Chapter 077

~~~Aiden~~~ My dad's eyes pleaded with me, his voice laced with desperation. "Listen, son... I know you're really angry with me, and with everything going on right now, I believe you have every right to be. But you have to trust me in this one. I'm here because I want you to keep the family together until I return..." He trailed off, his words hanging in the air like a fragile promise. I turned on him, my voice dripping with venom. "I was doing a great job before you began meddling with my affairs, Mr. Zac Brooklyn." The words felt like a betrayal on my lips, but I couldn't bring myself to call him "Dad" anymore. His eyes widened in shock, the hurt and surprise etched on his face like a map. He'd never heard me address him by his first name before. All my life, he'd been my dad, my rock, my guiding light. But now, he'd lost that right. "Aiden? Did you...?" he stuttered, his voice trembling with emotion. I turned to face him, my eyes blazing with anger. "You heard me loud and clear, Mr. Brooklyn. Until you fix this mess, you're just that to me." My voice was firm, resolute. I turned away from him, my gaze drifting out the window to the city skyline. The view was breathtaking, but my heart felt heavy, weighed down by the burden of my emotions. "Please leave," I said, my voice calm, detached. I felt a sense of relief wash over me as I heard the door open and close behind him. I stood there, frozen in time, my heart pounding in my chest. I felt a sense of liberation wash over me, a sense of taking control of my life. I was tired of being manipulated, tired of being hurt. Ava's soft voice broke into my thoughts, jolting me back to reality. "Sir, here are your things," she said, her tone gentle. I turned to her, my expression stern. "You know where to put them, Ava," I retorted, my voice firm but polite. The room fell silent as Ava made her way to my desk, her footsteps quiet on the plush carpet. She set down my belongings with a soft clink, but instead of leaving, she lingered. I sensed her presence, my gaze still fixed on the city skyline. "What now, Ava?" I asked, my tone slightly softer. Ava's voice was hesitant. "Sir, you look exhausted. Should I bring you your favorite coffee?" she asked, her concern evident. I closed my eyes, feeling a pang of remorse. Was my exhaustion really that obvious? I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, please." Ava moved towards the door, but I stopped her with a single word. "Ava?" She turned back to me, her eyes questioning. I turned my gaze slightly towards her, my expression softening. "Thanks," I said, my voice sincere. Ava's face broke into a warm smile, and she nodded graciously before exiting the room. The rest of the day was a blur of meetings and paperwork, leaving me feeling drained and exhausted. I slumped back in my office chair, my back resting against the cool leather, and my legs stretched out on the desk. I closed my eyes, letting out a deep sigh. Just as I was starting to relax, the door to my office swung open. I opened my eyes to see two hefty men dressed in suits, their faces stern and unyielding. They didn't appear to be armed, but their presence was intimidating nonetheless. "Who are you and what are you doing in my office?" I demanded, my expression turning serious and my voice firm. The men exchanged a glance before one of them spoke up in a thick Russian accent. "Are you Mr. Aiden Brooklyn?" I raised an eyebrow, my curiosity piqued. "Depends on who's asking," I replied, my tone cautious. "So, I'll ask again, who the hell are you people?" Just then, Ava walked in with a bright smile on her face. "What's going on here, Ava?" I asked, my eyes narrowing. Ava sauntered over to me, her hands wrapping around my shoulders. "Come on, sir, it's the close of work already, and it's just the two of us left in the building. So, I brought in one of the best masseuses in the city to help calm your nerves. Have you looked at yourself in the mirror?" she asked, her tone seductive. I shook off her hands, my expression stern. "Then why didn't you tell me about it? Why throw up this stunt?" I spat. Ava's smile faltered for a moment before she recovered. "Then it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?" she whispered in my ear. I felt a shiver run down my spine as her warm breath caressed my skin. "Ava, I've told you that you have no right to come this close to your boss, haven't I?" I said, my voice firm. Ava's eyes sparkled with mischief. "But you're not resisting, are you? 'Boss'" she said, her lips brushing against my ear. I felt a surge of anger mixed with frustration. "Come on, Aiden, you know what I've always wanted, why are you fighting it?" she asked, her voice husky. I tried to speak, but Ava cut me off. "Because I'm married..." I began. Ava's expression turned scornful. "To that scumbag Hailey?" she spat. My anger boiled over. "You're in no position to call her names..." I said, my voice rising. Ava's eyes flashed with anger. "Oh please," she snapped. "You're not even legally married to her, Aiden, so why pretend all the time like you are madly in love with her?" she thundered. I felt my face heat up with anger. "Does everyone around me now have a say in my marriage?" I spat. Ava's expression turned cold, her voice dripping with malice. "Look, Ava, I don't know why you're doing all this, but it has to stop. I love Hailey, and nothing is going to change that, not even you." I said, my voice firm. Ava's eyes narrowed, her face twisted in a scowl. "You're making a big mistake, Aiden," she hissed, her voice stopping me in my tracks. Ava's words hung in the air like a challenge, her eyes glinting with a sinister intensity. "This is your last chance, Aiden, else you won't be ready for what's coming." Her voice was low and husky, sending a shiver down my spine. I turned to face her, my gaze narrowing as I searched for any sign of deception. "Are you threatening me?" I asked, my tone incredulous, my eyebrows etched in disdain. Ava's grin was a thin-lipped, mirthless smile. "No, boss, it's just a warning," she said, her voice dripping with insincerity. My anger boiled over, and I spat out the words. "Well, guess what then? You're fired!" My face was hot with rage, my eyes blazing with fury. I gestured to the two men standing silently by. "And take your masseurs with you." I stormed out of the office, leaving Ava's shocked face behind. As I walked away, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Was nowhere really safe for me anymore? I'd fled my home to escape the suffocating tension, only to find that Ava was trying to make my office unbearable for me too. A sense of desperation crept in, making my heart pound in my chest. Where could I go to escape the chaos that seemed to follow me everywhere?