whole story, then. You know how we met, right? We clicked right away and things just went with the flow; he couldn''t keep himself away from me and I had fallen for his charms. He was like no other regr guy because he understood me like no one does, no offence... all I''m trying to say is that, he was a great boyfriend." I say, earning myself a smile from Aidan. "I was the cause of our breakup. I didn''t want to hurt him,"


    He furrow his brows, "What do you mean?"


    I hesitate for a moment before continuing, "I was always busy. Wait, no... I am always busy. Things were going on fine for the first few months but as soon as I got myself upied with work, I started to spend less time with him. I''d even forget about our dates...every time he nned them," I reply.


    Truth be told, I hate it when I''m being reminded of what happened to my past rtionship. People would say that we were perfect and that we''d get married one day, have beautiful children but things didn''t work out as they said. There was nothing wrong with Noah; he was too perfect. There was just everything wrong with me.


    "I even forgot about our first


    anniversary. So, when I got home... he was sitting at the dining table, all by himself; the candle had gone off and he was just staring at the empty tes, the empty spot in front of him where I would''ve been sitting. We didn''t talk for days, he shut me out for constantly being busy but it didn''t bother me much," frown. "Is it bad to say that I feel sorry for making him wait but as soon as I got to work, everything slipped off my mind?" I add.


    "Then, when he came to apologise... "I look up at Aidan''s face, seeing him surprised at my story. Just like that, "Why? Why do you look surprised?" I ask.


    "It''s just that, you forgot about your first anniversary with him but he came to you to apologise? You even busied yourself with work in order for you to forget about the whole thing instead of solving things out," He continues to speak.


    "What was I supposed to do? I


    forgot that it was even our anniversary, don''t have time to remember a lot of things at once. You know how busy I am, Aidan can''t simply push my work away to just pay attention to my own rtionship." My voice raising with every word I speak, not realising how hard I''m trying to defend myself; even though, deep down, I know it all


    began with me.


    I should''ve apologised and I should''ve fixed things between us but I didn''t. He fixed things between us because he didn''t want to lose me; his effort was worth more than mine. Noah was everything a woman could ask for, he was patient. More importantly, he was in love.


    "Well... it was your fault," He


    mutters but loud enough for me to hear. "You should''ve put more effort to fix things than letting him give in just because he loves you. You were taking advantage," The words Ke said sting but there''s no doubt that it''s the truth. It was my fault and I shouldn''t have felt nothing when I was going through my days but I felt. fine.


    "I know," I breathe out;way.


    We keep quiet for a couple of minutes before he starts to speak again, "What if you were given another chance? Not a chance with Noah but a chance with someone new... would you try everything to make sure that you won''t repeat the same mistakes?" He asks, leaving me to think of something uncertain.


    "I can try." I reply, seeing him nod his head with a small smile stered on his face as he turns to look away, letting the wind blow onto his hair; carelessly. There are two kinds of situations that I find him being undeniably handsome... when the wind blows, when the sunlight hits his skin and I can''t stop myself.


    We step down from the ferris wheel as soon as our ride is over, walking side to side towards the crowd. Couples are walking hand in hand as they smile, enjoying themselves; showing how they''re somewhat happy to be here.

 Chapter 52

    Just as Aidan is about to say something, my phone starts to ring which causes me to look down; seeing that it''s a call from the hospital. My body tenses immediately, knowing that this might be an important call and there''s nothing I can do.


    "It''s a call from work," I say, frowning down at my phone.


    "I''ll be here," He replies as I quickly make my way through the crowd, finding somewhere more quiet to pick the call.


    I immediately answer the call to hear an anxious Marley, one of the male intern nurses. "Hello... Dr. Anne?" He greets; the staffs would sometimes call me by my middle name instead of my surname. "I''m sorry for calling you on your week off but it''s about Albert," He adds, which worries me.


    "What''s wrong with Albert? Is he okay?" I ask, running my fingers through my hair.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    "He''s doing fine but his tantrums are getting worse. I''m worried about his health," He continues to speak. "He wants to see you even though I''ve told him that you won''t be here until next week; he won''t bother listening to me. The other doctors have tried to calm him down but he said that they don''t understand him like you do. He also resisted on eating anything so they had to give him drugs,"


    "Marley, I told you. He''s an old man, he can''t have too many drugs in his system. It''s going to give his kidney a long-term side effect," I reply, thinking about Albert and how his tantrums are always the worse; except when he''s with me. He would be making sassy jokes but what''s most... he would always tell me stories about histe wife.


    "I know, Dr. Anne. I know that you would be upset about this, too but we didn''t have a choice. Dr. Vince told me not to tell you but I can''t simply lie because Albert is your patient," He mutters.


    "Thank you for telling me, Marley." I reply after a few seconds of silence before letting out a deep sigh, not really knowing what to say or how to respond. It''s hard when the other doctors have tried to make sure that he''d befortable with someone else than just me but he would always resist.


    I try to calm myself down as I inhale and exhale before making my way back towards Aidan, my head is fully upied with work; something I''ve forgotten for the past days I''ve been here but now, has made me worried again.


    I look up to find Aidan but instead of finding him standing in the middle of the crowd with his phone in his hand, I find him near the ''shooting games'' as he smiles, receiving a big teddy bear as a prize for winning.


    As soon as he turns, he starts to make his way towards me before using the teddy bear''s hand to wave at me, "Hi... I''m Mr. Bear. Would you like to cuddle?" He says, giving Mr. Bear a voice of his own while I stand with a smile slowly creeping up on my face; eyeing the big teddy bear which is almost as tall as me.


    "Do you just go around and ask strangers to cuddle?" I ask, crossing my arms; pretending to be having a conversation with the bear.


    "No, ma''am. Only you because I''ve never seen anyone as beautiful as you," Mr. Bear or more precisely, Aidan; replies as he hides his face with the teddy bear, not letting me see but as he peeks to the side, my eyes catch the grin on his face. "Are you flirting with me, Mr. Bear?" I take a few steps closer towards him.


    "Is it working?" Mr. Bear replies, lifting both of his hands up to snuggle as Iugh, catching him in my arms; feeling the softness of its fur against my skin as I look up at Aidan, seeing him staring back at me.


    "Looks like Mr. Bear has an irresistible charm that he managed to steal my wife," Aidanughs, "Do you like it, Kenna?" He asks, tilting his head to the side as he crosses his arms; his smile never fading away from his face.


    I nod my head multiple times, "I love it. Thank you, Aidan; you''re the bomb dot." I say before winking at him, causing him to chuckle. My smile widens at the sound of his attractiveugh, not denying how they seem to make me smile, too.


    --


    "Damn you, Aidan!" I scream as the roller coaster goes down, making me grip harder onto his hand, not denying that his hand will be pale due to not having blood properly flowing. "This is all your fault. You forced me into this!" I add.


    ?????


    He, on the other hand, continues tough beside me without having fear of heights or scary rides. His hand keeps on gripping onto mine; without showing any signs of letting go or difort. It eases me, just knowing that he''s here, by my side, incase anything happens we''ll still be here together.


    I close my eyes as the ride goes down in a very fast pace, knowing that my fear of heights won''t simply disappear even if I try to ovee it. There are a lot of things that I tend to get freaked out by, spiders or more precisely, bugs, clowns and even being in small spaces.


    ustrophobic? No, I wouldn''t really


    call myself that but being in a small or confined space gives me anxiety and even difort. My heart ¨¨ would be uncontrobly fast and my body would start to shake, probably because of how bad I want to be in a morerger space; not that it has bother me much, I can be in an elevator or in the fitting room but I can''t for long.


    Fifteen minutes, tops. If I stay for longer than that, I''d end up fainting.


    As for clowns, I''m sure eight out of ten people has this fear. Clowns are easily known as creepy, weird and even scary. They appear at birthday parties, trying to bring that happy and cheerful vibe but whenever see one, end up wanting to just Bang my own head against the wall; hating the fact that I''m in the same room as a clown.

 Chapter 53

    "Kenna... we''re here," I hear a familiar voice say beside me which causes me to open my eyes, blinking a few times before looking around; seeing that people are still queuing to get on this ride. "Are you sure?" I ask, looking around.


    Aidan chuckles, "Very. I was worried that you might''ve had a panic attack or something because you kept your eyes closed and you just... held tightly onto my hand and even onto the railing." He replies. "Wow, I''m good. I''m good," I stand up, slowly and quickly step down from the ride; my hand never letting go of his.


    We both walk further away from the roller coaster as I try to make sure that I''m calmed down. The roller coaster ride almost gave me a heart attack but I''m fine; mostly surprised by how extreme I was but I''m going to be just fine.


    He looks down at me, "You okay, Kenna?" He asks, his voice hinting with sincerity while his expression shows the amount of worry.


    "Yeah... I''m okay." I reply with a smile stered on my face; wanting to show him how the roller coaster didn''t affect me much. It did affect me but just not as much.


    We keep quiet for a few seconds before he starts to speak up again, his hand grabbing onto mine in a slight surprise but my fingers remained entwined with him. "Do you want to go somece quiet?" He asks, looking directly into my eyes with a small smile. "Where do you have in mind?" I chuckle.


    "Come with me," He replies as he pulls onto my hand, slowly leading me away from the crowd as we walk further away from the lights and fair.


    The warmth radiating from his hand is somehow soothing me, letting me enjoy the night out without having to worry about feeling cold because I know that even if I do end up freezing, he''ll be there for me to keep me warm; probably in his arms. Maybe, even more than that... we might as well snuggle.


    "You''re not going to murder me, right?" I ask, realising that we''re out in the dark, only the sound of cars but far away at the highway.


    Heughs, "Even if that does sound tempting, I wouldn''t really want to kill you. Just... trust me," He adds, looking at me with a smile; we both walking further and further away without looking back at where we came.


    I trust Aidan, I always have. It wouldn''t be an issue when ites to trusting him; because for as long as we''ve been friends, he has never broken my trust. He keeps his promises, he respects me as his best friend and he cares for me like I''m his little sister so, I have no point in not trusting him.


    We stop walking, slowly finding a perfect spot to sit on the grass as he looks up at the night sky, trying to see if the sky is clear enough to see the stars. Once he has found the right spot beside him, he pats onto the grass, gesturing for me to join.


    "This is your ''somece'' quiet?" I raise an eyebrow, sitting beside him.


    He looks down at the grass as he smiles, letting me see his profile. "Well... I''ve been here once. I still remember when I was just a teenager and I was very pissed offat my grandma; so, I ran out here from the house... she was worried sick and she even called my parents, she told them I was gone. I stayed here for hours until morning and it was the best night of my life, exclude how many great nights I''ve had," He winks, "If you know what I mean."


    "You''re disgusting!" Iugh. "What happened between you and your grandma? You never told me anything about it,"


    "We fought. She pissed me off and I ran here; I didn''t feel like telling you because when they found me here in the morning, she apologised. I apologised first but she insisted that she should be the one to apologise than to forgive because she had offended me... that was what she believed. I simply can''t remember what happened but we were okay," He replies, thinking back of the old memory.


    "If I ask you... where is your favourite spot in Das, this would be it?" I ask, slowly.


    "This would be it," He turns to look at me; his brown eyes meeting mine. "But... if you ever ask me if tonight is one of my favourite nights, it''d be a yes." His eyes won''t look away from me as I try my best not to blush, luckily we''re in the dark; not clear enough for him to see the tint of redness on my cheeks.


    "Why is that?"Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    "Well, why wouldn''t it be? Every night


    or everyday that I spend with you is the best moment of my life; it doesn''t matter if that exact day or night was just filled with arguments, I want to remember it for the rest of my life. I want to remind myself that I had a great life with Kenna because she was the perfect woman to ever make me the happiest," He mutters.


    I look away, "You''re good with words, now."


    "What can I say? I''ve been reading a few romantic novels and I can''t help but say that I''m hooked," He replies.


    Just like that, he starts toy down on the grass, looking at the beautiful night sky as the stars shine brightly above us. As soon as he''sying on his back with a small smile stered on his face, I begin to join him; right beside him. "What if we y a game?" I ask.


    He looks at me, "I''m in. What kind of game?"


    "We, each, ask and tell one fact about ourselves. No lies. Just... our true selves. How does that sound?"

 Chapter 54

    "Let me start?" He raises an eyebrow, somehow excited to start ying this little game I managed to create in a short amount of time.


    I nod my head, waiting for him to start. Both of his eyes start to pierce into mine as he clears his own throat, "Do you like someone, now? Anyone... you maybe have a little... crush?" He asks, smiling. "Well... maybe. I''m not sure if I like him but I''m starting to feel a little, something, something when he''s around." I reply, with full honesty but slightly hinting it; he didn''t ask me who and he''s never going to get it. "I assume he''s a lucky man?" He chuckles.


    "The luckiest," I grin. "Now, it''s my turn to start asking you. Everyone has a weakness. My weakness appears to be near any good pastries. What about you?" I ask, wanting to make sure that I can tease him about it or even fool around, that''s my technic.


    "You can''t ride a bicycle?" I start tough.


    He runs his fingers through his hair, "This is kind of embarrassing but I can''t ride a bicycle," He looks away, his voice low and almost inaudible which surprises me as soon as he spoke the words. I mean, there are a lot of people who doesn''t know how to ride a bicycle but. ..Aidan is like the perfect catch with no fear or weaknesses at all but I guess I''m wrong.


    "You say it as if it''s a bad thing!" He exims as I sit up straight,ughing at the fact that he can''t ride a bicycle; something simple and basic. Also something that we learn when we were kids but unfortunately, he didn''t have that opportunity.


    "No, no, no. Don''t get me wrong, Aidan but, look at you. You''re Aidan Ashton, you''re the youngest and most sessful CEO. Your name and your pictures are in Forbes Magazine... but you can''t ride a bike. You can cook, you can swim, you can write and you can do Calculus as you read about Business and Management but... riding a bike?! You''ve got to be kidding me," I shake my head a few times, wanting to make sure that he''s not joking.


    "You never told me things like this... "I breathe out, "I never knew."


    "Father didn''t have a chance to teach me. He taught in but he didn''t teach me. Neither did he taught Mia," He mutters. "in was the one who taught Mia how to ride a bike when father was and is always busy with his career, rarely there for his own family who would always wonder," He adds.


    "I never wanted you to look at me


    and feel sorry about my boring childhood." He chuckles, lightly. "I''m not surprised that in went through a perfectly good childhood and life up till now because he would always get whatever he wants ever since he was a kid. He''s the first son in the family and he has always made father proud; not me but him," His voice low and almost inaudible but I understand by his pained expression, it shows how much he would want a better spent childhood with his father than letting in; the only one who got that chance.


    "I mean, look at him, he won ten spelling bees when he was just a kid and then he became the captain of the football team when he was in high school as he got a high score for his SAT, he followed my father''s wishes as he went to his chosen


    , §ï§è


    university where he took his ''chosen'' course, he fell in love with a woman whoes from a good background, ended up being the CFO because he''s by far, really good at ounting and all that shit... while I''m stuck, no idea whatsoever on how to ride a damn bicycle," He continues to speak as he sighs, shaking his head about his brother''s aplishments but by the look on his face, it shows how he just wanted more love from Marc.


    "Are youparing yourself to him?" I ask.


    "No. I was not the captain of the football team or anything special to my father but got you, Kenna. You proved how worthy I am just by letting me be your best friend and I''m more than d that I''ve pushed you down the swing. His life may have been far way better than mine but my life has always been great when I firstid eyes in you," He replies.


    "So... no regrets," Heughs as I join him.


    Just like that, I begin toy my head on his shoulder as I wrap my arms around his, wanting tofort him in any way possible.


    "You''ll always have me, Aidan. No matter what happens in your life or mine... you''ll always have me to turn to," I mutter before smiling up at him; seeing him smiling back at me, his eyes glistening with hope that I''ve came to acknowledge. "That''s why I love you, Kenna." He snuggles closer towards me as he pecks onto my forehead.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Aww, you''re a sweet lil'' guy, aren''t you?" I grin widely at him as I pinch the bridge of his nose, nudging side to side as we bothugh before letting him push me onto the ground, tickling onto both sides of my waist; causing me tough loudly.

 Chapter 55

    Aidan


    "Can you wear this for me?" Kenna asks, pointing at the blindfold on her hand which causes me to raise an eyebrow-slightly confused as she starts to smile.


    "It''s a blindfold," I reply before leaning back onto my seat, turning away from myptop; trying to figure out what she''s trying to door what she''s probably thinking at the moment. The way her blue eyes are piercing directly into mine as she tries to hide her smile from growing wider... she''s only making herself look suspicious. "Why do you want me to wear it?"


    "Well, can''t you just trust me?" She leans closer.


    "No... I can''t when you''re acting suspiciously different." I answer, looking around the room to find if she''s nning something but everything else looks normal to me. "Can you at least tell me why I have to wear it? Then, I might reconsider." I add, slowly. She rolls her eyes, "I have a surprise, for you. Trust me," She ces her hand on mine before slowly leaning closer towards me; our lips are inches apart as she puts the blindfold on, tying it behind my head-making me clench my jaw.


    "Is it worth it?" I ask, my voice low.


    "Consider it a worthy experience in Das," She replies with a light chuckle as she leans away, her hand slowly reaching onto mine before pulling me up from the seat-letting me stand up but not knowing where I''m heading, only following her and putting all of my trust in her as she leads me down the stairs.


    As soon as I hear the birds chirping loudly and the wind blowing directly onto my skin, I instantly know that we''re outside. My eyebrows furrow in confusion as she continues to pull onto my hand, leading the way-making me try to pay attention onto my other senses than only onto my sight which is currently being covered.


    "Get in," I hear her say, making me frown.


    "Get in?" I ask, confusingly.


    Kennaughs, "Get in the truck, silly." She replies before slowly pushing me inside, making me step inside and sit; without asking anymore questions because I know that she''s not going to easily answer them.


    "Okay... you just closed the door and now you''re starting the truck. Are you leading me to my death?" I ask, chuckling a little bit at the end before running my fingers through my hair. Within seconds, I smell her cologne near me which causes me to turn my head to the side, only for the bridge of my nose toe into contact with her cheek.


    "I''m just putting your seatbelt on," She mutters under her breath as I stay still, clenching my jaw at the fact that she''s close-feeling her fingers running on my body as she pulls onto the seatbelt,locking it before leaning back to her seat, leaving me speechless. ''How can it felt really, intimate?'' I thought to myself.


    "And, we''re on the road." She speaks up, driving down the road while I stay still, not really knowing what to do or where to look.


    "Where are we going, exactly? I mean... don''t get me wrong, Kenna-I do trust you but I deserve to know where we''re going. Any hints?" I ask, feeling a little bit curious about her sudden behaviour on wanting me to put the blindfold on, leading me towards the truck and currently driving me to somece, I don''t know where.


    "I can''t tell you, Aidan. You just have to be patient," She replies.


    "You know that I''m not a very patient person," I mutter under my breath before letting out a deep sigh. "But... I''ll try as long as it''s worth it in the end, right?" I turn to look at her even though I can''t really see her facial expressions. "Absolutely," She replies.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    A few minutes have passed as we both stay quiet, without uttering a single word while I try to figure out where we''re heading instead of asking anymore questions.


    This might also be a great opportunity for me to start testing my own patience-deep down, I''m trying hard not to just burst out and take the blindfold off but I have to trust my best friend... like how I''ve been trusting her for the past years. "So... the anniversary party is tonight," I clear my throat, starting a conversation.


    She stays quiet for a few seconds, "Yeah. When are we heading back to New York?" She asks, as I feel the car turning left.


    "First thing in the morning. Why? You miss your job, already? The patients? The medicines?" My lips curve up into a small smirk, knowing that she''s probably ncing at my direction but I can never be so sure with the blindfold on. "Can''t help but say I do." She chuckles, "Truth be told, I''m just very worried about Albert. He''s a bit hard to handle he''s alright when he''s with me but not with other doctors," She adds, slowly letting out another sigh.


    For some reason, I can feel the sudden tension building. It''s never an easy job being a doctor. You further your studies at med school for years to get your degree and even your masters degree.. then, you end up working day and night as adoctor in order to save people''s lives. It was never easy from the beginning.


    "He doesn''t have any family members toe visit?" I ask, curiously.


    "No... his wife passed away. He has a son but we don''t have any information about him," She answers.


    I stay quiet afterwards, not knowing what else to say. I sympathy the old man but there''s not much I can do and I don''t me him for not wanting other doctors to take care of him because anyone; I mean, anyone would easily be fond of Kenna.


    It''s hard not to be fond of Kenna. She makes me feel like home and she has never failed to make me happy.


    "We''re here," She says, earning my attention as I sit straight, waiting for the truck to stop.


    I hear her stepping out of the truck before closing the door behind her and heading towards the passenger''s seat. In an instant, I feel her hand on mine as she pulls me out of the truck, slowly leading me towards somewhere I can''t easilyprehend but I stay still-letting her lead me.


    "Just walk with me," She mutters.


    "I''m sure people are looking at me weirdly," I reply and sheughs as a respond before stopping, making me clench my jaw as I feel my heart beating faster with every passing second.


    "Everything ready?"She asks, her voice low and somehow further away from me it''s clear that she wasn''t speaking to me while I furrow my brows, wanting to rip the blindfold off and see what''s the whole fuss is about but for some unknown reason, I want to be surprised. "Ready for what?" I ask..


    Within seconds, I feel her hands going to the back of my head before untying the blindfold; causing me to blink a few times to clear my vision. My eyes widen at the sight of a pink bicycle, making me turn to look at Kenna who has a wide grin stered on her face-leaving me confused.


    "Surprise!" She exims, happily.


    "This is... the surprise?" I raise an eyebrow.


    "Aren''t you happy about it? It''s your first bicycle!" She replies before heading towards the bicycle and starts to get on, pressing onto the bike''s bells as she smiles. "Come here, want to give it a try?" She adds. "You''ve got to be kidding me. I don''t know how to ride a bike, Kenna. You know that," I reply as I shake my head in disagreement; seeing her making her way back towards me.


    "Of course I do. That''s why I''m here to help," She points at the bicycle, "The bike is the first surprise because the second surprise would be me teaching you how to ride a bicycle," She continues to speak, both of her hands on her waist as she grins up at me wanting to earn a better reaction from me.


    "That''s not surprising," I roll my eyes. "Are you trying to embarrass me, in front of everyone? For god''s sake, you even got me a pink bike! What''s with the colour pink?!" I respond with slight annoyance building inside of me but I try my best to keep my anger deep down instead of increasing.


    "They had the same exact bike in yellow and blue but unfortunately, they ran out of stock. I didn''t want to wait for a whole week for the other bikes to arrive because that wouldn''t even be possible-we''d already be back in New York. Besides, it''s just a colour... it''s not a big deal, right? Think of it as a good memory here in Das with me," She grabs onto my hand with a pleading look on her face,her blue eyes piercing into mine as she tries her best to make me


    smile.


    "The colour is not even a big issue. You got me here just because you want to teach me how to ride a bicycle is kind of a big issue, Kenna." I breathe out.


    I take a few steps away from her;


    not really wanting to be mad for something like this but knowing that not being able to ride a bicycle ever since I was little because I was never given the chance to learn... it saddens me. I feel embarrassed by the sight of other people riding bicycles around the city while I''m left without knowing how-I appreciate how she tries her best on wanting to teach me but for some reason, I feel left out.


    in was given everything. I was given something; I missed out a lot when ites to my childhood and truth be told, I regret not having a father who would spend his time with me instead of being in the office.


    At the same time, I feel discouraged. Why did in got the chance to learn how to ride a bicycle or y catch with father when he was a kid? Why wasn''t I given that exact chance? Was I different? Those questions would always rey in my mind when I think of how much I deserve more.

 Chapter 56

    Kenna sighs, "Aidan... I''m sorry that this might be a sensitive issue for you but I''m just trying to help. You don''t have to be embarrassed when you''re with me. You don''t even have to look at other people and feel like you''re left out when they get to do things that you can''t, "She grabs onto my hand.


    I look at her, seeing her sincerity.


    "I''m not mad at you, Kenna." I mutter under my breath but loud enough for her to hear, "I''m just you''re right, I''ve been embarrassed because of this. I feel like knowing how to ride a bike is literally ''LifeHacks 101''but at the same time, I just don''t think I can." I reply.


    "Hey, it''s either we take this bike to the park and you''re going to have a lot of fun learning how to ride it or we can just give it to someone who has always wanted a bike. How does that sound?" She ces her hand at the side of my cheek, her lips curving up into a smile; while my eyes bury deep into hers, watching and feeling the way her skin meets mine.


    "Taking this bike to the park and having a lot of fun learning how to ride its ounds good," I mutter, smiling.


    "That''s the spirit. That''s my Aidan, "Sheughs before pulling onto my hand, making me walk towards the bike with her as we both walk side by side, heading towards the nearest park-excited to begin.


    "First things first... get on the bike," Kenna points onto the bike as I furrow my brows; eyes wandering around the park to see if people are looking at our direction and luckily, people don''t really seem bothered.


    "Just get on the bike?" I raise an eyebrow, holding onto the bicycle.


    "Just get on the bike. That''s all you have to do," She replies as I slowly get on the bicycle, both of my feet on the ground-making sure to bnce my body.


    "Wow... congrattions, I''m seventy-years-old." She adds, sarcastically before rolling her eyes while Iugh; not expecting her to be reacting that way.


    "Okay, I''m on. Now what?" I turn to look at her as she takes a few steps closer towards me, "I don''t know what you have in mind but if I fall and any parts of my body getting miserably in pain, I won''t talk to you for days." I add.


    "Did you know that I fell at least ten times? I still have the scar on my elbow," She replies before lifting up her right arm, showing a small scar from her past ''ident''. "I''m not sure if you''re going to learn without falling,"


    "I''m starting to change my mind," I groan.


    Sheughs, "Don''t be silly. Come on, stop wasting time." Just like that, she starts to hold onto the bicycle. "Trust me and lift your feet up, both of them and ce them on the pedal." I look down at my feet before lifting them up-feeling the bicycle losing bnce if she would ever let go.


    "Now... trust me more and start pedalling," She adds and I do as told, slowly pedalling the bicycle as it starts to move with Kenna''s support to hold it without letting go.


    "Don''t you dare let go." I say, sternly as she nods; chuckling while I try my best to bnce my body-knowing that if anyone else can do it then so can I. It might take me a few hours to get a hang of it butl''ll manage.


    A few minutes have passed as Kenna keeps on holding onto the bicycle without showing any intentions of letting go. I, on the other hand, continues to look back at her; wanting to make sure that her hands are right where they need to be.


    "You''re doing great," She says from behind.


    "I still think I''m going to fall," I reply.


    Some people would nce at our direction for a few times when they pass but the longer I''m here and the more effort I put in wanting to make sure that I''ll learn this today... I start to not care about what they think.


    They might know who I am and they might start talking about it but I don''t mind. They can even take pictures, all they want but I''m determined to finish what I started; Kenna was right, all long, there''s no such thing as impossible as long as we have the will and the strength to achieve what we want.


    "Do you like your job?" I ask, wanting to start a conversation instead of staying silent.


    "Why are you asking me that all of a sudden?" She asks me back, peeking as she wants to look at my face while I smile to myself. "Like... do you like your job?"N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    "I know it was a random question


    but I just want to start a


    conversation Maybe, there''s a few things that don''t know about you and I want to change that. You told me before you went to MedSchool that you have always wanted to be a neurologist but maybe... just maybe, that you''ve changed your mind." I shrug, slowly pedalling as she looks up at the sky,ughing at me which causes me to frown.


    "So, you think that I might''ve hated my job, already?"


    "That''s a possibility, right? Things like that can happen," I reply, turning to look at her.


    She looks down at the ground for a few seconds as I stop cycling and she starts to stop walking, "There are times when I feel like I should quit-like this is a big mistake and should''ve just took over my family''spany instead but I have wasted years of my life in school and here I am, a neurologist. Not everyone can achieve whatl''ve achieved, especially at my age." She starts to speak while I listen.


    "So... yes, Aidan. I do like my job," Her eyes meet mine. "It may not be as fancy as yours but I like helping people. Not just becausel love my job but because I want other people to feel like they have hope in this corrupted world," She adds. "Hope, huh?" I breathe.


    "Yeah. I''ve seen people dying and


    hurting and I hate it when I see


    people losing their families or friends just because their body has stopped fighting. I could''ve be an oncologist but I don''t to see


    their faces when I tell them that they


    have cancer," She looks away, the wind blowing onto our faces as we just stand in the middle of the


    pavement.


    I keep on looking at her and all I can see is a passionate and hard-working doctor who would do anything in the world to make sure that the people she treats would always have a second chance in the world. She''s determined to make people see that even if it''s the end of their lives... it''s not the end of everything.


    "Well, this conversation got personal and it sucks." She says and we bothugh, "What about you, though? Do you like being a CEO? You know,living the high-life." She continues to walk down the pavement while I cycle.


    I clear my throat, "I didn''t have a choice, did I? My parents wanted me to take over thepany and I couldn''t say no to something like that. Anyone would die to be in my shoes but for some reason... sometimes, I''m just not grateful."


    "What do you mean?" She asks, raising an eyebrow.


    "You got to choose your path, Kenna and I didn''t get that chance. My parents forced me into majoring in business when they knew that I had no interest, whatsoever but as soon as I graduated and got thepany, I started to see a brand new life. You can say that I got carried away," I reply.


    "You really did get carried away... but you''re still the same Aidan whom I met twenty-years ago. No worries," She smiles up at me as I look up at the afternoon sky, liking how the wind continues to calm me down.


    "If I didn''t major in business, I wouldn''t have met Dimitri. That would be a shame and it''d just be me and you," I continue to speak but as soon as I hear no responding from her, I start to turn and look behind.


    My eyes widen at the sight of Kenna, who is currently standing at the same spot I was which means that I''m currently cycling on my own without anyone to hold onto the bicycle; leaving me panicking of how I''m going to bnce myself instead of falling. "You got it! Aidan, you got it!" She shouts from afar.


    I look down at my legs as they shake and my hands begin to sweat, not knowing how to remain calm. "Kenna, this is a big mistake!" I shout back, continuing to look down at my hands.


    "Aidan, watch out!" I hear her voice from behind as I look up, to see a pregnant woman standing in the middle of the road who has turned to look at me. Our eyes widen at the same time, instantly making me turn the bike left-heading towards the bushes. Everything happened so fast.


    I blink a few times as I try to control my breaths, a sudden pain increases as I move; making me groan, clenching my jaw in order to calm myself down.


    As I try to move my left arm, I can''t feel anything but pain which causes me to groan even louder as I see Kenna running towards me with a worried expression stered on her face. She examines my face and down to my body beforending on my arm, "Can you move? Are you okay?" She asks, panically.


    "Kenna... I can''t move my arm," I exhale as I stay focused onto her face, scared to even look down.

 Chapter 57

    Aidan


    "Ow! Ow!" I close my eyes before holding back the pain, not liking how much pressure she''s currently putting on my scrapes-then again, she doesn''t bother to care about my pain or myints. "Have you ever tried this ''thing'' called slow dabbing?" I ask. To my surprise, she ends up dabbing onto my wounds, a little bit too hard; probably on purpose which causes me to clench my jaw. "God... are you trying to kill me?" I groan.


    Her blue eyes look up into mine before her lips curve up into a cheeky smile, "I''m sorry. I didn''t know that you have a bad tolerance towards pain." She replies, throwing away the dirty cotton bud before slowly cing a clean bandage onto the wound. "Maybe, you''re just a crybaby," She adds.


    "Excuse me?" My eyes widen, "Me? A crybaby? Sweetheart, look at me I''m anything but a crybaby. You were just being too rough on me," I smile without looking away from her face, seeing that she''s currently enjoying my disagreement as she stands up, writing something on the papers in her hand.


    "So...


    . I can''t write?" I ask, ncing down at my left arm.


    "No, unfortunately. Not until you''ve fully healed which would take up to eight weeks, ording to your age-people of younger age tend to heal faster." She answers as she nces towards my direction for a couple of seconds before looking back at the papers. "Do you know that there''s actually an international left-handers day? I mean, I assume that you would know because it''s general knowledge and all but I may have assumed too high." I continue to speak as she chuckles, finding it as a simple joke; probably slightly offended but I''m just trying to lighten up the situation.


    "On August thirteen," She turns towards me.


    "How would you know that? Was it a wild guess?" I raise an eyebrow.


    "Isn''t it obvious? I''m left-handed," She points down at her hand, seeing that she has been writing with her left hand... all along while I fooled myself. It doesn''t take me long to immediately burst intoughters, covering my embarrassment.


    Within seconds, the door is being pushed slowly, revealing a familiar pair of brown eyes; looking directly at me as we both stare at one another before realising that my lips are slowly curving into a smile, "Look at that... if it isn''t the woman who broke my arm," I say. Kenna steps inside, ncing at the doctor who has turned to look at her.


    "Mrs. Ashton," The doctor greets her with a smile, stered on her face.


    "Kenna''s fine. How is he?" She asks, pointing towards me while I stay focus onto my best friend who seems to be a little bit worried about me ever since the ident. It cheers me up to see the look on her face when she found out about my arm-she was panicking, confused and even more... she cared.


    "Right... Kenna. So, your husband has a broken forearm. Nothing too serious but it''ll take awhile to properly heal-it shouldn''t be a problem if he''s well taken care of." Nora-the doctor, points down at my casted forearm. "This orthopedic cast will stabilise and the anatomical structures in ce until healing is confirmed which would take at least eight weeks or more, depending on how fast he heals." She adds, slowly.


    "So, both of his bones are broken? The radius and the ulna?" Kenna asks while I stare at her intently, liking how she has both of her arms crossed-seeing how focused she is, showing how she knows almost everything about the basics which makes me chuckle lightly. Nora seems a little bit surprised before nodding, "Yes. It is verymon when the arm receives a certain amount of pressure from harsh impacts. Luckily, it''s not severe and only a moderate fractured bone... you or your husband shouldn''t worry. It''s all taken care of," She smiles, assuring Kenna and I.


    My wife nods, "What about his bruises and the swelling?"


    "All will heal in time. If you don''t mind, you can simply follow me to my office and I will show you his X-ray results to reassure you that everything is under control." Nora replies, pointing towards the door, waiting for her respond.


    "I''d like a moment with my husband for awhile," She says and Nora nods before leaving the room-leaving Kenna and I, to ourselves.


    My eyes wander up to Kenna, seeing that she''s currently eyeing my broken forearm before looking into my eyes as she takes a seat beside me. "I''m sorry, Aidan... I can''t help but think that this wouldn''t have happened if it weren''t for me." She breathes out, sincerely apologising.


    I chuckle, "You''re feeling bad just because I broke my arm? You worry too much, Kenna Anne-it''s nothing bad... besides, it''s making me look a little bit bad ass, don''t you think?" I raise an eyebrow which causes both of us to lightly chuckle, enjoying how a situation like this can easily be a happy one if we just simply, let it be one.


    "I can''t really deny that," She replies.


    As I clear my throat, I slowly ceContent is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    my right hand onto hers; causing her to look up into my eyes, slightly surprised. "I know that you didn''t expect this to happen and I didn''t either should probably me myself for losing my bnce but there''s not much that can change from that... not even by ming you for wanting to teach me how to ride a bicycle. Something that my own father can''t even do,"


    I stop for awhile, "I missed out on a lot of things as a child, Kenna. I want to thank you,"


    Both of us are looking deeply into each other''s eyes as our lips curve up into a smile, "I couldn''t think of a better way to make sure that you don''t miss out. So, you''re wee." She squeezes onto my hand, entwining our fingers together before smiling wider. "Good... so when can I discharge?" I ask.


    "You were supposed to be


    discharged tomorrow morning but I


    told him that was not possible. I asked for an early discharge today and you''re going to be discharged in a couple of hours, they just need to make sure that you''re okay. Your treatments are being transferred back to my hospital in New York-I''ll make sure that you get the best


    doctor there to make sure you''ll get


    a speedy recovery," She replies.


    "Sounds like you got it all mapped out," I chuckle, leaning my head back.


    "Just the best for you," She mutters, causing my heart to beat at an unstable pace; not expecting her answer to be so blunt or somehow, direct. Yet, she meant otherwise.


    "I called Diana and Marc, they were


    worried sick. They asked what happened and I told them; at first they didn''t really believe it... they started tough a little, they


    expected a bit more of a


    case than falling from a bike She continues to speak while Listen, looking at nowhere but her light blue eyes, "They''re waiting for you at home," She adds.


    "in is probably going to tease me until I die," I reply.


    "I can''t doubt that," She grins.


    Once Kenna and I have made it home after a long trip from the hospital, I finally let out a sigh of relief-she was driving insanely slow because she didn''t want me to be in any sort of pain from the bumps and all. I appreciate the effort but she was slowly making me go crazy, I wanted to rip my hair out just because she was being extremely slow.


    "We''re home," I say as Kenna pushes the door open for me, surprised to be greeted by all of my family members-all of their faces staring back at me in surprise except for in, a sly smirk is currently stered onto his face.


    "I was very worried!" Mother exims before making her way towards me, cupping onto my face to make sure that everything else is fine which causes me to furrow my brows; not liking the fact that I probably look like a fish, "You simply fell of a bike?" She raises an eyebrow. "Unfortunately. I don''t have a better story to tell," I answer as Kenna chuckles beside me, making me nce at her with a smile on my face. "You''re not mad at your daughter-inw?"


    "Why would I be? It''s about time you learn how to ride a bicycle." She responds as Harleyughs, not expecting such an answering from mother but I''ve known her long enough to be expecting those kind of answers. "I''m going to cancel the party tonight," She adds. "Huh? Why would you cancel the party? It''s your anniversary celebration," I frown.


    She turns towards me, "How can I celebrate when my son just came back from the hospital with a broken arm? You need to be resting and having the party tonight will only disturb that," She answers before picking up her phone; wanting to text the other guests but I immediately grab it using my other hand, not wanting her to simply cancel it because of me.


    "You''re not cancelling it, mother." I firmly, say. "For god''s sake, it''s your anniversary tomorrow and you''re celebrating it tonight-you don''t get to do that everyday. Every year is different and every time you celebrate it... it''s a new memory. You can''t cancel it because I''m not letting you. We''re all having the celebration and that''s final," I add.


    in stands with his arms crossed while mother turns to look at me in surprise. As for father and Harley, they''re both just staring at me.


    "If that''s all... I''ll see you tonight," I mutter before walking up the stairs, leaving everyone speechless at my sudden ''order'' as it felt a little bit more at work than at home. It doesn''t only surprise my family members but it shocks me even more to find out that I was firmly giving a strict order-I was bothered by it.


    I push my bedroom door open before slowly sitting at the edge of the bed, looking up to find Kenna closing the door behind her; not moving my gaze away.

 Chapter 58

    "You look tired," She says as she stands at the exact spot. "Not really," I reply.


    Kenna''s eyes are staring directly at me and it bothers me that I can''t read what''s on her mind because sometimes, I wonder what she''s currently thinking about. Is it about life or is it about me? Has it ever been about me?


    There are times when I can''t help but only think about her... it worries me, not knowing what exactly is that I feel when I''m with her or without her. It confuses me even more when she appears on my mind almost every single day-spontaneously just trying to interrupt my daily activities by the thoughts of her.


    I''ve never exactly been in love. I wouldn''t really say that I don''t want to fall in love because I do want to fall in love but with someone that matters most to me, someone that would make me happy, someone that would make me feel as if there''s nothing else more important than being close to her and someone that I can love for the rest of my life.


    Maybe, just maybe, I''m asking for a bit too much.


    Worse... my expectations are maybe too high. It''s hard for me to fall in love and maybe it''s even harder for me to fall out of love-that''s why I expect more from other people. I expect them to return back and even more, by far... it hasn''t been working out the way I want. I''ve always looked at the things around me, trying to see them in a different perspective but I''m left more and more confused.


    There, the woman standing in front of me, has been the only one who cared about me. More than my money or my title... more than how I care about myself. She was there through thick and thin, she was everything anyone could ever ask for and more importantly, she was the one who made meugh, who made me cry and who made me scream in anger.


    She was entirely someone I had hoped to appear in my life.


    "It bothers me," I mutter under my breath but loud enough for her to hear which causes her to take a few steps closer towards me before frowning.


    "What does?" She asks, eyes focusing into mine.


    "Certain things... there are certain things that bothers me. I don''t exactly know what but it''s bothering me," My voice low and almost inaudible as she frowns, notpletely understanding the whole thing but she ces her hand on mine, entwining our fingers together before giving me a squeeze of hope.


    "You''re just tired. You''re also a little bit high from the painkillers," She says which causes both of us to chuckle. "I don''t understand what you''re talking about but that''s okay. You just need to rest for a little while. Would you do that?"


    "Yeah... I''m starting to feel a little bit dizzy. The painkiller is also starting to wear off," I reply before wincing at the pain on my left arm beforeying on the bed-slowly, not wanting to hurt my already broken arm.


    I blink a few times before falling into a deep sleep, not realising how fast it was to immediately let my surroundings shut away while I rest.


    For what it seems to be hours, I start to open my eyes after hearing noisesing from downstairs before looking around, seeing Kenna standing near the closet in her bra and panties on without anything other than that which causes me to frown; making sure that I''m not having a dream about her.


    I end up pinching myself, in order to make sure that this is real. In fact, this is as real as it can get as she tries to look for a suitable dress for tonight, not realising that I have woke up from my nap.


    My eyes remained focus onto her back and down her legs, seeing how I''ve never seen or looked at her this way before. Yes, I''ve seen her in bikinis before but no, I haven''t seen her in her undergarments. The way she stands stall, defining her posture and by the way her hair falls down to her mid-waist... it amazes me.


    Just as she puts on her long summer dress, she identally bumps onto the dresser which causes her phone to fall onto the ground; making me close my eyes, immediately-not wanting to get caught for staring. "Shit," She mutters under her breath.


    I open my eyes to find her looking down at her phone before cing it on the bed, looking at me to find that I''m currently awake which causes her to smile. "You''re up? Feeling any better?" She asks, sitting beside me.


    Her dark brown hair falls in loose waves behind her while I try to erase the images of seeing her standing there, sexily; almost making me lose my grip of reality.


    "Yeah... what time is it?" I ask, frowning as I pretend to be exhausted.


    "Seven. The guests have arrived half


    I


    an hour ago but I decided to stay until you wake up. Now, that you''re already awake... it''s time for you to change, She says before heading back towards the closet, looking for a proper shirt for me to wear before bringing myself downstairs and


    meet the people who I''vee to


    forget.


    I stand up, making my way towards her as she turns towards me. "How about this? Just a simple shirt with a colour that matches my dress," She points at it and I nod, smiling.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Within seconds, she is already starting to walk away towards the bathroom but then I realise that I can''t simply do this on my own. "Kenna... I think I need a little help with this." My eyebrows frowning before looking down at my casted forearm, "Can''t really take it off myself,"


    She walks back towards me.


    Both of her eyes are looking up into


    §Ö


    mine before slowly cing her hands near my waist, lifting up the shirt to reveal my abdomen area. As her eyes remain focused onto my upper body, I look away from her not wanting to make the situation more awkward than now. Just as she lifts up the shirt, taking it off my right hand first before slowly moving to my left hand, I can feel her small fingers tracing onto my skin, identally.


    Once she has sessfully taken the shirt off, I am left shirtless in front of her which causes me to stare down at her; seeing that she''s trying her best to avoid any further eye contacts but I can''t help myself, I can''t help it when I want to look at her more than once. To my surprise, our eyes meet as she tries to pick up the shirt from the ground, which had fallen when she was clumsily trying to hide her blushed cheeks.


    She slowly starts to stand up, our bodies inches away from one another as we continue to stare without uttering a single word or make a single movement. "I... I think this is a bad idea," She breathes out as I lean in, slowly and slowly brushing my nose against hers. "What is?" I ask, clenching my jaw.


    I stay still without making any further movements, not wanting to make it seem like I''m forcing her into something that she doesn''t want but by the way she nces down at my lips and lean her body forward towards mine-I can tell that this is not a one-sided thing. "This... you and me," She bites her lower lip. "Being this close or even doing what we''re thinking of doing,"


    "What exactly are we thinking of doing?" I raise an eyebrow as I smirk, wanting to tease her as I brush my nose against her cheek, making her close her eyes at the contact.


    My head leaning deeper and deeper before slowly going down to her jawline, nting kisses down her neck; making her run her hand down my arm before stopping at my elbow. Both of her eyes are closed from the sparks overflowing our bodies as I kiss onto her neck, one more time... this time longer than before.


    "Mmm, I don''t know." She finally answers.


    My body eases at the smell of her fragrance, the same exact perfume that she have been using for years now; Bombshell by Victoria''s Secret and I can''t help but say it has been my favourite when she wears it-not because it has a certain seductive smell but because it mixes well with her own scent.


    I lift my head up, looking into her eyes as we are only inches apart before seeing them open again, looking into mine with slight hesitation in them but I know that deep down, we''re both slightly needing and mostly confused.


    Within seconds, I manage to find the


    softness of her lips with mine. The way her full and luscious lips move against mine in a passionate yet slow kiss, it starts to make me


    realise how much I miss the


    I taste of


    it-more likely, make me realise how I never had the chance to really experience it fully, more busy trying to impress the people around me.


    Just as it starts to make my heart flutter, I immediately break the kiss to stare back at her, seeing her lips bing pinker and her cheeks have warmed up from the short kiss.


    She breathes out as I clench my jaw, "Can we just do it onest time and forget this thing ever happened? Can we not mention it as soon as we walk out of this room?" She asks, looking into my eyes with a pleading look; somehow not wanting the moment to end. "Deal?" I look down in between to find her raising her little finger, waiting for me toplete the ''pinky promise'' which causes me to smile, entwining her little finger with mine.


    "Deal," I reply before kissing her lips, her hands cupping onto my face as I ce my right arm around her waist-making sure that this momentsts as long as it can before we step out of this room, pretending to forget it ever happened.

 Chapter 59

    Kenna


    His lips begin to travel down to my neck, slowly leaving burning kisses onto my skin as I try my best to control my breaths rather than falling head over heels. Both of my hands are wrapped around his neck-lifting his face up to meet mine, causing him to lean his forehead against mine as he clenches his jaw.


    "Aidan," I breathe out.


    "Mmm?" He responds as he open his eyes to look directly into mine.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    "One more. Just one more," I lean closer towards his ear before whispering the words; leaving him to grip onto my waist, teasing me by leaving kisses down my jawline-making me run my fingers through his dark brown hair.


    Just as I''m about to say something, he has already kissed me on the lips. The movement of his lips on mine appears to be cautiously slow but filled with desire and somewhat... lust as he cups onto my face with his right hand, letting me drop my hands down to his waist; trying to find something to grip in order to make sure that this is real.


    He bites onto my lower lip, earning ess from me as he tilts his head to the side; slightly causing me to groan at the little pleasures from his kisses.


    As we''re both running out of breath, he starts to lean back to break the kiss. Then, I find him gazing down onto my face; continuing to nce down at my lips before meeting my eyes, feeling myself being drowned in the dark orbs-leaving me breathless and speechless at the same time.


    Deep, deep, down... we both know that we''ll have to pretend. As soon as we walk out of this room, this will be left behind. There''s no such thing as forgetting it ever happened but by pretending to forget, never mentioning it or never trying to ever make it happen again. It confuses me at the thought of not wanting him to stop, just wanting him to make me want more.


    Aidan leans back, clenching his jaw as he continues to gaze down onto my face before picking up his shirt that has fallen onto the ground when we were busy living in the moment.


    Both of his brown eyes never seem to look away from mine as I start to feel my cheeks heating up from the previous kisses, letting me tuck a strand of hair behind my ear before trying to make them stay back in ce-knowing how they must''ve been in a mess when he was cupping onto my face, making me lean back onto the closet and passionately making me feel wanted, craved and needed.


    To my surprise, he is already wiping the smudge on my upper lip. "Just so you know, I can walk out of this room and pretend that this thing ever happened but that''s it... I can only pretend. I can''t promise you that I would never think about it," He says as he fixes my hair before leaning back, dropping his hand to the side.


    "That''s all I need," I breathe.


    "Tell me one thing, Kenna and I want you to be honest with me. There''s something here, right? There''s something between us and we''re just trying to simply push it aside. Do you think that''s true?" He asks, his eyes piercing deeply into mine which causes me to lean deeper into the closet, not knowing whether it''s what I want to say.


    I look away, trying to find the urate words.


    "Actions speak louder than words," He clears his throat before running his fingers through his hair as he nces at the mirror, wanting to make sure that he looks more like himself than a mess. "Just remember that," He adds, leaving me at the exact spot.


    We both walk towards the door, hesitating on whether we should just step out and forget about all of this-never speak or mention of it again or spend a couple more minutes to just talk about it more deeply than we did before. The look on his face shows just how much it confuses him, too; not just me.


    I watch as he steps out of the room, turning to look at me with an immediate smile stered onto his face. "Youing? I''m not getting younger," He grins.


    Slowly, yet surely, I manage to step out of the room before standing a few inches apart from him; realising that we have passed that stage the stage to reminisce. "Right back at you," I mutter under my breath as he leans back, grabbing to hold onto my hand before we walk down the stairs, after earning another nce from him.


    Guests and friends of the family are all chattering,ughing and even taking pictures as they enjoy themselves with drinks in their hands as Aidan and I walk down the stairs, slowlying into view-causing them to look up, surprised at his casted forearm. From afar, I can see May Atwell''s eyes widen at the sight as she tries to get a better view but I just remain close to Aidan, liking how he continues to grip onto my hand; letting me lean closer than pushing me away.


    "Oh my lord, what happened to you?" One of them asks, "What happened, Aidan? Did you fell off a tree? Were you running off with the cows?" She continues to ask while the others chuckle before whispering in concern-causing me to just stand still, waiting for him to answer the questions.


    He clears his throat, "Life happens."


    Theyugh at his answer as he smiles, "Please, I''m not the highlight of the party. My parents are," He continues to speak before pulling me aside after ncing down at me; letting us walk past the guests to the kitchen-where less people are gathered before he starts to take a seat near the kitchen counter.


    To my surprise, May Atwell appears. "Aidan... we just met yesterday and you were perfectly fine! What happened? You clearly didn''t have a broken arm before," She nces at my direction before looking back at Aidan who has a sly smile stered onto his face. There''s just something about that smile, making me wonder how badly he would want to tell everyone about what happened than just covering it up. It might embarrass himself but I just want to know how they would react-pretty sure they might justugh and doubt whether he''d be lying or not.


    "Shit happens. You and I both know that," He replies.


    "Of course... just a little bit surprised to see you like this. Get well soon, Aidan." She says before smiling at me, walking out of the kitchen-leaving Aidan and I, on our own.


    I turn to look at him, seeing him currently looking back at me which causes me to clear my throat, a smile slowly creeping up my face. "What are you looking at?" I ask, slowly before taking a seat, in the opposite direction from him-letting him face me, clearly. "You," He answers with a smile.


    My heart starts to beat faster than usual as we both stare deeply into each other''s eyes but before I can utter a single word, he has already broke out into a chuckle; surprising me slightly. "You dumbass, I was clearly looking at you... where else would I be looking at?" He raises an eyebrow, smirking.


    I roll my eyes, quickly looking away to see Marc and Diana smiling to one another as theyugh, enjoying the moment and enjoying another year of being together while I stay still at my spot, ncing at Aidan who is currently scrolling down his phone with his uninjured


    arm.


    --


    "Happy anniversary, mother." Aidan leans in towards his mother before pecking onto her cheek, earning a smile from her. "Hopefully every year is a better one," He adds.


    Diana pulls him in for a hug, "Thank you, Aidan. Hopefully you''ll get better in no time so you can start doing the things you love, again." She replies as she turns towards me, pulling me in for @hug-letting me return it, knowing that we''re leaving in a few more minutes back to New York, then everything else will be the same as it was before.


    "Like what? Working?" He chuckles.


    "Well... you''re good at that. Just don''t forget to spend some time together," She gestures at the both of us. "You two are still young and


    there''s a lot of things that you


    can experience together rather than staring at theputer screen for too long, Aidan. Remember that," She pats onto his right arm, letting him roll his eyes before smiling.


    "See you back in New York," He says, earning a wave from her.


    "Have a safe flight," She smiles as Aidan and I walk side by side, towards our gate-not wanting to miss our flight.


    My eyes wander to Aidan to find him holding onto his backpack in his right hand which causes me to furrow my brows, "Let me help you with that." I gesture towards the bag but he pulls his hand away, just in time for me to grab it. "Just let me help you with that, Aidan. Why are you being so stubborn?"


    "I can handle it. Don''t worry," He says.


    The flight back home appears to be slightly quiet as Aidan continues to stay asleep, not even bothered to nce at my direction or pay attention to any of the noises I make in order to wake him up. Truthfully, I just need a friend to talk to right now and being alone in a ne with no one else to talk to, annoys me.


    "Can I get you anything, miss?" The stewardess asks with a smile stered on her face before ncing at Aidan, who seems to be in a deep sleep.


    "No, I''m good. Thank you," I reply and she nods, walking away.


    Just as I keep on staring at my best friend, I can''t help but realise that his lips are slightly apart but not wide enough to cause a distraction as he breathes, slowly. The way his hair is messily neat at the same time, making him look much more casual and rxed than when he goes to work, it''s something fresh to look at.


    Even though the whole time we were in Das was him wearing jeans or sweatpants and rocking his own messy hair, I can''t help but feel mesmerised by how he can wear or put on anything and still look very attractive.


    It must''ve been the pills, the


    painkillers, causing him to be a little bit drowsy and I don''t really me him because he needs all the rest he can get knowing that he''s also a very busy man as soon as wend back in New York, he will start answering and making calls to arrange a few things, especially to make sure that his work ends up


    perfect.


    As for me, I''ll be heading straight to the hospital tomorrow, wanting to check on Albert and my other patients-making sure that they''re fine when I was gone.


    I turn to look at Aidan, seeing him leaning his head back to the seat before slowly falling onto my shoulder which causes me to freeze. My eyes widen at the exact moment, somehow confused-not exactly knowing what to do.


    The way his eyes are closed and how calm he is currently breathing, I can''t help but notice how it''s actually a shame to wake him up just to make sure that he won''t be sleeping on my shoulder when there''s a lot of more space by his side; due to us being in a business ss flight than a normal, economic one.

 Chapter 60

    I press my index finger onto his temple before slowly pushing his head away which causes him to groan, leaning his head away from me as he slowly open his eyes, meeting mine. "Good morning. Rise and shine!" I say, jokingly.


    "Mmm, my head''s hurting. What time is it?" He asks, leaning his head on the seat as he tries to reach out for his phone-squinting his eyes to take a better look at the lock screen.


    "We''re arriving soon," I mutter as I press onto the ''home button'' on my phone, cing it down on myp. "You''ve been asleep for quite awhile ever since we departed," I add to find him running his fingers through his hair, trying to make them appear less messy. He clears his throat, "You weren''t sleeping?"


    "No... no, I can''t seem to find any peace sleeping while you were snoring," I grin widely before tucking a few strands of hair behind my ear as he rolls his eyes at me.


    That was clearly a lie he doesn''t snore! I''ve never heard him snore before except for once but I could''ve just highly mistaken it with a snore when he was only breathing roughly, that was it. He has a great respiratory system and I can''t really tell him otherwise... he knows better about himself.


    --


    "Home sweet home," Aidan says as he lets out a breath of relief as soon as he enters the apartment, cing the keys in a small bowl-where he would usually ce his eyes.


    I close the door behind me after pulling in my suitcase, slowly moving to the side as he stands in the middle of the entrance; causing me to run towards the couch, missing the softness of it as soon as Ind, "Oh my god... this feels so good!" I exim.


    Just as I''m about to say something else, I hear a growling sound which causes me to lift my head and turn to look at him, immediately. His cheeks have redden from the sounding from his stomach, "Probably just gas... mind your own business, Kenna." He walks away as he pulls onto his suitcase, picking it up as walks into his bedroom.


    "Mind your own business, Kenna." I mimic as I roll my eyes.


    I immediately make my way towards the kitchen, opening the cab to find myself staring at a packet of spaghetti-making me smile, thinking of making a bolognese for dinner. "A little something to eat and head straight to bed, sounds like a perfect n for tonight." I mutter under my breath, only loud enough to myself.


    As I take off my jeans'' jacket and ce it on the kitchen stool, I walk around the house in my white shirt and dark leggings to find my phone before heading towards the kitchen again, wanting to prepare the necessary ingredients to make a proper spaghetti. I bend over the kitchen counter as I scroll down on my phone, nodding my head at the recipe; finding it simple.


    My eyes wander towards the ss window to find that it''s currently raining heavily outside as I start to tie my hair up into a bun, letting all of the strands away from my face.


    When ites to cooking, I''m not exactly a great cook; can''t reallypare myself to Aidan, he''s a chef in the kitchen-one of the little things that women find attractive and he''s sort of proud of himself just because he knows how to cook and what to cook. It''s true because whenever he cooks, I can''t help but feel excited and hoping for a special surprise on my tastebuds.


    "A little bit of that and this," I mutter.


    As my phone gives a notification as the battery is already ten percent, I start to groan before plugging in my charger into the nearest unused plug. Then, I plug it into my phone, slowly as I turn the switch on-immediately making a sound which causes the lights in the house to flicker off.


    The sound of lightning shocks me as I freeze, waiting for it to pass.


    "What the hell? Kenna, what the fuck?!" I hear Aidan shouting from his room as he walks down the stairs, "Kenna... what happened to the lights?" He asks, slightly trembling as I furrow my brows, not expecting him to overreact just because there''s an electricity shot and my phone seemed to be dead, forever.


    "My phone''s burning. Fuck!" I groan, frustratingly.


    "Kenna... where are you? I can''t see you," He breathes out, his voice further away from me as I try to find a shlight but I can''t seem to find it anywhere.


    "I''m in the kitchen!" I answer as I notice everything else has gone silent, just the sound of his footsteps and our voices in the apartment. Other than that, the sound of the rain apanying us in the night when the sun has set a couple of hours ago. "Kenna?" I hear his voice closer which causes me to turn around, focusing onto a dark figure near the wall as I make my way towards him, reaching out for his hand that has gone cold, confusing me. "That''s you, right?" He asks, again. I wrap both of my hands around his as I remain frowning.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Why are you trembling? Why are you freezing?" I ask, confused and slightly worried. Then, I start to realise that he''s currently sweating from the sudden ckout-causing me to push his hair away from his face as he tries to control his breathings. He breathes out, "I ... I don''t do well with storms. Actually, I can''t deal with rains and lightnings at the same time." He replies, almost hesitating.


    "Howe I never know about this? You not knowing how to ride a bike and now you having fear of lightnings? You never told me before," I say as he grips onto my hand, tighter than before as we both stay still-me pulling him towards the living room, both sitting onto the couch as we wait for the lightnings and rain to stop.


    "I thought it wasn''t necessary," He mutters.


    "Which exins a lot why you don''t go out in the rain or why you always put your headphones on when there''s lightnings during the heavy raining," I furrow my brows, feeling him still trembling beside me both of his eyes are closed as he tries to focus onto something else than the rain or the lightnings.


    "I feel like a bad friend... "I mutter under my breath, causing him to clench his jaw.


    "Why is that?" He asks.


    "I never knew about your fears or your weaknesses," I continue to speak; remembering back about the night in Das at the funfair when we were having a conversation and he told me about not knowing how to ride a bike.


    He chuckles lightly, "Weakness."


    Iugh, "Oh,e on! You probably have more than one and you''re just trying to hide them all away because you''re already embarrassed about me finding out about it... slowly and little by little. It all started off with the bike thingy," I say. Just as another lightning came to strike, I immediately ce both of my hands on his ears as he closes his eyes, again-this time, he starts to lean closer towards me, possible enough for me to smell his cologne as I try to find a way to soothe him.


    "It''s okay... it''s okay. You don''t have to be afraid, alright? I''m here with you and I''m going to stay here with you until the rain stops and the storm passes," I whisper in his ear as I cup onto his face, seeing him looking directly into my eyes before nodding a few times; assuring me that he needs me here in order to calm down.


    We both lock ourselves in his room as he sits in the corner, further away from the windows with the music sting loudly from his phone wanting to make sure that he hears something else than the lightnings outside.


    "How do you deal with it when you''re alone?" I ask, looking at him.


    He turns towards me, "I start off by listening to music because that usually helps the most. I can''t help it, Kenna-when the rain starts pouring, I don''t start panicking but as soon as the lightnings strike... I''d feel as if I''m shaking and terrified," He breathes.


    "You want to tell me why? You don''t have to but I want to know." I smile, leaning closer towards him as we both listen to the sound in the background; It''s Gotta Be You by Isaiah, one of our favourite songs when it first came out.


    "I don''t know. There''s not a story


    behind it because I just hate the sound of it. The rain eases me but the storm.I''d panic right away." He looks at me, "You''re not a bad friend, Kenna. It doesn''t mean that when you don''t know certain things about me, you''re alreadybelled as a bad friend because I wanted to hide those things from you. I wanted to appear as someone who can protect you and not the other way around," He continues.


    "So... when you get scared or when you are sad, you''d always have me to turn to than finding someone else with no fears or weaknesses-I want you to find me and pour it all out. Unfortunately, I''m weaker than I look and my fears are pathetic." He frowns.


    I immediately grab onto his hand as


    we start to entwine our fingers, "Your fears are not pathetic, Aidan. They make you who you are and you should know that I wouldn''t look for anyone else to pour my problems because it has always been you... sometimes Dimitri but always you. You were always there for me and I can''t appreciate you more," I reply.


    Aidan continues to look at me before slowly curving his lips up into a smile, in which I return without hesitation.


    Just as we continue to look at one another, the lights start to flicker back on as the rain is slowly stopping-no more storm outside in the sky. I turn to look at him, seeing that he has managed to breathe properly again, calmer than when the lightnings were loud and clear. "See? We got through just fine," I reassure him with a chuckle.


    I make my way towards the kitchen to look at my phone, seeing that it has broken. The battery might''ve been dead from the sudden lightning attack earlier-making me groan in frustration, knowing that I''ll be needing a new phone as soon as possible.


    "What happened to your phone?"


    Aidan appears beside me, slowly making his way towards me as he looks down at my burnt phone; apparently, this was bound to


    happen. This phone has been


    me through thick and thin..ofell on thick surfaces and has managed to stay alive for all this time


    Unfortunately, it''s already time for it to go.


    "Shit happens. You need a new plug, too." I let out a deep sigh before heading towards the living room after ncing at Aidan who seems a little bit surprised.

 Chapter 61

    Aidan


    I gaze at myself in the mirror, staring at my reflection-seeing that I''m standing in a short-sleeved shirt and cks; getting ready for work.


    It annoys me slightly to oblige the fact that I can''t be wearing any suits until I get my cast off, knowing that I won''t be able to stride along the office''s hallway in a suit and tie... I''ll just have to dread onto the moment. My eyes wander towards the figure standing near the door, both of her blue eyes looking directly at me; hesitating on whether she should enter or not.


    "Need any help?" She asks, clearing her throat.


    "What kind of help are you offering?" I ask back, my lips slowly curving into a smirk-realising that she''s already tucking a strand of hair behind her ear in order to hide away the difortid in her eyes. She steps inside, "Something about helping you get ready."


    My brown eyes are never looking away from her undeniably beautiful figure-it took me awhile to realise but now I won''t stop admitting just how much her body shape is an ultimate goal. It''d be a lie if I say that I wouldn''t go down on both knees just to worship her beauty when the timees.


    "How about helping me get unready?" I wink as I turn to face her, seeing her cheeks redden immediately which causes me to smile-purposely running my index finger across her cheek and to her ear, tucking another strand of hair that slipped.


    She looks up at my hair, seeing it messily in ce before ncing down at my outfit. "You seem to look perfectly fine for someone who did it with one hand," She says.


    "I should''ve just stood naked and let you help me with the rest," I respond as she scoffs, letting me enjoy the moment. "Remind me to do that next time... then, maybe we could see how perfectly fine we''d look after messing with each other?"Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    Herughter erupts, "What happened to that guy? The one who stood silently in this exact room-admitting to his hear of storms," The way her blue eyes are just staring deeply into mine without even bothered by my previous remarks; it''s making me more and morefortable to tease her.


    "Perhaps... a beautiful woman came along to help him," I reply before lifting her chin up. "She has always known as someone who has the charm or more likely, the beauty to make people forget about everything around them. Can''t really say they were lying," I add, turning around to pick up my phone on my bed.


    She smiles, "You still have a few days off. Why do you want to go to work?"


    "Look who''s asking," I reply without ncing away from my phone; checking out the unread emails. "I have a lot of unsettled things at the office-if I bother to just stay home and do nothing, can''t have anything finished by then."


    "You can work from home. That''s always an option for you," She says. "Nora said you should be resting instead of working. Aren''t you the slightest worried about your recovery?"


    I stop scrolling to look up at her, "I have a doctor as a wife and I trust that she can take care of me perfectly fine without me being worried. Besides, working from home is just another distraction when I see you walking around the house." My voice appears to tease her as she chuckles.


    "You and your teases," She mutters.


    Kenna won''t stop looking at me as I continue to scroll down my mails before replying a few of them from important clients, realising that I''ve left them in the dark for the past days when I was in Das; not bothered to think about work.


    "Let me drop you off at your office," She starts to speak up again, making me furrow my brows as I lift my head up-abruptly to stop typing.


    "That won''t be necessary. I''m calling Flynn and Gerald to pick me up," Just as I''m about to press onto the number on my dial pad, she has already taken the phone away from my grasps, making me sigh in disbelief.


    She hides my phone away from view, "Flynn lives closer to the office and it would only make his drive longer than necessary. Besides, I''m here and the hospital is just one way from your office."


    It''s no doubt that I''ll only be troubling Flynn or even Gerald when I call them to pick me up. They won''t be bothered to give excuses but to think back to the amount of pressures I''ve been giving Flynn and sometimes Gerald, it''s making me reconsider. Flynn has by far been the only assistant who can put up with me. He knows my pace, he knows where I put my things, he understands me most and he doesn''t leave until I do; there''s just something about his loyalty.


    "Maybe, we can even grab breakfast on the way. A speedy recovery requires a sufficient amount of energy," She assures me.


    "I don''t want to bete," I


    immediately respond but before I


    can utter more, my stomach grumbles in hope of receiving attention; upying me with


    thoughts of delicious sandwel


    being consumed. "But... on second thought, breakfast sounds great." I clear my throat.


    "Let''s go, amigo." She pulls me out of my room.


    ''Did she just friendzone me in Spanish?'' I thought to myself with a slight frown in between my brows, as she continues to grab onto my right hand before reaching out for her car keys where has been ced with my other car keys. We step inside the basement, heading straight towards her white Mercedes-Benz-parked beside my other cars.


    As soon as we''ve entered the car, she starts the engine before ncing at my direction. "Put your seatbelt on, we don''t want you breaking your other arm." She says as I turn to look at her, not expecting.


    "Thanks for the reminder," I breathe


    out, pulling onto the seatbelt using


    my right hand; having minor difficulties. "Can''t fucking wait for my bones to heal and take this cast off," + mumble under my breath but apparently, loud enough for her to hear.


    To my surprise, she starts to lean in towards me, causing me to hold in my breath-the scent of her fragrance and shampoo hitting my senses, "For the sake of your life ina couple of months... try working on a few things on your own. There are certain things that you may need my help but if you''re capable of doing them on your own, then it''d be best to do so." She says before looking up at me, not realising that our faces are already just inches apart.


    A slight movement can lead to more.


    Her blue eyes nce down at my lips for a short few seconds before looking back into my eyes as I stay still at my spot; mesmerised by the beautiful orbs in her eyes, seeing them as another part of the sky or more likely the gxy. "Uh... as I was saying, safety first." She leans back to her seat, putting her own seatbelt.

 Chapter 62

    Within seconds, we are already on the road, the car ride almost deadly silent if not for the song being yed in her car by connecting it with my Spotify ount. At times, we would always sing along or actpletely foolish but for some reason, we''re both left in our own thoughts.


    "Where are we getting breakfast?" I ask before realisation hits me, "Wait-no, let me guess. Caf¨¦ Lalo?"


    Her lips curve up into a grin, "Look at that. We have a winner!"


    I nce down at my phone to find Dimitri calling me, a picture of him rolling his eyes with his tongue out being set as his profile picture whenever he calls-causing me to pick up the call.


    "Hello, hello," His voice is being heard from the other line. "D-Eazy is on the line. Where are you? What are you doing? Is Kenna with you?" He starts to ask, leaving me breathe out and try my best to deal with his behaviour.


    "I''m on my way to Caf¨¦ Lalo and I''m in the car with Kenna," I respond.


    "Okay, I''ll meet you guys there." Just like that, he ends up the call which causes me to blink a few times at the sudden call before earning myself a m.


    "He''s meeting us there?" Kenna asks, after taking a right turn; pressing harder onto the gas pedal.


    "Apparently," I mutter under my breath.


    --


    We have arrived at Caf¨¦ Lalo to a view of people in their office attire, queuing and some eating in. My eyes wander around the caf¨¦ after stepping out of the car with Kenna standing beside me, "Let''s head in." She says.


    The aromatic smell of coffee and pastries are somehow causing my senses to light up, immediately making me look for a spot for us to sit down and eat. It doesn''t help much with the amount of people in here as they talk, chat and simply just making worth of their time.


    A group of women manage to nce at my direction, smiling as they see me standing in the middle of the caf¨¦. They manage to utter whispers as they nce, causing me to smile back-not wanting to appear as rude.


    All of a sudden, Kenna starts to reappear beside me, "There''s a spot for us to sit." She points down at a table near the windows.


    "Lead the way," I gesture with my right hand due to the limited movements of my left.


    Just as I''m about to follow her, she stops to raise her left hand-tucking a few strands of her hair behind her ear, a few times as I confusingly stare back at her. Then, I begin to realise that she''s currently showing off the wedding band while mine is fully on disy, due to my arm''s position.


    The group of women starts to clear their throats before looking away, still sparing short nces at my direction. "At least he''s not gay," One of them say, lowly.


    "I don''t know which one is better? Married or gay?" The left one replies with a sigh, trying to make sure that she isn''t heard but unfortunately, my ears can''t help but to eavesdrop.


    We walk away from them and straight towards our table.


    "I''ve got to start locking you up in the basement if everywhere we go is being filled with horny women who won''t stop staring at you like you''re a walking penis," Kenna says, awakening me from my thoughts.


    I let out a breathyugh, "Are you ... jealous?"


    She scoffs, mming her hands


    onto the table "Who? Me? Jealous of what? Jealous of the women who won''t stop staring at you even though they can see a ring on your finger She res at the group of women who has turned to look away, seconds before I can turn to follow Kenna''s gaze. "Nopno, no, not at all. Why would I be jealous?"


    I find myself smiling, "I don''t know. There are certain reasons on why you would be jealous. Do you want me to list them for you?" I teasingly ask.


    "No, thank you. Don''t waste your breath," She crosses her arms before leaning back in her seat as she turns to look away. "And, I''m not jealous!"


    "Okay, okay, whatever you say, Angry Larry. Where''s your friend... Samuel? He was the one always taking our orders," I quickly change the topic, not wanting to piss her more than she already is from the amount of people turning and staring at me.


    Well, I can''t simply say that I''m


    bothered because I''m not... yes, it can get a little bit ufortable from time to time but being me, who has spent almost every single day of my life facing and meeting different people, can''t really be bothered by a few who wants to stare. In fact, I never pay much attention to them or to whatever they say even though they are mostly filled with good, good words.


    Sometimes, I''d take the chance to give them a good time of their lives. Just what they need-a little something from me to take them home.


    Truth be told, I can''t really say that I''m proud of who I used to be or how I acted with women. It''s no doubt that I respect them for who they are but leaving them with a broken heart and even a ton of excuse to not see them again, it''s mad.


    They get what they want-sex and they''re left just at that. It''s like a small transaction where I get what I want with what they want, sounds more like a barter system.


    "There he is," Kenna points at him before waving, gesturing for him to take our order.


    "Give me a second!" Sam-Samuel shouts from afar, running towards the kitchen while I let out a breath, waiting for him toe back.


    Just seconds before I can utter a


    single word, Dimitri steps inside the caf¨¦ before heading towards our direction to take a seat beside


    Kenna. Just as he''s seated, he pecks onto her cheek. "How areContent is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Sweet


    cheeks? Looking radiant," Hepliments with a smile stered on his face.


    Dimitri turns to look at me as his eyes widen in surprise at my condition, "What in the world happened to you? Don''t tell me... rough sex led to this?" He nces between Kenna and I while I roll my eyes at his thinking, "You got a broken arm, man. That must''ve hurt," "I fell," I answer.


    "Off a bike," Kenna continues, ncing at me.


    "When I was cycling," I frown.


    "For the first time." She ends it with a wide grin on her face before turning to look at Dimitri who appears to be slightly confused-as he tries to put the pieces together.


    "You''ve got to be kidding me..." He breathes.


    I sigh, "I wish. Breaking my arm from a rough sex sure does sound better than falling off a bike when learning how to ride it for the first time,"


    Dimitri bursts outughing, trying his best to control himself from overreacting but he can''t seem to get over the fact that his best friend or more precisely, me-was a dumb guy who didn''t even know how to ride a bicycle.

 Chapter 63

    "Aidan Gabriel Ashton, twenty-six year old CEO of Empire, didn''t know how to ride a bicycle as he fell learning it for the first time with his wife back in Das, Texas. Sounds gold," He continues tough, eyes squinting in tears of joy. "Laugh all you want, man."


    He grins, "That''s what I''m doing!"


    Sam appears beside us with a notepad in his hand, "Alright, make I take your order?" He asks, ncing at Kenna for a few times with a smile stered on his face while Dimitri busies himself by going through the menus without being bothered by anything else around him.


    As for me, I can''t help but eye her-wanting to see if she''s actually looking back at him and return the smile. Unfortunately for me, she can''t stop smiling back at him.


    Honestly, Sam has the looks. He''s probably charming and he''s nice; the perks of him trying to swoon Kenna off her feet are high. It appears that they were pretty close enough... knowing her to alwayse here, too. Perhaps, it''s not just because of the delicious pastries.


    Maybe, it''s just me... hallucinating or being fairly ufortable but Kenna seems to be focusing onto the menu without ncing back at him. It eases me a little bit but I can''t seem to find why I was off.


    "I''d like a regr coffee on the go," Dimitri says after closing the menu.


    "What about you, Kenna? Still dreading on whether you want to order your favourite sandwiches or try something new?" He turns to smile at her, again as she chuckles.


    "Hard decision," She mutters before looking up at me, "What are you ordering?"


    I blink a few times, "Just... bread,"


    The three of them turn to look at me, confused but Dimitri seems to have caught the look on my face as he smirks. "Just bread? What kind of bread? We have a lot to choose from," Sam replies.


    "The best you got," I answer before unlocking my phone, not liking the fact that Kenna seemsfortable being around him-I don''t know if I''m being tested with the value of our friendship or if this is something more than that but I''m left scrolling over the same email for the past couple of minutes as they continue on their conversation.


    "Yeah, I was in Das for the past week." She replies with a smile, "Can''t really take my mind off those delicious pastries," She adds.


    "You can''t really stay away from Caf¨¦ Lalo," He grins at her, writing down our orders on his notepad while I clench my jaw-controlling my breaths.


    I clear my throat, "Yeah... am I supposed to ce those orders myself? I''m a bit famished," I say as I look up at him, seeing him nodding his head before smiling at Kenna-making his way towards the counter, cing our order.


    "Someone''s cranky," Dimitri mutters.


    "He''s supposed to do his job and tend to other customers than just simply starting an unneeded conversation. Besides, I have a lot of work to settle at the office and he was just wasting my time." I reply without looking at Kenna, knowing that she might sense something being wrong. "He was just being nice," She cuts in.


    "Too nice," I respond before locking my phone andpletely ignoring them both.


    As soon as our food came, I am left drinking onto my cup of hot coffee, faster than I intend and left trying to bear with the burning sensation in my mouth. "Fuck, that''s hot." I hiss.


    "Are you alright?" Kenna asks.


    "Fine-eat faster, I need to be at the office." I immediately chew onto my chicken slice sandwich, catching both of my best friends'' attention as they both look up at me.


    Just as she takes a bite of her food, I immediately call for the waitress nearby. "Bill, please." I say and she nods immediately, walking towards the counter; leaving me looking at a surprised Kenna and a confused Dimitri.


    "I just started¡ª" Kenna is being cut off by the sound of my phone ringing, making me ce a fifty dor bill; enough to cover up the bill and even give the waitress arge tip before standing up, picking up the call. "Yes, Aidan speaking." I say towards the other line as I walk outside, leaving them both as where they are.


    --


    "What''s wrong with you?" Kenna asks as she steps outside of the caf¨¦ with Dimitri trailing behind her, shoving both of his hands in his cks'' pockets.


    I frown, "What do you mean?"


    "You gave me the cold shoulder


    when Sam came to take our order, you started being a little bit rude just because he was talking to me and you weren''t even the slightest enjoying your breakfast when you ate as if you were in a marathon. That''s what I mean," She replies as she continues to look into my eyes, leaving me sighing.


    "I don''t like it," I roll my eyes, looking away.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Don''t like what? The food? You could''ve ordered something else!" She exims.


    "No! I don''t like the way he looked at you or talked to you. I simply don''t like him being there to take our order, get it?" My reply surprised her a little bit as she blinks a few times, trying to reassure what she heard while I breathe out. "Now, I''m leaving."


    "You''re not leaving!" She turns to look at me as I see Gerald pulling over and Flynn quickly running to open the door for me his eyes widening at my arm but not bothered to ask as he sees the heated conversation between Kenna and I. "Watch me," I reply before stepping inside the car, ncing onest time at Kenna who has a frustrated look stered on her face while Dimitri stands beside, not wanting to take part of the conversation but walks tofort her.


    I look up at the rear-view mirror to see Gerald looking at me, "Straight to the office, sir?" He asks, his voice low and hinted with slight fear.


    "Yes," I nod.


    Just like that, we''re already on the road, making me lean back on my seat-trying to clear my head from unwanted things. My eyes wander to Flynn who is currently sitting still on his seat.


    "Anything happened while I was gone?" I ask, causing him to shake his head.


    "No, Mr. Ashton. Everything was fine and been handled well," He replies. "May I ask about your arm, Mr. Ashton? Your condition concerns me," He asks, slowly incase I''m left triggered by his question but I''m not; in fact, I''m much relieved that he asked. "I fell," I answer, not wanting to dread on it.


    He clears his throat, "You will


    recover well, Mr. Ashton but for the mean time, I will help you as much as I can-knowing that you can''t possibly write with your casted arm. I can also remind you when it''s time to take your vitamins and


    prescriptions for a faster recovery. Not just that, I can forward all of the meetings for today to tomorrow if you want me to, they can simply understand if I exin." He says.

 Chapter 64

    "That won''t be necessary, Flynn. I intend on being as busy as I can, today." I respond. "Of course, Mr. Ashton."


    There''s just something me and I wouldn''t really know what it is but seeing the look on Kenna''s face when she talked with Sam, that is still bugging me. The way she smiled,ughed and even grinned at the way he put his ways on flirting with her-how can she not see thating?


    He wasn''t actually flirting with her. It was more of a kind gesture with a smile here and there while he was taking our order; he wasn''t dumb enough to flirt with a married woman who appeared to be having breakfast with her husband. So... I might be angry for no reason, he was simply being nice.


    What is this sudden feeling oveing me?


    "How long have you been married, Gerald?" I ask, looking at the rear-view mirror to meet his eyes who was focusing on the road before ncing at mine for a couple seconds. "Almost ten years," He replies with a smile. "Why do you ask, Mr. Ashton?" He questions.


    I furrow my brows, "Well... it concerns me. How do you keep up with the same person for ten years without wanting to just-well, without having issues," I continue to speak.


    "I love her, Mr. Ashton. There''s no one better for me out there than my wife, herself. We have issues, once in awhile but that''s the beauty of marriage. You can''t simply go on without arguing or fighting but one of you has got to give in, be the bigger person." He replies without hesitation, "You would understand that soon, sir. The first five years are hard but it''ll only get better,"


    I stay still at my spot.


    "What do you mean?" I question.


    He blinks a few times, "You are married to the woman you love. You''ll soon see why you would want to spend your whole life with her," He says while I remain quiet-just nodding my head as a respond. Flynn and Gerald might be thinking that there is something going on with my marriage, perhaps from what they saw earlier but it was just me trying to ease myself.


    It was stupid of me to ask about being with the same woman for a whole lot of years when I''ve been friends with Kenna and Dimitri for as long as I can remember-never once did I get bored or annoyed by them. They have always been there for me and I have always appreciated it.


    Then again, I''d find the woman I love and it will all fall into ce.


    "When are you taking your cast off, Mr. Ashton? I''ll set up a reminder on my phone. Also, you''d have monthly check-ups until you recover?" Flynn asks after realising the awkwardness surrounding us.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "In eight weeks, the least. Hopefully I''ll recover as soon as I can-a lot of things are limited to me at the moment. Yes... I''d appreciate that, Flynn." I reply and he nods, his lips slowly curving up into a smile for a few seconds while I turn to look out the window, enjoying the busy streets of New York.


    When I stepped inside my building, my employees looked at me in surprise their eyes widened but they quickly covered it up with a smile, greeted me with respect. I didn''t pay much attention as I smiled but quickly made my way towards my floor, where I''d be spending hours in my office.


    "I need you to write these down for me," I gesture towards Flynn before handing him a couple of files with my iPad, "Don''t forget that you need to email them back to me-for now, I''ll just go through the documents manually. I also need you to record any important details as listen to them in a few," I add and he nods.


    "You may leave," I mutter without looking.


    Flynn nods again, walking out of my office with the important files in his hand until he''s out of my sight while I lean back on my seat before going through the recent files, trying to make sure that they are well-checked.


    Just as I''m about to decline another call from Dimitri, I am left with his figure appearing inside my office as he ms the door shut behind him.


    "I knew you''d ignore my calls and that''s why I''m here." He takes a seat in the opposite direction from me, "What happened at the caf¨¦? You were acting a little bit off and if I''m supposed to say, it also may seem that you were jealous." He adds. I scoff, "Jealous? Of who?"


    "Sam, Kenna''s friend who works at


    the caf¨¦. The one who took our order, the one you were ring at when he was talking to her, the one who smiled genuinely and seemed happy when he saw her, the one who-" I cut him off as I stand up, causing him to stop, a sly smirk appearing on his face.


    "-that''s enough," I breathe out, running my fingers through my hair as I turn to look at him. "Don''t you have somewhere to be, Dimitri? You''re interrupting me during work hours."


    He shrugs, "Can''t help it that I''m curious. Did something happen back in Das?" He asks.


    I look away, remembering back of the memories in Texas-when we were practically making out in theke and indulging in our own lustful thoughts when we were kissing intensely in our room, it was all clear and vivid but I can''t just admit of it. "Did you guys have sex?" He asks, raising an eyebrow.


    "Of course not. We just-we kissed," I reply as I think back of how the curves of her body was being explored by my hand as we both leaned in towards the kiss. The way my lips ran down her neck, smelling her scent and taking in the way she craved for more; that was something to me.


    "And...?" He leans in for more.


    "In front of no one! We kissed when


    ret


    we were alone and we wanted it to happen-we were both somehow and somewhat admitting to something we both agreed in the contract, no feelings attached and for some reason, I felt something. The way we kissed... it was more than just faking in front of people or pretending to be in love. It felt immensely seeping into my soul," I furrow my brows at ways of trying to exin it, not knowing whether it''s got anything to do with my sober mind or just my own thoughts of ying games.


    Dimitri looks at me without uttering a single word as he let out a sigh, "Admit it, Aidan." "Admit what?" I ask.


    "You''re slowly falling for her."

 Chapter 65

    Chapter Twenty-nine Kenna


    Thinking back of the way he reacted and how he left without saying goodbye or bothered as I was the one who was supposed to drop him off-it''s starting to tense me, more and more.


    "Kenna," I turn around to see Lucas walking towards me with a smile stered on his face; both of his green eyes are piercing deeply into mine without showing any signs of looking away in the nearest future. "How you''ve been?"


    My lips curve up into a smile, "Fine. How about you? Still getting high demands?" I ask, receiving a light chuckle from him as he shoves his hand into his coat''s pocket.


    "Can''t run away from that," He grins, continuing to look at me as his mind wanders off to think. "Is it toote to ask you out for lunch?" His voice almost inaudible as the hallway is being filled with busy doctors and nurses walking around, tending to their patients.


    "I just ate," I answer with a small smile on my face; it''s not that I wouldn''t want to have lunch with Lucas but something as simple as having lunch with him can lead into more people might know that I''m married and he''s aware of that but I fear being the one who might trip and fall.


    "Ah... I really need to work on my timing, don''t I?" He asks, slightly squinting his eyes as we both break out into augh.


    I shove both of my hands into my pockets before clearing my throat, "Did youe to my department just to ask me out for lunch?" My question came out a little bit more obvious than intended as he tries to hide away his embarrassment by smiling down at his feet. "Isn''t it obvious?" He raises an eyebrow, "Should''ve asked you sooner-probably a year or two sooner, maybe then... I''d consider it the perfect timing." He says, leaving me to understand the words he said, seeing as it had a different meaning. I chuckle, "You need to be twenty years sooner."


    His eyes widen beforeughing, revealing his pearly whites. "Yikes... I guess my time was long up, huh? Too bad," He continues to smile, leaving me to mesmerise just how his green eyes matches well with someone as attractive as him.


    We both stare at one another, not uttering a single word afterwards as I''m deeply sinking in my own thoughts-wondering if things could really turn out to be different if I ever made different choices. What if mum chosen a different kindergarten? What if I didn''t pursue to be a doctor? Those kind of questions will forever remain unanswered.


    "I''ll see you around, Lucas." I say as I smile before starting to walk away.


    "Kenna!" Lucas calls out my name, causing me to turn and see him standing in the middle of the hallway near the information counter where nurses have already looked up at him, "My offer still stands... you know where to find me," He says with a grin, making meugh before shaking my head and walking down the hallway.


    I walk straight towards Albert''s room, seeing him staring out the window which causes me to breathe out, knowing his thoughts are mostly filled to be about histe wife.


    Slowly, I begin to knock onto the door as he turns to look at me slight surprised to see my presence, "Knock knock, Grumpy Pants. How are you today?" I ask, a wide smile begins to appear on my face, trying to hide away the sadness oveing me. "Better now that you''re here," He replies.


    We bothugh, "Here are your prescriptions for today... you know the rules, Albert." I say and he sighs, nodding his head but doesn''t make any movement or nce to look at the pills.


    "Deep in thoughts?" I ask, trying to break the silence between us-it''s always like this with him. We always have a session of pouring different kind of things daily, just to make sure that he''s able to let someone know how he feels while I listen, considering him as an old friend. "I heard about what happened when I was gone, do you want to talk about that?"


    "The nightmares came again that night. It was unintentional, Kenna-you know me, don''t you?" Hint of regret glisters in his eyes as I nod, taking a seat beside him; wanting to hear everything that he has to tell me, showing him that he has all the support that he needs from me.


    "Maybe... it''s time for you to tell me about your nightmares. That way, I can probably help you." My eyebrows furrow as he shakes his head, letting me let out a sigh of disappointment.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    "And throw me to the psychiatric ward? Just because I can''t get over the thoughts of her?" The look on his face confuses me, deep down, I know that he''s hiding something because he might not trust me much and I truly understand.


    "What makes you think I''d do that? I would never do that to you, Albert-you have to trust me. I''m always going to be there for you, no matter how stupid or insane it is to make you stay. I''m your doctor and I have certain responsibilities and one of them is to understand you," I begin to stand up, walking towards the other side to make sure that I get a glimpse of his features as he turns away.


    We stay quiet for a little while as I keep my eyes glued to him, not looking away. The sunlight pouring in from the window has somehow attracted his attention as his features soften, looking down at the handkerchief in his hand, holding it tightly; as if holding onto a certain memory.


    "She was there-in my dreams, she


    was standing there with this wrapped around her neck. The same beautiful eyes, staring back at me as she smiled... the same smile that had fallen for. Everything about her was clear to me but I was still and I couldn''t move," He starts to speak, making me listen-trying to i imagine by how he had told me, her beautiful pair of eyes and smile, something he would always mention when he tells


    me stories about her.


    "I was frozen, static while she disappeared. She disappeared into the light and I couldn''t do anything to make her stay," He adds, his eyes are filled with tears that had managed to escape as he tries to control his breaths.


    His eyes meet mine, "I am a


    disappointment to her. When she


    passed, everything around me was falling apart. my son, our son, I''ve never had the chance to see him again. don''t even know where he is-she''d be disappointed in me for letting her down, for making our family break," Pain is clear in his voice as he speaks while 1 am left


    standing at the same spot, not


    knowing what to do or how to react.


    In front of me is a man who had fallen in love with the woman he gazed upon, the same woman he had married when there were obstacles they had to face but they did. Now, all he can do is me himself for her death and the disappearance of their son, something far from what I can help.


    "It''s not your fault. How can you say that to yourself? It was a dream, Albert... it was a bad dream and it was only making you think. She won''t hate or be disappointed in you for something you can''t control. You loved her... deeply, truly and she would understand how that inflected pain." I reply, wanting tofort him, at least a little bit.


    "I need rest. Can youe see me tomorrow?" He asks with a small smile stered on his face while I nod, assuring him.


    My eyes fixed onto the ground in front of me as I am deeply buried in my own thoughts, holding the bread in my hands without having intentions to take a bite of it. Sitting alone on the bench at the hospital''s park seems to be a great way to ease my tension but all I can feel is more and more stress radiating.


    I lean back before looking up at the sky, seeing it blue and bright, hurting my eyes if I bother to stare any longer-making me drop my head in between my hands, closing my eyes.


    "Is it still bothering you?" I tense as I hear a familiar voice in front of me which causes me to look up, seeing an attractive figure looking back at me; his brown eyes lightening due to the sunlight.


    The way his hair is messily being blown by the wind and how his eyes are never looking away from mine leaves me in oblivion, "You''re you''re here." I mutter under my breath.


    Aidan takes a seat beside me, "Can I bepletely honest with you, Kenna?" He asks.


    My eyes wander away from his, scared of something he might say; something that might impact me in ways I can never exin but I brace myself for the worst as I nod, turning back to look at him, seeing him licking his lower lip, hesitating on whether it''s best to say. "I''m feeling something," He starts, gazing onto anything but me.


    "Are you sick?" I ask, earning myself a smile from him as he looks down at his pair of shoes while I think back of the words I said, was it enough to humour him as how it did? Then again, all I can sense in my voice was a slight concern.


    "Perhaps. I''m not so sure myself,"


    He replies as he lets out a deep sigh. "There''s this tingling, funny, feeling inside of me when I look at you. Something not easy to be exined but I''m aware of it, just not fully sure of how I feel towards it. I have to admit that I was jealous with Sam.. Thated how you smiled when you talked to him even though I know that your smile is always that beautiful."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 66

    Our eyes are glued to one another, letting me drown in the beautiful orbs of brownness, even though there''s a part of me is currently begging me to look away but there''s just something different about his current gaze. "What did I do?" My voice almost sounded like a whisper but clear enough in his ears.


    "Nothing-absolutely nothing. I just want you to know that I care about you as my friend, you tend to make mistakes and I''m looking out for you. One day when this contract ends, you''re free to be with whoever you want and I want to make sure that you''ll be with the right one." He replies before smiling at me, patting onto my back and slowly rubbing it in soothing circles.


    "And I was jealous because I don''t want you to rece me with someone else. I''ve been working hard to keep this position, you can''t throw me away." The ends of his lips curve into a grin as he chuckles, leaving me to smile back at him.


    We both just stare at an old couple in front of us without uttering a single word, letting the moment pass. There''s just something about old couples that won''t stop to impress me knowing that they have been through thick and thin for so long, it has always managed to make me smile with hope.


    "I love you," I blink a few times before turning to look at Aidan, seeing him staring back at me; for some unknown reason... it feels as if he has been staring at me all along.


    Just like that, I begin to grab his hand as I entwine our fingers together as a smile creeps up on my face, "I love you, too. You''re my one and only best friend-apart from Dimitri and no one can rece you," I chuckle at the end while he smiles, gripping harder onto my hand. "Right... you''re my one and only best friend, too." He mutters under his breath.


    "I want to give you something," I turn to look at him again, seeing him taking something from beside him, something I didn''t notice before as he ces it on myp-causing my eyes to widen. "You needed a new phone anyway and I just happen to get you one." He adds. I stare at a box of the newest iPhone on myp.


    "Aidan-" He cuts me off, immediately.


    "it wasying around in one of my drawers at my office. I thought it''d be best if I give it to you than just letting it remain unused," He says. "One of my clients gave it to me when they got the project, uh, actually they gave it to all of the boards with other Apple technologies, too." He adds without meeting my eyes.


    I raise an eyebrow, "They happen to give you one in rose gold?"


    "They ran out of stock," He clears his throat before grinning at me. "Open it. I want to see if it suits you," His shoulder bumps against mine as he assures me to open it which causes me to nod andugh, slowly unwrapping the box.


    My fingers run across the new phone before smiling to myself, liking how glossy the screen appearspare to my old-slightly cracked here and there fromck of caring. People are always right when they say about getting a new phone, we take care of it like a newborn baby but as soon as we get used to it, we simply don''t care.


    At first, we''d be cing it nicely on tables during dinner but as time passes, we''d simply throw it on our couches just as we grab some food.


    I grab the phone in my hand before posing it near my face, "What do you think? Does it screams ''Kenna'' with the colour?" I ask and he smiles, something glistering in his eyes but only for a short couple of seconds before it disappears.


    "d you like it," He says.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    "Thank you, Aidan. You''re the best," I immediately wrap my arms around his body, slowly not wanting to hurt his left arm-which surprises him slightly as he slowly ce his arm around my waist.


    Heughs, "You''re wee, b-Kenna." He clears his throat at the end while I close my eyes, liking how his warmth is soothingly calming as it mixes with my own body temperature.


    --


    "Report to the ER immediately!" Someone shouts as he starts to run down the hall while others are making their ways, leaving me to stare at my new phone in awe-surprised by the sudden shout. "What-where''s everyone going?" I ask, slightly confused.


    "It''s all over the news, now. Two


    buses collided in an ident and it involved a sedan, they say that he is the CEO of" Just as he''s about to finish talking, one of the other nurses has already called out for his name which causes him to give me an apologetic look before running down the hallway while I stand


    ufortably.


    "Dr. Anne, you''re needed in the ER." I hear one of the nurses say as I nod, quickly following after her with a particr someone in my mind but I try my best to ease my mind; there''s a lot of CEOs in the city and I''m sure of it. My eyes widen at the amount of injured patients groaning in pain as they''re bleeding with severe injuries, causing me to look around; trying to calm myself down.


    I turn towards the television, "While


    others are severely injured from the ident, up to ten people are dead from the impact including CEO-" Someone screams in pain, causing me to turn and look at her, seeing the bed being pooled with her own blood as she groans in pain, unable to bear with it any longer.


    My heart starts to beat utterly fast as I run towards the nearest patient, checking his pulse before checking his injuries, seeing that he''s needed in the operation room as soon as possible or there''s less chance of himing out alive. "What''s your name?" I ask, trying to stop his stomach from bleeding due to a deep cut, seeing that it might''ve impacted his intestines.


    He clenches his jaw in pain, "Marcus." His voice almost inaudible as his body starts to shake, the pain almost unbearable for him as I try my best to make sure that he''s not losing too much blood.


    "Okay... Marcus, can you hear me? Nod your head if you hear me," I look straight into his eyes as they search for mine.


    Marcus nods twice and I continue to speak, "You will be alright. All you have to do is stay with me and breathe, can you do that, Marcus? Can you do that for me?" I ask him, my voice loud and clear as his eyes begin to get a little bit droopy, "Come on, you have to stay with me." I say.


    He groans in pain as he tries to breathe, "I-I''m here. Doc, you have got to help me... the pain-it''s too much," He grabs onto my hand as he pleads for help which causes me to ce my hand on his, gripping it to give him hope.


    I immediately call for help, "Carl! Carl! I need your help," Both of his eyes meet mine as he runs towards me, looking down at the dying patient in front of me before nodding his head, knowing what to do. "He needs to get into the operation room, as soon as possible. Get Dr. William, now."


    Carl and I run as we push the bed down the hallway, calling out other avable nurses to help. I return back to help the other patients, making me drag myself towards a young woman who seems to be around her twenties as she shakes uncontrobly, a doctor trying to tend her.


    "There''s damage in her nervous


    system. Probably her spinal cord," I


    mutter beside him as he looks up at me, worried. "We need to hurry of she''s not going to make it. Her wounds are also very severe. You''re capable of helping, aren''t


    seeing him looking at you?";


    not knowing what to say.


    "Dr. Anne, she needs immediate attention. The only way for her to survive is through operation," He says before looking down at the patient. "I''m not professional enough to undergo surgery with you... -I don''t want to mess up."


    I look at the patient, "I just need your help. Can you do that?" My eyes wander back to the doctor who seems to be a couple of years younger than me as he nods, his hands filled with blood when he was trying to help the patient.


    "We better hurry," I gesture.


    We both run towards the operation room as we ask for other nurses to help, passing other patients who are in need of medical attention while other doctors are tending to them. Some patients are severely wounded that it may have been impossible for them to recover while others have a high chance of recovering.


    I past next to a familiar figure but has his body and face covered with a white sheet, causing me to stop before ncing at the figure one more time; eyebrows furrow at the sight of his wrist.


    The familiar wrist watch that belonged to a particr someone.

 Chapter 67

    Aidan


    ck. Sadness. Respect.


    The amount of people being here shows just how much he was a good man. A great man. A father and a loving husband-he is going to be talk of the city and there''s no one going to deny the goodness he had when he was alive. There''s no better reason why... there''s no need for any reasons at all. Not even one.


    John deserved better. He didn''t deserve to die this way; no one would deserve this way. His family doesn''t deserve to feel this pain and he certainly didn''t have to live like this. Either way, John... rest in peace. You were the best father I never had-I saw how much you loved Kenna and Julia with all of your heart, I saw her grew up to be the most beautiful woman and I saw how well you took care of your girls. You deserved more.


    I look around to see the look on their faces, eyes swollen, tears drying and heart breaking. It''s not a sight worth seeing as it keeps on making my heart ache; especially by looking down at Kenna as she leans closer towards me, my arm around her waist, wanting to keep her safe and wanting to give her support.


    My lipsy onto the top of her head before pulling her closer, wanting her to know that I''ll always be here for her, no matter what. She will always have me by her side as she lives her life, no matter how. She won''te across another day without me being a part of me, no matter why.


    "I can''t," She mutters under her breath as she looks up at me, her eyes are bloodshot red and her face somehow appears slimmer. "I can''t stay here." She adds.


    I nod my head as I grab onto her hand, "Do you want to leave?"


    "Yes. I want to be anywhere but here," She replies, her eyes showing desperation as her fingers tremble due to the fear glinting, deep in her blue eyes. The way she leans onto me and the way her hands grab tightly onto my arm shows how anxiety is taking control.


    It doesn''t take me long to take her away from there, away from the grave and away from the crowd. She doesn''t need to force herself to stand there in sadness because her legs were giving out, her heart was beating faster than usual and her lips were slightly trembling, she was going to pass out-she was going to break apart, I saw the pain she wanted to hide.


    We step inside my car, closing the door to block any sounding from outside.


    I immediately cup onto her face as try to meet her eyes, "Look at me... hey, look at me." My lips curve up into a small smile before her blue eyes actually pierce into mine. "You don''t have to force yourself, okay? You don''t have to hold it in. You don''t have to hide it away. You can show me everything, Kenna. You can show me the pain and I''d still be here with you," My voice almost inaudible as the tears slip from her eyes, down her cheeks.


    "Why him? Why now?" She sobs, wrapping her arms around my neck as I pull her close; quickly wrapping mine around her body, securing her.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Her sobs are only getting louder as I soothingly rub onto her back, snuggling closer towards her by letting her ce her chin on my shoulder-letting her tears wet my shirt as we both stay in an embrace, pouring her every amount of sadness; something she has been trying to hide since she found out about his death.


    --


    The ride home to Julia and John''s apartment was quiet, neither of us said a word but it was afortable silent. We both needed that kind of treatment especially Kenna because she knew the pain was eating her alive and all she ever needed was a moment of silence; something to clear her head from all of those unwanted thoughts.


    I watch as she walks up the stairs, slowly which worries me as I follow her. She pushes onto her bedroom door open, some things unchanged and somehow remaining the same ever since she moved out of this house and decided to get her own apartment.


    My eyes remain onto the back of her body, the way her shoulders drop as she sighs deeply and how her eyes just stare into oblivion-not as lively as how they used to be. Even if I stand still at the same spot for exactly five minutes, she doesn''t seem to move either. She doesn''t seem to notice anyone being in the room.


    I sit beside her onto the bed, grabbing onto her hand which catches her attention; making her turn to look at me, her blue eyes are staring deeply into my brown ones.


    We don''t say a single word as we just stare at each other, appreciating the silence around us before cing her head on my chest, wrapping her arms around my waist-closing her eyes due to thefort. I, on the other hand, starts to y with the tips of her hair, wanting for this moment to remain . . . somehow wanting a different situation, though.


    It took me awhile to realise that her arms around my waist have somehow loosen and her head is almost falling down onto my thighs which causes me to slowly ce her property onto the bed, taking in her features, again. The way her thick eyshes are tightly closed and her lips are somewhat slightly ajar, there''s exhaustion written all over


    her face.


    I run my thumb onto her fallen tears, wiping them away.


    Just like that, I remain seated beside her as I watch her sleep after slowly pulling onto her favourite nket and ce it up to her waist. I look down at her chest moving up and down, calmly and for some reason, it eases me to know just how much this can be her escape. Escape from the pain she hated.


    My right hand goes to grab onto hers, gripping tightly as I look down at the wedding ring on her finger-remembering back when John met me a week before the wedding:


    "You love my daughter, right? More


    than enough that you want to marry her?" John asks as he stops to look at me. "I don''t want a maybe... I want a certain answer where I can just be sure that you will take good care of her. Don''t get me wrong, you''ve always been a good friend to her and you''ve never once made her unhappy but... marriage is a lifetime promise, Aidan. Can you promise to keep her happy, for the rest of your life?" He asks, again.


    My lips are somehow sealed, unsure of the words I''m about to let slip but I nod.


    "I really love her, John. More than you can imagine," I breathe out, the lie slipping out of my lips was somehow clear and honest-it slipped away from his mind that I was lying, I was just faking this whole thing and our marriage is based on something we both agreed on. "I don''t have to worry, then." He chuckles as we both continue to walk out of the fancy restaurant.


    "I hate lying, Kenna. Truth be told... I don''t want to lie." I mutter under my breath as my eyes remain onto the wedding ring, "But, why do I have to lie? Why do we have to keep on doing this when we know that we don''t have to? We don''t need to. We can just admit the truth,"


    I clench my jaw as I let out a deep breath, "Don''t tell me that this is a one-sided thing because you were there. You wanted what I wanted. We want the same thing. We''re just stupid and scared... even when we''re no longer kids." I soothingly rub onto the back of her hand, seeing her body staying still and still sleeping soundly.


    "What if I say it?" I furrow my brows.


    "What if I say that I want more than this? Would you want that too?" I let the words slip without any intention of taking them back because I know how much of a fool I am. There''s nothing better than confessing the truth but I''m a coward... a damn coward.

 Chapter 68

    Without me realising, I''ve already leaned closer towards her face, eyeing down at her lips for a few seconds before cing my lips onto her forehead, closing my eyes. Just like that, I start to lean back-standing up straight, away from her. "I guess I will never know," I mutter.


    I walk out of the room and straight down the hallway, seeing Mia staring out of the window with her hand gripping tightly onto her phone. My legs make their way towards her, immediately catching her attention as she wipes away her fallen tears. "Hey," She says. "Hey," I reply before taking a seat.


    "You okay?" I ask, looking at her features and how her brown eyes move to look at me; it appears dull and somehow sad but aren''t we all, today? Question of the day.


    "Yeah... I guess. Just a lot on my mind. Where''s Kenna?" She replies as she tucks a few strands of hair behind her ear, pulling her knees up to her chin-her eyes are slightly swollen and she seems to be out of ce, somewhat her body is here but not her soul. "Asleep." I frown, "Are you sure you''re okay, Mia? You can tell me anything. Problems in school or problems with Tony? Did he hurt you?" Tony-Mia''s boyfriend of two years, they''ve been together since they first started university and things have been fine. I assume. When she first fell in love with some kid back in high school... or more like a crush thing, she was miserable when things didn''t turn out great but Tony made her realise how he was her first love, all along.


    She chuckles, "Tony wouldn''t hurt me, Aidan. He''s not like that," She replies as she turns to look out at the sky through the window. "I''m just going through a hard time. Every college student go through that... don''t they? I''m sure you were as miserable as me," She smirks.


    I smile, "I was miserable. Not fucking miserable but things were hard. Just don''t worry too much, okay? Shitty things like this will pass and you won''t even have to turn back and see how it went because fuck it, right?" I stand up to mess with her hair in which she groans before pushing my hand away,ughing.


    "Great advice, bro. Great damn advice,"


    --


    That night,


    After changing into a in shirt with shorts, I nce at Kenna to see her still sleeping soundly since earlier-causing me to smile, realising how she''s going to feel slightly better when she wakes up after all of the crying and heart aching moments she went through a couple of days ago.


    I step out of the room and walk down the stairs, surprised to see Julia sitting all by herself in the living room, staring onto a stack of albums.


    "Oh... Aidan, I didn''t see you there." She says after realising that I''m currently standing in the middle before gesturing for me to take a seat, "I thought you were already asleep. Where''s Kenna?" She asks, wiping away the tears on her cheeks.


    I take a seat, "Kenna''s still sleeping. She was tired,"


    Julia nods before pointing at the albums, "His favourite songs. I still remember how we used to sing each one, all the time, in the car. He never gets bored of it even though he listens to them, every single day." She clears her throat, "I was just ying some."


    I look down at her phone, seeing her putting it beside her before tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear. "I''m sorry... Julia. I''m really sorry," I mutter as the room falls silent, not a single sound is heard-only the sound of our breaths, "He deserves so much more. I swear,"


    "It''s just... unexpected, Aidan. Yes, he deserves to die differently. John was a good man, a great father and a loving husband-he was everything to me and I''m sure he was everything to Kenna, too. He gave us everything we needed, he gave us all the love he had and he had never once disappoint me or his daughter. I''m sure he deserves so much more," She replies.


    I keep quiet, listening to her.


    She breathes out, "You will take good care of Kenna, won''t you?"


    "I will for as long as I can," I reply with a small smile creeping up my face as a sudden pain hits my chest, making me realise that this lie is only getting deeper and deeper. There''s no way out of it if we keep on making the wrong choices such as lying about this marriage, lying about our undying love.


    "I''m sure you''re a great husband, Aidan. You were a good friend to Kenna. John admitted that, too. We were worried if Kenna was going to marry someone odd or different but when we were told about the engagement, we were more than happy. We were thankful. We know there''s no one better out there for her than you," She smiles, sighing.


    "One day... when you both are ready, you''ll be a great father, too. I''m sure of it," The way her words sinked deeply into my heart-somehow causing me to look down at my own hand, not sure of what to say or how to respond to something like that; something that won''t ever happen for us unless we''re with different people.


    That kind of future will be dragging


    us in a different direction. One of us will be unprepared for that kind of change of course and I''m sure the person prepared would be me. It''s hard to admit and it''s hard to even tell anyone because Dimitri was right... I''ve started to fall for her. I don''t know if it''s an adrenaline rush or something worse but every time I''m close to her, there''s just something flickering in me.


    There''s a possibility.


    There''s just not much hope.


    My mind wanders off to imagine what kind of life it would be: being able to hold her whenever I want to, kiss her lips, admire her features and even travel the world with her. Something that seems too real to be true but we''re somehow halfway there, we''re here and we''re married... it''s just that our marriage isn''t something that wouldst for a lifetime.


    We both lied. Lied to the person who died and we''re both going to regret it for the rest of our lives. No matter how this ends, we will be reminded of this day and we will always think back of how we could''ve made different choices.


    It''s insane how I have to admit. Dimitri was right all along. He knew things like this could happen and he warned me-he told me not to continue this foolish n because this will all be something Kenna and I will regret. He was right... unfortunately, it''s just me who began to realise it a bit earlier than her.


    Maybe because of his experience


    with his ex-wife or with different womentely I was probably too naive to even notice. There''s no


    such thing as avoiding ours met


    not fall in love with someone


    Rovel.


    especially with someone as


    attractive, as nice as Kenna Look at her... anyone would see that she''s the perfect package-the kind of woman you want to take home to


    your parents instead of out to party.


    "I''m going to get some rest. You should, too." She starts to stand up before patting onto my shoulder, "Don''t stay up for long." She adds, walking up the stairs. "Goodnight," I reply.


    I''m way too deep to drag myself out


    of this but what if I end up hurting myself? What if she won''t see the way I see things? What if she''s determined to just end this the. it should be? What if we can''t even


    have a future other than staying as


    friends? What if we''re


    stuck in


    between and all we want is a better


    life? A better someone? What if I''mThis content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    just overthinking?


    If I''m in a storytelling contest, I know this would be one hell of a story and it might even have an unexpected ending.


    Well... it all started with a girl named Kenna and she was the death of me.

 Chapter 69

    Kenna


    Two months ago, I lost one person who meant the world to me he was my father, my one and only dad who taught me everything I needed to know. He gave me everything I needed to have, he loved me with all of his heart and he cared about me and my mother more than he cared about himself. All I needed was for him to stay. Stay a little bit longer. Long enough for me to prove just how much I love him; how much I had hoped for us to spend more time together than being separated like this, forever.


    I saw pain in my eyes. I saw pain in everyone''s eyes and they were trying their best to hide away the sadness they held but they failed miserably because the sadness for his death was incapable of hiding. The sadness wanted to show, wanted to rise and wanted to control.


    Twenty-six years of my life, I had hoped for an eternity-maybe I was hoping for something far impossible in this world, some might say I was insane because my wishes and my hopes were stupid. They were crazy wishes.


    Deep down, I know there will always be a little hint of hope left for someone like me. Goodbye forever may not be ''forever'' as how we hoped because one day, I might just see the smile stered on his face, the blueness and of his eyes the wrinkles near his lips. I might even feel the softness of his touch, hear the joy of hisughter and taste the delicious food of his cooking-maybe, maybe, one day in a dream where we''ll both be grinning.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    My eyes wander down the road as I make my way towards the nearest caf¨¦, wanting to give a little something for Aidan; since he got his cast offst week, he has been bugging me for his favourite scones and I couldn''t resist either.


    A familiar figure surprises me, "Mia?"


    Her brown eyes meet mine as she wipes away her fallen tears, causing me to immediately make my way towards her-seeing Mia cry appears to be one of the rarest things in life. She''s strong and she''s even stronger than Aidan or in, so why on earth would she be crying in the middle of the street?


    "Kenna-I didn''t expect to see you here," She replies before faking a smile, trying to hide away the worries glinting in his eyes.


    "Are you okay, Mia?" I ask.


    She nods, "I''ve never been better. Don''t worry about me, I was just getting breakfast." She says with another smile, controlling her heavy breathings.


    I grab onto her hand, "You... can tell me anything, Mia. You know that, don''t you? Besides, you''re not a good liar. Your brothers might not have figured you out but I can see the way you avoid making eye contacts with me. So, tell me, why were you crying in the middle of the street when you should be at uni?" I give her an assuring grip, wanting to give her the strength for something she''s hiding.


    Mia stays quiet for a little while, her head probably running wild as she tries to figure out more excuses but she nods, "Can we talk inside?"


    I smile, gesturing for her to step in first.


    Just as I''m about to pull the door open, I feel the coldness surrounding me which causes me to look up at the sky, first snow of the year. My lips curve up into a smile at the sight of the snowkes, making me feel one fall onto the middle of my palm. Time flies and it doesn''t take me long to realise how Christmas is near.


    I immediately follow Mia inside, taking a seat in front of her as she ys with the tips of her fingers. Mia and her brothers have a lot inmon, something I''ve been paying attention to but they act differently when they get nervous-Mia, she fidgets or tap her foot. in, he clears his throat a lot and probably even rub the back of his neck while Aidan, he clenches his jaw and sigh a lot. His hands would tremble, too.


    But, when they''re mad-they tend to y with their hair a lot and pinch the bridge of their nose. It''s funny if you imagine them being in the same room and mad at each other, each just pinching the bridge of their nose in unison before running their fingers through their hair. It''s a sight worth seeing but as far as I''ve been with them, I haven''t gotten the chance.


    "What I''m about to tell... you can''t tell anyone. Not my mother, my father, anyone especially my brothers. They''d flip," She grabs onto my hand, gripping tightly which causes me to nod my head; gripping back, assuring her.


    "Mia, you can trust me. I wouldn''t tell a soul," I smile at her before letting out a deep sigh.


    She tucks a few strands of hair behind her ear, "The thing is, Kenna-I''m pregnant." Her eyes meet mine as mine widen in surprise but I remain calm by trying to process what I heard. This may all seem like a small matter but for Mia, it''s a huge deal-especially when she''s still in uni, still altering her own future.


    "This definitely can''t be heard by Aidan," I mutter and she chuckles, leaning back on her seat.


    "He can''t know. Not now." She breathes out, "He''s not going to deal with it very well-he might even beat the hell out of Tony. He worries too much about me. I know that he wants what''s best but I''m an adult, Kenna... I can make my own choices. I can choose my own path," She adds.


    "I know, Mia. He''s overprotective of you because he loves you," I reply.


    "Of course. I appreciate it that he loves me and I''m lucky to even have in and Aidan in my life but trust me... angry in and Aidan is something I don''t ever want to see again. They''ll change from angels to devils," She turns to look out the window. I breathe, "Have you told Tony?"


    She blinks a few times, "No... ©¦


    haven''t told anyone but you. I don''t think I''m ready. What if he doesn''t want to have a baby? What if he''s not ready, too? What if we''re making a big mistake? He has always talked about his future and how his parents depended on him because he''s the only child, what if he leaves me when he finds out?" Her Voice almost breaking at the end which causes me to look away, not exactly knowing what to say or what to expect.


    As far as I can tell, Tony''s a great guy. From the way he looks at her and the way he talks to her, it shows just how much he loves her but I know that a thing as simple as having a baby together at this young age isplicated. Some might even give up on love because it''s ''too''plicated.


    "When did you find out?"


    "A week after Marc passed away. I waste and I didn''t want it to be true-unfortunately, it''s true. I''ve been hiding about it ever since, Tony hasn''t expected anything and he has been too busy to even notice anything much. University life is hard," Her eyes are starting to get teary as she quickly wipes them away.


    "Mia... I know that this is your baby


    and this is your life but Tony is the father. Sooner orter, he''s going to find out and it''s best if you tell him before that happens. We can''t expect the worse from him unless we tell... what if he''s the way he is? What if he epts you and the baby? He''s a very good guy, Mia. He loves you too much to leave," I reassure her with pleasing words as she nods, smiling before wiping the fallen tears.


    "I know. He cares about me and he loves me. I love him, too-there''s no way that I want to lose him because of something like this. We''ve talked about our future and we''ve talked


    (e


    about what''s in store for us but we


    §Ö


    just never talked about us, you know? I don''t know if he might be worried about that because I am but now, I don''t exactly know where we stand. Do we have forever or are we just a couple who tries to work things out through uni?" She blinks a few times.


    I immediately sit beside her before soothingly rubbing the back of her body. "This is not healthy for the baby. You''re overthinking. Look, why don''t you head home and get some rest? Figure things out and try to tell him when you''re ready in which I hope won''t take you too long," I pull her in for a hug as she wraps her arms around my waist.

 Chapter 70

    After the quick encounter with Mia, I make my way towards Aidan''s office in a hurry-not wanting to miss out on him, Flynn told me that he has a meeting to attend in fifteen minutes and I need to be as quick as I can. Most of his employees begin to recognise me as soon as I step inside the building, seeing them smiling at me which causes me to smile back at them, "Mrs. Ashton, you''re here to see Mr. Ashton?" One of the employees ask. "Yes, is he in his office?" I ask, stopping my steps.


    She furrow her brows, "He''s about to attend a meeting. I''m sure he''s on his way down," She replies before gesturing for me to wait at where I am instead of heading up to his office.


    Within seconds, I turn to find Aidan exiting the elevator, seeing him all suit up with both of his arms properly functioning which causes me to smile; reminded by when he had his cast on, he was groaning andining about how he missed wearing a proper suit and tie to work.


    Now, he''s back in his holy grail suit, respect and power screaming as his employees greet him. Both of his eyes meet mine as he smiles before making his way towards me, surprising me with a quick kiss on the lips-making me blink a few times, confusion written all over my face.


    Yet, it doesn''t take me long to realise that our act has just begun.


    "You didn''t call," He says, shoving one hand into his cks'' pocket as a couple of his unfamiliar colleagues stand behind him-watching his every movement as Flynn gestures for them to take a seat as Aidan and I talk.


    I clear my throat, "Surprise?"


    His brown eyes look down at the paper bag in my hand as he chuckles, revealing his perfectly straight teeth as he clenches his jaw, "Scones? My favourite," He replies before taking them from my hand, making me smile back at him. "Yeah... you kept on bugging me ever since you got the cast off and I''m sure this would stop the bugging," I respond.


    He grins, "You rarelye to my office."


    The two of us are standing in the middle of the lobby as everyone else is walking around but there''s not much noise-which means that our conversation can easily be heard by others especially his employees but Aidan seems to be at ease, not worrying about it.


    I look around, seeing a few of his employees ncing at us, whispering something afterwards, making me tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, not acknowledging the fact that Aidan is still standing in front of me with his eyes pierced onto my face. "Is it wrong?" I finally look back up at him.


    His eyes move down to my lips and up to my eyes, "No. I''ve always wanted to show my wife around," He replies with a serious expression stered on his face as the tip of his lips curve up into a yful smirk but somehow, not quite a tease. Iugh, "Show me around your office? To who? Your employees?" Myughter seems to have caught his attention as he stares down at my lips while I shake my head, trying to focus at anything else but his eyes; why am I suddenly nervous? "Well... babe, my ex-flings woulde here all the time and try to take me back. Don''t you feel slightly worried about that? I might go running back into their arms," He leans closer towards me before winking as I feel my legs growing weaker just by the sound of his voice near my ear and the sight of his wink.


    ''Babe.'' I recall it in my head.


    "They can probably make you happy in bed but I can make you very, very, very happy in bed." I say without thinking as I proudly cross my arms, trying to make sure that our conversation wasn''t heard and by far, it''s working-but ruined by Aidanughing, surprising almost half of his employee in the lobby, including Flynn.


    "That''s something for me to find out and for you to prove, sweetheart." He smiles down at my lips, making me look away, immediately.


    I scoff, "Yeah... you don''t believe me? Ask Noah, he knows that better than anyone."This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    "That''s because you''ve never been with anyone but him," He whispers near my ear before leaning back, our faces are close to one another, "Maybe, we can start changing that by continuing where we left off, huh?" He kisses onto the side of my face, making my whole body freezes.


    "W-we don''t have anything left off


    to continue, Aidan." I stutter but I regain my confidence by mentally pping myself back into reality. Deep down, I begin to question myself on why is he acting differently? Why is he suddenly being all flirty around me? He has never been like this before and it worries me. Slightly worried. The other parts of my body is actually pretty overwhelmed by this.


    "What about that night in Das? We can do more than just kissing and ripping our clothes off," He chuckles, taking a few steps back before clearing his throat. "See you tonight, wifey. Hubby has to go and make money," He grabs me by the waist near my butt before pulling me close and cing his lips on top of mine, softly.


    My body overflows with an unknown amount of electricity which is also known as sparks as he pulls away, making me blink a few times at the sudden yet meaningful kiss.


    "Take care," He pecks onto my cheek before walking away towards his colleagues, sparing a couple of seconds to nce back at me as I turn to look around as his employees immediately get back to work.


    I turn on my heels and make my way towards the exit, ignoring Aidan''s gaze as they burn on my back, leaving me with an uncertain amount of confusion-wanting to figure all of this out.


    --


    "He has been acting weird around me and it confuses me, Dimitri!" I exim before realising that my sudden outburst was heard by a couple of nurses as they walk away, shaking their heads as I slowly take a seat, sighing deeply. "Exin... ''weird''," He says from the other line.


    "You know-weird as in, he gets really flirty around me, he called me sweetheart and babe earlier, he touches me anytime he wants and his actions are somehow... bothering me and it''s confusing. Am I sick? Am I going to die?" I smack my own forehead, realising that a doctor is staring back at me in surprise as he walks away.


    Heughs, "Oh boy... how can I have two fools at the same time?"


    "What do you mean?" I raise an eyebrow, even though I know that he can''t see me, no matter how many expressions are used to express how I feel.


    "There''s this thing that people go


    through when they meet someone they''re fond of. You''ll start to feel butterflies in your stomach and before you know it, it''s like the whole zoo is in there. You''ll get nervous around him, you''ll probably even


    avoid making any eye


    you try to say something


    challenge him but it''ll end up quite sexual than usual. Still can''t figure this out?" He asks, waiting for me to answer as I stare at my own feet-frowning. My head is beginning to ache as I continue to think of the possibilities of this, there has got to be symptoms of a certain illness but there''s absolutely none for this kind.


    I keep quiet, hesitating.


    "For fuck''s sake, Kenna. You''re in love!" The way he said those words causes my heart to stop beating as they continue in a faster pace, making me swallow an invisible lump in my throat-holding onto the armrest before trying to control my breaths. "Love?" I close my eyes, clenching my fist.


    He sighs, "Oh,e on. Love? The need to push him against the wall, kiss him, jump his bones-"


    I cut him off, "-okay, okay! I think that''s enough information, Dimitri. I know what love means, I''ve been in love... once and things didn''t work out. What I feel towards Aidan, right I now is probably just something that


    will pass and be forgotten, al


    feelings have a chance of going away, right?" I bite onto my lower lip,


    waiting for his answer.


    "You and I have a lot inmon with this one. We''ve been in love with different people and we stopped loving that person, I don''t know if it''s even possible for someone to alter their feelings like you said, but if what you and Aidan have is real, it''s not going anywhere, love." He replies, his voice low and almost inaudible.

 Chapter 71

    "We can''t-we can''t fall in love, Dimitri."


    "Who said anything about Aidan falling in love with you?" He questions which causes me to frown, leaning back onto my seat. "You''re in love with him, Kenna. I don''t know about him... maybe, maybe, he''s in love with you, too. How about just get this whole thing over with and make babies already, how does that sound?"


    "Disgusting," I breathe out.


    "Disgustingly good. Okay, when was thest time you had sex?" He asks, making me look down the hall-somehow afraid if someone might hear his voice in this quiet surrounding.


    I groan, "How is that even an appropriate question, Dimitri? Why does that even have to do with anything?"


    Ever since Noah and I broke up, I never got the chance to find another love. Call mezy or even unbothered by the perks of being in love but truth be told, I was bored of it-not because of Noah but because of love, I had enough of the same shit all over again. Being with the same person for as long as a year and a half was quite the joy in my life. The first few months were heaven, endless love making and meaningful kisses but as time passed, meaningful kisses turned into quick kisses and endless love making turned into endless heart breaking.


    Don''t me Noah in this one because I was the bitch in our rtionship. I was the one who ruined it because I was scared of moving forward, even though he told me that he loved me with all of his heart and that he wanted to have a future with me but I crushed his heart and shattered his hopes.


    We grew distant. I made us grew distant.


    Work was in the way and I was somehow grateful because when things didn''t work out between Noah and I, I med it all on my work-I med it all on my damn career for making my life too busy and less time with him. He understood me, he tried to make things better while I tried to make things worse.


    Maybe, we weren''t meant to be. He was holding tightly onto our love while I was ready to let go. I felt sorry for leaving him like that, for breaking him apart and for purposely leaving our rtionship behind but I couldn''t deal with the amount of pressure in my life; I couldn''t deal with someone caring over me.


    Some guys might''ve walked away. Some guys might''ve even cheated but he didn''t. He didn''t stop texting me or saying how much he loved me when I didn''t go home when I purposely stayed at the hospital and add night shifts into my week, but I didn''t feel like I loved him back.


    So, he was myst. Thest guy I''ve ever been with and I guess that would answer Dimitri''s dumb question.


    "With Noah," I reply, receiving a quiet end on the other line which causes me to raise an eyebrow, "Are you still... there?"


    "I''m here. I''m just shocked," He breathes out. "That was what... a year ago? Have you not been sexually active, Kenna? What have you been doing with your life?" He continues to ask.


    "You can''t just shove it at my face, Dimitri. I don''t have time to fool around with strangers like you and Aidan... I have my own life where I fully dedicate myself to work. Besides, I don''t do those kind of things-I don''t just have sex with strangers." I roll my eyes, thinking of how I have spent my year without Noah; quite surprising how I never thought of having fun in that way.


    He scoffs before chuckling, "Boring. You''ll die as an old virgin,"


    "I''m not a virgin,"


    "Literally not a virgin. I''m just saying that you''re a boring woman with no sex drive and when you start to feel these urges with Aidan, you''re like a little noob." He replies.


    "Noob? Excuse me? I am not a noob and I''m sure I still get the hang of it," I mutter. "Besides... how can it change much from where I left off?"


    "Do you know ''The Pancake'', ''Swivel and Grind'', ''Reach for the Sky'', ''Backdoor nking'', ''Kneel Together'', ''Hyper-Connected Doggy''?" He stays quiet for a few seconds, "Well... don''t answer that, you don''t know any." He adds.


    "Why are you telling me all of this? It''spletely unnecessary!" I half-whispered and half-yelled as he continues tough, enjoying my difort to talk about this with him-especially with him.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    "So, Kenna... as you can see, you''ve missed out a year of experience. What are you going to do when things go sexual with you and Aidan? Going to walk out the backdoor?" He says and I can imagine the smirk stered on his face as he leans back on his seat.


    "Oh, what? He''s not going to be ''in


    love'' with me anymore when he finds out that don''t know certain sex positions? How urate of you," I reply after making sure that no one is walking down the hallway before sighing, "This conversation changed from sweet talking about Aidan to dirty talking about how it might go. You were supposed to help me figure this all out,"


    "I am helping you. Look, women has this specialty when ites to men-they''re good at seducing us. So... since, you''re a woman yourself, why not try seducing Aidan?" He asks. "What the hell?" I frown.


    "No, don''t get me wrong. If you want to know if he loves you or not, or he might even have a little bit of feelings towards you, why not try? If he thinks of you as his best friend, he might not bothered to look down at your body or even your lips but if he thinks of you differently and somewhat more, you can start noticing how his gaze will lower." He says, making me think about it deeply-this might be a terrible idea because why on earth would I simply seduce Aidan? I''d end up embarrassed if things go wrong and even if things do go right, I''d wake up feeling much more embarrassed.


    "How does that prove anything? That''s not love. That''s called lust," I begin to sigh again, something I would do for more than just once if he keeps on giving me these bad ideas.


    "Look-whatever, we''ll talk about thister. I have to go, just... try to find some actual good ideas when I''m gone. Don''t mess this up for me," I hang up the phone before he gets to say anything else as I run down the halls, following with one of my nurses to get down to the emergency room.


    I step out of the shower to look at


    myself in the mirror, my tan glowing underneath the light and my lips puckered with a bit hint of red from the heat. Staring at myself a little bit longer thosepliments from other people calling me pretty and beautiful are somewhat true; I''ve been too unaware of my own beauty and for some reason, I''m starting to realise more.


    I walk towards my walk-in closet as I go through my undergarments, wanting to look for somethingfortable to sleep in for the night with a pair of oversized shirt and shorts-what keeps me mostfortable at night than wearing those tight or satin nighties. My heart stops at the sight of lingerie hidden near my other clothes, causing me to walk towards it and pull the contents out. I run my fingers over the material before eyeing the hot red colour, imagining myself in it; standing in the middle of the room, somehow also imagining Aidan to beying on the bed as he holds a rose, eyeing my body with a smile.


    I blink a few times, remembering back when I bought this lingerie; when I was with Noah but I never got the chance to use it or show it. I bought it for fun but I never really got to experience the fun with it when we were together.


    Aidan hasn''t gotten home yet from work and trying this lingerie for fun wouldn''t cause me any harm; it''s not like I''m going to walk around the house in this. I just want to stare at myself in the mirror and imagine myself in one of these different lingeries, just like Dimitri said if I ever want to seduce anyone, Aidan in particr.


    After dropping the towel on the ground, I slip into the thin lingerie before gazing at myself in the mirror, watching how this lingerie define my legs to look longer than usual which wouldpliment my body shape perfectly. The colourpliments my tan, too which would be nice if it''s evere to something useful.

 Chapter 72

    he meant every word. So, I must have those qualities.


    My wavy hair falls down onto my chest before I begin to mess around with it, wanting to make myself appear sexy; something I want to make sure I have than just imagining if I do. Noah called me sexy and beautiful more than once when we were together, I''m pretty sure I turn to the side before gazing down at my hips and down to my legs again, standing in perfect posture to reveal my breasts and butt instead of looking like I have a hunched back.


    As I lean back towards the closet, I bump into the nearest dresser which causes a couple of my bracelets to fall down onto the ground. I groan before leaning down to grab them, letting my body curve as I stand up straight; feeling confidently sexy in this lingerie. "Special night?" A familiar voice asks from behind which causes my eyes to widen.


    I immediately turn around to see Aidan standing by the door with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows and his first button undone. Both of his eyes are ncing down at my body, staring a bit longer than necessary at my lips before meeting my eyes again; causing my heart to feel like it''s going to thump out of my chest.


    "You weren''t home," I mutter as I lean back.


    me.


    "I just got home. Why are you in that?" He asks, this time, looking only into my eyes without gazing or ncing at other parts of my body but as I pay a closer look at him, I see how his jaw is clenched and his body is a bit tense; which is a good sign, right? He''s attracted to Should I let mission Kenmitri start or should I just run back into the walk-in closet and pretend that this never happened? It''s starting to be a life and death decision, for some reason.


    "I... I was just trying it out because I was alone at home until you came back which is a surprise because I didn''t know and if I did, I wouldn''t be standing here in my lingerie. Also, why are you in my room?" I reply before questioning him back.


    He clears his throat as he cross his arms, "I needed to talk to you about something but I seem to have forgotten all about it as soon as I walked in and see you in that," He answers with a sly smirk on his face without moving away from the door. "You like seeing me in this?" I raise an eyebrow, purposely lowering my voice at my question.


    His lips curve up into a grin, "I love seeing you in that and I''d love it more if I get to see you out of that. It blocks the beautiful view, doesn''t it?" The way he says those words, he''s calm and it''s making me question on whether the Aidan standing by the door is still my best friend or another version of Aidan which represents my husband.


    Slowly but surely, I begin to make my way towards him as he continues to eye me without even bothered to blink or move. The way he looks at me starts to make me feel hot and it''s somehow bothering me than bothering him but by the way he stands there without any intention of moving, it''s beginning to make me tremble.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    Once we''re close enough, he gazes down at my lips before looking back into my blue eyes, "I know what you''re doing." He mutters but loud enough for me to hear as we both stare back into each other''s eyes without looking away. "What am I doing?" I ask, slowly.


    He chuckles lightly, "Be careful, Kenna. I don''t want you to do things you might regret because once I start, I''m not the man to stop." His words sound deeper and huskier in my ears as I find myself leaning closer towards him. "What if I ask you to stop?" I nce down at his lips for a couple of seconds-doubting myself but at the same time, wanting to challenge the man in front of me.


    "Unless you ask me to stop," He replies.


    I breathe out, "What is it with you? You''re making me confused," The words slips out and I know it''d be toote to regret the words I''ve said as he looks back at me, wanting to figure me out.


    "What am I doing to make you confused?"


    ''Some things. Everything.'' I thought in my head but I don''t bother to say it out loud because he''d ask for the reasons why and I don''t have any. He''s probably just being the same Aidan while I start to see him differently in ways I can only imagine. "What is it?" He asks again, this time, his expressions changes from yful to worried as he inhales deeply, trying not to meet my skin.


    I clear my throat, "Am I not pretty enough? Does this not make you feel attracted? How can you just look at me and-"


    To my surprise, he leans in to meet


    my lips which causes me to close my eyes at the sensation. My heart starts to beat utterly fast as both of his hands wrap around my waist to pull me closer towards his body while I let my handsy loose beside me, letting him run his hands on my upper back.


    Within seconds, I find him pushing me deeper into the room with him holding me tightly around the waist, causing me to get lost in his soft yet passionate kisses. I find myself sitting onto the bed as he crouches to keep on kissing me without showing any intentions of stopping yet.


    Without me realising, I find myself moaning at the way he starts to kiss down my neck; leaving a burning sensation behind as I try to hold back my moans but they juste out louder than intended before he starts to ce his left hand


    On my shoulder, purposely pushing one


    string down to hang low around my


    arm.


    Just as I''m about to grab onto his cor and undo the rest of his buttons, he leaves me with disappointment by breaking the kiss. Our eyes meet in an instant, letting me see his brown orbs staring back at me as his lips redden from our previous kisses. I clear my throat before tucking a few strands of hair behind my ears, "Did you eat the scones?" I ask, causing him to look at me in surprise for a couple of seconds but he reacts quickly.


    "I did. They tasted good," He stands up to sit beside me as he breathes out. "Where did you buy them? Don''t tell me it''s Caf¨¦ Lalo, I might actually m myself against the wall." He adds.


    He smiles down at me before standing up to let out a deep breath, "Get, uh, changed while I prepare dinner. I''ll see you downstairs," He says without looking away from me as I nod, smiling back at him as I awkwardly shift on the bed.


    We both chuckle, "No. Not Caf¨¦ Lalo,"


    As he steps out of the room, I am left immediately hiding myself under the sheets before screaming into a pillow; wanting to let out all of the frustrations before lifting my head up. Even though that was the most embarrassing thing I''ve ever done apart from back in Das when I asked for the kisses to be forgotten, it may seem like I''ve got the answer to my question.


    Yet, at the same time, by putting all of these pieces together, I appear to be one hell of a horny girl.

 Chapter 73

    Aidan


    Truth be told, when I walked in on Kenna, I didn''t expect to see an angel. The way she stood there confidently in the red lingerie whichplimented her tanned skin and highlight her long legs, she was a breathtaking sight. At first I was confused and almost mistaken her as a Victoria''s Secret angel; if you get what I mean. By far the only thing that made me forget about the whole stress at work.


    From the moment I stepped inside, I was trying hard not to make her notice how my knees were growing weak just by seeing her look back at me; maybe it was my consciousness that kept on reminding me to be sober because I would''ve never kept my hands away from her if I followed my own lustful thoughts.


    My lips curve up into a smile as I take a bite of my pancake, remembering back aboutst night. Even though we had dinner afterwards, things were pretty awkward between us and somehow quiet because we didn''t have much to say we were just trying to make the silence as our friend.


    "Kenna, are you up yet?" I shout from the kitchen before walking out towards the hallway, gazing to her room; the door closed and not a single sound passing through which confuses me.


    Kenna has never been the one to bete for anything, especially work. She might procrastinate here and there but beingte for work is so unlike her, she''s always punctual. That is one of the things I like about her; it''s hard to find someone who can go through the same thing, everyday withoutining because as far as I''ve been with Kenna... she has notined about her work but then again, she loves her job.


    "Kenna... are you in there?" I ask, this time slower as I knock onto her bedroom door.


    Sound of coughs are heard from inside the room, making me hold onto the doorknob, realising that it is unlocked as I push the door open; seeing her wrapped around in herforter like a burrito as she frowns, her nose red and her eyes somehow swollen and a little bit teary.


    I immediately make my way towards her before cing the back of my hand on her forehead, feeling a warm sensation creeping up my own skin; instantly making me realise that she''s actually unwell. My hand goes down to feel underneath her jaw after pushing her hair away from her face-wiping away the prickling beads of sweat.


    "Need... to get to work," She groans.


    "You''re not going anywhere," I reply before sighing, seeing her blue eyes are droopily piercing into my brown ones; they are red and somewhat tired and instantly, I feel a slight sympathy in my heart, knowing that she''s never the one to care for herself even though she''s good at caring about other people.


    "I''m fine, Aidan." She coughs, "Just let me go to work. I have to get to the hospital," The way her voice sounded different than usual, it worries me; knowing that her throat must be sore and swollen, too... not just her eyes.


    As soon as she sits up straight and starts to get off the bed, her body begins to lose bnce; causing her to fall onto the ground but luckily I manage to grab her by the waist, stabilising her feet on the ground than letting her hurt other parts of her body from falling. "For god''s sake, Kenna. Don''t be stubborn and listen to me for once," I say before cing her onto the bed, letting hery down; her eyes are closed shut and her eyebrows remain furrowed. "You have a fever. You can''t force yourself," I add.


    She groans again, "You don''t understand. I have a lot of work to do,"


    "I do understand and I''m also worried about your health. You need to know that it''s my responsibility to take care of you-how can I just let you off to work when I know that you''re not feeling okay? You need to rest," I unbutton my sleeves before rolling them up to my elbows, without looking away from her figure which has turned sideways due to the difort.


    "You worry too much," She mumbles.


    I press my lips into a thin line, "About you."


    Within seconds, I''m already walking down the stairs to get a basin filled with cold water and a clean cloth before taking prescribed pills in the kitchen cab, making sure that she gets the exact dose for a speedy recovery.


    Kenna took care of me when I still had the cast on my left arm, she cared for my health, my work and even my happiness while I was almost begging for my cast to be taken off earlier than decided. She was there for me and I want to be here for her.


    "Siri, call Flynn." I turn towards my phone, seeing it light up before dialling Flynn''s number; hearing it ringing for a few seconds as I put on my ear.


    "Yes, Mr. Ashton? Is there anything that I can help you with?" He picks up the phone, causing me to stop moving all at once and focus onto the sound of his voice. "Mr. Ashton?" He calls out, again.


    I clear my throat, "Kenna''s not feeling well. I can''t be at the office today-I certainly can''t go through with the meetings. Can you forward them to tomorrow? Also, can you please send me those files that I was going through yesterday through email?" I ask, tapping onto the kitchen counter as I wait for his respond; hearing him typing off on theputer.


    He stutters at first, "Are you sure, sir? You have a meeting with Mr. Otawaki at three and he has came all the way from Japan just to see you in order to confirm the final details about the tender. We might have a higher risk of losing it if you don''t attend," He replies.


    My mind wanders off to Mr.


    Otawaki-the same man who


    appears to be strict when ites to work but at the same time, I can''t help it knowing that Kenna needs me. Even though the meeting with Mr. Qtawaki is important... but Kenna is much more important to me. There''s a risk of losing the tender but I can''t just leave to tend for herself when she''s justying in bed with no strength at all to go through the day without me.


    Besides, I''m also her husband; not just her best friend.


    §Ö§ä


    "Yes, I''m sure. Send my sincerest apology for this unexpected matter to Mr. Otawaki and just call me if anything happens," I reply firmly, imagining Flynn taking notes before nodding his head; something he would do without even bothered to say otherwise, even if I''m making the wrong choices in life but sometimes, it''s wiser to go with the most


    important one.


    "Of course, Mr. Ashton. The files will be sent directly through email within five minutes. I also wish that Kenna would get better soon," He says in which I respond with a light chuckle before ending the call; cing it on the kitchen ind. Then, I grab onto the basin and a clean cloth with the prescribed pills as I walk towards her room; seeing her still wrapped around in herforter, soundly asleep. The way her hair is being tied up in a loose ponytail, it''s quite a sight to see her as messy as this-she''s always the type to dress up well and look pretty almost all of the time.


    I ce the basin and clean cloth on


    the bed stand pushing her hair away from her face before tying them up into a neater but loose bun but as long as her hair stays away from her face; hopefully it''ll make her feel much morefortable. My eyes remain still onto her face, seeing her lips puckering to the front as she continues to sleep, unable to stay awake due to the fever.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    My hand reaches out to grab the remote in order to raise the temperature in the room as I turn on the air purifier, wanting to make sure that she gets asfortable as she can not even letting her shake anymore as the weather is getting colder because of the snow. "Mmm," She mumbles in her sleep.


    I chuckle softly as I find it a little bit amusing before putting the clean cloth into the basin filled with cold water-then, cing it on her forehead, causing her eyes to squint at the sudden coldness before she turns to look at me.

 Chapter 74

    "It''ll help you get better," I smile down at her as I soothingly run my hand on her head, receiving myself a weak smile from her; instantly leaving me to eye the paleness of herplexion, the swollen and red eyes and even her running nose. "This will all be over as soon as your temperature goes down, okay?" I assure her.


    "Can''t wait," She tries to smile but the coughs that escaped her lips were making it hard for her.


    "We have to get something into your system before you can take these pills. I''ll go ahead and make your favourite soup," I say, gazing onest time down her face as I receive another smile from her; making me smile back. "What?" I ask, confused-did I say something funny?


    She shakes her head, "It''s wanton soup."


    "Yeah... and? What''s so funny about it?"


    "Nothing. You just rarely cook anymore-ever since you got busy with work and it''s surprising to hear thating from you," She clears her throat, adjusting her body onto the bed to make herself much moreforter as Iugh; can''t deny the fact that she''s right. We both look at each other, "Hey, I''m still a pretty good cook. Making you your favourite wanton soup? That''s easy-I can even serve you some Italian dishes," I end with a wink.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    I''ve always been the one to say that Kenna needs to spend more time with herself than spending her time at the hospital but I''m just the same. We''re both the same. My work is just as important as Kenna and for some reason... earlier this morning, when I had to choose between work and Kenna, it was an easy choice.


    It was an obvious choice.


    Maybe... I am giving in to everything when ites to her. There are these urges, forcing me to just hold her close to my body and kiss her softly, the urge to feel her lips against mine and her fingers gripping tightly onto the tips of my hair or if she snuggles close near my heart.


    The kind of urges where I can just want to relive all over again even if we have never done any.


    "You don''t have to. Just give me the pills,"


    I grab onto the pills away from her grasps, "Aha, Kenna... you know better than anyone to consume these pills with an empty stomach. You can''t simply break the rules, can you? It applies the same for everybody," I say as I see her rolling her eyes yet remain still at the same spot.


    "It''s fine. Besides, I''m not hungry." She tries to reach the pills from my grip but I begin to stand up, taking a few steps away from her as she sighs in defeat-leaving me grinning. There''s no way for her to get away with this just because she''s perfectly beautiful, with that pretty smile, hopeful eyes, luscious lips and-wait, where am I getting with this?


    "Just let me make you something. Just wait," I add before quickly stepping out of the room, heading towards the kitchen to prepare for a simple chicken soup instead of a wanton soup-since we don''t have the ingredients because thest time I went grocery shopping was a few months back; Flynn has been the one to help me restock the fridgest week when I was too busy being in the office while Kenna was in grief. She needed space and I respected that.


    I quickly prepare the ingredients for a delicious yet warm soup, making sure that it''ll match her taste. She''s not much of ainer when ites to food, even if it tastes bad... she won''tin much. Then again, my cooking will, of course, be as delicious as it''ll look.


    "Just a few more," I mutter to myself before putting the ingredients in the soup after chopping off a couple of potatoes and some bell peppers. "Just like that..." I smile as the aroma hits my nostrils, leaving me to taste the soup.


    The chicken soup with a few potatoes tastes just as good as I said it would making me smile down to myself, proud of my achievement even though it has been awhile since I''ve cooked but my talent has not faded away.


    I walk up the stairs with a bowl of soup and a ss of water in my hand, slowly entering the room to see her sleeping with herforter pulled up near her chin. Slowly, I ce the bowl and ss onto the table beside her bed, eyeing her features again; something I can never get bored of.


    "That''s not my favourite soup," She says before slowly opening her eyes, catching me staring at her; making me clear my throat.


    "It''s going to be," I grin.


    She smiles as I start to ce one hand around her back and one underneath her arm, letting me lift her to sit up straight and lean her head against the headstand earning myself a groan from her; the headache probably getting worse.


    "Here," I mutter as I lift the bowl closer towards her, picking up the spoon and moving it closer to her lips.


    Her eyes widen at my sudden and


    spontaneous gesture, leaving me to


    realise that


    never done this


    before; not to anyone, not to Kenna Maybe, to Mia once when she was sick but that''s considered


    different-she''s my sister. Kenna''s.. . well, I don''t know where we stand. Are we still friends? Are we somehow more than that? Are we capable of something more than


    being friends?


    Both of our eyes won''t look away from each other as I remain frozen, not knowing whether I should pull away or just feed her but it''s all answered as soon as she leans her head forward, letting the spoon enter her mouth; a smile stered on her pale face afterwards, leaving me to pull away.


    "So... what do you think?" I ask, slightly worried if she might hate the taste.


    She furrow her brows for a few seconds, making me feel uneasy but as soon as her lips curve up into a wider smile, "It tastes good. You''re right-my new and current favourite soup." She replies.


    I chuckle, "You''re cute."


    "What?" She raises an eyebrow as she tries to make me repeat the words I said; as she did not hear them properly or correctly.


    "I said you''re pretty ugly right now," I change the words, leaving her chuckling. Another fun fact about her personality, one of the reasons why I''m beginning to fall for her-one of a kind girl. My one of a kind girl.


    "Well... yeah, look at me. My hair''s a mess, I probably have a couple of zits and my head''s hurting. It''s horrible," She run her fingers through her hair, making me watch her every movement. "I''m sorry you have to look after me in this condition. You don''t have to," She


    adds.


    I let out a sigh, if only she can


    understand how much I want to say about her beauty. If only she can understand more just how her ws are what perfects her. She doesn''t need a wless skin or a straight, perfect hair because all she need is to unt her beautiful smile she''d smile-she''d


    stop the entire world just by that


    damn smile. I call it the smile of an


    angel.


    "I want to," I reply without hesitation.


    She smiles. "That''s why we''re buddies."


    My heart sinks at the word ''buddies'' before watching her taking another sip of the warm soup, making me think of how I want this to change, confirming it with my heart-I don''t need to think hard about this, I just have to move forward and see where it''ll take us. "Kenna... I want to tell you something," I frown.


    She raises an eyebrow, "Are you okay, Aidan?" She asks, concern written all over her face; something I appreciate her to show even though she''s probably concern because we''re friends to begin with; nothing too special or spectacr with our current rtionship. Married but only legally.


    I clench my jaw, "You know


    what-you need to rest. You have to get better. I know how much it''s killing you to stay home instead of being at the hospital but don''t worry, I called your colleague and told him about your condition. You just need to worry getting better," I run my right hand on her head and down to her cheek as she stares at me, her eyes showing something I''ve never seen before with a few other emotions.

 Chapter 75

    "Here are the pills," I put them on her hand before handing her the ss of water in which she takes, consuming them afterwards.


    My phone starts to ring from downstairs which causes me to break the trance and nce at Kenna for a couple of seconds, "That''s probably work. Get some sleep," I say before quickly stepping out of the room and walking down the stairs; leaving her without a second nce even though I know she wanted to ask me why was I acting like that.


    I pick up the phone, "Flynn, I told you-"


    He stutters, "-Mr. Ashton, I''m sorry!" His voice surprises me as I ce my hand on the kitchen counter, waiting for her to continue. "We-we lost the tender. I''m sorry," He adds.


    I stay quiet for a few seconds, knowing this was a risk I took and now I must face it. I begin to pinch the bridge of my nose before running my fingers through my already thickening hair, starting to feel stressed out about this matter. Not because of the decision I made to disappoint Mr. Otawaki but because of the losing the tender when he could''ve agreed to sign it and go through itter. Unfortunately, he doesn''t trust me enough to go through the process informally. "Have you sent the files through email?" I ask, changing the subject.


    He hesitates at first, "I have, sir."


    "Thank you, Flynn." I reply without waiting for him to respond as I end the call; cing my phone on the kitchen counter, harder than intended before letting out a deeper sigh, feeling somehow disappointed yet I knew the risk and I knew the consequences when dealing with apany from Japan. They tend to get serious with matters like this and I have unfortunately, disappoint them.


    Within seconds, I''m already sitting in my office near my room with theputer screen shining brightly in front of me as I type the day away. My shoulders and neck are straining but I continue to go through the files from the email before finishing the rest of my work, not even realising how long I''ve been sitting at the same spot and just type my hours away.


    I close my eyes as I turn to see the sky has darkened, making me nce down at my wrist watch-surprised to see the time.


    "Damn," I mutter before leaning back on my seat, head aching and shoulders straining. At least a lot of my works areplete, which means I won''t have to go through them again in the nearest future unless I procrastinate and leave them unintended for a couple of weeks until their deadline.


    My eyes widen as soon as I realise about Kenna which causes me to push myself up from the seat and walk straight towards her room, pushing the door to find her sleeping soundly on the middle of her bed, not bothered by my presence.


    The pills must''ve put her in a deep sleep.


    I walk towards her before cing my hand on her forehead, feeling her body less warmer than before which eases me. My eyes gaze down to her body as I pull onto theforter to cover more than just beneath her waist, knowing that she might wake up from being cold and ufortable; so, she shouldn''t.


    I sit beside the bed, my hand slowly reaching out for hers-afraid if I might wake her up as soon as my warmth mix with hers but she remains asleep. My hand grips onto her, making me examine the wedding ring, perfectly fit in her ring finger; I have measured it on the day I proposed, when I just grabbed onto her hand and took a few seconds to confirm that she has an average size.


    "It suits you," I mutter with a smile stered onto my face, making me think of the moments we can create if I just confess but I fear rejection.


    cing the side of my head on the bed as I remain holding onto her hand without having any intention of letting go, "Can we just pretend that you''re listening? Even though you''re not," I peek to look up at her face, seeing her eyes closed and her breathing at ease. "Can I love you, Kenna?" My voice almost inaudible.


    "You can''t answer that, can you?" I chuckle as I run my fingers through my hair again using my free hand as I continue to mesmerise her hand liking how soft it is, "Do you think you might love me, too? Maybe... a little bit? I don''t like to think that this is a one-sided thing because you know how they work, right? It takes two to tango?" I raise an eyebrow as


    I let out a breathy chuckle.


    "I really need to work on my nerves. I really need to talk about this with you when you''re actually awake," I add. "But I''m terrible. I don''t know how to say this to your face when your eyes are pierced into mine... you''re going to make me one hell of a nervous guy," "That''s a good thing, right? It means that I''m serious about this. About us," I smile.


    My heart starts to beat fast as my head think of the clearer words to escape from my lips, leaving me to continuously look up at her face; seeing how calm she looks when she''s sleeping or how her face can be mistaken as an angel lost on earth. That''s how perfect she is to me.


    "I think I''m in love with you," I say, staring at her face; expressionless and unawake.


    Within seconds, I find myself pulling her hand closer towards my lips before kissing the back of it; long and full of meaning as I wish for our feelings to be the same and for us to actually have a chance to try this thing called-love.


    --


    "Aidan...? Aidan," I hear a familiar voice calling out my name as I drift away; making me raise my head after opening my eyes, looking at my own surroundings before looking down at my grip.


    My eyes widen at the sight of my fingers entwining with Kenna''s fingers, making me pull away. "I''m sorry about that. Probably must''ve done that in my sleep," I clear my throat, feeling the strain on my neck a bit worse thanst night.


    She smiles, "Why did you sleep on


    the floor? You could''vee on the bed with me. She replies as I blink a few times, somehow confused yet remember back about what


    happenedst night-I said this ne


    I


    would never take back but it was not heard by her which to me is quite a lucky thing. For now. She deserves better than a confession in her


    bedroom while she''s sick.


    "Didn''t want you to kick me off," I joke.


    Her lips grow wider as she tries to stand up, in which I help, afraid if she might trip and fall. Her hands grip onto my forearm, "I''m going to take a shower," She says. "I''m feeling a bit better. Thanks to you," She adds.


    I walk her towards the bathroom before letting her sit near the bathtub, "Let me help you."


    She raises an eyebrow as her lips curve up into a yful smirk, "What? You actually want to see me naked?" Her voice somehow pursuing of something fun which causes me to let out a breathyugh before clenching my jaw.


    "Nothing wrong with that," I reply


    with a smirk of my own and we both


    justugh it off, confirming that she''s feeling a bit better than she was yesterday; which means that I did a pretty good job at taking care of her. Then again, truth be told, she was easy to take care of and she heals pretty much on her own. N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Just as she starts to stand up, she loses her bnce but luckily, I manage to catch her before she falls onto the ground; making me wrap my arm around her waist and the other quickly grabbing onto her hand, surprising her. "Wow, you alright? Are you sure you''re okay?" I ask, my eyes wander down to see if she''s actually hurt even though, I know she didn''t fall.


    She frowns, "I''m sorry. My head''s still hurting,"


    I immediately pick her up by putting one hand around her waist and the other beneath her thighs before cing her in the bathtub, making her grip around my neck as I ce her slowly. "You seriously need my help. What if you fall and hurt your head when you shower?" I ask, my eyebrows furrowed, matching hers.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 76

    "Are you serious?" She asks. "What?"


    Her fingers begin to grip onto the edge of the bathtub, something caught up in her throat but within seconds, I manage to figure out what''s in her head. "Just... let me help you. Trust me," Both of her eyes meet mine, staring a bit longer than longer before nodding her head. She starts to take her shirt off before giving it to me while I try my best to not look down at her body even though she''s sitting in the bathtub in her undergarments instead of stake naked. Then, she takes off her pants, letting me put them in theundry bag.


    I turn to run the bath after cing her usual bath bomb, adjusting the water tofort her; not too warm and not too cold, just a mixture of lukewarm water that can easily ease her and make her feel better.


    As soon as the bath bomb has finished twirling, the water has managed to cover her body up to her upper chest and colour from the bath bomb is a bit too dark and almost impossible for me to see anything beneath which is her skin. "Just call me if you need anything," I say as soon as I realise that the situation is getting a bit more ufortable.


    Just as I''m about to walk away, she has managed to stop me by grabbing onto my wrist, making me turn to look at her; slightly confused. "It''s okay, keep mepany." She replies with an uncertain voice but her expressions shows otherwise. "Just turn around for awhile," She says and I nod before turning around, my view away from her body.


    I look down at the ground to see that she has thrown her undergarments away, making me feel my heart beating faster than before as I try to control my breathing; slowly, clenching my jaw and almost imagining her in ways I can only think of. "You can turn around now," She adds.


    Slowly but surely, I turn around to meet her eyes. She stays as deep as she can in the water as I start to sit beside her bathtub, watching her every movement as I push away the thought of her being naked in the same room as me; only out of view. "This is... awkward," She says and we bothugh,pletely agreeing.


    "I''m trying my best to imagine you with clothes on but so far, it''s not working very well." I reply with a chuckle escaping my lips as her cheeks heat up, the blush creeping causing her to run her fingers through her hair, trying to wet them.


    "Let me help," I say, looking at her; somehow asking for approval.


    She turns for her back to face me as I squeeze and adequate amount of shampoo on the palm of my hand before massaging her head by mixing the shampoo with some water, letting the bubbles form.


    My hands are moving gently to wash her hair, trying to remove any dirt or oil as she stays still; not uttering a single word but my eyes just can''t seem to move away from the back of her body, seeing how they''re calling out for me to touch but I remain still, keeping my hands where they are needed and not anywhere near her skin.


    "You''re good at this," She mutters.


    Iugh, "Yeah? It''s making you feel better?"Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Even without looking at her, I can see the smile creeping up her face as she starts to look down. "Well... it seems like you''ve done this before. That''s not a surprise, though." She replies.


    I stop moving for a short couple of seconds, "I''ve never done this before." My reply seems short but it''s an enough confirmation to prove just how it''s the truth-call it whatever she wants but I''ve never bothered to do this for any of my ex-flings or one night stands because why bother?


    "Really?"


    "You''re the first," I add.


    She stays quiet, letting me run my fingers through her hair again, removing any excess bubbles and try to rinse it. "It makes me feel really special,"


    "Aha, I''m not so sure about that." I joke even though deep down, I want to just let the words escape and tell her how much she means to me. How I wouldn''t just do this for anyone but for her; it can stay that way for as long as she wants as I hesitate and fight with my own thoughts.


    "Dick," She chuckles.


    We both smile as I rinse her hair.


    As soon as I''m done, she starts to turn and our eyes meet again, "Is your head still hurting?" I ask, wanting to start a conversation so that our current situation won''t be as awkward as it already is. "Yeah. Thank you," She replies.


    "Anything for you," I unknowingly run the back of my hand across her cheek, making me blink back a few times as soon as I realise what I''ve done but it appears to be toote to take it all back. My hand moves away from her face before clearing my throat, "I''ll wait outside." I quickly add.


    As I step out of the bathroom, I begin to ce a hand on my chest; feeling my heart beating fast even though I keep on trying to control my breaths but everything around me and being in this room can''t seem to help me any further.


    "Calm the fuck down," I mutter to myself before circling the room; mentally trying to talk to myself and just calm down before she walks out. "Damn it, Aidan-you''re losing it. You''re clearly losing your mind,"


    Just as I stop walking around, I hear her step out of the bathroom which causes me to freeze at my exact spot before hearing her entering the walk-in closet, leaving me all by myself again but deep in my own thoughts.


    It''s not about feeling lustful when we


    were in the bathroom and she was bathing naked even though I couldn''t see anything but it''s because of how my feelings are somehow deep and sincere for her. She''s making me go crazy and she''s even making me go weak for her-it''s something unexpected but it''s happening. It''s all happening.


    Everything that Dimitri said, it''sing true.


    We''re not anywhere near the end of the marriage but I''m already somehow, deeply, madly and truly in love with my best friend, Kenna.


    yet.


    I turn around to see her looking back at me, surprising me as I didn''t get the chance to hear her step out of the walk-in closet. My eyes wander down to her clothes and see that''s currently wearing a in shirt with a pair of dark skinny jeans but my heart can''t seem to ease To my surprise, she starts to make her way towards me before standing on her tiptoes and immediately cup onto my face, her lips meeting mine in an instant; causing my eyes to widen at the sudden yet soft kiss.


    Everything around me begins to fade


    as I close my eyes, wrapping both of my hands around her waist as I pull her body closer towards me, letting me feel the curves of her perfectly shaped body and taste the minting from her lips from the toothpaste. Yet, what intrigues me most is her scent, the same exact soft scent. The same exact


    Bombshell scent.


    I feel her arms wrapping around my neck as I pull her up match her height with mine which is not a burden as she appears to be light and her frame has always been small and petite. My heart eases down as our kiss seems to be more passionate and filled with unspoken meanings. I slow down the kiss as my hands move up to her back, feeling her body curving up towards mine; leaving me to appreciate just how close we are, leaving no distance in between.


    We break the kiss to find ourselves


    panting as we''re still inches apart from one another, her eyes looking, into my eyes as mine remain still at her lips, seeing them turning red from the amount of kisses. I begin to clench my jaw before gazing up into her blue eyes, liking how they manage to strike as one of the most beautiful eyes.


    "I''m in love with you," I mutter under my breath as they escape from my lips. We both remain frozen especially her as soon as she heard the words, knowing that they came out a bit more as a big smack than something slow and romantic.


    Shit.

 Chapter 77

    Kenna


    My heartbeat''s raising with every step I take as I keep on reying the scene in my head, smiling to myself like a fool. It happened quickly and I can''t help but confess that Aidan has own my heart in just as I''ve owned his.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    I enter the hotel to see Dimitri standing in the middle of the grand lobby as he talks to someone unfamiliar yet I pay no further attention to the man in front of him; only to him as I quickly run towards him, causing him to turn as soon as he heard my voice calling out his name continuously.


    "Dimitri!" I exim one more time before wrapping my arms around him, leaving him with a surprise as he wraps his arms around my waist. "You were right all along!" I grin, widely.


    Both of his light eyes look at me in confusion, "I''m with a client, Kenna." He replies.


    I turn to look at the man next to us as he has been staring at me all along, leaving me to gaze down at his clothes and up again at his features. Both of his light brown eyes would give off an exotic vibe yet there''s something sweet about his smile. My hands are immediately dropped to my sides as I begin to clear my throat, "I''m sorry."


    The unknown man-Dimitri''s client, looks at me in surprise before smiling wider. "You don''t have to be, Mrs. Ashton. It''s actually a pleasure to meet you even though under informal circumstances," The way his voice smoothly escape his lips with his English ent, it has managed me to remain speechless.


    My blue eyes won''t look away from the mysterious yet very attractive man in front of me; no doubt he''s more than just six foot tall, probably six foot two or three and his body fits perfectly onto his expensive Armani suit, leaving me staring at him in awe... assuring myself that he has this affect on anyone.


    "You... know me?" I raise an eyebrow.


    Dimitri cuts in, "I would like to apologise, Daniel. My friend here is a bit excited about a few things that might''ve happened and she couldn''t contain the excitement. I hope you understand," He says in a more professional tone as the beautiful yet sexy stranger named Daniel continues to look at me, somehow eyeing my every features.


    "No need to apologise. It''s actually an honour to meet such a beautifuldy," Daniel says which causes me to blush, somehow not expecting him to be a gentleman.


    "I wouldn''t call her ady," Dimitri mutters, causing me to turn and re at him.


    Daniel, on the other hand, grabs onto my left hand with his before cing a peck at the back of it, "I''m Daniel Jonathan Murray but you can call me Daniel," He looks up into my eyes with adoration as I let out a breath of relief as soon as he lifts his lips away. "Kenna Anne Roosevelt-uh, Ashton." I stutter before clearing my throat, trying to hide away my embarrassment.


    Daniel smiles, "You''re a doctor, Mrs. Ashton?" As he gazes down at my white coat.


    "Kenna''s fine... and yes, I''m a neurologist." My reply seems to have surprised him as he nods, his lips curving up into a wider smile while I take my time to eye how his perfectly straight teeth highlights the rest of his nicely sharp features.


    "A fine career for a very finedy. Your husband must be a very lucky man," He smiles, again; leaving me to look up at Dimitri, not knowing whether I can stand being close to this attractive acquaintance in front of me.


    "If you don''t mind, Daniel... I would


    like to speak with my friend, here for a little while I respond by pointing at Dimitri who seems to be smiling ever since I came in, putting on a perfect act in front of Daniel even though we both know that he''s


    going to smack the hell out of me or even try to throw me onto the


    ground.


    "Of course. Take your time," Daniel replies.


    Just like that, I begin to pull onto Dimitri''s hand as we both walk quickly towards the other side of the lobby near the staffs'' pantry, "Whoa, slow down, cupcake. Are we doing cardio?" He asks.


    I push him onto the seat before joining him, "We kissed yesterday." I exim, excitedly as I remember back of what happened yesterday; it was everything I had hoped to happen if he ever confessed or anyone ever said he loves me. He raises an eyebrow, "But, you guys kiss all the time?"


    "Well...we kissed and he told me he loves me!" I grab onto both of his shoulders, my eyes piercing directly into his, showing him how excited I am about this whole thing.


    "I already knew¡ªI mean, whoa, how did that happen? He was in love with you this whole time?" He asks, eyeing me as I lean onto the seat, recalling back of whatever happenedst night and try to put into words so it''s easier for him to understand. Just like this: His brown eyes remain staring into my blue ones while I am left frozen and speechless at the same time yet for some unknown reasons, I feel undeniablyplete. Complete to an extend of happiness where I feel like candies are falling from the sky and rainbows are appearing.


    "I''m not saying this as your friend,


    Kenna. I''m saying this as your husband and I''m saying that I''m in love with you. From the moment saw you walked down the aisle and from the moment we kissed, I knew I wasn''t dreaming. I love you, Renna Anne." He continues to speak, his voiceing out softly and soothingly.


    He nces down at my lips for a couple of seconds, "If you feel the same way towards me. Maybe, a little bit. I want you to tell me that this is not a one-sided thing. Tell me that it''s not just me feeling these emotions when I''m with you. I want tooknow if you feel them, too." He adds.


    I wrap my hands around his neck as my lips begin to curve up into a smile, "It took you a kiss for you to admit those feelings?" I ask, teasingly.


    He chuckles, "Maybe... and even more kisses in the future." He leans in to kiss me near he lips as I smile, liking how his warmth is being mixed with mine in our embrace and how his lips are softly ced against my skin; it''s reassuring.


    I look into his eyes, "Today is your lucky day because the woman that you''re in love with is in love with you, too." As soon as those words escaped my lips, he starts to smile wider before turning to a grin, leaving me to blush at the fact knowing that he''s mesmerising my every feature. Just like that, he starts to pull me in for a hug, causing my feet to being lifted up from the ground as I let out chuckles, leaving him to twirl me around the room as if today is in fact, the best day of his life.


    As he looks up at me, he starts to slowly ce me back onto the ground with his smile never leaving his face as mine does the same. We''re both drawn to each other''s beauty and somehow, we''re both drowning in this sea of love; where neither of us wants to be saved. "That was what happened," I turn to look at Dimitri again, seeing him staring at me with a frown.


    He leans forward, "So... it''s confirmed, then? What if you might hate the way he sleeps, the way he eats, the way he kisses or even the way he''s looking at you?" He asks, eyes squinting.


    Iugh slowly, "I''ve been with him long enough to know how he sleeps and eats and looks at me. So far, I like the way he kisses me. I don''t think that''s going to be an issue," I reply with a smile.

 Chapter 78

    "Good. Then, I''m very happy for you; knowing that two of my best friends are in love with each other has made me feel like I''m not friends with fools or idiots anymore which is great. Anyways, has he mentioned to you about the contract? Are you guys going to just burn it away?" He asks, making me think about the contract that we have made. "I mean, don''t get me wrong, sweetcheeks but the contract was the reason why you two got married in the first ce." He adds.


    "We haven''t talked about it," I mutter.


    He breathes out, "Sooner orter, try to bring that topic up. Dispose it as soon as possible so that if something bad happens, he can''t use the contract against you,"


    "Are you implying that something bad will happen?"


    "I said ''if'', Kenna. If something bad happens," He shrugs before shoving one hand into his cks'' pocket, "Look, I wish you guys an evesting love and marriage and all but I''m just saying be careful at what you go through, try to expect the worst. Love with all of your heart but don''tpletely put your guard down," He adds with a pat on my shoulder, leaving me to think that his past scar has not healed to an extent where he might be able to let it all go, he forgave her but he will never forget.


    "Thanks, Dimitri." I smile, appreciating his advice.


    He smiles back, "You''re wee. Always here to look out for a friend-now, I''ll have to go back to my client, luckily he seems to ''fancy'' you, he might even agree to my terms and conditions." He says as we both head back towards the lobby with staffs smiling and slightly bowing at us when they see Dimitri, who kindly returns the smile.


    "He''s really handsome," I grin.


    Augh escapes from his lips as he leans his head back, "Fortunately, he''s single. Unfortunately, you''re married but stay away from him if you can, he''s a bit of a heartbreaker; he gets what he wants and he throws it away whenever he wants. Never heard of him being in any serious rtionship but maybe he hasn''t found the right one,"


    I stop for a moment, "You know what, Dimitri?"


    He turns to look at me, his eyebrows furrowed as he tries to think of something I might say. "What?"


    "He''s just like you!" I exim with a grin, "He''s single but he''s a heartbreaker. He gets what he wants and throws it away whenever he wants. He sounds just like you, except that you were once married and you''re not a heartbreaker, just a Casanova." I shrug it off as he roll his eyes, following me straight towards Daniel who has started to stand up as soon as he sees us.


    "Kenna, I assume everything went well." He says with a seductive smile ying at the tips of his lips which is surprisingly attractive enough for someone to fall head over heels or even swoon.


    I smile back, "It went just as how I wanted it. I''m sorry if I took more of your time,"


    "If my time was spent for someone like you then I wouldn''t mind spending more," He replies without bothering to look at Dimitri who seems to be participating in our conversation, somehow starting to get a little bit flirty, making me burst out into augh.


    "Oh, look at the time! I have a surgery to monitor in an hour and I can''t bete for this. Thanks a lot Dimitri, I will reconsider your advice." I peck onto his cheek before turning to look at Daniel, "Thank you again, Daniel. It was a pleasure to meet you," He grabs onto my hand before kissing the back of it, "The pleasure was all mine."N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Both of his eyes won''t look away from mine as I slowly slip my hand away from his grasps, taking a few steps back and smile onest time before heading outside and straight towards my car.


    Right back at the hospital, I am already making my way towards my floor before bumping into Lucas; who seems to be slightly more surprised than usual as he drops a couple of files onto the ground, leaving me to crouch in unison with him. "I''m sorry," I say as I look up into his eyes.


    He chuckles, "If it''s you... Kenna, no apologies needed. Where were you running off to?" He asks as we both begin to stand up, my hands shoving inside my coat''s pockets.


    "I have to monitor a surgery in less than an hour," I reply.


    "Good luck. Not that you need it," He says with a grin stered on his face; leaving me to nod my head, eyes wandering around the lobby before meeting a familiar figure from behind.


    "Thanks, Lucas. I''ll see you around, okay?" I pat onto his arm before quickly making my way towards the figure, seeing it is definitely Mia once I''m closer-causing me to nce down at my wrist watch, realising that I have about forty-five minutes before the surgery starts. Mia turns to look at me in surprise, "Kenna! I didn''t expect to see you here which is dumb because you work here," She says as we both hug.


    "What are you doing here?" I ask.


    She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, "I had an appointment to confirm the pregnancy. I thought it was best to head straight to the hospital," She says before adding, "I told Tony,"


    "What did he say? If it''s anything good then I wish you all the best but if he''s an irresponsibled, I''m going to smack him." I joke and we bothugh, cheering ourselves up.


    "Well... he said he was ready to be


    dad. He knows that it''s too early for us but he''d risk anything for me-as long as I''m by his side," She


    continues to smile as he talks about Tony, leaving me to wonder just how much of a good guy he is, even though I know that he has always cared for Mia but if he''s able to make this decision, then, he''s definitely a keeper.


    "That''s wonderful! I''m happy for you," I grin.


    "Thanks, Kenna. I just want to make sure that everything goes well and that me being pregnant is actually a good thing for me and Tony," She replies.


    Just as I''m about to say something, another familiar figure approaches us, causing us both to turn around at the sound of his stern voice. "You''re what?!" He asks, anger radiating as he starts to clench onto his jaw; holding it back. "Aidan..." Mia mutters,pletely speechless.


    Both of Aidan''s brown eyes are


    wandering widely onto anywhere but


    us as he continues to control his breathings, leaving me to gaze at Mia who seems to be entirely out of words I grab onto his hand, trying to calm his down but he pulls his hand away before walking out of the hospital, Mia trailing behind him in a


    hurry.


    "For god''s sake!" I exim, surprising a couple of patients in which I apologise, quickly before running out of the hospital-seeing Mia and Aidan having a heated conversation.


    "What the hell were you thinking,


    Mia?!" Aidan @sks, his voice raising as Mia continues to look down onto the ground like a child being scold, but she starts to look up into his eyes, trying to grab onto his hands but he manages to pull them away, not letting her being anywhere near him.


    "Can you at least let me exin?" She asks.


    "How? How can an exnation be worth any of this? Were you even thinking about what could''ve happened, Mia? You''re not a child-you know better to use protection!" He continues to let his anger out at her, not even noticing me staring at both of them, watching them argue. Mia sighs, "We did. We used protection,"

 Chapter 79

    "Then? The condom broke?"


    Mia nces at my direction for a couple of seconds before turning to look at her brother again, "No... we wanted to try something new. We, well, I... convinced Tony," Her voice low and almost inaudible but loud enough for Aidan to hear as he scoffs, looking at the cars


    passing by as he pinches the bridge of his nose before running his fingers through his hair.


    Just a little moment here, I can''t help notice just how beautiful he looks when he''s angry. Not in a beautiful kind of beautiful dewy look but hot and beautiful kind of look; the way he ran his fingers through his hair and pinched the bridge of his nose or even clenched his jaw, it was a mouthwatering sight even though he''s currently throwing his anger out at Mia in words I can''t evenprehend too busy watching his perfections.


    "Now, it''s certain, that his pull out game is weak." Aidan mumbles which causes Mia to furrow his brows, running her fingers through her hair, carelessly. "You''re mad at me," She states the obvious.


    Aidan, turns to look at Mia, his brown eyes are staring at her confusingly. "Of course I''m mad at you! Does it look like I''m smiling? Laughing? I''m being mad at you. Wait... no, being mad does not even suit what I feel right now. I feel like beating the crap out of your stupid boyfriend ande back at here to be mad at you some more," He replies after rolling his eyes.


    "Guys... I don''t think it''s a good ce to have an argument," I try to break it off but Aidan gazes at me, causing me to sigh in defeat.


    "You knew all along and you didn''t bother to tell me?" He asks, raising an eyebrow as he points at Mia, who seems to be surprised.


    "Hey! Don''t me it on her," Mia ps his hand away. "She kept my secret and I appreciated for what she had done-proves just how much she''s an amazing sister-inw. You can''t put the me on her because I told her to keep it a secret from anyone including you. I didn''t want you to know because I''m scared of disappointing you," She says, attracting Aidan''s attention.


    "You''ve already disappointed me," He mutters.


    "Exactly. I''m the worst sister anyone can have; I made stupid promises to never disappoint mother, father, you and even in but I fucked up, alright? I''m just a reckless and careless person who does whatever she wants without thinking of the damn consequences," She continues. "And, I''m sorry. I''m sorry, Aidan."


    Both of them stare at each other for quite some time before he starts to let out a deep sigh, "You''ve disappointed me, Mia but you''re not a disappointment. You''re not the worst sister anyone can ever have but you''re actually the best-you made mistakes but that doesn''t mean you''re the worst. I''m just upset because I worry a lot about your future, about your education, your uing career and even your life. I want what''s best for you, Mia." He replies.


    "I know... but I can''t go back now."


    They stay quiet for a few seconds, "Have you told Tony?" He asks, slowly as the cold wind starts to blow onto their faces.


    "I did. He wants us to keep the baby," She says. "Even if he didn''t want the baby, I would''ve kept the baby anyway. I''m not against abortion but the thought of killing an innocent baby, my baby, would bother me all night. It''s an option but it''s not an option for me," Her eyes are beginning to tear up in which she quickly wipes them away.


    "I''m d he said that," He breathes out.


    "You''re not going to convince mother to disown me?" Mia asks, her bloodshot eyes are looking up at her brother who shakes his head before pulling her in for a hug, soothingly rubbing onto the back of her body; letting her lean closer towards his warmth, leaving me to smile at their family rtionship.


    "She''s a crazy lunatic when ites to babies, she''s not going to disown you or make you choose other options. It''s her grandchild you''re carrying and she''s going to help you take good care of that baby," He says with a smile before pecking onto his sister''s forehead. "Thanks, Aidan." She mutters.


    The two of them continue to hug for a few more seconds before letting go, Mia''s eyes are already filled with tears as she wipes them away-looking up at Aidan who seems to be cold from the wind and weather, causing his nose to get quite red, which is cute. Even though he''s quite tan, he can never escape from having a red nose when it''s snowing.


    "Are you sure you don''t want me to drop you off?" He asks.


    "Yeah. I drove here," She replies.


    He nods, "Be careful."


    Mia turns towards me before muttering ''thank you'' in which I respond with a smile as she walks away, heading towards her car which is parked quite near the entrance.


    My eyes wander around to the


    people here before ncing down at


    my wrist watch again, seeing that I have less than fifteen minutes to perform the surgery. I look back at Aidan who seems to be in his own thoughts as he starts to make his way towards me, "I''m sorry I almost yelled at you," He says, softly.


    "What? I can''t hear you," I pretend as I squint my eyes before leaning in towards him.


    He smiles, "I said I''m sorry."Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "What?" I asks, frowning.


    To my surprise, he starts lean in towards me before meeting his lips with mine-causing me to respond back to the slow kiss, letting my lips curve up into a smile as soon as he trails kisses up to my cheeks. He gazes straight into my eyes, "I''m sorry I almost yelled at you. I didn''t mean to... I was upset at Mia and it just came out that way," He says as he caresses the side of my face with his thumb. "It''s fine. Don''t worry," I reply.


    "Are you free? I want to take you out for lunch," He continues to speak as he starts to grab onto my hand, entwining his fingers with mine; letting me warm myself up just by the touch of his fingers. "You know that I never pass up an opportunity to have lunch but I have a surgery to monitor. She needs me. Her family needs me," I reply and he nods,pletely understanding. "I''ll see you at home, then?" He asks.


    Then, he leans in to kiss me again,


    letting me enjoy how his soft lips are starting to make me feel like I''m on cloud nine. The way he tilts his head to the side and begin to kiss me with full of emotions, it feels like he


    knows what he''s doing. Even if he''s kissing me carelessly, it feels like he won''t make a mistake to mess it all up.


    "What was that for?" I ask, when he breaks the kiss to smile down at me.


    He winks, "A good luck kiss."


    "Congrattions, once again." One of the doctors say with a smile stered on their faces as soon as step out of the room; knowing that the surgery was a sess, Aidan''s good fuck kiss was a charm and he knew I could get really fidgety when I''m nervous, his kiss helped


    a lot.


    "You both did very well, Dr. Willows and Dr. Anne." My assistant doctor adds to my fellow neurosurgeon and I respond with a chuckle, thanking them with another smile.


    I take all of the necessary things off, leaving me in my light blue scrubs before making my way towards the hallway, meeting with the patient''s family who has stood up with worried expressions stered on their faces.

 Chapter 80

    As soon as they see the smile on my face, they begin to thank me as their eyes are wet with tears before praising the Lord, leaving me to watch their every movement; liking how their belief is such a beautiful thing to watch, somehow they know that they depended


    everything on something.


    Truth be told, this is my favourite moment of all, when their faces just light up when a surgeon walks out of the room with a smile, assuring that the surgery went well. As if everything changes, their lips curve up into a wider smile and they begin to ease themselves down. Another precious moment is when a newly-known father walks out of the room, telling the gender of the baby with tears in his eyes as the whole family begins to cheer for their new family member. I''ve once watched the scent multiple times, during my night shift, just to see how life is full of meanings. We''re all capable of making something as beautiful as that and the look on their faces are what matters most, they were all happy, thrilled.


    I excuse myself as I make my way down the hallway, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear before meeting a middle-aged man begins to hug his grandchild, leaving me to think that there''s a lot more to see if I just look at the positive side.


    "I heard you did well with the monitoring," I turn to see Lucas smiling down at me as he''s also standing in his light blue scrubs, leaving me to think that he just got out of a surgery, too.


    "I deserve a promotion, now." I joke and he starts tough, "You were performing a surgery?" I ask, seeing him wiping away a couple beads of sweat on his forehead as he nods. He clears his throat, "Twins. They were beautiful,"


    "Well, congrattions to the both of us." I pretend to be holding a ss of wine as I lift my hand up, receiving myself a chuckle from him before he starts to join me; our hands meeting up.


    My eyes wander around to meet a familiar figure which surprises me, "You''re still here?" I ask, causing Lucas to turn and follow my gaze; as Aidan starts to make his way towards me, pecking onto the side of my face before cing his hand at the back of my waist. "I was at the office," He replies.


    "Aidan, this is Lucas. Lucas, this is Aidan." I introduce them both to each other as they begin to shake hands, my eyebrows furrow at the sight of Aidan''s firm handshake which is quite normal when he''s meeting clients and colleagues but I decide to let it slide. Lucas smiles, "The husband, right?"


    "The friend?" They hold their gazes for a few seconds longer before they begin to let go of each other''s hands, causing Aidan to stand tall without even bothered to look away while I feel like I''m standing in between of a ring contest. "Also an obstetrician," Lucas adds.


    "I''ve heard. You''re quite known for your work," Aidan replies.


    Lucas, on the other hand, starts to chuckle. "Not quite as known as you. You''re the sessful man here that was the talk of the hospital for awhile when you two got hitched," He says. "I''m sure I''m just an obstetrician who makes hundreds of thousands per year while you make millions,"


    "Billions," He corrects which causes Lucas to stare at him in surprise.


    "Remind me again not to mess with you," Lucas begins to joke as they bothugh, even though I know by the look on Aidan''s face, he seems to be putting on a perfect act. "Well... I better get going. It was a pleasure meeting you," He adds before smiling at me and heading towards the other side of the hallway.


    I furrow my brows as I look up at Aidan, "Seriously?"


    He turns towards me, "What?"


    "You seriously make billions per year?"


    The smirk on his face grows wider, "I donate a hundred million dors to this exact hospital, annually. I can''t just be making millions because that would actually make me go broke," He replies.


    "I don''t know if I should be


    impressed or confused at how many zeros you have in your bank


    ount, I chuckle as we both begin to walk down the hallway, a couple of nurses ncing at our direction as soon as they realise who m walking with; one of the well-known billionaires in the city or more likely, the world.


    "Actually... Kenna, are you free tonight?" He asks as we both stop near the elevator, causing me to look up into his brown eyes as I see him starting to clench his jaw; something he would do if he gets pretty nervous.


    I smile, "Is Aidan Gabriel Ashton asking me out on a date?" My lips curving up into a wider smile as he starts to chuckle, revealing his perfectly straight teeth as he tries to hide away the redness creeping up on his cheeks.


    "Is Kenna Anne Ashton going to say yes?" He raises an eyebrow, making me swoon at myst name; knowing how we''re just smiling at each other as we stand here while I think of how we''re legally and somewhat married. How can I be this lucky to get a man like him? "What if I say no?" I tease.


    He leans closer, "I''ll have to go down on one knee."


    My heart flutters at the sound of his voice as I grab onto his hand, gripping it and nodding, without even needing to utter words. "Well... where exactly are you taking me out for dinner? Am I allowed to wear my scrubs?" I joke at the end.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    "There''s something in your closet. Head home and Gerald will pick you up around eight," He replies.


    "You could''ve just called me to say this," I respond as he starts to let go of my hand, slowly taking a few steps back as he grins.


    "Can you me me? I wanted to see


    your face," He says as he starts to make his way out of the hospital, his head turning to nce at my direction for a couple of times


    beforepletely disappear


    out


    of sight-leaving me to jump n joy in the middle of the hallway as patients and doctors pass, looking at me, weirdly.


    "Sorry," I mutter with a smile stered on my face, liking the new us.


    As soon as I''m home, I immediately make my way towards my room before pushing the door open and quickly running inside my walk-in closet, seeing a big box in the middle of the room. My eyes widen at the sight before opening the box revealing a gold mixed with silver dress that seems topliment my skin tone as I run my fingers across the material, liking it.


    I look at the note on the dress before reading it:


    You''ll look beautiful like you''ve always been.


    -- Aidan (hubby)


    Myughter erupts the room at the word ''hubby'' before smiling to myself at the beautiful dress and how it would define my body shape perfectly. Within seconds, I''m already running towards the bathroom to cleanse my skin and apply an appropriate amount of makeup to make sure I look as appealing as I can be.


    When I''m done, I stare at myself in the mirror; seeing how the dress suits me very well, Aidan did a great job at choosing this dress on whether he had a few help from other people or not but I can''t help but fall in love with myself, hoping he might fall in love with me more than he has.

 Chapter 81

    Kenna


    My eyebrows furrow as Geraldes to a stop near a private jet, causing me to look around but as soon as he opens the door for me, I''m left to step out of the car, feeling a little bit of an unknown feeling building inside. "So... here''s my stop?" I ask Gerald.


    He smiles, "I can''t tell you that."


    "Sworn to secrecy?" I joke and heughs, gesturing for me to take the next few steps before looking up to find a couple of stewardess and pilot to smile down at me; leaving me to sigh.


    I walk up the stairs to the flight, "Wee, Mrs. Ashton. I''ll take you inside," One of the stewardess says before walking ahead of me, making me follow her from behind and straight towards one of the seats, liking howfortable they feel. To my surprise, she ces a MacBook on the small desk in front of me, causing me to furrow my brows but I remain still as she walks away, leaving me all by myself.


    Within seconds, Aidan''s name shows up on the screen through FaceTime, letting me press ''answer'' before seeing it being connected; his face showing up on the screen as he starts to smile, "Right... do you always take girls out on a date in your private jet?" I ask. He chuckles and I take my time to see that he''s also being in the same situation as I am, the familiar yet different seat in the background; showing that he''s also in a jet. "You''ll see me in seven hours," He replies.


    "What?" I frown.


    He smiles, revealing his teeth. "Trust me, Kenna. I''ll see you in a bit and we''re going to have the best time of our lives," He continues to speak. "Just enjoy your flight and I''ll be there as soon as yound. I love you," He adds, soothing my heart.


    Just as he ends the call, I am left hearing the captain assuring the flight going up to our destination but he didn''t say where; leaving me to lean back on my seat, ncing down at my dress and looking back at my makeup, smiling to myself at how much I actually trust Aidan.


    "Is there anything I can do for you, Mrs. Ashton?" One of the stewardess stands beside me with a small smile stered on her face as she bows down a little. "If you''re famished, we have a lot of to choose from." She adds.


    My eyebrows furrow as I try to think of something to eat, "What would you suggest?"


    "You would want my suggestion?" She seems a little bit surprised at my question which causes me to look at her, seeing that she might be a afraid to give a suggestion yet she covers it up by clearing her throat. "The fish fillet is actually very good," "Then... I''d like the fish fillet," I reply, smiling.


    The next few hours are spent with me gazing down the night sky through the window, letting me rx as I find myself slowly drifting off to sleep; trying to blink the tiredness away but just as the coldness seeps in, Lam left defeated. Even though the night sky is beautiful and almost breathtaking yet the tiredness is something that I can''t push away.


    "Mrs. Ashton... we''re here," One of the stewardess says, making me blink a few times to see myself being covered in a warm nket before immediately sitting up straight, taking my phone to check my makeup and hair, luckily everything is as perfect as how I made. I stand up to slowly fix my dress before following the stewardess out towards the exit, thanking them for the great service a few hours ago; they were great to serve me such delicious food and wine, left me full and content. The long flight was forgotten easily because they were by far very, very friendly.


    My eyes wander to the night sky,


    somehow it feels like I never left. Just as I''m about to utter another word, my eyesnd on a familiar


    figure, the most beautiful man /et


    ever seen in my life and it''s not me exaggerating. The way his lips are curving up into a smile as he continues to eye me walk down the stairs and straight towards him. Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Told you I''d be here when yound," He whispers before kissing my cheek and one of his hand pressed against my back.


    "Where are we?" I ask, our faces are inches apart.


    "You''ll see," He replies before pulling my hand and straight towards an expensive ck car, his hand never leaving mine as soon as the chauffeur drives away, letting me to look out the window; trying to familiarise the surroundings-as if I''ve seen it somewhere and somehow. Everything seems to be a blur as I try to process it all, somehow a little jetg and slightly confused but I remain quiet, waiting for the views toe into sight as Aidan continues to grip onto my hand, making me turn to look at him, seeing him staring at me. "You''re very beautiful," He says with a smile.


    My cheeks heat up at hispliment before looking down at our hands, "Thank you."


    "Look," He points out at the window as I follow his gaze, eyes widening at the sight of the Eiffel Tower before realising where we really are; leaving me to blink a few times to make sure that this is all real and by far, as real as it can get.


    "Paris?" I raise an eyebrow as I feel mesmerised by the city, somehow enjoying the lights and the beautiful view. "My "


    He cuts me off, "Your bucket list number four. Visit a foreign country... preferably Paris." He adds which causes me to immediately ce my lips onto his, feeling the softness mixed with my own; somehow making me fall deeper and deeper in love with him than I already


    am.


    "How can you be perfect?" I smile as I look up into his eyes, seeing him grinning at me; enjoying my arms wrapped around his neck as he has both of his hands ced on both sides of my waist.


    We bothe to a stop near the Eiffel Tower, letting me eye it from down here with Aidan''s hand around my waist, his chauffeur waiting as we both walk down the streets and straight to a well-known hotel


    Paris, reviews have said that it would


    cost them around thousands to book a suite and it''d for sure would burn a hole in their pocket but


    probably for Aidan and someone like him, it wouldn''t be a big deal.


    "Bienvenue ¨¤ Paris. Bonsoir," The man greets us before letting us enter, greeted by the air-conditioned room; letting me mesmerise the view by wandering my eyes around, letting Aidan lead me inside, straight towards the reception counter-where there are a couple of receptionist smiling at our arrival.


    I stand in the middle, underneath the shining chandelier as I appear to be standing out in this dress, receiving attention from the people here but rather than being bothered by the amount of peopleying their eyes on me, I am actually mesmerised by the beauty standing near the counter as he smiles, turning to look at me.

 Chapter 82

    At times like this, my life feels like a fairytale. Something out of a movie or a novel, leaving me to wonder how the hell did I get super lucky? "Merci," I hear him utter to the receptionist before walking back towards me, grabbing onto my hand.


    We both walk towards the elevator, entering it as soon as the doors open; leaving us inside with nobody else. "So... that was a nice first date," I say with a little bit of sarcasm which causes him tough, shaking his head before pressing onto the button, the elevator moving up with me still staring at his smile.


    "I hope you got a nice sleep," He replies as he looks at me.


    I raise an eyebrow, "Why?"


    Just as the the elevator stops, we both turn to look at a couple entering-they have their hands entwined as they stand close to each other, not being bothered by our presence or if Aidan and I feel ufortable about public disy of affection yet my eyes widen at the sight of them kissing each other, in front of us.


    Aidan continues to smile as he looks down at his feet while I remain speechless, eyeing them endlessly-realising that their kisses are getting quite intense.


    As soon as they arrive at their floor, they immediately walk out, leaving Aidan and I by ourselves again as I let out a breath of relief; causing me to lean against the wall, "I''m definitely in the city of love," I say with a chuckle.


    My eyes widen as soon as the doors open again, leaving me to see an unforgettable view; candles and petals of roses on the ground as a table for two in the middle is being highlighted by the amazing view of the Eiffel Tower. Just as I''m being mesmerised by the beauty of the city, I don''t seem to realise just how Aidan is currently being mesmerised by the beauty beside of him, leaving me breathless.


    We walk out of the elevator as I''m truly out of words.


    "You... you did this?" I ask, my eyes are tearing up as I look up at him, seeing him smiling down at me as both of his hands rest on my hips before one of his hands go up to caress the side of my face.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Well, I nned it and I arranged but I didn''t have time to exactly do it." He replies, our eyes are piercing deeply, "I hope it''s everything you ever wanted-I''m not very good at this but I hope I did good enough to make you smile." He adds.


    "But this... all of this feels familiar," I mutter under my breath but loud enough for him to hear.


    "You don''t remember, do you?" He asks as I frown, "It''s all from your bucket list, Kenna. The one you made when we were in high school also, the one you threw away because you thought that it was hopeless and stupid. So far... you''vepleted five out of five." He continues to speak, leaving me to stare at him; not believing that the man in front of me was and is my best friend, the one who I''ve never guessed as someone romantic.


    "I threw it away... how did you "


    He cuts me off by pulling out a piece of paper from his pocket, leaving me to stare at the ten-year-old paper. My fingers run across the paper, eyeing my teenage and quirky handwriting before looking back at him, "You''re very unpredictable, Aidan Gabriel Ashton." I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer.


    "Only when I''m with you," He chuckles.


    I look back down at the list, "Number one, marry someone as beautiful as Zac Efron. I don''t think I can cross this one... can I?" I raise an eyebrow at him as I tease which causes him to look at me in surprised beforeughing, "I mean, don''t get me wrong-Zac Efron is actually very beautiful." I add.


    "Well...you''re lucky because you married someone much more beautiful than Zac Efron," He replies with a smirk.


    Iugh at his confidence before continuing to read, "Number two, have my wedding at The New York Public Library. Number three, a romantic candlelight dinner with the one I love. Number four, visit a foreign country, preferably Paris andst but not least, number five... be happy." I fold back the paper as I smile at myself, realising that he was right.


    "You should''ve made a longer list," Heughs before pulling me close, cing his right hand on the side of my face while the other remains around my waist; letting me feel the warmth radiating from his hand-causing me to close my eyes as I smile.


    Our eyes meet again, "You did all of this for me?"


    "I''d do anything for you. When are you going to realise that?" He leans closer, "I''ve done everything for you, Kenna. You have always been the one but I was too stupid and I was too clueless to even see that. It took me ten fucking years and I don''t want to waste another ten with you only being my best friend instead of also being my wife. I want to have everything with you, I want to be everywhere with you and I want to experience everything with you." The way his voice is low and clear as we both continue to stare into each other''s eyes, it leaves me to see the sincerity hidden.


    In¨¦


    "When you walked down the aisle and when we kissed, I realised how much I missed out on life. How much time I''ve wasted by being with other people instead of actually spending it all with you¡ªthe past with you was beautiful and amazing, the present is even more intriguing but the future is uncertain yet I know and I see my future with you." He adds, tucking a few strands of hair behind my ear.


    "So, Kenna Anne, you''ve got no choice but to spend the rest of your life with me fill death do us part, baby." He says with his lips curving


    up into a smile which causes


    chuckte before slowly leaning towards his lips, feeling the softness leaving me to appreciate this exact moment, liking how both of his arms are wrapped around my waist as I pull him closer by the face.


    The kiss turns from sweet and innocent into something much more lustful and passionate which leaves me to feel my body pressed against his, liking how his strong arms are somehow keeping me safe and close. Everything around me seems to have passed by unnoticed as I''m only focusing onto the masterpiece in front of me. I break the kiss before resting my forehead against his, my eyes gazing down at his redden lips as his eyes remain closed.


    "I love you," He whispers, leaning in to kiss me again as we both continue, kissing each other as if tonight is ourst. As if everything will end and drift away if we don''t give our all tonight but there''s nothing for us to worry about because as far as we''re heading, we''re content and grateful for this.

 Chapter 83

    To think back about twenty-years ago seems like a dream, from the moment he pushed me off the swing and up till now, there''s nothing better in life than being together. We''ve always been together from the very beginning and our lives revolve around each other, from when we were kids, up till we were teenagers and now, being adults. We might as well spend our next decades creating new and beautiful memories, together.


    Because all I want is him.


    His imperfections is what makes him... him. It doesn''t bother me if he ends up falling off his bike again if we go cycling, how he shuts himself out when there''s thunder or when he snorts if he''s annoyed... because as far as I''m concerned, those little things are what attracts me most to him. Not his perfectly shaped features or soft brown eyes and big warm hands. "I''ve been meaning to ask, what about the contract?" I ask, causing him to turn and look at me, his eyebrows furrow slightly.


    He grabs onto my hand, "I got a few ideas. We can burn it or we can burn it and we can burn it? Which one do you choose?" He smirks as we both begin to chuckle before feeling his thumb rubbing the back of my hand, leaving me feeling calm.


    "I''d choose all three. What do you think?" I grin.


    "Wow, that''s what I had in mind, too." He replies.


    The next couple of hours are spent with usying under the stars, watching the beautiful night sky and even the Eiffel Tower before we started to take pictures. Mostly pictures of us together but I caught him taking my pictures, a few times we snuggled close and we started to count the amount of stars in the sky, trying topare with the amount of our love.


    He supports his body by leaning on his side, his elbow on the ground as his palm at the side of his head, both of his eyes watching me as I continue to point up at the sky before turning to look at him. To my surprise, he starts to lean in to ce a kiss on the side of my cheek, "I love that," He says.


    "What?" I ask with a smile.


    "That look on your face. You were just watching the stars but I love how your brows furrowed and your lips puckered as you squinted your eyes. You don''t realise that but the little things you do are always beautiful," He replies, instantly leaving me to feel my cheeks heat up as I try to brush it off by looking away yet I''m left reying it in my mind.


    "Are you always like this with women?" I ask, copying his gesture byying on my side and support my head by pressing my elbow onto the ground and my palm on the side of my head.


    He chuckles, "No... I don''t waste my breath to speak like that with someone temporary. What''s the point of saying how beautiful they are if they''re not going to be in your life for the next couple of months or even years?" He blinks a few times, looking away. "Thinking back about it... I wasted a lot of time." He adds.


    "But you were happy, weren''t you?" I continue to look at his face.


    "For awhile. I was happy for a little while," He replies without hesitation in which I fairly appreciate him being honest. "It was a temporary


    §ï§ä


    happiness and it was fun to live in


    the moment but now... it''s best to be with someone permanent and think of how fun it would be to live in the present and the future with that someone."


    "And that someone appears to be me," I lean towards him, purposely teasing him by pecking onto his lips in which he responds with a smile.


    --


    We walk inside our penthouse suite as I turn to see him taking off his tie, heading towards the bedroom upstairs, leaving me to stand in the middle of the living room-eyeing the decorations. I look around before heading towards the balcony, eyeing the Eiffel Tower once more, as I hear footsteps approaching me from behind.


    My breath hitches at the familiar warmth of his hand running down my arms, leaving me to close my eyes for a few seconds; letting him rest his chin on my shoulder while I feel my heart beginning to race. "It''s cold outside," He says before he starts to take a couple of steps back, causing me to turn and face him.


    "I didn''t exactly bring any extra clothes," I mutter.


    "I got it all prepared. They''re upstairs," He replies and I take my time to eye his figure, seeing that he has both of his sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a couple of his buttons are undone, showing off a more casual side of him-yet, there''s just something that makes him appear more and more sexier than usual.


    "Great... great," I clear my throat as he continues to stare at me.


    As we continue to stare at each other for an exact minute, I begin to shake my head before chuckling. "Actually, I''m not very tired-I''ll just stay here for awhile," I reply which causes him to smile at me, uncrossing his arms as he begins to take a few steps towards me. "We can just stay here or we can do something else," He says, both of his brown eyes are piercing deeply into my blue ones; leaving me to frown as my cheeks are beginning to heat up and my heart is beating faster than usual. "Like... what?" I ask.


    Just like that, he begins to lean in towards me before slowly caressing both sides of my face, causing me to close my eyes, feeling the warmth radiating and the softness of his fingertips to leave an unexinable amount of sparks. My lips begin to part as he brushes his against mine, feeling him run his hands to the back of my neck and up to my jawline. Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Both of my eyes remain closed as I feel his lips tracing kisses down my jawline and neck, leaving me to hold in my breath-staying still at my spot, trying to regain my bnce The way his lips are leaving soft and passionate kisses on my neck causes me to lean my head to the


    side, letting the waves of pleasure to


    take control.


    I open my eyes to find him staring down at me, our faces are inches apart as both of his hands are still cupping onto my face but there''s something in his eyes in which I''m pretty sure is in mine, too. Something I''ve never seen before but for some reason, it''s very clear of what we both want at the same time.


    I ce both of my hands on his chest before meeting his lips, causing him to kiss me back with the same rhythm as our bodies are pressed against one another, feeling him running one of his hand down to my waist and to my lower bottom near my thigh, lifting one leg up as he starts to push me against the balcony doors, slowly.

 Chapter 84

    Our lips are never leaving each other as he continues to leave kisses down my neck and near my corbone as his hand travels down to lift my dress up, leaving me to lean my head back; eyes closed while I wrap both of my arms around his neck, earning support. as he brings us inside with my arms around his neck and his lips pressing passionately on my lips.


    His hand caresses from down my knee to my bare thigh, leaving me to feel myself growing hot and somehow in fire. Just like that, he wraps both of my legs around my waist before cing both of his hands behind my back, supporting my body from falling onto the ground


    It doesn''t take me long to realise that we''re heading upstairs until he ces me on the ground, feeling my feet growing weak as he continues to ce both of his hands around my hips before he starts to lift the dress from my thighs again, leaving me to unbutton his shirt before throwing it away on the ground.


    As he stands shirtless, in front of me, I immediately feel him lift my dress up to my stomach as his warm fingers are leaving traces on my lower abdomen before dropping the dress on the ground near his shirt, leaving me to stand in my undergarments but unnoticed as we continue to kiss again, my body growing warmer and needy with every passing second.


    I find myselfying on the bed which causes me to open my eyes, realising that he''s currently eyeing down my body with a seductive smile stered on his face as he slowly starts to unbutton his pants, leaving them drop down onto the ground before he starts to hover on top of me, both of his elbows supporting his body from crushing me.


    Our eyes are staring at each other as we breathe heavily, feeling each other''s skin against one another as he starts to caress the side of my face, pushing my hair away from my face; tracing soft kisses on my forehead, down to the bridge of my nose andst but not least, my lips with a little bit longer than he intended to.


    "I love you," I whisper near his ear as he kisses down my neck, biting softly.


    He leans back to look into my eyes again, "I love you, more."


    Just like that, he starts to leave kisses down to my corbone and my stomach, leaving me to lean my head back on the bed before feeling pleasure building in the centre. My heart feels like it''s going to thump out of my chest with the way his lips and tongue is doing its magic and also the movement of his fingers, leaving me to grab onto the sheets, gripping hard.


    Everything seems to move slow and passionately which appears much more sexy than anything I''ve ever done before.


    Just as I feel the familiar yet intense explosion, I begin to lift his face up to my lips before kissing me again. Within seconds, I have already turned us around with me being on top which causes him to chuckle, the hoarseness of his voice seems to have turned me on a bit more than I already have as I kiss down his neck, both of his hands on my waist.


    I teasingly move my hips on his lower body which causes him to clench his jaw with both of his eyes staring onto my body by letting him run his hands up the back of my bra, letting it slide down as he unsps them, leaving him to stare at my bare body; for some reason, anything about embarrassment or shyness has flown out the window.


    Aidan turns us around again as he stares into my eyes before running one of his hand down to the middle of my thighs, leaving me to gasp-feeling his skin against mine, causing me to be breathless before realising that we have nothing covering our bodies anymore and we''re already skin to skin, feeling every inch and every part.


    His brown eyes are staring directly


    into my eyes as I feel him slowly thrusting inside me, making my mouth go wide before grabbing hard onto his shoulders, feeling the pleasure building inside of me as he starts to move, slowly. The sound of his breaths mixing with mine seems techave caused us to feel much more in depth than before as he begins to thrust in and out with both of his eyes still staring down at my face.


    Just as the pleasure starts to build up, I feel him thrusting slightly faster than before yet still keeping it passionate which causes me to bite onto my lower lip, trying to hold in any uncontroble sounds from escaping my lips as I continue to grip hard around his neck before dropping my hands down to grab onto the sheets.


    He grabs onto my hand before pushing it up beside my head, our breaths mixing together with our moans-letting ourselves know just how much we enjoy this sensation and how we don''t exactly want this moment to end. Just by the way he moves his body, makes me feel much morefortable with my own body than I''ve ever been before.


    We begin to entwine our fingers together as I feel the pleasure bing much and much more unbearable before wrapping my legs around his waist, trying to find something else to grab onto as another wave hits me-leaving me to throw my head back as he slows down his thrusts, letting me feel the pleasure taking control of my body.


    Then, he presses his body a bit closer to mine before continuing to move, slowly and passionately to the rhythm; letting me grip hard onto the tips of his hand as I run my fingers across his back, hearing him breathing heavily near my ear as he kisses down my neck.


    All I can remember is every single


    moment of our bodies being one


    and how we spent the entire night being blessed with waves of pleasures, not once left unsatisfied or quiet. It was one of the best moments of us and I wouldn''t want


    to spend the night any other way, my first time with him was by far,


    unforgettable and very, very pleasurable.


    He wasn''t kidding with those puns.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

 Chapter 85

    Kenna


    My eyes blink a few times before opening them to see Aidan sleeping soundly and closely near me, both of his arms are wrapped around my body as we''re pressed against one another which causes me to smile as memories ofst night creep up in my mind; instantly


    leaving me to feel my cheeks heat up, not expecting how great things went.


    I press my hand on the side of his face as he continues to sleep, the way his chest moves up and down slowly without noticing how the sheets are barely covering our bodies yet we feel warm just by being close to one another-letting me lift my body up a little bit before pressing my lips against his, feeling him parting them and responding back within seconds.


    A chuckle escapes from my lips as he wraps his arms around my waist, letting me sit on top of him, seeing him opening his droopy eyes as soon as I break the kiss.


    "Hi," I smile down at him, tucking a few strands of hair behind my ear without even caring if we''re both still skin to skin-what we didst night would mean that we''ve seen everything that we''ve been hiding from each other for the past years and why would this morning be any different?


    "Hey," He replies, one of his hand soothingly rubbing onto my back as he adjusts his head on the pillow, both of his brown eyes are gazing into my blue ones; both of us smiling at each other, knowing thatst night is still fresh in our minds.


    My lips are tracing kisses on his forehead, his cheeks and on his lips which causes him to run his hand soothingly on my thighs before turning us around; with him being on top as we both begin to chuckle. He looks down at me as if he''s mesmerised by my features before he starts to push my hair away from my face, "Let''s stay in bed today." He whispers.


    "Mmm, what can we do in bed?" I raise an eyebrow.


    The way his lips curve up into a grin has somehow managed me to let out soft chuckles as he leans in to kiss down my neck, "I''d rather show you." He replies, his hand carelessly running on my thigh without even caring if it has an affect on me in which it does as I cup onto his face, pulling him closer to fully kiss him on the lips.


    "What if I show you?" I purposely lean closer towards his neck as my hand reaches down.


    My hand seems to have caused him to feel the pleasure building up as he smirks down at me, letting me do my part of the job; making sure that he''d feel the same amount of pleasure I felt when he did the same for me. With every movement I make with my hands and mouth, he seems to be enjoying every second of it-the sound of his breathing getting heavier and heavier without holding it back.


    "Fuck," He breathes out as he starts to pull me up to kiss me by the lips, letting me stay on top of him yet he starts to run his hands all over my body.


    Just as he''s about to turn us around, I immediately push both of his hands back down beside his head which causes him to groan but begins to let out a breathy chuckle. The way his chest is moving up and down from the heavy breathing proves just how my teases was sessful and he''s by far enjoying it, too.


    I let him thrust inside as I press both of my hands on his chest, earning myself a groan from him as my hips move slowly, starting to feel the pleasures building up for both of us as he ces both of his hands on my hips before slowly going up to my stomach-letting me passionately and slowly show him.


    As I begin to fasten my movement, he starts to let out soft moans while I lean my head back; biting onto my lower lip at the deepness inside of me, letting me feel it entirely. My heart beats faster than usual and I can feel his heart beating fast, too as I lean my body forward towards his, kissing onto his lips.


    "Oh, fuck." He groans as I tease him by slowing my movement, "You''re killing me, Kenna. You''re really killing me," He adds.


    Just as I ce both of my hands on the bed as I lean forward to fasten my movements, he seems to be enjoying it as he wraps his arm around my waist. Moans are escaping my lips even though I''m trying my best to hold them back yet they keep oning out as I feel myselfing at the edge, gripping tightly onto the sheets as my movements begin to slow down; letting Aidan to continue on thrusting as soon as he feels me clenching.


    He grabs onto my hand, gripping tightly as I let my body take control.


    "Yeah, like that." I moan, seconds before I begin to lean my head back and grip harder onto his hand-feeling the waves causing my body to slightly shake, with him stopping his thrusts, letting mepletely feel the entire release from my body.


    Aidan starts to turn us around as he hovers on top of me, moving in and out to continue building the pleasure as our fingers entwined on the bed; letting him thrust out immediately as soon as he feels himself exploding before quickly letting out a breath of relief as soon as he feels the entire satisfaction.


    "I think I''m staying home for a week," He mutters near my ear as he continues to breathe heavily which causes me tough, seconds before he starts to join me.


    Just as he''s about to lean in, the sound of his phone interrupts us which causes him to groan before pushing the sheets away and walk towards his phone-letting mey on the bed, eyeing his every movement and how his body appears to be in good shape and nicely toned which is one of the reasons why he stands in the middle of the room naked, with full of confident as he picks up the phone.


    "I''m at your apartment," I hear Dimitri''s voice on the other line as Aidan walks back towards the bed after putting him on speaker. "I''ve been standing here for the past fifteen minutes. Are you guys still asleep? Can you at least let me in?" He asks. "What are you doing at my apartment?" Aidan asks, as his eyes are never leaving my body, leaving me to lean closer towards him; purposely leaving kisses down his jaw.


    "Kenna and I have ns today. Wait-is that you breathing? Why are you panting?" He asks, sounding a bit confused while Aidan and I both chuckle, unintentionally a bit louder which is probably loud enough for Dimitri to hear. "Oh... oh, I get it." "Wait... wait, just let me get this straight. I''ve been standing here for quite awhile, were you guys having sex the whole time? It''s kind of weird to think that," He continues to speak.


    I grab the phone away from Aidan''s grasps, "Can I take a rain check? I''m not in New York," Within seconds, Aidan has already started to kiss me down my neck as he caresses my thighs, purposely finding ways for Dimitri to end the call-leaving me to drop the phone beside me as he continues on kissing me.


    "Guys? What are you guys doing? Hello?"" Dimitri asks, "I''m hanging up because I feel left out right now. You two better give me details and thank me when you get back-" Just as he''s about to utter another word, Aidan has already pressed onto the end call button without breaking the kiss, leaving me to y with his hair.


    People say that when you''re in love, time passes quicker. Everything feels much better than when you were all by yourself and so far... they were right. It''s not because my heart belongs to Aidan or the other way around but it''s because we get to spend everyday together doing everything together, that is what matters.


    How we''vee to know just how much we need each other rather than denying that fact. We started to feel these feelings, weeks after the wedding but we were somewhat, confused and unsure of those ''feelings''. We needed confirmation, we needed a little push. I was scared if I would face rejection and I was mostly scared to lose my best friend.


    There are a lot of things in life that I have to be thankful for but I would like to start when I was six, when we were six. It''s annoyingly crazy how fast time flies, leaving all those precious memories behind as if they didn''t matter but they did; they transform me, us, into someone we know today.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ve


    It feels like we''ve had a thousand walks together and it''s by far the most beautiful thing in the world. How can someone... known as your best friend ends up being the one you love with all of your heart? Humans are wonders and somewhatplex but when ies to the heart, we will always try to give in-we will always try to follow even though there will be consequences yet we never think about that. We think about now.


    ''I love you''... ''I love you'', three simple words yet they bring out a whole different meaning. Someone can say it by forced or for jokes but how Aidan said it to me, he was sincere. How could he not be sincere? We''ve spent twenty years together and almost twenty-one, it would be insane how he wouldn''t be able to ept my ws and insecurities.


    I''ve epted his.


    In fact, nobody''s perfect. Aidan can look perfect, he can stand in a room full of people and still be the most


    powerful one or he can


    meaningless things and still bebeled as charming but his ws are uncountable. Others might see him for how he shows himself to the world, how he presents and how he stands but I see him for who he


    really is . . . himself.


    He may be intelligent, smart, handsome, beautiful, funny, charming but hecks a lot. There are times when he just sits in a room all by himself, staring out the window, his mind running wild and that''s when I can''t figure him out. He seems to have his own space and world for him to disappear and that''s how I know how he''s never truly happy, never truly content.


    Yet, nothingsts forever.


    --


    "Happy Thanksgiving!" My lips curve up into an immediate smile at the sound of Ava''s voice as she starts to make her way towards me, making me wrap my arms around her small figure, snuggling close.


    "Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, Ava." I reply before letting her go and stand up straight, seeing the whole family being here; looking straight at Aidan who has his arm ced behind my back. Then, they begin to pull us in for a hug, leaving me with a warm feeling in my heart.


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 Chapter 86

    Diana hugs me tightly, "I heard that you two were in Paris. Was it for your honeymoon?" Her eyes wander to Aidan who has let out a chuckle as he rubs onto my back, leaving me to grin; not knowing what to say but only smile at her statement. "Well...e on in, I need to continue making my pie." She adds.


    "I can help," I assure.


    She looks back at me before smiling at Aidan, "Come on, then."


    I nce back at Aidan for a short couple of seconds as I make my way towards the kitchen, being reminded of when Aidan and I were younger and how we used to sneak in the kitchen for somete night snacks. It was an unforgettable memory and it was worth thinking. My eyes wander around the kitchen beforending on Diana again, who seems to have been staring at me ever since I got here. "How are things with Aidan? Has he been treating you well?" She asks, leaving me speechless at her sudden questions. "Things are going great and he has never treated me wrong," I reply and she smiles, nodding her head; somehow satisfied at my answer.


    "I''m d... it''s been, what? Three months?"


    "Almost four," I answer.


    To my surprise, I find Aidan and in walking out behind the house, making me eye them from the window in the kitchen-seeing themughing as they talk about a few things. My lips curve up into a smile at the sight of them, remembering back how Aidan used toin about in getting much more amount of attention yet they are still never apart.


    "Where''s Mia?" I ask, realising that I didn''t see her earlier. Harley was also nowhere to be found and I''m only guessing that she''s still at the office; well, Harley and I are workaholics, there''s nothing to change.


    Diana closes the fridge, "Mia and Tony will be here soon. She seemed like she wanted to tell me about something but she also told me to wait... do you have any idea what it might be?" She asks, making me clear my throat before shaking my head; putting on the perfect act.


    "Uh... no clue,"


    The next hour was spent helping Diana with therge amount of food and her homemade pie, a family recipe that I''ve been tasting for years ever since I became involved in Aidan''s life. She has always been a great cook, just like Aidan and her cookings have always somehow been one of my favourites... after my mum''s cookings, of course.


    "Kenna!" Mia exims as she pulls me in for a hug, causing me to chuckle.


    "d you could make it, sweetheart." Diana says as they both pull each other in for a hug, leaving me to eye them. "Where''s Tony?" She asks.


    "I would never miss it for the world, mother. Tony''s outside with in and Aidan... who can''t seem to stop talking about work." Mia replies before turning towards me, "Don''t you feel bored with my brother? I''m sure he has nothing to talk about but only about work," "Actually... he doesn''t talk about work with me," I reply and Diana smiles, slowly followed by Mia who seems to be giving me a wink.


    Diana walks out of the kitchen as she starts to call out for in, leaving Mia and I by ourselves. She walks closer towards me before clearing her throat, "I''m thinking on telling themter. I mean, I can''t hide it forever, right? Sooner orter, everything will start to fall into ce and it''s better if I be the one to tell rather than them finding out from someone else," She says.


    "That''s great. I''m sure they''ll support you through it," I reply.


    "Well... mother and Harley might but I''m not very sure about father and in. For now, I only have you and Aidan''s support-which is enough for me but I''m terrified of in. What if he kills me?" She whispers,ughing afterwards. "Aidan didn''t flip much because you were there but Harley''s not here... there''s a high chance I might die, today."


    "Don''t sweat much, Mia. Just remember that I''ll always be here to help you," My hand grabs onto hers, gripping tightly as she grips back; smiling at me.


    "Maybe, being pregnant is really messing up with my hormones. I truly understand how Harley felt when she was pregnant with Ava because I''m currently pregnant and I''m feeling the same way!" Mia says as I look behind her to see Diana and in standing with wide eyes, causing Mia to turn around; muttering a curse under her breath.


    The four of us end up staring at each other while I hold in my breath, somehow afraid of this thing going sour. By the look on in''s face, I can see him clenching his jaw and his fists before closing his eyes-letting out a deep breath but as for Diana, she seems to be in shock, as she covers her mouth with her hand.


    "Oh, shit." Mia sighs.


    "Mia, what the fuck?!" in exims


    ver


    in anger before exiting the kitchen, heading towards the living room and out the backyard, making Mia''s eyes widen as she starts to chase after him. Quickly run after them, realising that in is currently heading towards Tony who''s having a conversation with Aidan near the their house water fountain.


    Mia tries to grab onto in''s arm but apparently, she was toote as in grabs onto Tony by the cor and away from Aidan; immediately started to punch onto his face, causing him to drop onto the ground. "in, stop!" Mia shouts.


    Tony''s face is being beaten pretty badly by in as blood starts to seep down his shirt, making me stand with my heart racing; gazing up at Aidan who starts to break out of his trance by running towards them, trying to pull in away from Tony. As for Mia, she won''t stop trying to push in away but he''s stronger than her. "You''re a fucking asshole. How dare you!" in shouts, punching harder.


    To my surprise, Harley starts to appear with wide eyes as she runs towards in, "Baby, what are you doing? Stop it!" She exims, pushing out of her heels, making her way towards us in a hurry-making me take a couple of steps back,pletely in shock.


    "Cut it off!" Aidan says as he manages to pull in away, leaving us to stare down at Tony who is currently coughing out blood, Mia quickly tending him. Aidan continues to pull in away from Tony, his hand gripping tightly onto his arm, "Cut it off, in. You''re making a fucking scene,"


    "You knew? You knew all along and you were fine with this?!" in shouts at Aidan who has started to clench his jaw in anger.


    "She''s our sister, Aidan. She''s our


    one and only sister. How can you be fine with her being pregnant? She''s in university. For god''s sake, Mia.


    what the fuck were you thinking? et


    Were you out of your goddamn mind? I don''t want to see you with him anymore. He stays out of your fucking life!" in lets out his anger by pointing at Tony who is currently looking away from in and only assuring Mia that he''s fine.


    Aidan pulls him harder by the arm, "I said cut it off!"


    in and Aidan are both staring at each other, somewhat ring. "She''s not a child, in. We can''t just interfere with her life because we think that it''s bad for her; she can do what the fuck she wants and we just have to stay out of it! You''re right, she''s our sister and you''re


    trying to ruin your one and only sister''s life." He leans to say those words which causes in to pull his


    arm away from Aidan''s grasps.


    "You''re a disgrace," in turns to Mia before storming off, avoiding even his wife''sfort as she starts to follow him.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    My eyes wander to Aidan who has let out a deep sigh, both of his hands on his waist before using one to pinch the bridge of his nose. Anger is clearly shown to be radiating from him as I pass him to immediately make my way towards Tony, "Let me help you. We have first aid kit inside," I assure him before trying to help him stand with Mia.


    Just as we make our ways inside the house, in is already holding Ava as he starts to put her in the child safety seat in the car with Harley sighing deeply at his behaviour. Then, without even sparing a single nce, in drives them away and straight down the road, leaving me to turn, seeing Diana and Marc disappointedly gaze at Mia.


    "I''ll try to talk to them," Aidan follows his parents'' towards their house''s library.


    Mia, Tony and I are in the kitchen, with me trying to tend his cuts by wiping away the blooding out from his nose and even on the side of his lips. I slowly dab a clean cloth after wiping away the blood to make sure that he won''t get any infection as he closes his eyes, bearing with the stinging pain.


    "I''m sorry," Mia grabs onto Tony''s hand before nting a kiss at the back of it.


    Tony turns to smile at Mia, "Don''t worry about it, babe. We''ll get through this, okay?" He assures her by winking, making her run her fingers through his hair, pushing them away from his face as I dab an antiseptic on his cuts.


    "Nothing''s broken. You''re good," I say, giving him an ice pack for the swelling and a forming bruise on his cheekbone.


    Tony clears his throat, "Thank you, Kenna." He says as both of his eyes look down at me, seeing me smile back at him; assuring him that it was nothing and it was a pleasure to help him out. "You could''ve warned me though," He says at Mia with a light chuckle.


    Mia smiles sadly, "Aidan took it quite well and I thought that maybe in would''ve been the same but I was wrong. You''re hurt because of me and I''m sorry," She replies as she cups onto his face, slowly, avoiding anywhere near his swelling or cuts. Then, she looks at me. "Thanks, Kenna. I guess we do owe you," She adds.


    "Just get some rest," I smile as they start to walk out of the house, straight towards his car.


    Within seconds, Aidan appears in the kitchen with a deep sigh, his hair sticking out all over the ce as he sits on the stool near the kitchen ind, running his fingers through his hair, somehow trying to relief his stress. Thanksgiving ended up being Anger-giving.

 Chapter 87

    AidanText ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "Good morning! Rise and shine, sweetheart. You got to go to work today so get that beautiful perky ass up," I say with a smile stered on my face as I see her snuggling closer towards the pillows surrounding her, groaning in her sleep.


    With one hand in my cks'' pocket, I look down at her as she enjoys her sleep. The way she has theforter wrapped around her body like a burrito has somehow managed to make me chuckle early in the morning. Even though her hair is a mess and sticking out in different directions with her face slightly oily from her night skincare routine, she seems to be peacefully calm which eases me.


    Yet, I still find her the most beautiful woman alive.


    Going down on one knee, I lean closer towards her before pushing her hair away from her face; but not even receiving a single movement which causes me to poke her cheek, once, twice and even thrice.


    Kenna groans as she starts to open her eyes, looking directly at me with confusion before ncing down at my outfit-seeing that I''m ready and well-dressed for my day at the office which causes her to sit up straight, "I''mte for work!" She exims, pushing theforter away.


    Iugh, watching her panic as she starts to run towards her room-her old room where she used to stay before things started to get pretty heat up between us more precisely, serious. When we got back from Paris, we immediately started to share the same bed in the same bedroom but couldn''t find the time to move all of her clothes to my room because... well there are a few reasons:


    1) She has a lot of clothes.


    2) Don''t forget her collection of shoes.


    3) Have I said anything about her makeup? She did shop a lot at Sephora at least once a month but I haven''t seen her went there ever since we got married.


    4) Yes, her handbags.


    5) There are just a lot of shit. Let me remind that she didn''t bring the rest of her stuff from her own apartment . . . yet.


    So... we might be turning her old room into her own private closet which will be discussedter in the future. For now, we''ll be sleeping together in my bedroom for the rest of our lives. That way, I can easily know if there''s anything wrong with her, with us. Within seconds, I have made my way towards her to wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her close to my body as she continues to panic; her eyes wandering around the room to look for a certain something. "Baby, you''re notte." I say.


    Her blue eyes shot up to look into mine, "What do you mean? Of course I''mte. You''re all ready for work and I''m still in my pyjamas," She replies with a pout, letting me tap onto the bridge of her nose which causes her to grin; her cheeks heating up. "What was that for?" She raises an eyebrow.


    "Pouting makes you look cute. I can''t.


    help it if you keep on doing that," My lipsnd on the side of her cheek. "So, don''t tempt me, Mrs. Ashton. You might not be able to get to work, at all. The way my lips brush against the side of her neck Causes her to close her eyes and grip onto my arm, leaving me to think that she actually enjoys this.


    "So... get your beautiful ass in the shower," One of my hands run down to softly touch her butt before letting go. "And get ready for work. Then, head downstairs because I''ve prepared us breakfast." I add with a quick wink at the end. Kenna grins, "Can''t wait to see what you have prepared."


    After about thirty-minutes of waiting


    for her to walk down the stairs, she has finally made up for it with her usual scent, making me eye her hair, her face and down to her


    clothes seeing that she has her hair high up into a ponytail today with her face added with light makeup to just appear awake and presentable. As for her clothes, well... they''re not going to attract any further attention which is good because I know how the male doctors would go crazy over her if she wears anything much more appealing.


    "Omelettes! Yum," She exims.


    Then, she takes a seat near the kitchen ind as she grabs onto the fork to take a small bite of the well-prepared omelette. I lean forward, "How does it taste like? Good?" I ask, watching her chew as she continues to nod, taking a sip of water afterwards. "Reminds me of how lucky I am to have you," She winks at me as she takes another bite of the omelette which causes me to smile at her, feeling my heart racing and my cheeks somehow heating up; probably my blood flow has increased from the words she said.


    "At what time will you be home today?" I ask, taking a sip of my own ss of water.


    "Around six or seven," She replies with a shrug. "I don''t have much for today except for appointments with a couple of patients but there are new internsing in and some are assigned under me," She continues to speak as she finishes her breakfast, immediately drinking her water.


    "I''ll probably be home earlier than you. Just going to head out with Flynn to shop for some Christmas gifts after work for my employees. Then, I''ll take us out for dinner, how does that sound?" I caress the side of her face as she nods, agreeing.


    I look down at my wrist watch


    before sighing, "Ah, got to


    st-meeting starts in thirty


    minutes and I can''t bete. I need to get back on track," I mutter but loud enough for Kenna to hear as


    continues to nod, taking her she


    supplements for the day before


    earning a kiss from her on the cheek as I quickly walk out of the house and straight towards my car.


    Just as I''m about to enter my car, I hear her calling out my name which causes me to turn around; seeing her running towards me before handling me my phone, "What would you do without me?" She says, chuckling.


    I lean in to kiss her on the lips, feeling her responding back towards me as she cups onto my face while I ce my hands on her waist, feeling the smallness of her body. The kisssts for a few seconds but long enough to remind how much we both love each other deeply, "I love you, baby. See you tonight," I peck onto her cheek.


    It doesn''t take me long to drive down the road and straight towards my office.


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 Chapter 88

    "With all due respect, Mr. Ashton, we would like your brother''s cooperation in this. We''ve had several meetings for the past two weeks and it''s a shame to not see him joining us," One of the board of directors say, leaving me to sigh deeply; knowing that in is actually nowhere in New York City which is indeed a shame.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    I rest both of my palms on the desk as I bend forward, all attention on me. "There are certain undiscussed matters. Don''t get me wrong, Mr. Lee but I''m simply not my brother''s babysitter and I certainly don''t know his whereabouts," I reply before looking around the room to see them exchanging nces.


    "He is still thepany''s chief financial officer, isn''t he? It''d be good to see him y his role than beingpletely absent due to ''certain undiscussed matters'' and please don''t misunderstand me, Mr. Ashton-I simply want the best for thispany as one of the board directors." He replies, looking directly at me as I clench my jaw before curving my lips into a small smile; listening to him. "We still need to discuss the financial details," He adds.


    I stand up still, showing off the perfect posture before shoving both of my hands in my cks'' pockets. "For the time being... the financial details can be discussed with me," I respond.


    "Will he be back anytime soon?" Someone else asks, making me turn to look at him.


    Deep down, I understand their concern about in''s absence but ever since he found out about Mia''s pregnancy, he kept his distance. Not even Harley knows where he is and it worries me more, knowing that he''s actually nowhere to be found; Mia''s matter may not be a big issue but in might even me himself for what happened.


    He cares a whole lot about Mia, more than I can even care for her. They''re closer together, they keep each other''s secrets and they definitely do not tell lie. Ipletely understand how this would affect him but at the same time, he''s overreacting.


    "Like I said... I''m not my brother''s babysitter. If that''s all, end of discussion." I answer before picking up my coat from my seat and make my way out of the meeting room with Flynn following behind me.


    We both enter the elevator with my mind fully upied about in, wanting to know of his whereabouts and even his wellbeing. Yet, he''s an adult and he can surely take good care of himself but he''s worrying others around him. Then again, he wouldn''t leave for too long; he wouldn''t be gone for more than two or three weeks top, he wouldn''t want Ava to question about his disappearance.


    "Call him again," I gesture towards Flynn.


    Flynn lifts his phone up to his ear before sighing, "Straight to voicemail, sir." He replies.


    "For fuck''s sake, in. Where the hell are you?" I mutter under my breath, pinching the bridge of my nose as I lean my head back-feeling my head starting to hurt, themon kind of pain when I''m going through a lot of pressure or stress.


    "Mr. Ashton, did you make a huge amount of payment recently? The bank called to confirm your withdrawal an hour ago under your name," He hesitates at first as I turn to look at him but he continues to speak, "Just need to make sure because of the amount... incase you made any withdrawals while you were drunk," He adds.


    My lips curve up into a smile before bursting out into soft chuckles, "What makes you think I''d call the bank when I''m drunk, Flynn?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.


    "Well... I''m just making sure,"


    "How much was the amount?" I ask, the elevator doors open as we exit-heading straight towards my office, passing by the empty hallway.


    "About eighty-eight thousand dors," He replies as he fixed his sses, making sure they don''t slip down the bridge of his nose; blinking a few times before clearing his throat, eyeing me as I take a seat in my office.


    I look up at him, "Then, you have nothing to worry about, Flynn. That''s a rather sober amount of money," I reply, running my fingers through my hair as a sudden gesture, somehow wanting to lift away all the amount of stress but nothing seems to be working.


    Flynn blinks nervously, "If you don''t


    mind me asking, Mr. Ashton, did you


    invest in something illegal?" He keeps his voice down, somehow afraid if the other staffs are going to hear us which causes me tough at his question-even if I''d like to invest insomething illegal, it would be without anyone knowing.


    "I bought a car," I reply.


    "How exciting. What kind of car did you buy? Will Gerald be driving your new car soon? Do I need to start making arrangements-" He continues to speak until I decide to cut him off.


    "Actually, I bought a car for Kenna


    and it''s a Porsche. The one that


    you''ve been talking abouttely. it''s a Christmas present-I wanted something unusual and


    unexpected," I cut him off with a face before


    smile stered on my


    leaning back on my seat, seeing Flynn nodding his head.


    "You''re making me a little bit jealous here, sir." He chuckles, cing the files on my desk.


    I lean forward, "Well... how would you feel if I let you take that car for a drive as soon as it arrives?" I raise an eyebrow, causing his eyes to widen at the sudden offer as he starts to stutter, "I mean, if that''s what you want-knowing it''s also your dream car." I add. "I-I would love to, Mr. Ashton." He replies.


    "Speaking of money and cars, I need to go to the bank to settle these cheques. Tell Gerald to prepare the car," I stand up, fixing my coat on my body in order to make myself appear more presentable and neat instead of ''stressed out'' or filled with unsettled problems.


    Both Flynn and I step out of the elevator to walk straight towards the exit, seeing Gerald standing beside the car as he smiles at me before he starts to open the door for me, letting me enter. Just like that, Flynn immediately enters the passenger''s seat before Gerald drives down the road.


    "Are you alright, Mr. Ashton?" Gerald asks, looking at the rear-view mirror.


    I smile, "Just a little bit tired but I''m alright. What about you, Gerald? You seem happier today," I reply as I lean my head back on the seat, frowning at the sudden headache before closing my eyes, hoping it will all pass away.


    He chuckles, "Today is my


    daughter''s first day in kindergarten


    and my wife took pictures of how


    excited she was to be there. It cheers me up," He answers as he takes a left turn, "It''s crazy how time


    flies, sir. She was just a baby and now she''s growing up to be a beautiful girl," He adds.

 Chapter 89

    "Why didn''t you tell me that it''s her first day? I would''ve asked you to take the day off," I say.


    Gerald has been loyal ever since he got a job here and by far, a very good listener. He understands me quite a lot because he has been with me through my hard years, with all those that I''ve done in the past. It''s easier to talk to him about things, he gives off the best advice.


    "It''s fine, Mr. Ashton. Just by looking at her picture was enough for me because I know that she''ll be telling me everything when I get home," He says as I turn to look out the window, seeing the amount of people walking down the pavement before closing my eyes again, the pain spreading to the nape of my neck which causes me to frown.


    As soon as we''ve arrived, Gerald steps out of the car to open the door for me in which I appreciate as I walk inside the building with Flynn following closely behind me, a couple of steps away. My eyes wander around to the amount of people here before letting out a deep sigh, knowing that it''ll be quite awhile before they start calling the numbers.


    Just as I''m about to take further steps towards the counter, I begin to feel the aching pain to increase which causes me to stop walking immediately; trying to grab onto something to hold, luckily Flynn manages to grab me by the arm before I could fall onto the ground. "Mr. Ashton, what''s wrong?" He asks, worriedly.


    I blink a few times to get a clearer vision before taking a seat, "Nothing. Nothing''s wrong, Flynn. Can you please handle these cheques for me? I don''t think I can make it through without copsing." I reply and he nods, grabbing the cheques from me as he makes his way towards the counter while I close my eyes, trying to relieve the pain.


    To my surprise, the sound of guns are loud and clear which causes everyone in the building to scream in shock. My eyes widen at the sight of men with masks covering their faces as they point guns at innocent people, trying to make sure that they put their hands up high in the sky.


    "Shut up! Shut the hell up!" One of the men says as they begin to shoot around the building without having any target, causing everyone to remain silent as I slowly sit down on the ground; trying to be out of view as possible.


    I instantly turn to look at Flynn who is currently hiding away the cheques in his coat which causes me to frown as he starts to drop onto the ground on his knees; everyone doing the same.


    "One sound and I''ll pull the trigger for the bullets to go through your skulls. Do you get me?!" The other says, pointing the gun at everyone in the room as they all look down onto the ground, afraid to make any noise or movement while I start to feel my head hurting more and more, leaving me to close my eyes; trying to calm myself down.


    They begin to run towards behind the counter before they start to ce some sort of high technology code breaker by the door, causing it to unlock as a couple of men goes inside, heading straight towards the vault.


    The sound of a baby crying has caused the man who''s in charge to groan loudly, "Can you shut him up or I''ll shoot you and your goddamn son? For fuck''s sake,dy, shut him up!" He points the gun at her and her son as he continues to cry, in which she tries hard to calm him down.


    "Please... he''s just a baby," She cries.


    "A noisy one at that!" He replies, "Tell him to shut the fuck up,dy. Don''t make me shoot him,"


    She pats onto her baby''s back as she starts to whisper words in his ear, trying to soothe him down but his cries are only getting louder. My eyes wander to the people around here to see their reaction and to me, they''re just as scared as the rest of us as they keep their heads low. "Fuck!" The man shouts, shooting the ceiling.


    "Don''t, please. You''re scaring him!" She pleads, securing him tightly in her arms. "Please, please, don''t hurt my baby. Don''t hurt my baby,"


    "I didn''t sign up for this, woman. I didn''t sigh up to deal with a crying baby nor your stupid begging. So, shut the fuck up, will you? You''re pissing me off and you don''t want to know what will happen when someone pisses me off!" He says, angrily as he grabs onto the back of her hair, making her squirm in pain. as tears are streaming down her


    cheeks.


    To my surprise, the man grabs onto the baby which causes her to cry even louder, trying to take his son back in his arms but the man begins to point the gun at his head, threatening the mother while I blink a few times, trying to make sense of what''s happening. A man with a baseball bat walks out from one of the rooms with a big ck bag, throwing it off on the ground as he turns to look at us.


    "Don''t hurt him, please!" She begs.


    Just as I begin to crawl towards


    from


    Flynn, trying to get closer towards him, my phone starts to ring which causes everyone to turn and look at me especially the two men with guns. He adjusts his gun away the baby''s head before directing it at me as I stop making any further movements, mentally cursing myself.


    The man drops the baseball bat onto the ground before approaching me, grabbing onto my arm to make me stand on both feet as I feel the aching pain beginning to form again but I keep quiet, afraid if I might risk my life.


    "What do we have here?" The man


    that has been holding the baby, walks towards me as he eyes my face; trying to get a better look. Both of his eyes wander to my features "If it isn''t the famous billionaire Aidan Gabriel Ashton! What a fucking coincidence to see you here, MP. Ashton." He says out loud, grabbing everyone''s attention as the other man grips harder onto my


    arm.


    "I mean... I''m a little bit surprised actually," He circles around me, eyeing me up and down. "It''s not everyday that you get to meet one of the richest man in the world, right? So, let me have this moment." Heughs, patting lightly onto the baby''s head.


    The man continues to chuckle and the only thing thates up on my mind is that... is he Joker? Then, where''s Batman? My heart feels like it''s going to thump out of my chest due to beating utterly fast in fear but at the same time, I find myself trying to find some source of peace.N?velDrama.Org content.

 Chapter 90

    Then, Kenna''s face starts to appear in my head.


    "So... Mr. Aidan Ashton, how are you? Congrattions on your wedding even though I know it''s a little bit toote to congratte but how is your wife? She''s quite the beauty," He leans closer towards me as if he''s staring into my soul even though his eyes are not even visible to my sight. "You''re a very lucky man, aren''t you? A great career, big cars, big houses, a wife to fuck at night-"


    I cut him off by clenching my fists, wanting it tond straight onto his face but it''s an action between life and death. "Don''t talk about her like that," I say through gritted teeth.N?velDrama.Org content.


    Heughs, "Oh,e on, Mr. Ashton. Don''t tell that''s not what you do to your wife? I can simply fuck her for you," He replies, somehow testing my patience as I feel the anger rising.


    The two of them continues tough, leaving me in to try and breathe properly even though my patience has reached its limit.


    "Imagine her screaming my name as I fuck her deep and hard or how she would cry out for me to go faster and faster just so that she can feel the fucking pleasure," He continues as he leans closer and closer towards my face. "Then, I''d shove her face down onto the fucking bed just to spank her hard so that she wouldn''t be able to sit properly the next day. Man, your wife is giving me all these fucking urges." He chuckles.


    Just like that, my patience has somehow gone off the roof as I push myself away from the man''s grasps before punching straight onto his face; continuously trying to break his bones as I go on top of him, continuing to punch as I grip hard around his neck. "You don''t talk like that about my wife!" I find myself lost in the waves of anger, my eyes tearing as I feel my hands go numb; even though the amount of pressure that goes onto his face would cause pain to myself even more, "Don''t-"


    I am cut off with the other man pulling onto my arms, almost choking me as I hit onto the ground; the baby crying louder and louder due to the screaming and shouting but everything around me seems to have faded away as they begin to kick onto my stomach and hit me hard onto my face.


    My eyes wander around to see Flynn looking at me in surprise, his hands shaking in fear as he starts to search for his phone but I shake my head; not wanting him to risk his life because after all, this police will be here any minute, as the rms go off, leaving the two men to panic.


    I look up at the ceiling, coughing up blood as I turn to look at the woman crying as she looks at me; her arms securing her baby that has somehow stopped crying from being dropped on purpose by the other man. My body aches in pain and for some reason, the pain seems to have seeped into my skin.


    Just as I turn around to stand straight on my feet or at least sit, I feel an undeniably amount of pain at the back of my head as my body falls onto the ground again but this time, numbness is all I feel as my body feels impossible to move.


    The baseball bat drops onto the ground in front of me, making me know that I was hit with one as they start to shout, trying to run out of the building before the police arrives as Flynn runs towards me, his hands reaching out to grab onto my arms, trying to make me stay awake.


    "Mr. Ashton! Mr. Ashton!" He shouts, his eyes are widening which confuses me.


    For some unknown reason, too, everything around me seems to move in a slower pace. The police running in with the SWAT team as they secure the building, making sure that the bad guys won''t get away as they shout, scream for them to stay where they are but I can''t seem to respond to anything as my sight blurs out.


    "No, no, no, sir. You have to stay awake!" Flynn continues to shout, reaching for my hand.


    My chest hurts as I continue to cough out blood, feeling the pain beginning at my ribs but before I can respond, my eyes wander up to the ceiling as everything feels to get quite unclear; leaving me to feel the continuous pain at the back of my head.


    I look straight into the light as I see a familiar face, a familiar beautiful face staring back at me with a frown. My eyebrows furrow at the sight of her, seeing that her eyes are as blue and her smile is as sweet, but that frown... that frown.


    It''s not that I''m not trying and it''s not


    that I don''t want to stay awake but I find myself draining away, away from the tight and even away from reality. My eyes are closing as the ckness surrounds me, letting me to believe that this is all a dream instead of something real, more like a nightmare.


    "Kenna... "I breathe out, ncing up at Flynn for a couple of seconds before closing my eyes, the noises disappearing.


    People say that when you die, you


    would and should follow the light but how do they know? Why should we even follow the light? How would they know if there''s going to be a light? What if it''s all a goddamn joke and there will only be pain and difort. Just like now. They also say that when you die..you feel at peace as if you''ve left it all behind without any intentions of looking back.


    Then again, why am I feeling anything but peace?


    My chest is hurting, my head is aching and my soul... my soul seems to be stuck and attached onto my body, still. I can''t seem to see anything around me or hear but the pain is all too clear to be a mistake or a dream because the pain is somewhat... vivid. There''s only thing that I can be sure of. Just one and one only, nothing else needs confirmation.


    So, Kenna Anne, till death do us part, indeed.

 Chapter 91

    Kenna


    "Good afternoon, Dr. Anne. You''re glowing today," One of the nurses say as she smiles at me, making my cheeks heat up at herpliment before smiling back at her; stopping near the counter to write down mytest reports as I gaze up at the television, seeing a robbery happened at the national bank which causes me to frown. "What is wrong with the world?" I mutter under my breath.


    "Everything is wrong. It''s such a shame to live in a world like this where humans are the main cause of destruction," Penelope, one of the nurses here replies, her eyes wandering up to the television again before sighing. "How are you, Dr. Anne?" She asks. "Good. What about you, Penelope?" I respond, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear before dropping the pen with the reports; shoving both of my hands into my coat''s pockets. "Restless night with Johnny," She chuckles.


    Johnny, her two-year-old son has been her main source of happiness after her husband passed away due to cancer. Apparently, she and Johnny always seem happy together to an extent that it makes me want to have that kind of life where I''d look at my son''s face and just be content.


    Just as I''m about to respond, she continues. "Babies, toddlers, kids... they just suck the energy out of you. So, believe me, appreciate your current situation while you can because once you start popping one out... boy, don''t let me get started." She adds and we both continue tough, my head shaking as I agree to her statement.


    "I''ll keep that in mind," I wave at her before walking down the hallway, heading straight towards Albert''s room.


    My eyes widen as soon as I see an unknown young man with dark brown hair stands near Albert''s bed, smiling as they talk about something but as soon as I step inside, they both turn to look at me. The unfamiliar man appears to look quite familiar if I keep on looking at Albert and back at him for a few times which makes me wonder, who is he?


    The man takes one hand out from his cks'' pocket before giving me a handshake, in which I ept. "Brayden Adams," He introduces himself, making me furrow at hisst name. "You''re "


    He cuts me off, "Albert Adam''s son."


    I remain speechless as I stand in the middle of the room before clearing my throat, "How rude of me. I''m Kenna Ashton, your father''s neurologist. It''s just that I''ve never seen you before but Albert has mentioned you a few times," I reply with a small smile stered on my face.


    Albert''s son, Brayden, nods his head with his lips slowly curving up into a smile. "Can we talk outside, Dr. Anne?" He nces down at my tag before gesturing for both of us to step out of his father''s room.


    My eyes wander to Albert who keeps on staring at histe wife''s scarf as I follow Brayden out. As soon as we''re standing in the hallway, he starts to let out a deep breath. "I''m sure he has told you about my sudden disappearance and I don''t me him, as his doctor, you should know everything that is going on with his life but I had my reasons. It took me years and a lot of regrets but I''m here and I want to be there for him," He speaks.


    "I understand, Mr. Adams but-"


    "Brayden''s fine," He cuts me off.


    I blink a few times, "Right, Brayden... I understand but your disappearance did affect him in ways I can''t possibly put into words. He was devastated especially about histe wife, your mother but now that you''re back in his life, I''m actually more than d." I reply. He breathes out and I take my moment to eye the man in front of me, seeing him standing quite tall in his suit and tie, leaving me to believe that he''s probably awyer or something much more... formal with his hair neatlybed to the back but with a few strands out. It doesn''t take me long to realise just how much he looks like Albert when he was young and believe me, he stands with a seven.


    "I want to be there for him. To make sure that he''s happy because that''s what he needs," He continues to speak, "Look... I''m not the perfect son, I may have lost track of time and I may have forgotten about my responsibility but I want to fix that starting now," He adds. "What are you saying?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.


    "I want him to be discharged with only monthly check-ups. I think he has been at the hospital long enough," He replies.


    I nod my head, "There''s definitely nothing wrong with that. I''ll handle the papers. Give me an hour or two, tops?" I ask him, wanting to receive other confirmations from the other two doctors that have been attending him for the past years, wanting to make sure that Albert does not have any chronic diseases that would cause any malfunctions or disruptions in his daily life as soon as he is discharged.


    "Thank you, Dr. Anne." He smiles.


    Just like that, he walks back inside, leaving me to think that miracles do happen in life and they''re by far unexpected. With that, I walk down the hall and straight towards the emergency room, wanting to meet with Dr. Lin who has been handling Albert''s prescriptions ording to his daily needs.


    "Kenna!" Lucas calls out which causes me to turn and smile at him, "Talk to you,ter?"


    I raise my hand up before giving him a thumbs up as I run down the hallway, straight towards the emergency room but to stop dead at my tracks as soon as my eyesnd on a familiar face being pushed on the stretchers which causes my whole body to freeze as everything slows down.


    The same dark brown hair, the same features and even the same everything with one slight different which is small bruises forming on his face as blood continues to glide down from his forehead and even from the back of his head, making me run after him, my heart racing with every step.N?velDrama.Org content.


    "Wait! Wait!" I call out as one of the doctors turn while the other nurses continue to push him straight towards the operating room.


    The doctor stops to grab onto my arms, trying to calm me down as soon as he realises my hands are shaking in shock, my eyes are tearing up and even my lips are trembling. "Where are you taking him? Wh-where are you taking him?!" I stutter, trying to push past him but he continues to hold me back, calming me down.


    "Kenna... Kenna, calm down." He breathes.


    With all of my strength, I push him away before I immediately run down the hallway, catching after the stretcher; stopping them in the middle of the lobby just as I get a closer look at Aidan''s face, seeing one of the nurses trying to pump oxygen into his windpipe with both of his eyes closed, his tie gone and a few buttons undone.


    Without even thinking straight, I start to grab onto his left hand, seeing the same wedding band which causes me to close my eyes as the tears are streaming down my cheeks;ing to fact that this is all hard to believe, not wanting to even ept the fact about his current condition.


    "Dr. Anne, this patient needs to be in the operating room as soon as possible." One of the nurses say, but my grip around his hand continues to tighten as the pain in my chest increases.


    "The patient is her husband," My eyes look up to the previous doctor who tried to stop me, Dr. Williams, says before crouching down to my level. "Kenna, you need to let him go. He''s going to be alright if you just let go," He says as he gestures towards my hand, trying to make me loosen my grip.


    Slowly but surely, my hands around


    his loosen and they begin to push the stretcher straight towards the operating room, leaving me on the ground with Dr. Williams trying to calm me down by rubbing onto the back of my body as unexpected sobs begin to escape from my mouth, leaving me to ce one hand on my chest near my heart, feeling the clenching.


    "Just save him," I grab onto his cor as he nods, his hands grabbing onto mine to slowly caress the back of it before quickly running into the operating room, leaving me on the ground as tears are continuing to fall.


    Ten minutes have passed and my eyes are remain staring onto the doors as I sit on the nearest bench, my heart beating fast and my fingers shaking in anticipation before seeing Williamsing out, his eyes show slight amount of relief as soon as he sees me. I stand up as he starts to speak, "We need a neurologist. You''re all we got," He says, leaving me to feel the sudden waves to past through in my body as my legs weaken but I immediately nod my head; knowing that Aidan needs me.


    "I''m all you got?" I ask as we both immediately walk back inside the operating room.


    Without even caring, I immediately take my coat off and head straight towards the locker room at the back before taking my clothes off, pushing them away as I change into my scrubs after tying my hair up into a high ponytail. Then, I make my way towards the sink before pressing my leg to turn the water on as I wash


    my hands with the assigned soap.


    Williams remains near the door, "You''re the fastest we can get. I''m sorry, Kenna but he''s not in the best condition and you''re the quickest option," He replies as we both step inside, all of the nurses turn to look at us while the other two doctors are exchanging nces. One of the nurses walk towards me to get me ready with the gloves and all before letting me walk towards his figure, my heart racing with each step I take but I keep myself strong for him.


    "Are you okay, Dr. Anne?" David asks, my fellow colleague who has been working with me ever since but he''s a cardiologist. I turn to look at him and see that he has a concern look stered on his face which causes me to nod.


    "Whenever you''re ready," Williams add as he stands at the back with David standing by to make sure that his heart''s beating normally.


    My eyes wander down to Aidan''s


    head, seeing that he is facing the other way, leaving me to look up at the X-ray on the screen; seeing the damage while Dr. Willows-my fellow neurosurgeon waits for me to exin the necessary damage Even though Willows is very good and an expert in this but as a neurologist... there are certain things that I know and he doesn''t. He''s more into performing surgery for patients with brain tumours and such while I try to diagnose the patient''s sudden and certain pains.


    "When did this happen... "I mutter under my breath, furrowing my brow at the sight of the injury in his neck.


    Willows raises an eyebrow, "What is it?"


    "Anterior cervical discectomy," I reply before slowly looking down at Aidan''s face, seeing both of his eyes closed as he is breathing with the help of a machine; leaving me to think that the sudden blow to the head has somehow cause a damage to his spinal cord.

 Chapter 92

    "Do we need an otryngologist?" Williams speaks from behind.


    "No, we don''t. I have to expose his spine through an incision in front of his neck next to his windpipe," Willows replies, nodding his head a few times. "Through that incision, I''ll remove the herniated disk and any bone spurs that may be causing pain. Afterward, the space left between the vertebrae is refilled with a piece of bone either his own, taken from his hip bone, or a bone graft from a donor or other material, fusing the adjacent vertebrae together." "We don''t have time for a bone graft or other material," I mutter.


    "You''re allowing me to take it from his hip bone?"


    My eyes meet with Willows, leaving me sighing deeply at the decision before looking at the more severe damage done to his brain. "That''s not my only concern. He may be in aa,"


    I continue to speak, "His brain is swelling as a result of trauma and the fluid pushes up against the skull. This will eventually cause the brain to push down on the brain stem which can damage the RAS," With every word that has left my lips is only causing me more and more pain.


    "RAS?" David asks, furrowing his brows.


    "Reticr Activating System. A part of the brain that''s responsible for arousal and awareness," I reply before sighing, "Which will only cause an anoxic brain injury,"


    Without me realising, my hands are already shaking which causes David to grab onto them, looking me straight in the eyes-trying to calm me down by rubbing soothingly onto my back with his other hand, making me nod a few times, assuring myself. "You can wait outside, Kenna." Willows says, the room quiet with only the sound of the machine beeping.


    Williams steps beside me, "I''ll take it from here."


    My eyes wander to look at him before nodding and take a few steps back to look down at my hands, leaving me to walk out of the operating room.


    My heart clenches at the sight of him as I fall onto the ground, running my fingers through my hair as soon as I''ve taken the gloves off-letting the tears fall down my cheeks again, leaving me to ce a hand on my mouth to avoid any further sobbing. "God," I mutter as I feel the pain continue to increase without showing any signs of letting me breathe properly.


    --


    ---


    With every step I take towards the intensive care unit, my heart continues to race because I know that as soon as I reach the room, his family will be there; Diana, Marc, Mia and even Harley but of course, not in which is not a surprise because ording to Aidan, he''s nowhere to be found for the past weeks.


    I walk inside the intensive care unit before taking a deep breath and step inside his own private room, seeing Diana, Marc, Harley and Mia turn to look at me. Their eyes widen at my sight and within seconds, I feel Diana pulling me in for a hug; leaving me to feel my eyes tearing up again.


    "I''m sorry, Kenna." Diana whispers as she wipes away her own tears.


    "Where''s the doctor?" Marc asks, he seems to hesitate at first ording to the look on his face before turning to look at his son, who seems to be in the same position ever since he was ced here a couple of hours ago after the surgery.


    I stand in the middle of the room as they all continue to look at me, "I''m the doctor. "


    Mia''s eyes widen, turning to look at Harley in surprise before she breathes out while Diana and Marc appears to be speechless; their eyebrows frowning but their eyes are wet with tears. "A neurologist... why?" Diana mutters.


    "Aidan''s in aa due to anoxic brain injury," I reply and the four of them turn to look at Aidan, seeing the machine helping him to breathe. "A brain condition caused by totalck of oxygen to the brain andck of oxygen for a few minutes causes cell death to brain tissues. He had a severe blow to the head," I mutter, somehow hard for me to let the words escape my lips; knowing that this is normal procedure for the doctor to exin about the patient''s current condition but with me being involved with the patient and family, it''s somehow hard for me to even breathe.


    "Oh my god," Harley breathes out.


    "I''m sorry," I say before feeling the tears escape from my eyes which causes Mia to immediately pull me in for a hug; her arms wrapping tightly around my body, "I''m so sorry," I continue.


    "I need a few minutes to myself," Marc says before stepping out of the room, the tension rising in here as Harley takes a seat, her mouth slightly apart as she looks down at the ground while Diana starts to grab onto Aidan''s hand, her tears running down her face. "It''s not your fault. You saved his life," Mia whispers near my ear as she continues to soothingly rub onto my back, letting me snuggle closer as my eyesnd on Aidan''s figure, seeing both of his eyes closed with the bandage wrapped around his head and neck due to the injury and the surgery as his mouth is slightly apart due to the machine helping him breathe.


    "Mother, I think we should give them a minute." Mia turns to look at her mother, as they both nod before Diana smiles at me as the three of them walk out of the room, leaving me alone with Aidan who seems to soundly sleeping in hisa.


    I take a seat beside him, eyeing down at his chest to see it moving up and down in a slow pace before grabbing onto his hand, gripping hard. My heart clenches at the sight of him and it''s only hurting me more to see himying on the bed as if he''s lifeless with only the machine helping him breathe for the meantime.


    "I''m going to assign you to another doctor," I mutter under my breath. "I can''t do this, Aidan. I can''t always be in the same room as you to check your conditions and be disappointed if you''re not making any progress. I want to be in this room to talk to you everyday or when you wake up but I''m not strong enough to disappoint myself," I say.


    "I don''t know when you''re going to wake up. You''re not showing any signs and your injury is quite severe-it''s painful for me to say this but, Aidan, you''re a rare case." My voice almost inaudible at the end as I lift his hand closer to my face, feeling the same warmth meeting my skin.


    "Don''t leave me, Aidan. You have toe back to me. You have toe back to me," I close my eyes to let the tears stream down cheeks, leaving me to hold my breath. "Please,e back to me."


    I wipe away the fallen tears before I


    begin to entwine our fingers together, eyeing how his hands are much bigger than mine but


    whenever we hold hands or have our fingers entwine, we just fit perfectly. I the back of his hand on the my cheek, somehow


    Side 19


    reminding back of when we were together and how he was touching me endlessly, it felt like hours ago.


    Just like that, I kiss the back of his hand. "I love you. I''ll wait for you-it doesn''t matter how long it will take for you to wake up because I''ll be here everyday just like how we promised," I breathe.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    As I step out of his room and walk away from the intensive care unit, I look up to see Flynn staring back at me, his eyes are red as his hands hold onto Aidan''s phone. He walks towards me, "Hi, Kenna... this belongs to you," He hands me the phone, letting me press the home button'' to look at his lock screen, seeing a picture of me smiling as I was looking at the camera.


    "Thanks, Flynn." I mutter.


    Just as I''m about to walk away, "I was there, Kenna. I was there with him," He stops me which causes me to turn around and look at him, seeing his shirt is slightly dirty with blood. "Are you hurt, Flynn? That blood-"


    He cuts me off, "-is not mine. I want to say sorry. I should''ve done something but I was scared, I was shocked and I didn''t know how to react. They had guns, Kenna... they were, they-"


    I immediately grab onto his hand, "Stop. Don''t force yourself. Don''t me yourself, either. Anyone would''ve been as scared as you and it''s not your fault, Flynn. You and Aidan were just at the wrong ce and at the wrong time," I reply.


    "Go home, please. Take care of yourself," I add before I continue to walk down the road, my whole body continues to weaken with every step I take but I try my best to stay strong.


    To my surprise, I find Dimitri immediately pulling me in for a hug as soon as he sees me, his arms wrapped around my body as he snuggles close, letting me ce both of my hands on his back.


    "Are you okay?" He asks, pushing my hair away from my face.


    Without even needing to utter any


    words to tell him the truth, Dimitri seems to have caught and understood just how things are not going well as he continues to rub onto my back. My heart clenches at the thought of Aidanying motionless in his room, not knowing When he''ll be able to wake up and see the sunrise or the sunset in the nearest future and it pains me.


    "I''m here. I''ll always be here," Dimitri whispers.


    After standing and being in his arms for approximately five minutes, he pulls my body away to look down at my face before he starts to wipe away the fallen tears as we both walk down the hallway, straight towards one of the benches where less people are wandering with only a few nurses and doctors hurrying away. "How did you know?" I ask, turning to look at him as he runs his fingers through his thick yet neat hair.


    "I''m on his emergency contacts." He replies and I look down at my phone to see a couple of missed calls from an unknown number, realising how Dimitri and I have always been on his emergency contacts-it has been that way ever since we started owning a phone. "Kenna, this is fucking insane. I''m losing my mind," He adds.


    "He was just at the wrong ce and at the wrong time," I mutter under my breath.


    "They''ve captured them. All of them," He replies. "They deserve to rot in jail just as much as they deserve to rot in hell-they tried to harm a child, for god''s sake. Who does that?" He continues to speak. "What is wrong with the whole damn world?"


    Just as I turn to look up at Dimitri, an unknown person calls out my name which causes me to turn and see two men standing with their badges-making me blink a few times, "Mrs. Kenna Ashton-wife of Aidan Gabriel Ashton?" One of them asks, leaving me to nod. "Do you have a moment? We have to talk regarding your husband," He continues.

 Chapter 93

    Kenna


    Dimitri and I sit side by side while we face the two police officers, one a detective and the other an assistant-holding onto a notepad with a pen as I feel Dimitri slowly grab onto my hand, trying to calm me down which causes me to smile up at him, assuring him that I''m alright.


    "We''re truly sorry for what happened to your husband, Mrs. Ashton. How are you holding up?" He asks, looking straight into my eyes.


    My eyes wander to his every features, wanting to take a closer look-he seems to be around my age or probably a couple of years older and it''s quite weird to hear him call me ''Mrs. Ashton'' instead of just calling me by my name. "Kenna''s fine," I mutter.


    "Alright, Kenna. You can call me Irwin," He leans forward by cing both of his elbows on the desk before clearing his throat. "We managed to catch the criminal as soon as he tried to get away but he shot himself before we could even respond," He adds, leaving me to frown.


    Dimitri shifts beside me, "He killed himself?"


    "Unfortunately or fortunately, I really don''t know which. The others are locked up in prison for questioning and for their sentences-you can choose to add more to their sentence if you''d like," Irwin continues to speak, ncing up at Dimitri for a couple of seconds before looking back at me.


    "I don''t want me or my family to get involved. I just want my husband to wake up froma so that we can get through all of this," I reply slowly, "Whatever you choose to do with those criminals, I want no part in it." I add.


    Irwin seems to be slightly surprised, "That''s a shock to hear from you, Kenna. Usually, they''d be hiring upwyers for the criminals to get an awful lot sentence than what they deserve." Then, he frowns, "Your husband''s in aa?" He asks. "I''m very sorry," The other says.


    I look down at my hands as I y with my wedding ring, "Can I watch the security tape?" My eyes meet with Irwin, who seems to be slightly surprised at my sudden request before blinking a few times.


    "Y-yes, that''s possible." He clears his throat, "If it''s alright with you, can I pay your husband a visit?" The way he seems to hesitate at first but the words slip off his lips smoothly causes me to nod my head, feeling tears begin to reform in my eyes before wiping them away.


    It doesn''t take long for the four of us to walk down the hallway and straight towards his room. At first, a couple of nurses seem to have insisted just how they''re not allowed to let us in but I manage to persuade them and tell that it''ll only take a little while. Now, we''re standing in front of Aidan who seems to be ''sleeping'' soundly.


    Dimitri stands near me instead of standing near Aidan as his eyes are beginning to water which causes me to grab onto his hand before rubbing the back of it; trying to soothe him.


    "What exactly happened, if you don''t mind me asking?" Irwin asks, turning to look at me.


    "Anterior cervical discectomy which is why they had to perform surgery to remove the pain in his neck. The reason why he''s in aa is because of the swelling in his brain," I clear my throat. "Easy to say... brain trauma," I add, leaving me to look back at my best friend, my husband who stays motionless, just like that.


    Irwin stands still at his spot while his assistant continues to write the details down on his notepad, leaving me to think that they''re obviously running some sort of interrogation but in a more polite, casual way instead of dragging me or Dimitri straight to the police station. Truth be told, what happened to Aidan is still unsure to me as of why I asked to watch the security tape so that I can fully determine orprehend the whole idea in my head. All I can know as a doctor is that Aidan was suffering from a severe blow to the head and it has caused his brain to go through into this state, leaving him motionless, not being able to respond.Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    It''s breaking my heart to even see himying there with his mouth slightly ajar from the machine that''s helping him breathe as both of his eyes are closed while the rest of his body remains frozen. Imagine being someone who had to go into the operating room to find out the exact problem that is going on with your husband or something, it''s quite a pain in the ass.


    "When can I see the security tape?" I ask, breaking the silence.


    "Tonight at the police station," He replies.


    Just like that, my head nods in an approving way, letting them know just how eager I am to figure this whole thing out without actually falling apart.


    "We''ll take our leave, Kenna. Give us a few hours to get the security tape and we''ll see you tonight at the station," He continues to speak. The way he nces at Dimitri''s direction as they shake hands before turning to smile at me, then step out of the room leaves me to think that this is not something to be taken lightly-for what reason, I suppose I barely even know.


    I turn towards Dimitri, "You have to be there."


    "I''ll be there with you. Don''t worry, Kenna. We''ll get through this and before you know it, Aidan''s going to wake up and everything''s going to turn to normal. Just like that," Dimitri replies before he starts to wrap his arm around my shoulder, pulling me closer towards his body; leaving me to nod my head a few times.


    --


    Dimitri and I both walk inside the police station with coats covering our bodies due to the cold weather, leaving us to gaze around the station and see that not a lot are on night duty but Irwin''s figurees into spot as he makes his way towards us. "Come with me," He says.


    We both follow him down the hallway and straight towards a room at the back, somewhat hidden as we enter, revealing an unidentified box in the middle of the table with aptop, specified to be ying the tape or more precisely, the tape in the pen drive. "Are you ready?" He asks, looking up at me.


    I take a seat near theptop as


    Dimitri stands behind me with his handying on my shoulder,


    §Ö§ä


    somehow giving me strength in which I appreciate. Within seconds, Irwin has already clicked y on theptop, making me look down in order to not miss a thing. "That''s him," I mutter under my breath but loud enough for Dimitri and Irwin to hear.


    My gaze follows Aidan''s figure as he stepped inside the bank with Flynn trailing behind him. To my surprise, he stopped in the middle as he got a little bit off bnce which causes me to shift on my seat before ncing up at Dimitri.


    "This was a few minutes before the robbery. It looks they have nned it for months because a bank robbery is rarely sessful. They didn''t seed but to keep people in danger for as long as they did was quite a threat to the society," He speaks up while I remain focusing onto the screen.


    Aidan took a seat on one of the benches before the whole chaos started, leaving him to drop onto the ground as soon as he saw those criminals shooting carelessly onto the ceiling. My heart clenches at the sight of Aidan being pulled up before they started to beat him up, leaving me to rey the images of his bruises from before.


    "He was already in pain," I mutter.


    "What do you mean?" Dimitri asks while Irwin turns to look at us, somehow wanting to participate in this conversation.


    "He stopped earlier and he was holding onto his neck. Why didn''t I notice this before? I thought that maybe due to the impact that he started to feel the pain in his neck but it started before he even got hit," I ce a hand on my mouth as I try to recollect any moments of him ever being in pain, any severe headaches but none came.


    "For fuck''s sake," Dimitri breathes


    out. "And neither of us noticed this before? Did he even show any signs or were we both in oblivious?" The way the words escape his lips seem to show just how much annoyance is passing in, leaving him to me himself for the things that was almost impossible to notice because he didn''t show any signs.


    My eyes widen at the sight of him being hit by a baseball bat which causes me to close my eyes for a few short seconds before imagining just how much pain he went through. The impact was harsh and it''s even a miracle to have him alive yet in aa but it''s better than him being dead.


    Irwin turns theptop around to end the tape as I feel my hands beginning to shake before trying to calm myself down by standing up, running them through my hair but my heart''s racing, my lips'' trembling and my whole body feels like I''ve just ran a marathon. "Thank you, detective." Dimitri says, while I close my eyes in order to slightly calm myself down.


    "We didn''t know... "I blink.


    "It''s my job." Irwin replies, "Once again, I''m truly sorry for what happened and if there''s anything that I can do¡ª"


    I cut him off by shaking my head, "No. No, detective. You''ve done your job. Like I said, I want no part in this investigation-whatever you do to them, I don''t want to care. Thank you for showing me the tape and I appreciate that but getting myself involved is not going to wake my husband up from hisa," I answer, clearly. "Of course. Thank you for your cooperation," He nods his head.


    We step out of the police station and straight into Dimitri''s car as we both let out a deep sigh, as if we have been holding it in for hours. It''s such a shame to see ourselves in this situation where everything was alright five months ago but for some unknown reason or luck, here we are.


    I lost my dad and it was a shock-he


    didn''t deserve to die like that. He deserves to die at home where he''s old and surrounded by his family, not because of a car ident. Definitely not as tragic as how it turned out to be. "How the fuck did we end up here?" I stressfully lean my body forward before pulling onto the roots of my hair.


    I cup onto my face as I wipe away the fallen tears before turning to look at him, "Did we do something wrong to someone to deserve this? Did we unknowingly kill someone?" I frown, seeing him turn to look at me, probably eyeing the redness in my eyes as they get teary but light chuckles are escaping my lips.


    Dimitri scoffs, "You tell me."

 Chapter 94

    "Probably in our past lives," He joins me.


    "Very funny," I push him lightly on the arm which causes him to grin before driving down the road. As his eyes wander down the road, mine goes to look at what''s beside me, trying to find some sort of peace from this car ride. "How are you, Dimitri?" I ask, realising how I''ve never gotten the time to ask.


    He blinks a few times, "I''m the same as always. There''s nothing interesting happening in my life,"


    "Oh,e on. Don''t lie," I lean closer towards him. "There must be something... someone? Anything and other than having to be in the middle of my marriage," I chuckle.


    "Not really. Why? You''re bored seeing me throwing away my youth by being single?" He raises an eyebrow as he makes a right turn, speeding down the road.


    "That''s it. Tell me," I turn to face him.


    "What? Tell you what?" He asks, looking a bit more confused than before.


    "What kind of woman do you like? Long hair? Short hair? Brtes or blondes? Light eyes or dark eyes? What about her personality? What kind of person do you want her to be?" My questions seem to have humoured him as he let out a soft chuckle, letting me raise an eyebrow at him; seeing him shake his head with his hand gripping onto the steering wheel while the other runs through his dark, thick hair.


    "Can''t I just walk past her and say like ''she''s the one'' kind of crap?" He continues tough.


    "Be serious!" I yfully punch onto the side of his arm which causes him tough even louder as he controls his breathing.


    "Okay... okay, calm down." He smiles, "There''s never a specified ''type'' of woman that I like but if I get to fall in love with someone again, I''d prefer it if she has short hair-probably shoulder length? She has got to be a brte, I''m going crazy over dark-haired girls, man and I''ve always loved women with hazel eyes because I find it exotic and somewhat warm yet light at the same time. She should be funny, brave, ambitious, everything that I''m not... so, we canplete each other with what weck." He replies and it doesn''t take me long to notice how he talked.


    The way his eyes light up as he imagined his dream girl, it''s somehow beautiful even though we both know how this is all an imagination and that kind of woman would be almost impossible to find. Yes, she can have short dark hair with hazel eyes but it''s hard to find someone who canplete Dimitri especially after what Chloe did to him.


    He''s like a maze, now.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    There are things that he hides away from people and only Aidan and I would know because he has been scared ofmitment. Not scared of making progress in his life or scared of meeting with someone new but scared of amitment where he can keep them together but the other person would end up ruining everything. He''s terrified of another heartbreak; even though he knows how he''s ready to love and be loved.


    "She sounds perfect," I mutter under my breath with a small slowly creeping up my face.


    He chuckles, "Too perfect to exist. It''s funny to think how perfect it would be to fall in love again but I''m much more determined, now. I don''t just want to fall in love with someone and taking risks until I know and sure just how much I can protect her just as much as she can protect me. I want my next rtionship to be aplete one,"


    "Not perfecting the other but each other," We both say in unison which causes us to smile.


    "Exactly," He adds.


    I lean closer towards him, "Believe it or not, Dimitri. You''re going to find that perfect woman and you''re both going toplete each other,"


    "Yeah... we''ll see, right? I might walk down the street and bump into her," He continues to speak with his eyes focusing onto the road. "I just want my next rtionship to be something admirable and memorable. Not perfect but something I''d always keep in mind-not like how Chloe and I had because what we had was perfect but perfection proves how it doesn''t hold a rtionship or marriage," He breathes out. "I guess you''re really French," I scoff.


    Both of us end upughing with the song ying slowly at the back, somehow unnoticeable by the two of us as we continue the conversation.


    "Hey, I''m half French! You can''t me it that I''m born this way," He shrugs both of his shoulders with a smirk slowly creeping up his face, letting my blue eyes wander to see him proudly raising his eyebrow at me for a couple of times.


    "Aww, little Dim... you''re perfect just the way you are." My hands begin to wrap around his arm for a short couple of seconds before resting my head on his shoulder, causing him to pat onto my forehead which causes me to p his hand away.


    "I guess I do sound perfect, huh? Me being half french and 1/3 Spanish that I can understand the song Despacito perfectly," He starts to trail off by singing the chorus of Despacito, moving his body side to side as he grips tightly onto the steering wheel, letting me lean my head back inughter.


    "You understand Despacito because you speak Spanish, you dimwit." I roll my eyes.


    "And another sixnguages. Look at me, baby, I''m the perfect packagee on... good-looking, rich, funny, loyal, caring and even intelligent. I mean, name one person who can speak more than fivenguages that you know other than the damn MVP, Dimitri?" He turns to nce at my direction for a couple of seconds.


    I keep quiet before clearing my throat, realising how the surrounding has somehow changed from fun and loud to being quiet and sorrow. "Aidan?" My lips slowly curving up into a smile as he stares at me for a few seconds, somehow out of words. "Honestly, that''s very attractive." I add, after not receiving a response from him.


    "What is?" He asks.


    "Being able to speak other


    "You can speak three. So, you''re like alsoplimenting yourself." He replies.


    "You mean I speak English, crap and bullshit?"


    The sound of ourughters are only getting louder and louder as he makes a quick left turn, heading straight down the road to my apartment or more precisely... my husband''s apartment.


    "We are here," He mutters under his breath as he stops in front of the apartment, leading me to look and see the lights are not turned on; leaving me to sigh deeply.


    "Here we are," I say before stepping out of the car after grabbing onto my bag.


    Just as I''ve closed the passenger door, Dimitri presses down the window to look up at me, causing me to gaze into his eyes as they wander around the neighbourhood. "Don''t forget to lock the doors as soon as you get inside. Then, take a warm shower to clear your head and just get some rest, okay?" He looks at me with a small smile stered on his face.


    "Okay," I reply as I smile back.


    Dimitri is like a big brother to me even though we''re the same age but he cares more than he should. It''s like having a brother who doesn''t exist whenever he teases me around and all but he''s also caring and irresistibly kind especially when ites to me. "If you feel like you can''t sleep and want to take a midnight drive down the streets of Manhattan, you just press on your speed dial #3 and I''ll be there. You know I''ll be there," He adds.


    I lean forward near the window, "What if I want to take a long midnight drive to McDonalds?"


    He grins, showing off his perfectly straight teeth before chuckling softly. "Just press on speed dial #3 and we''ll be getting some chicken nuggets," He responds off with the perfect answer for someone who enjoys food as I lean back, giving him a thumbs up. "Drive safe, alright?" I say as I walk towards my door.


    Just like that, he lifts his right hand up before forming the shape of a heart using his thumb and his index finger which causes me to smile as he drives down the road as soon as I''ve entered the house, greeted by a familiar smell of a particr someone, leaving me to sigh.


    My legs continue to take me straight


    to the living room, instantly


    reminded of this morning when he prepared breakfast and how the


    smell is still somewhat lingering int


    my senses. For some unknown reason, I am reminded of when we were bothying on the couch as we watched some good movies before we started to fall asleep in each other''s arms just like how we did back in my apartment before we got


    married.


    "Lock the doors," I mutter before turning to lock the front door even though it is formatted to automatically lock by itself with the codes being programmed. Even if I forget to lock the door, it won''t cause me any harm.


    Within seconds, I''m already standing


    Ket


    in the shower as the warm water hits my ice cold skin. The way my body rxes@under the water with my eyes closed and both of my hands pressed against the wall, feels like Aidan is wrapping his arms around my waist as we both h enjoy this warm shower together which causes me to immediately shake it off my head and turn the shower off before quickly stepping out with a towel wrapped around my body. Then, I change into a pair of sweatpants and sweatshirt as I quicklyy onto the bed which


    seems to be a mistake.


    A mistake because the smell of him... meets my nostrils in ways that I can''t even exin. This room smells more of him than me which causes my eyes to water, leaving me to immediately wipe them away as they stream down my cheeks.


    Even without me expecting or knowing, I''m already crying my eyes out as I wrap myself with theforter that we both use at night by cing one hand at the exact spot where he would always sleep next to me, leaving me to close my eyes as the sobs continue to get louder yet only loud enough to my own ears.


    The night passes just like that.

 Chapter 95

    Kenna


    Two weeks after... DECEMBER, 25TH.


    "Coming!" I shout as I make my way towards the front door, unlocking it after ncing up at the screen to see a delivery man standing with a piece of paper and a small box in his hands. My eyebrows furrow at the sight of it but I look up to see him smiling at me, gesturing for me to take the box away from his hold and sign the paper.


    "I didn''t order anything," I frown.


    He gazes down at the paper, "Are you Kenna Anne Ashton?" "Yes... but "


    He cuts me off, "You didn''t order anything but your husband did. This one''s for you," He gives me the small box which causes me to examine it. "Please sign here and you can open the box as soon as I leave. Oh! This one''s also for you," The edge of his lips curve up into a smile as he hands me an envelope with a small heart drawn in the middle with nothing else written.


    With my free hand, I grab onto the pen before signing the paper.


    "Merry Christmas," He smiles as he walks away, heading towards his van before driving down the road while I remain frozen at my spot-continuing to eye the small box.


    As the cold breeze blows onto my face, I immediately close the door as I slowly unwrap the box and open it, revealing an unfamiliar car key; leaving me to blink a few times. Just like that, I begin to open the envelope to find a letter inside which causes me to tuck a strand of my hair behind my ear before reading the letter written by Aidan, himself:


    Kenna,Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    I suck at writing letters and you know that better than anyone but I went a little bit overboard and searched the inte on ''How to Impress Your Wife''. Apparently, some ''experts'' told me that they managed to impress their wives by writing letters because they find it romantic. Do you find it romantic? Haha, let me know.


    So, I''m sure you''re reading this with a smile on your beautiful face and you''re wondering how the hell did I end up with someone so perfect?'' because let''s face it... I''m pretty perfect. LOL. Anyways, before we get sidetrack by talking more about me, I want you to know that I am in love with you and always will love you for the rest of my life. I''ve never been in love and being in love with you has made me the happiest man on earth.


    You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. You are my one and only. And of course, another year, another Christmas spent with you and this year, it''s going to be slightly different but I''m always going to be there with you through every Christmas that we spend (that''s never going to change) for as long as we both live.


    So, Merry Christmas to my one and only love! I''m probably exaggerating with the exmation mark but don''t mind me, yeah? Open your present, sweetheart and take that baby for a ride.


    All yours forever and ever, Aidan


    Tears have been streaming down my cheeks when I started reading the letter but for some unknown reason, a smile managed to also creep up on my face before immediately pulling the front door open-eyes wandering around to find something new or unfamiliar and just like that, my eyes ended up on a brand new Porsche.


    My trembling hands move up before pressing onto the button on the car key, causing the car to beep a couple of times.


    --


    Both of my eyes are focusing onto him as his chest moves up and down with the help of the machine before I start to grab onto his hand, disappointed at the fact that his hand isn''t as warm as they always have been but slightly colder. "Hey... it''s me," I mutter.


    "I''m doing great... not, thanks for asking. What about you? Are things so much better there than here? I hope not because I want you to know what the hell you''re missing by being away for two weeks, now." I end up chuckling as I y with the tip of his fingers, "So, you bought me a car? You even gave me a letter,"


    Just like that, my eyes begin to water as the tears fall down onto my cheeks.


    "You hate writing letters, Aidan. You hate being romantic like we''re in the nieth-century but you did just that and you were right." I wipe the tears away, trying to control my breathing. "I was smiling like a fool reading that letter and I wondered ''how the hell did I end up with someone so perfect'' because I''m admitting that you''re pretty perfect. You''re too perfect,"


    "You were also right that this Christmas is different because you''re not actually here. You''re here but at the same time, you''re not... how can I live with that? How can I not be with you when we''ve always been together for the past twenty years? It has been two weeks and I swear to god, I feel like I''m going to lose my mind. I''m fucking miserable," I continue to speak.


    I grip harder onto his hand,


    somehow expecting him to grip


    back and open his beautiful brown eyes but they remain closed without


    "he


    even showing any movements. " you


    want you to open your eyes and turn to look at me like you always do. I want you to ce your head on my shoulder when we''re watching movies and end up falling asleep in each other''s arms instead of seeing you like this, eyes closed... frozen." I mutter.


    "I got you something," I reach down onto my handbag for the brand new wrist watch that I bought for him a few weeks ago. "It''s not just a regr wrist watch because it has a meaning behind it. When you wake up.


    You''ll wear this and you will always think of me and all the time that we have the world to be together. You nce down at your watch and you''ll remember me, literally." I smile at the sight of my name being crafted on the leather band.


    Just like that, I lean forward to kiss him on the forehead, long.


    --


    DECEMBER, 31ST.


    "It''s New Year''s Eve!" I exim with


    a wide grin stered on my face before running my fingers softly through his hair, realising how


    they''ve gotten longer and how he et


    has a sexy light beard going on? "Look at you... look at that, you''re bing more and more beautiful every day." My lips curve up into a smile as I run my index finger down the bridge of his nose and on his lower lip.


    "Sorry I was a little bitte. I had a double shift," I continue to speak as I walk around the room with his scarf wrapped around my neck, enjoying the smell of his cologne. "You know what? Things aren''t getting any better at work... people keep asking me about you and it sucks having to answer the same thing everyday. Imagine being in my shoes," I scoff.


    My eyes wander around the room to see arge amount of flowers being ced near the ss windows, a lot from his colleagues at work and also his clients while others are from his family and also me. I make my way towards a bright yellow sunflower before cing the tip of my finger on it, "You''re favourite." I turn to look at him.


    "By the way... there''s this new song for you," I reach out for my phone in my pocket before sitting beside him, scrolling down on my phone as I press y and raise the volume. "Nothing too fancy but I like it. It''s a little bit slow and I know you won''t like it as much but just listen, okay? It''s for you," I smile.


    The Only High by The Veronicas continues to y, loud and clear.


    Back when we were young and drunk...


    Love could neverst forever...


    Then we sobered up....


    Swear my heartbeats all you better....


    You... you''re the only high I need...


    It doesn''t take me long to just sit close to him as we both listen to the same music, knowing that he''s probably enjoying it as much as I''m enjoying it, too as the clock ticks twelve. I immediately press onto the home button on my phone before opening up a different application where it''d show the fireworks live in The Big Apple.


    "Happy New Year, Aidan." I whisper near his ear as I continue to watch the fireworks ''with'' him, letting my lips curve up into a smile.


    --


    JANUARY, 18TH.


    My eyes remain still at the sight of him, watching as the nurses take the breathing machine away from him which causes my heart to feel a slight relief.


    "It''s a miracle. He''s getting better and better,'' Owen, one of my fellow neurologist says beside me with a smile on his face as he reads down the paper in his hand. "He''s stable and he has healed tremendously ever since the incident which is another miracle, indeed. His body is also responding positively to the antibiotics and the vitamins which is good," He trails off. "When is he going to wake up?" I turn.


    Ever since he was confirmed to be in aa, I''ve never spent a day without visiting him at the hospital or even spend the night here because it makes me sane being near him. Even though I know that it''s unpredictable to know when he''ll be waking up but being close to him, being able to feel his skin with mine, it''s somehow rxing and soothing.


    A month have passed and he''s progressing but showing rather minimal or no signs of waking up, at all which worries me.


    Whenever I want to go and visit him, I''d always bring his favourite sunflower and step inside this exact room with a smile stered on my face because it feels like I''m meeting him for the first time in my life; somehow going on a perfect date to meet the man of my dreams as I keep on talking about my life and how it has been going on.


    "We can''t know, Kenna. I''m sorry," He replies, causing me to look back at Aidan.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 96

    We would be doing different things everyday but I mostly spend the days talking even though I know that if he was awake, he''d shut me up by kissing me and honestly, that was what I''ve been expecting whenever I talk... I want him to wake up and tell me to shut


    the fuck up by kissing me on the lips because I want that. I want him to respond.


    "Okay," I mutter.


    --


    That night, with Dimitri sitting in the opposite direction from me as we both continue to talk to Aidan, it feels surreal but real at the same time. It feels like the three of us are having a proper conversation for the first time in a while as we just talk about how our lives are moving on but it''s getting worse and worse without his presence yet we hide the details.


    "I''m sorry but I did it again!" Dimitri exims intoughters.


    "You little-you promised! You broke your promise," I reply.


    "She was literally flirting with me. What did you want me to do? I''m a man and she was a very fine woman, for god''s sake." He continues to chuckle as he leans back on his seat, "She was a bit awkward, though. Don''t get me wrong, she was hot and all but she was pretty weird in bed and I think that''s a turn off." He grins.


    "What happened to meeting the perfect woman? What about that dark short-haired girl with hazel eyes and a funny personality?" I raise an eyebrow, crossing my arms.


    He smirks, "That perfect woman has not yet arrived but when she does, I''m going to be head over heels over her. Throw women at me and I won''t even bother to nce because I''d be having the best time of my life with that exact dark short-haired girl with hazel eyes. Believe me," He run his fingers through his hair before gazing down at Aidan.


    "You must be really jealous right now," He continues to speak. "So, wake the fuck up, Aidan. People are waiting for that special moment when you open your eyes. I don''t know what you''re going through but I''m pretty sure being in aa sucks. You don''t get to be with Kenna in that other world. So, head back here to where you belong." He adds.


    "Thats-"


    He cuts me off, "-convincing. He needs to know what he''s missing,"


    --


    JANUARY, 25TH.


    "Once upon a time, there were two young kids who met at a kindergarten. She was shy and he was somewhat a bit mean because he pushed her off the swing which caused her knee to scrape but it was also when their friendship started. Then... years passed, they went through middle school and high school together, faced a hell lot of dramas but their friendship were only growing stronger. She even made him a pink bracelet but he lied and told her that he lost it because he was embarrassed with the colour," I continue to talk as his head is facing me, letting me eye him up close.


    "How can he hate pink? I mean, how can anyone ever hate pink? Then again, it was cute because he told her that he has been keeping the bracelet all long instead of actually losing it. Weeks and weeks passed after their marriage and they eventually fell in love with each other even when they tried to resist but they failed miserably," I smile, "They were terrible at faking their emotions. They weren''t able to push away the temptation,"


    "She fell in love." I mutter under my breath.


    "So did he..." My voice almost inaudible as I sigh deeply, "That was a pretty good story, huh? Do you think I should publish it somewhere? Online? There''s this website called Wattpad and I heard that it''s quite good. You never know, people might be interested in our love life."


    "You better tell me what you''ve been doing in youra when you wake up because it seems to me that you''re quite enjoying it," I lean back with a soft chuckle slowly escaping my lips as both of my eyes remain still on his face, seeing that he has be a little bit paler than before, making me realise that he has been indoor for almost two months.


    "Mia came yesterday, if you heard. She went to an ultrasound with Tony to find out about the baby and they''re both healthy. She misses you, Aidan... we all do. It''s not the same without you being around us-even if you are annoying sometimes." I stop talking for awhile, "I guess they were right all along... you never appreciate what you have until you lose it,"


    I lean forward, "Right now, baby. I need you,"


    --


    FEBRUARY, 7TH.


    "Do you want to hear a joke?" I ask.


    As I cup onto my face, "When was thest time we talked to each other?"


    I let the moment of silent pass for a few seconds before bursting out into soft chuckles, letting my cheeks hurt due to smiling. "Last year, duh. Get it? I mean... technically it has been two months since we''ve talked to each other but it wasst year, if you get what I mean." I reply as I ce hisptop on myp.


    My eyes wander around the screen beforending on a familiar folder, making me furrow my brows for a couple of seconds as I click onto the folder-realising how it was not here before but I didn''t exactly pay much attention or use ''his''ptop much. My lips curve up into a smile at the name of the folder and the contents inside.


    ''Our Wedding'' with a heart emoji at the side.


    "You made a folder?" I ask, my eyes watering at the sight of our pictures and videos in the folder; causing me to blink a few times before taking a deep breath.


    Just like that, I begin to click onto the first picture, revealing a picture of usughing as we danced during our wedding reception which causes me to smile at the picture or more likely, the memory. Then, I keep on clicking onto our pictures, seeing how they are an awful lot of cute pictures of us together, kissing and even fooling around.


    It looked real. Like... we got married because of love.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    My heart skips a beat at the pictures before realising how he was always looking at me in most of the pictures without me even realising. Both of his eyes were focusing onto me when I was talking orughing and whenever we were talking, it seemed like he was fully content. As if he was truly happy. As if it was not being forced or faked.


    My fingers drag onto one of the videos before clicking the video of us dancing slowly to Till the End by Jessie Ware, causing me to chuckle at how close we were.


    "You didn''t tell me you kept it all in a folder in yourptop," I mutter under my breath as I lean back on my seat again, not quite believing. Then, I click back to find another unfamiliar folder which was slightly hidden but I drag it to the middle, seeing the folder being named as ''Love'', causing me to click it.


    My eyes widen at the sight of our pictures together for the past years, letting me chuckle at how stupid we looked but we were together for so long that these pictures of us are somewhat surreal. From when we were kids to when we were teenagers, everything is kept in this exact folder, letting me feel my heart beating rather fast than usual.


    Speechless. Out of words.


    I grab onto his hand as I smile down at hisptop.


    --


    MARCH, 13TH.


    "Hi, Kenna." Lucas says, which causes me to turn towards him before seeing him nearing me. Both of his green eyes are looking directly at me, leaving me to smile back at him. "You''re working again, today?" He asks.


    "Yes. Someone has got to pay the bills," I joke.


    We both continue tough, "What are you doing here? Shouldn''t you be taking care of pregnant women and also women inbour?" I ask, raising an eyebrow as I ce one of my patient''s folder on the desk for the nurses to go through.


    "I just want to see how you''re doing with the current situation. I want to know if you''re okay," He replies and it doesn''t take me long to know what he''s talking about. Maybe, it''s because people at the hospital are always talking about it or it just


    seems to be on the news all the time about Aidan''s situation but I''m


    actually getting tired of it.


    "You look at me and you tell me how I''m doing,"


    He breathes out, sighing deeply before looking away. "I''m sorry, Kenna. I don''t know how to talk to youtely-you''ve been in the ICU with him almost everyday and you don''t smile when you walk down the hallway. You don''t even each lunch anymore, you just... you just -I don''t even know if you''re eating well," He continues to speak.


    "How do you expect me to be,


    Lucas? My husband''s in aa, for


    god''s sake. Do you expect me to


    walk down the hall with a smile stered on my face every single time and eat lunch happily when I''m worried sick about someone I love. Don''t you get that? And for fuck''s sake, I''m tired of hearing them talking and talking about the same crap everyday. I get it that you''re worried and I appreciate your concern but that''s it... I don''t need to be asked if I''m okay, every single day." I reply with a shrug before walking down the hall, sighing.


    "Kenna! Kenna!" I groan at the sound of someone calling out my name.


    I turn around to find Flynn as he fixes his sses, "It''s Aidan."


    Just like that, I immediately run


    down the hallyway with Flynn trailing


    closely behind me as my heart continues to beat fast-worried and mostly seared of what''s happening. I know should be asking Flynn on whether this is a serious issue worth worrying or something but my legs won''t stop me, they keep on running straight towards the intensive care unit, straight towards Aidan.


    Within seconds, I''m already standing in his room and it isn''t just me.

 Chapter 97

    Kenna


    His family members are standing in this room as they turn to look at me but what catches my attention the most is the sight of Aidan, notying on his back in aa but sitting up straight with both of his brown eyes looking directly at me. "Let''s give them some space," Diana says which causes the whole crowd to step out of the room, leaving Aidan and I to ourselves.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    The way both of his brown eyes are staring directly at me causes me to panic, as if it''s the first time that I''ve seen that stare even though he has done more than just staring before this whole chaos happened. Maybe, it''s just the vibe or how much I''ve missed him in the past three months but I can''t seem to stand up straight or keep the eye contact for any longer without trembling.


    "You''re awake..." I take a few steps closer towards him, trying to find the reality in this.


    "Do I know you?" He asks, raising an eyebrow as he stays still at his spot-leaving me to grow speechless and somewhat confused. "Do I know you, Dr. Anne?" He nces down at my name tag before looking back up at my face.


    "What do you mean?" I let out a chuckle, realising how my lips are slowly curving up into a smile. "You don''t know me...? This must be some kind of joke. I''m your " "-doctor?" He cuts me off.


    "Wife," I correct him with a frown in between my brows before I make my way closer towards him. My hands begin to reach out for his as he looks at me as if he doesn''t even know I exist which ends up giving me a certain amount of pain, feels more like my heart is clenching.


    Heughs, "Wife? I''m married? You''re telling me that I got married?" The way his eyes are just wandering around the room as his lips curve up into a yful smile, it shows that he''s not paying attention to any of this and seems to think that what I told him was a in joke. "Yes, Aidan. You got married to me," I reply.


    "Prove it," He responds, his eyes piercing into mine as I blink a few times; trying to remove the tears and avoid them from falling down onto my face but I fail miserably, expectedly.


    "What''s there to prove? Stop it. Stop. This is not a joke don''t do this to me," It sounds like I''m begging for him to know me, to understand and even to pull me in for a hug but he ignores my gestures. He doesn''t feel bothered by how I''m gripping tightly onto both of his hands in order to make him look back at me and just pull me close but no, he keeps on looking at me like a stranger.


    "Oh,e on. You don''t even know me!" He exims, pulling both of his hands away.


    My eyes widen, "No, no, no. What are you talking about? You''re Aidan Gabriel Ashton, you''re turning twenty-seven this year and you''re the CEO of Empire. You and I have been friends for twenty years before we got married, seven months ago. We even went to middle school and high school together after kindergarten-you pushed me off the swing, that was how we first met. We were young, we were kids, we were six. Something happened to you three months ago and that''s why you ended up in aa. I was there to diagnose you in the operating room-"


    "That doesn''t make any sense," He frowns.


    "Yes, it does! Of course, it does! It makes perfect sense. What more do you want me to say? You''re my husband, we got married, remember that. Why can''t you remember whol am?" I feel desperate as if my whole body is clinging onto this thin line of sess, as if one wrong word can cause this whole situation to flip over before we can even react which causes me to grip harder onto his


    hand, wanting him to look at me and remember.


    "Look at me. Look at me and tell me you don''t know me because I know that you know me. Just don''t do this to me, Aidan. Why are you doing this to me? I waited months for you to wake up but why are you being like this?" My heart clenches at the sound of my own voice and at the sight of him, seeing him staring at me as if I''m a wild tape.


    I immediately raise my left hand up before pointing down at the ring, "This! You gave me this on our wedding day, remember? What more proof do you want, for god''s sake. Don''t be like this," I hear the sound of my voice breaking at the end which is to my dismay, unattractive yet forgettable.


    It takes me awhile to realise the tears streaming down my cheeks as the pain increases in my chest which causes me to wipe them away immediately, looking back up at Aidan who seems to be staring back at me with full concentration before he starts to lean forward, slowly grabbing my hand.


    Just like that, he kisses the back of it.


    "Wh-what are you doing?" I ask, raising an eyebrow at his sudden gesture.


    His lips curve up into a smile before he starts to pull me by the hand, making sure that the distance between us are lessening. Within seconds we''re already just inches apart making me nce down at his lips for a couple of seconds for a few times in which he responds by tilting his head to the side before slowly brushing his lips against


    mine, spreading an unexpected


    amount of electricity to overflow in


    my body.


    The kiss starts off slow in which I respond back by running both of my hands under his jaw and straight to the back of his head near his ears, deepening the kiss as he does the same-wrapping one hand around my waist to secure me from falling off the bed in a sitting position. A tear glides down my cheek as soon as we stop kissing, letting Aidan use his thumb to wipe it away; making me stare deeply into his brown eyes, confused yet I remain quiet.


    "What were you thinking? You would actually believe that I''ve forgotten the love of my life?" He speaks, his voice deeper as he continues to gaze into my eyes after ncing down at my lips for a few seconds, liking how we''re just inches apart.


    "I don''t get it..." I try to lean back but he grabs onto my hand, pulling me closer to him.


    He leans in to my neck before trailing down soft and light kisses near my corbone, "I''d never forget you even if I was hit on the head-meaning I was actually hit on the head but that''s not what I mean," We both chuckle lightly as he smiles, "I was just teasing you, Kenna ... I remember you. I remember us and I''m sorry that it took me too long to wake up." He continues to speak.


    "You remember me? You, really, really do remember me?" I raise an eyebrow.


    "I remember everything about you, Kenna Anne. What do you think this would be? A romantic novel where the main character forgets about his wife just because he was hit on the head by a baseball bat? No, baby, this is real life and I remember you, every inch of you and all that there is to you." He caresses the side of my face with the back of his hand, the warmth of his touch is familiar again.


    "Are you sure?" I breathe, entwining our fingers as he starts to lean forward. His lips meet mine in another evesting kiss, causing me to slowly move mine with the rhythm, somehow catching up on the past few weeks of what we lost.


    I break the kiss, "Then, what was my full name before I married you? How old am I? What''s my favourite colour? What''s my spirit animal? When''s my birthday? When did we get married? Am I¡ª"

 Chapter 98

    "-Kenna Anne Roosevelt. You''re twenty-six and you''re turning twenty-seven this year in June, sixteenth. You favour the colour white and burgundy. We got married in October, twenty-third and you''re a dolphin. Now, can I kiss you?" He cuts me off.


    To my surprise, he tucks the few strands of hair behind my ear before cupping onto my face to kiss me fully on the lips, this time the kiss turns out to be a little bit more intense and passionate, somehow showing the mixed emotions he''s currently feeling from the amount of anxiety. Then, without me even expecting, heys me on the bed which causes me to chuckle as he continues to kiss me, up to my cheeks and my eyes, leaving me to smile at his sudden behaviour.


    Just as we stop kissing, we both continue to stare into each other''s eyes before I begin to grab onto his hand... slowly kissing each of his fingers and ce it on the side of my face, causing him to smile down at me; leaning in to kiss me softly on the lips again, overjoying


    me.


    "Wow, wow, wow. Keep it PG-13, guys." Mia enters the room with the rest of the family, Diana, Marc, Harley and even in-who seemed to return after he found out about Aidan in the news. He and Mia didn''t even bother to pick up another fight as he ended up supporting her, just like how Aidan told him to.


    My cheeks heat up as I move away from Aidan, letting in pulls him in for a hug; seeing that both of his eyes are red with tears as Aidan pats onto his back, somehow they seem to be having a silent conversation. "It''s good to have you back, man." He mutters. "It''s good to be back," Aidan replies.


    "Group hug!" Mia exims before making her way towards Aidan and in, pulling them in for a hug. From my distance, I can see Aidan grinning widely as in continues to chuckle as the three of them hug each other, leaving me to think that they''re always going to be inseparable. They''re one of the most loving siblings I''ve ever known, too.


    As soon as they pull away from the hug, Diana steps to take her turn in which Aidan responds before kissing her on the cheek. Then, Marc pats lightly onto Aidan''s back as he smiles down at him, his eyes glistening with joy.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Come here, Harley." Aidan says to his sister-inw before he starts to pull her in for a hug, causing everyone tough at them.


    As a few minutes pass, Owenes inside to check up on Aidan as half of the family members have went out, leaving Aidan and I with Diana and Marc. Owen continues to use the small torch to look into his eyes before nodding his head. Then, he begins to examine for any unhealed bruises or any certainplications.


    "How are you feeling?" Owen asks.


    Aidan nces at me for a short couple of seconds, "My head''s hurting a little bit but nothing too unbearable. It feels weird moving for the first time in three months-is that normal?" He asks after answering.


    "It''s very normal. You don''t have anything to worry about but it might take you a few days or up to two weeks to finally be able to bnce your body properly because you were ina for a certain amount of time and you were in an unaware state. Don''t worry about that either because we will be giving you a wheelchair to use until you are able to walk on your own, again." Owen replies, looking at Diana and Marc before turning to look back at Aidan who seems to be nodding his head.


    "I will prescribe you to an adequate dose of painkillers and you should only take them if you feel like you need to. Fair warning, you might feel pain at the back of your head and also in the middle of your forehead when you are in arge crowd or when you hear any loud noises. It''s best to avoid these situations for awhile, maybe a couple of weeks, yeah?" Owen continues to speak.


    "I understand," Aidan responds.


    "Good... if that''s all, you will be discharged in a couple of days if we find that your brain activity is going back to normal. We just need to make sure that you are heading back on track but you will be moved to a regr ward," He turns to look at me, "We''ll run a few tests to make sure that you''re as stable as you were when you were in aa. We want noplications," He adds.


    Diana and Marc walks out of the room with Owen, continuing to speak about Aidan''s condition while I remain staring at him, seeing him looking down at his fingers before running them through his hair, somehow making me realise how he feels odd doing the things he used to do.


    "You okay?" I ask, heading closer.


    "Yeah, just feels a little bit weird. That''spletely normal, right? Nothing to be worried about or exaggerated?" He replies, leaning back on the bed after letting out a deep sigh. "Completely normal. Your body is responding back after being unaware for three months. Don''t worry, you''ll be fine. You just need to take things slow," I respond.


    Both of his brown eyes meet mine, "You were there with me everyday."


    "What do you mean?"


    "I heard you. Your voice. It was not clear but I knew it was you-you were telling me different things everyday and you even made listen to this music that got stuck in my head. The lyrics were like ''but we sobered up, swear my heartbeats all you better'' and I kept on feeling like it was being reyed in my head. Not just that, I even heard you crying ...ughing and just being there." He replies with full anticipation, silencing me.


    "I couldn''t go through the day without seeing you. Even though you were justying there but I...I wanted to see you to make sure that


    you were there," I look down at my fingers, eyeing my wedding ring before clearing my throat. "Maybe, I was expecting you to wake up and I did all of those things to make you feel eager toe back was worried, Aidan. Patients ina are really, really hard to deal with-we never know what might happen. You might wake up and you might not,"


    "I''m sorry for making you worry about me," He grabs onto my hand. "But at the same time, I''m thankful that you were there for me even though I was justying here. I appreciate that, thank you."


    "I''d do anything for you," I reply as he kisses onto my knuckles, leaving electricity on my skin; letting me feel satisfied and content even with his tiny little kisses. "How did it feel like being in aa?"


    He rubs the back of my hand with his thumb, "Hard, especially when I could hear you everyday but was unable to respond. I was like in between life and death because your voice felt close to me but at the same time, I was near the edge. I don''t know if what I''m about to


    say would make any senses but I think... I could''ve died," He looks up into my blue eyes, leaving me to frown.


    "What do you mean? What happened?" I ask.


    "There were two paths down this infinite road. One shining bright with lights while the other was just really dark which means I was intrigued to choose the bright path. Just as I was almost confirm with my decision, heard you." He stops for awhile, Your voice was loud and clear down the dark road. It wasn''t just your voice because it sounded more like memories of us being together mixed into one. Pheard youughing, talking and I even saw glimpses of you smiling. There was nothing down the dark road but you and I was instantly attracted to that path more than I was attracted down the bright path which was


    quiet without a single sound. So, when I walked down that dark path and straight towards you... I felt it,"

 Chapter 99

    He continues to speak, "I felt my body."


    "Aidan... "I feel my eyes begin to water. Thesest few weeks have been hard for me and my eyes seem to have wasted a lot of tears but wasting a lot of tears for this man in front of me would always be worth it.


    "I could''ve died, Kenna. I could''ve made the wrong decision because I wasn''t ready to die-I want to spend my whole life with you. I wasn''t ready to leave you, no matter how perfect it would be to walk down the other path. You are much more meaningful to me." He says, "We have a lot in store, I wasn''t going to throw it all away just because I was offered heaven because baby, you''re already heaven to me. I''ll be damned if I didn''t choose you," The way the words slip out of his mouth with full sincerity leaves me with a very, very bizarre feeling in my stomach. Something full and instantly I know it was more than just feeling butterflies in my stomach because this is like feeling the whole zoo.


    "Why are you so perfect?" I lean in to kiss him.


    With both of his hands around my waist, I continue to feel the softness of his lips mixed with one as we show our feelings through this kiss. The way he runs his hands down my neck and near my ears while I moan lightly with anticipation, I feel like I need him and I feel like the luckiest woman in the world to ever be blessed with him.


    "I can''t wait to get the hell out of here," He whispers near my ear before tickling me by sending kisses down my jawline.


    ---


    Luckily for us, the days went by quicker. It took him about six days to actually being able to leave the hospital because they wanted to make sure he was able to walk first before he could be discharged and I didn''t mind... I work at the hospital and I got to see him all the time.


    Slowly, I push the door open as he starts to step inside the apartment. Both of his eyes wander around the living room to find a cute banner hung on the wall near the television which causes him to chuckle, "Wee home, Uncle Gabby." He reads and just like that, the whole family surprise him as soon as I turn on the lights.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    My lips curve up into a smile at the sight of Ava running towards him before wrapping her arms around his legs, "Uncle Gabby!" She smiles.


    Aidanughs as he picks her up, cing her on his waist with both of his hands holding onto her. "Wow, you''re getting quick heavy, aren''t you? Do you miss me, Ava? Do you miss your Uncle Gabby?" He starts to lean in to kiss her on the cheeks, causing her to giggle as she nods.


    Just as I stand behind him with a smile stered on my face, it brings me joy to being able to see this moment. Aidan would spare me a few nces as he continues to entertain Ava is such a cute moment for me... for some reason, I find him much more irresistible. "Now, Ava. Let''s give Uncle Gabby some space, okay?" in reaches for Ava before taking her away from Aidan who seems to be nodding his head, causing me to reach out for him immediately as he starts to frown.


    "Are you okay? Is this too much for you?" I ask, grabbing onto his arm but he responds back by shaking his head-reaching down for my hand before entwining his fingers with mine as he leans in to peck me on the cheek. "Are you sure?" I ask, again and this time he is interrupted by Mia.


    "Is this my sister? Have you been eating a lot of pizza while I was gone?" Aidan jokes which causes both of them tough before he starts to pull her in for a hug, "How are you, Mia? How''s the baby?" He asks, tucking a few strands of hair behind her ears while he continues to gaze down at her baby bump.


    She smiles, "I''m good and the baby''s healthy. I''m also twenty-two weeks along."


    "That''s good, Mia. So, do you have anything nned?" He replies, clearing his throat as he ces his arm around my waist.


    "Actually, yeah. Tony and I are


    getting married," Mia answers which


    causes the whole room to remain silent, in staring with wide eyes while Marc and Diana are looking at each other. As for Harley, she seems like she has been knowing about this all long. Then again, this news is not asshocking to me as to Aidan who seems frozen at his spot-knowing Mia, she likes to drop the bomb like that and would give someone a damn heart attack.


    "W-what?" Aidan asks.


    in nears us, "You didn''t tell us."


    Mia breathes out, "We were nning it for awhile and I didn''t want to tell anyone but Harley because I know how stressed we were about Aidan being in aa and believe me, I didn''t want to spill the beans until he wakes up. I didn''t even want to get married before he wakes up, it was just simple nning after Tony proposed to me a month ago, you guys know how much I love him and besides, we''re having a baby together... we''re already one step ahead." She says, the rest of us


    hearing to her without uttering a


    single word.


    "Guys? Say something," She continues as soon as she realises that none of us are muttering anything for a couple of minutes-only trying to process the sudden news.


    "I''m happy for you," I pull her in for a hug in which she responds back with a grin, thanking me.


    Aidan and in stares at one another as if they''re having a heated conversation on their own while the rest of us are just keeping quiet. Aidan''s eyes narrow at in before he starts to sigh and begin to pull Mia into his arms, leaving Aidan satisfied. "If you''re happy... I''m happy," in says with a smile stered on his face before he starts to hug her tighter.


    As for Aidan, he starts to gesture for Mia to hug her in which she responds immediately. "You''re going to be very happy with him," He says as he messes up with her hair, making her groan.


    "If-if he tries to hurt you in any way possible, I will make sure that he doesn''t see the next sunrise." in says from behind which causes Aidan tough and Mia to join him. "We love you, Mia. We are being overprotective because we love you,"


    "We need to talk," Marc says before heading out the door, leaving Mia to sigh.


    "Mother?" She turns towards Diana.


    Diana smiles at her, "Exin to your father, sweetheart. I understand the decision you made and I''m happy that you''ve found someone who will love you for the rest of your life. I''m in this with you," She replies.


    Just like that, Mia walks out of the door to meet up with Marc before cing her arms around him from behind as they start to have a conversation but the door closes, them being out of view.


    "This was very unexpected," in mutters.


    A couple of hours have passed and the Ashtons have already left the building, leaving Aidan and I by ourselves Mia seems to have sort out things with Marc as they entered the house with smiles stered on their faces which made the rest of the family somehow happy Now, with Aidan sitting on the sofa with both of his eyes closed and his head leaning back, I can''t help but make my way towards him.


    "Hey," I sit beside him before running my fingers slowly through his hair, causing him to open his droopy eyes as he turns his head towards me.


    "Hey," He breathes out with a smile.


    I ce my hand at the side of his cheek as I eye deeply into his brown eyes, liking how they have always appeared as warm. "Are you hurting anywhere? Was it too much for you?" I ask, feeling concern about this condition.

 Chapter 100

    He leans closer towards me before he starts to ce my hand on his chest, near his heart. Our eyes remain gazing into one another, "I''m hurting here from missing you." He replies, his other hand slowly reaching down on my thigh, making me smile up at him. "How can I heal your pain?" I ask, my voice low and almost inaudible as he leans closer with his lips brushing against mine which causes me to close my eyes as soon as I recognise the softness and the same feeling of his lips mixing with mine. The way his hand is going deeper down my thigh as the other make its way up to my stomach underneath my shirt, it causes me to part my lips, giving him a chance to slip in.


    "Mmm, just like that?" I moan as he starts to trail kisses down my neck.


    "Just like that," He whispers, his voice deeper and huskier before he begins to spread my legs in which I do without denying. Then, he caresses both sides of my thighs without breaking the kiss, leaving me to feel my body burning with passion, missing his every single touch.


    "I missed you," He adds, slowly pulling my shirt off my body-revealing me in my bra with my pants still attached while he takes his time to eye over my body as if it''s the first time for him. "I missed how you would react to my touch, how you would moan my name " He stops by staring at my features, his brown eyes lusting over the beauty I hold as his body responds with love.


    To my surprise, he starts to unbutton my pants before slowly slipping it off, my legs in full disy. My matching royal blue undergarments seem to have caused him to clench his jaw before he starts to lean in near my stomach, trailing kisses down my centre, causing me to lean my head back.


    His fingers move up and down to make me bite onto my lower lips as both of his eyes continue to stare into mine, watching my every movement and my every flinch. The way his lips curve up into a seductive smile, it''s such a turn on which causes me to grab onto his hand before letting him touch my lower lip, inserting a finger in my mouth as it sends off a dirty meaning.


    "You know what you''re doing," He smirks.


    "When ites to doing you, yeah?" I raise an eyebrow which causes him tough before I start to grab onto his hand, letting him fall onto the sofa beside me as I go down on my knees in between as soon as he has spread his legs.


    With my hands slowly running up on his toned abs, I reach out for his shirt before throwing it away on the ground and slowly unbuttoning his jeans to reveal him in his boxers.


    As soon as he''s sitting in front of me with nothing to cover him up, I begin to pleasure him in ways he can only imagine as he leans his head back, his breathing getting heavier with his hands slowly gripping onto my hair, making sure they stay away from my face. My eyes wander up to his face, seeing him staring down at me as his chest moves up and down, trying to control himself from letting out moans but he fail miserably.


    I perk my body up and within seconds, I find him pulling onto my body to make me use my knees to hold myself from fully sitting on top of him. With both of his hands caressing my body, I find myself feeling aroused and in heat-the way his hands reach up to my bra before throwing off onto the ground and his fingers slowly tugging onto my underwear, I am left being needy.


    "Do I make you feel things?" He looks up at me.


    "What do you think?" I reply before cing both of my hands around his neck, causing him to kiss me down in between my breasts to my stomach, his eyes mesmerising my body before I begin to low my body near his, feeling him thrust inside of me.


    moans.


    "Fuck," He breathes out as soon as he feels himself going full and deep with both of his hands gripping hard onto my hips as I move them to the rhythm with my moans escaping near his ears. "You''re making me go crazy, Kenna. You''re making me go crazy over you," He


    "That''s how it should be. Now, let


    me." I kiss him down his neck as my hips move slowly, letting him clench his jaw at the amount of pleasure building up for the both of us. "Because I missed you, too.


    Everything about you re


    as I lean


    closer towards his body, letting my hair fall down as my body moves.


    "Mmm, baby. Like that," He moans.


    "Like what?" I stop moving which causes him to groan at me, his jaw clenching as he chuckles. He eyes my face without making any further movement while I tease him and to my surprise, he starts toy me on the couch before he goes down to my centre, using his tongue and fingers to pleasure me until my body ends up shaking.


    "Oh god," I lean my head back and grip harder onto his hair as soon as he reaches the exact spot, making me moan in surprise.


    It doesn''t even take me long to feel the amount of pleasure to explode, letting him feel it down his fingers before he starts to hover on top of me. "We might need to buy a new couch when we''re done," He says, his voice deep as he chuckles. "Why is that?" I smile, seductively.


    "It''s getting a little dirty," He whispers near my ear before he starts to thrust in, making my lips part at the sudden surprise before feeling him slowly building up the pleasure for me.


    The next morning, I find ourselves entangled on the couch with his arm wrapped around my waist as I turn to see his face inches from mine. Not only that we''reying naked with only a thin amount of nket to cover our bodies but the whole night feltfortable with our warmth mixed.


    My cheeks heat up at how hot things


    were getting and how it felt really good to please each other. The sound of his moans, groans and even the way he was breathing was definitely a huge turn on for me to keep on going through the night and he was also pleased by the sounds I was making. It was like the first time we did it in Paris but much better


    because we were confident than


    before.


    I remove his arm from my waist before I begin to sit on top of him, causing him to groan lightly in his sleep as he starts to open his droopy eyes, eyeing down my body. Just like that, his lips curve up into a smile while I lean in to kiss him. "Good morning," I smile after breaking the kiss.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    "Morning," He replies as he ces both of his hands on my hips, pulling my body closer towards his.


    Within seconds, I am already pulling onto the nket away from him to fully wrap my body which causes him to grin, seductively. I slowly make my way towards his bedroom as he sits up straight, "I''m going to take a shower. Do you want to save water?" I ask, winking. We bothugh but just like that, he starts to make his way towards me with nothing covering his body as he starts to kiss me after cupping onto my face before he pushes me softly into the room and straight towards the bathroom, causing myughter to interrupt the silence.

 Chapter 101

    Kenna


    Maybe, just maybe, I was too happy to begin with. The love that Aidan has been giving me is worth more than put into words and because of that, I truly believe in our own happy ending. Even though there isn''t a happy ending in reality but only in fantasy yet I choose to believe and look forward to the kind of ending where Aidan and I get to share a kiss underneath the moonlight or even more like The Notebook where we get to kiss under the rain.


    It has crossed my mind for me to make a new list. Something not on my own but with Aidan that we can fulfil it together, more like a list toplete the journey of our life and our marriage. After everything we''ve been through, I think it''s fair to say that my life isn''t everything without the appearance and presence of my twenty-two years best friend.


    Like I said... being truly and fully happy has made me forget about the whole reality of the world, of what''s happening in the East or even in the West which makes no sense. Aidan make me forget those things, no matter how important they tend to be, no matter how much value they mean to everyone else because he makes me focus onto my own path while being aware of my surroundings and somewhat the people around me.


    We''ve been married for two years and a half now and our friendship is only growing stronger with every passing year which makes me believe into what I call ''fairy tale''. Not only does my friendship with Aidan keeps on growing stronger but also my friendship with Dimitri. There''s nothing else that matters to me other than Aidan, my family which includes his and of course, Dimitri and yes... my career.


    So, I guess there''s only a few left of us in this.


    "Wake up, we''re going to bete!" I exim before running around the room as I try to look for my phone that has somehow went missing as Aidan continues to snuggle with the sheets still wrapped around his body.


    My eyes widen at the sight of him, wanting to rip his boxer off and just push him into the shower so he can finally get ready but I hold myself back by pulling the sheets away from his body. "Aidan Gabriel Ashton, you''re going to bete for your sister''s wedding if you don''t wake up in this instant!" I say, clenching my fists.


    Both of his droopy brown eyes open as they look at me, "What is wrong with you?"


    "What is wrong with me? What is wrong with me?!" I mentally smack my own head, "You have less than an hour to get ready. You''re your sister''s groomsman or flower boy, whatever you want to call it and she would be upset if you show upte."


    Aidan starts to lean on his back, only to realise that he has been sleeping on a red rose for the past few hours which causes him to grab it before eyeing it for a few short seconds as he continues to watch me running around the room for my phone. "Aidan, can you please get up and take a shower. You''re stressing me out," I breathe.


    Within seconds, I find him slowly


    getting off the bed as he starts to make his way towards me, both of his hands ced on my hips before he leans in to kiss me on the lips. The softness of his lips has never failed to intrigued me into


    something more and by


    has


    been magic, "What''s wrong? You''reCopyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    tense," He replies as he kisses down


    my neck.


    "I can''t find my phone," I mutter.


    "You mean this?" He reaches down to theforter to find my phone being hidden. Both of my eyes widen at the sight of my phone-not exactly expecting to find it on the bed and hidden underneath theforter.


    My body rxes at the touch of his hands running down my arms and with his lips slowly giving me kisses down and my neck and near my corbone, "It''s not good for the baby if you''re stressing out. Rx, love breathe," He whispers near my ear as one of his hand travels down to my small baby bump, not even big enough to be seen with clothes on.


    "I''m breathing... I''m breathing and I will not be stressing out if you''re already taking a shower right now," I reply with my eyes piercing into his which causes him to smile down at me. "You''re smiling, why are you smiling? You shouldn''t be smiling, you should be in the shower and getting ready." I add. He caresses the side of my face, "Rx."


    "I''m rxed," I fake a wide smile, causing him tough.


    "Okay... I''m getting in the bathroom to take a shower. Just give me about forty-five minutes and I''ll be standing in front of you in my suit and tie with my hair perfectly managed and my face handsomely made." He replies before leaning in to kiss my lips, leaving me to smile at the way he has beentely due to my pregnancy.


    Not only has he been passionate or


    caring when I started getting


    pregnant but ever since he woke up from hisa... he has been different, good different. He


    f


    remembers everything that we'' done in the past when we were kids, teenagers and even up till now-he would sometimes remind me of what I''ve forgotten and it has made our rtionship stronger. It''s just that when we found out that I was pregnant, he has bing more and more passionate.


    Yet, the memory of me telling him is still fresh, a week ago:


    "Are you busy?" I lean near his doorstep to find him ncing up at my direction, his hands moving away from hisptop before shaking his head. "Are you ... really, really not busy because I want to talk," I add, causing him to freeze for a few short seconds.


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 102

    "I''m not busy. We can talk," He replies.


    Just like that, he starts to take off his sses and ce it on his desk as I make my way inside his office and straight towards him-my body slightly nervous with this current situation as he starts to eye me up and down, trying to find the w somewhere. The words ''we


    need to talk'' or ''I want to talk'' or ''we have to talk'' are quite scary if the person means a lot.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    "What''s wrong, Kenna? Did I do something wrong? Is there anything wrong with us that I did not realise?" He asks, his brows frowning in confusion before standing up, standing in front of me as he starts to reach out for my hands. "Tell me ... tell me what''s wrong," He adds.


    "I''ve been doing a lot of thinking about us and about our future. Things will change in the uing weeks and I want to know what do you expect from our marriage," I reply with my lips slowly curving up into a smile as he continues to stare at me in confusion, his thoughts probably running wild of trying to figure this whole thing out.


    I don''t simply want to tell him like ''I''m pregnant'' and not hear any point of view from him, only to force him into a certain situation where he''s forced to be in this with me. We''ve talked about how babies are cute and children are a blessing to the world and even to the parents, I''ve seen Aidan treat Ava and Leo-Mia and Tony''s boy with care and love. I see how he looks at them with light glistening in his eyes yet I still wonder if he ever want one of his own.


    He clears his throat, "You''re asking if I see something in our future?"


    "Yeah, sort of. When you think of me and what we have, what do you see? If you look at other people who are also in a rtionship, what do you think? Do you get envious? Do you feel like you want to have what they don''t have?" I continue to ask, trying to solve the hints.


    With his hands still gripping tightly onto mine, I find him leaning back on his desk before taking a seat, pulling me closer towards him as I stand in between his legs. "When I look at you, I see the woman that I love. My best friend, my wife and my lover-you''re the one thatpletes me in every single way that Ick... when I look at other people in a rtionship, I think that I have more than what they have which answers to your other questions." He replies, his eyes looking deeply into mine as if he''s trying to ensure me.


    "I don''t understand, Kenna. What is it that''s in your mind?" He raises an eyebrow, taking one of my hand and ce it on his chest near his heart.


    Without even thinking, I ce his the palm of his hand on my t stomach which causes his frown to grow as he looks down at my stomach and up to my face but everything crushes down as soon as I realise that he doesn''t seem to understand a single thing. "Do you have a stomach ache? Are you on your period?" The next couple of questions that has escaped his lips, ends up making meugh.


    "Do you want to have kids, Aidan?" I ask, straight forwardly.


    The way his pupils dte at the word ''kids'' has somehow ensured me of the possibility. My heart is somehow ''jumping'' up in joy at how his grip softens, "Yes, I do want to have kids. Is that question has been bothering you? You do know that I love Ava and Leo, which means more than just me liking my niece and nephew, right?" He continues.


    "I mean, do you see yourself with one?" I keep on asking, trying to make sure that I get the answer that I need.


    He chuckles softly, "Yeah, I see myself with one or more if it''s with you-"


    I cut him off, "-generally speaking, Aidan... do you see yourself as a dad? Do you see yourself having kids to take care of and unintentionally end up wasting your youth Do you see yourself waking up in the morning to change their diapers or sing them to sleep?" I say, as I start to grow impatient, wanting. an instant and clear answer instead of something blunt.


    After staying quiet for a couple of seconds, "Yes I do see myself as a dad, I see myself having kids to take I care of and unintentionally end up wasting my youth, I see myself waking up in the morning to change their diapers and I see myself singing them to sleep. At the end of the day, I see myself having kids with you. I see myself experience it with you," He lifts my chin up.


    "So, Kenna... the answer to your questions is yes. Now, tell me, what''s wrong? Why is this suddenly bothering you?" He asks.


    I breathe out, "Because I''m pregnant."


    Just as I expected, he would be


    frozen at his spot. Rigid. The way his


    body tenses for a short couple of seconds as both of his hands loosen its grip around my own causes me to look deeply into his brown eyes and search for some kind of escape if he ever needs one but what I find is his lips curving up into a smile as his arms begin to wrap around my waist.


    "When did you find out?" He asks, one hand on my stomach which spreads warmth all over my body, letting me rx.


    "A couple of days ago. I waste and I started to have the symptoms. It just urred to me but I was scared if you didn''t want the baby," I reply with my hands cing on his shoulders as he keeps on holding me close, letting me lean forward towards his body.

 Chapter 103

    He frowns, "Why wouldn''t I want the baby? It''s our baby,"


    "I don''t know-you''re you!" I groan, "You''re busy and I''m busy. I was just scared if you would want something else other than a baby in the nearest future and having a baby would just disappoint you or make your life harder. I was just so scared of what you might think," I add.


    A deep sigh escapes his lips, "Kenna, you''ve known me for twenty-two years, now. You have got to believe me when I say that I love you and you''ve got to trust me just as much as I trust you in everything. You''re mine and I''m yours till the end of time, till ourst breaths, what makes you think I''d pass the opportunity to have a beautiful baby with you? We''ve been married for two years now and it might seem a little bit early for some couples out there but we''ve known each other long enough to go through this. That''s not even the matter," He stops.


    "My point is... you don''t have to doubt me. We''re best friends, we''re husband and wife, we''re supposed to go through this stage. I will love our baby just as much as I love you," He adds before slowly leaning in to kiss my forehead, "Thank you. Thank you for everything," His right hand cups onto my face as he leans in, meeting my lips with his.


    My eyes wander back to my Aidan who is currently standing in front of the mirror as he eyes himself, trying to make sure that he looks extremely presentable for his sister''s wedding. The way he is standing in great posture, well-managed hair and even well-made face, I can''t help but let my lips curve up into a smile and remind myself of how I lucky I am.


    "Look at you. You''re so sexy," I wink at him which causes him to grin.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    He starts to make his way towards me before wrapping his arms around my waist, "Am I making you go weak on your knees?" His lips curve up into a seductive smile, leaving meughing at the way his soft lips meet my earlobe. "That''s weird... you weren''t ticklish there before?" He raises an eyebrow, leaning back.


    "The baby''s probably ticklish there," I shrug, pretending to even agree with my sudden statement.


    "That makes no sense. You''re carrying an embryo that''s generating about one hundred new brain cells each minute," He replies with a slight frown but he continues to hold me close without showing any signs of letting me go even though we both know that the clock is ticking and for sure, we''re going to bete if we don''t walk out of the resort now and head straight to the location.


    I smile, "Looks like someone has done his research."


    To our surprise, the sound of someone knocking onto the door causes him to immediately make his way towards it, leaving me to trail behind him. As soon as he pulls the door open, he starts to reveal in who seems slightly annoyed with his hair being blown by the wind and his brows turning into a frown, "Oh for god''s sake, Aidan. You''ve made me walk the entire Spain to get here. You should be punctual," He rolls his eyes.


    "Stop being dramatic. We were just caught up in time," He replies before grabbing onto my hand, letting me step out-feeling the wind starting to blow onto my face as I fix my dress. Then, he starts to ce his hand at the back of my waist as we both walk down the pavement towards where the wedding is held.


    As soon as we''ve reached the location, Aidan gestures for me take a seat near Diana and Harley as Aidan and in goes straight to Mia; leaving me to clear my throat. Just as I''m about to check my phone, Diana has already turned towards me. "How are you feeling? I hope that your flightst night did not give you any unbearable symptoms," She says.


    "No, not at all. I''m doing just fine," I smile.


    "Anything new nned for the baby? The nursery? What about the checkups? Has Aidan said anything?" She starts to ask questions which causes me to blink a few times, gazing around to find Aidan''s figure while I''m trapped here with my mother-inw who seems a little bit obsessed about my pregnancy.


    Just as I''m about to say something,


    the cello and the piano starts to y


    which leaves me to smile mentally, turning my head to find in


    flower


    walking down the aisle with a face


    in his hand, somehow making a face to show how he''s forced to do that which causes the guests tough as Aidan trails behind him-to me, they appear to be some sort of supermodel walking down a fashion show and that''s something


    intriguing.


    Aidan gazes into my eyes before winking as he smiles, leaving me smiling back at him; watching him stand at the exact spot beside in. Everyone starts to mutter under their breaths at the sight of Mia walking down the aisle with Marc apanying her, causing everyone to say how beautiful and perfect she looks in which I choose to agree.


    Everything about their wedding seems to remind me of when Aidan and I got married. The way Tony smiles as he continues to look into Mia''s eyes as they recite their vows and how they start to exchange rings before kissing each other, it appears to be something beautiful to me. I''ve never paid much attention to people getting married or weddings before but for some reason, the two people standing in front of me is by far making it very beautiful.


    It takes me awhile to realise that Aidan has already grabbed onto my hand, "You okay?"


    I nod my head before smiling. Then, we start to walk towards where the reception is held-greeted by the ssical musics ying in the background as the sky darkens. Mia and Tony standing in the middle of the dance floor as they begin to have their first dance while Aidan and I sit on our assigned seats.

 Chapter 104

    I turn towards him, "They remind me so much of us when we got married. Did you look at me like that before we even fell in love with each other? Because, when you were in aa, I looked through our wedding pictures and I saw how you were always smiling as you


    "What''s wrong?" He asks, leaning closer.


    "Aha, it has been two years since that and you''re only telling me it, now?" His cheeks redden before he starts to raise an eyebrow, leaving me smiling. "I want to tell you something. Something that I''ve been keeping for awhile because I thought it was best if I knew alone," He adds, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.


    kept on gazing down at me. I think it was the most romantic thing," I reply.


    "Remember when we kissed after we said our vows?" He asks, making me nod. "Well, when we kissed... I felt something and you might think I''m being stupid but it''s true. I felt like some sort of electricity overflowing in my veins when our lips touched," He continues to speak, "Did you feel that, too?" He asks.


    "What is it?"


    "I was probably hallucinating, okay? It was weird but it felt nice," He replies. "It doesn''t matter now, anyway. We''re both here, in love with each other after spending the first few months being somewhat stupid with our marriage." We bothugh softly at the end, leaving him to stare down at my face.


    "You felt that when we got married?" I ask, not quite believing.


    "Join the bride and groom, everyone!" The DJ says, causing the whole family to stand up and make their way towards the dance floor-also, causing Aidan to pull me up, making me walk with him before he starts to slowly ce his hand on my waist and the other lifting my hand up as we both stand close, our foreheads resting on one another.


    The song starts off slow, letting everyone enjoy the moment. As for Aidan and I, we start to move to the rhythm with my left hand on his shoulder and the other holding tightly onto his. My lips continue to curve up into a smile, reminding back of the exact moment almost three years ago.


    I lean back to look into his brown eyes, seeing them staring back at me with hope and love. The way his holds his gaze down, it''s somehow leaving me be thankful of what I have, of him. "I love you, more." I reply, smiling. "You know... you need to have an extra love for someone new soon," I chuckle.


    "I love you," He whispers near my ear.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Heughs, "I''m already loving him with all of my heart. Believe me when I say this, you two will be my main priority-I can swear that, Kenna. There''s nothing in the world that matters most to me than you and our baby," He kisses onto my forehead, long. "Him? Why are you so sure that we''re going to have a boy?" I raise an eyebrow, leaving him to grin down at me.


    With his hand gripping tightly onto mine, he starts to twirl me around which causes my smile to grow wider. Then, Ie back close towards his body before feeling him leaning his face near mine, "I just know... that maybe, we''re going to have a boy." He replies. "What if we end up having a girl?" I ask.


    "If we end up having a girl, I know that she''s going to be the most beautiful baby girl in the world. She will have your beautiful bright blue eyes, small little nose and full perky lips. Then, she will be exactly like you-funny, brave, intelligent. perfect in every way possible. Not just that, she will be loved for the rest of my life and she will get whatever she wants in the world," He answers with his eyes staring deeply into mine. "But, baby... he or she will be loved by me in every way possible with all of my heart."


    Just like that, he ces one hand down on my stomach, still t from being only seven weeks far but Aidan has somehow made it as a habit to always lean closer towards the baby bump, even though it''s not yet showing much but he enjoys that. Then, he''d spend his time cing both of his hands, somehow spreading the love he has with his fingers.


    "Look at that," He grips my dress to the back, causing it to cling onto my stomach-revealing a small bump for disy.


    "I''m going to get fat and heavy and just annoying. You''re probably going to lock me in the basement soon enough when I''m around twenty weeks," I joke which causes him tough as he starts to think, leaving me to lightly p onto his arm; instantly making him pull me close.


    "You can get fat. You can get heavy


    and fucking annoying but I''m going to love you in every way, Kenna. Remember that I''m not standing here as your husband and in love with you because of your looks but because of who you are. So, what if you gain a few pounds? What if you end up heavier than now or much more annoying than you already are? I don''t mind because I''m always going to be here for the best and worst version of you," He replies.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


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