Chapter 035

~~~Hailey~~~ As I sat in the car, adjusting my makeup and watching Aiden head into his office, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. My mind was still reeling from the memories that had resurfaced the night before. After the grocery shopping trip yesterday, I had been thinking hard about what Evans had said. Why would he want me to investigate my parents' death? I wondered. The only thing I could remember of them was how they loved and cared for me when I was little, until my mom died mysteriously and my dad remarried, making life a living hell for me with my stepmom and stepsister, Charlotte. But it still felt like I was missing something, like an important piece of the puzzle. And then, while I was asleep, it all played out in my head - the day my mom died, she had a fight with my dad after he received a visitor. She stormed out of the house and never came back. Days later, her body was found in the woods. I was furious at my dad for it, and that's when he remarried. I met Evans in college, but I never forgot the pain and anger I felt towards my dad. But what I couldn't understand was why my dad would see Aiden's dad, and it would result in their argument. Yes, that's right - years ago, it was after Aiden's dad visited my father that their argument started, and my mom went missing until her body was found. Which begged the question, what caused their argument, and what actually caused my mom's death? I was so unsettled now, realizing that Aiden's father was now in the picture, making me question whether my decision to enter into this contract marriage was a good one. I was determined to get to the bottom of things, so I insisted on following Aiden to the office today to do some research myself without letting him know. If he was caught up in the middle of it too, that would only mean I was in grave danger. As I stepped out of the car and headed to Aiden's office, I stumbled upon another drama unfolding before my eyes. Aiden kicked his ex-girlfriend out of his office, clad only in a bikini. The sight of it was almost comical, but I quickly suppressed the feeling. It seemed she had tried to seduce Aiden, but things had ended badly for her. Just then, I sprang into action, taking my heels and spanking her on the butt until Aiden pulled me away from her. Aiden pulled me into his office, and the sound of our heavy breathing filled the air. I paced around the corner, my protruding stomach leading the way. A sharp pain shot through my side, and I winced, feeling the baby kick vigorously. It was just a few weeks before my due date, and the doctor had warned me about the impending pain and stress. But stress was the one thing I couldn't avoid. I had been working tirelessly for months, trying to piece together the puzzle of my past. My mind was a jumble of emotions, and my body was paying the price. "What was she doing here, Aiden?" I asked, still trying to process the scene that had just unfolded. Aiden shrugged. "I have no idea. I just walked in and found her here." I raised an eyebrow. "Well, that's one hell of an ex you have there." Aiden chuckled. "I know, right." I turned serious, my eyes locking onto his. "So, tell me, what can I do to help?" But Aiden's expression turned condescending, and he shut me down. "What? You really want to help? Like this?" He gestured to my baby bump. I bristled at his tone. "What's wrong with this?" I asked sarcastically. Aiden's expression softened slightly. "Hailey, you insisted on coming here today, despite the doctor's warnings. You're almost due, and I don't want you stressing yourself out." I shot back, my emotions raw. "I know that, Aiden. I'm already going through a lot, carrying another human inside me. But I need to do something. I need to feel like I'm in control." Aiden's expression remained stoic, and I knew I had to change tactics. "Okay, how about you tell me a story?" I asked, trying to shift the conversation. Aiden raised an eyebrow. "What story?" I leaned in, my eyes locked onto his. "About you and your dad." Aiden's gaze flickered, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of something - fear, anxiety, or maybe even guilt. He took a deep breath, and I knew I had struck a nerve. "What about him?" Aiden asked, trying to brush off his shock. I pressed on, my voice gentle but firm. "What's your relationship like with him? I've noticed you two always end up fighting whenever you're together. Was it always like this?" Aiden's gaze drifted away, and he stared into thin air, taking a deep breath. I knew I had opened a Pandora's box, and I was ready to listen to the long, hellish story that was about to unfold.