Aiden

That evening, I roamed around the estate till late. I attempted to sleep, but was plagued by bizarre nightmares. I fidgeted, agitated and tense, yearning in vain for some kind of peace. I wanted to see Sydney again, but I needed to take a break from her for a while. For the sake of my mental health. Sydney had managed to influence a shift in me that I didn't like. I couldn't get the image of her face out of my head, especially the way she had stared at me just before she climaxed.
Aiden, thank you.... her voice echoed in my thoughts.
I had never seen anything more beautiful or sensuous in my life than when she threw her head back in pleasure. I'd die a happy man if I could keep seeing her come to me over and over. Or maybe I'll get a chance to see her smile for me......once. I shook my head in an attempt to banish that thought, but the way she was smiling while talking to Mike, the way she always did with others. She appeared so relaxed and almost happy. I could never get her to smile like that; all I could get her to do was be afraid or pout. I poured myself a scotch and reviewed my calendar. The Gilbert contract meeting was scheduled to take place in London. The trip would last a week, giving me plenty of time to shake this peculiar mood.

**********

Sydney

***********

In the 'breakfast room,' I was nibbling absently on toast and bacon with Aiden the next morning. Since our tryst the night before, he had been avoiding me. I wasn't sure if he'd ever speak to me.

"You'll accompany me to work today. Jennifer and Larry will explain everything to you and will also assist you if you run into any difficulties," Aiden abruptly stated.

I gazed at him after dropping my toast on the dish. "As of today, I'll be working?"

"Well, isn't this what you wanted?" He said, a little irritated.

I nodded enthusiastically. "Yes yes, I do.....thanks." I smiled at him.

He looked at me oddly, I could swear his gaze had softened slightly, before turning back to his cold self.

"Good, then get ready quickly. I don't like being late."

I nearly ran to our suite and changed into a formal dress at a breakneck pace. As we prepared to leave, I saw his delighted expression. I was applying the last touches to my lipstick when I noticed his gaze and turned to face him.

"What?"

He merely remarked, "You're smiling," and walked away. I frowned as I followed him out of the door.

The rest of the day was spent with Larry and Jennifer. In addition, I was given a large, brand-new cabin with a beautiful view of the sea. Aiden seemed to have vanished without a trace.

"Hey, Sydney, are you still around?" Jennifer inquired.

I gave her an astonished look before checking my watch. It was just 4 p.m. at the time.

"It's still an hour, what's the matter?" I inquired.

"No, just that I wasn't expecting you to be here. I assumed you left with Mr Reiner," she explained. I frowned.

"Left? You mean he's already gone home?" I inquired, my voice rising.

Jennifer grinned.

"Oh ! No, he has gone to London for a few days for business," she replied.

"Aiden left for London! When?" I gasped.

"Yeah his flight was at 3....you don't know? I thought..." Jenifer stopped, probably because of my shocked expression.

"I didn't know," I whispered. Suddenly, the office seemed to close around me and I wanted to leave. It was hard to keep my composure. I swallowed hard and dropped my gaze, to keep myself from crying.

"Excuse me," I said as I dashed to the restroom, collapsing in one of the booths. Worst of all, I had no understanding why I was crying so much over Aiden.
When I was done, I sprayed my face with water and returned my gaze to the mirror, pleased that I appeared acceptable. I departed to return home. Aiden's apparent aloofness was perplexing to me. The harsh ringing of the phone was the first thing that jolted me awake the next morning. I grabbed it and muttered into it.

Aiden said, "Good morning Sydney."

I jolted awake from my slumber.

"Aiden! How are you? " I blurted.

"I am fine Sydney. Did you sleep well?"

I looked at the watch. It was a little after 6 am. It was still early and I had slept late but I was fully alert.

"Yes, I slept well. Did you have a good trip?"

"Yes, listen, I called to say that grandpa would be returning home today. He was supposed to return next week but he had been pretty lonely and Matt said it was fine to keep him at home as long as he is taken care of. Could you please see to it? You don't have to do anything. Clifton and Wendy will manage everything."

"Of course, Aiden, don't worry, I will see to it," I replied.

"Thanks, Sydney," he replied, and there was a long pause. I wasn't sure what to talk about.

"Is that all, Aiden ?" I asked.

"Thank you very much, Syd; take care." He murmured and then hung up. For a long time, I stared at my phone. I was baffled as to why I was so upset. So, what did I expect? After all, it was simply a business deal.

I walked over to the suite's windows, drawn in by the sun peeking through the clouds in the sky. The grounds were lovely, and as I walked out of my room, concentrating on enjoying the day, I temporarily forgot about Aiden. I took a big breath of the fresh morning air and closed my eyes, savouring the tiny warmth from the sun. I took a stroll through the gardens and was taken aback when I realised I wasn't alone. The scent of burning cigarettes overpowered the grass's pleasant aroma.

"Seems like my brother has got bored of his latest doll," William drawled. "Why don't you come and keep me company instead ?" said William while puffing his cigarette.

I hadn't seen him since I arrived at the Mansion, and he was undoubtedly aware of his brother's absence at the time, so he took it upon himself to bother me. I turned away from him, disgusted.

I had not encountered him since I had arrived at the Mansion. Right now he was probably aware of his brother's absence, hence, he took the liberty to harass me. I looked at him with loathing.
"What is your problem ?" I warned him.

William strolled towards me while puffing out smoke. I was fuming with anger and my breathing had quickened.

"You might think that you have got hold of a rich man, that is my brother. But, he won't stick around for long. You see he is a man of varied tastes." He grinned.

"Did I ask you for your opinion?" I said with a clenched fist as I began to back away. Will suddenly pressed his body against mine and snatched my arm.

"Since he is already tired of you. Why don't you join me in bed ?" he said.

I did the first thing that came to my mind. I raised my knee and hit him in his groin. For a moment he just stared at me dazed. Next, he was rolling on the grass holding his jewels while cursing at me.

"You fuckin' bitch......I am gonna.....get you one of these......fuckin' day," he cursed while groaning. He broke out in cold sweat and his face had turned deathly pale. It was quite comical.

Fiona rushed towards us, her face flushed with fear. She knelt by her son and screamed wildly, "What exactly have you done to my child? Oh, sweetheart! Is everything okay with you? Mummy has arrived! Talk to your mother, baby."

I rolled my eyes, not because I didn't have time for their shenanigans, but because I didn't care.

"Teach your son to keep his hands to himself. Otherwise, he won't have enough balls left to grab." I stated icily.

"You.....you dare threaten me ?" She hissed.

"Yes, I am threatening you. But can you do anything about it ?" I smirked. I would have simply walked away but taunting them gave me an outlet for my anger and pent-up frustration.
Fiona glared at me. The commotion caused Martha and the guards to run towards us and I walked away disgusted.

'This family is full of freaks !' I thought angrily.