Chapter 006

Aiden's POV I pushed my chair back from the table, the soft scrape of wood on marble echoing through the opulent living room. My parents and I sat in silence, the only sound was the clinking of silverware on fine china. My father's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he watched me. My mother's expression was equally tense, her lips pursed as she delicately sliced into her omelette. The air was thick with unspoken words, the weight of their expectations settling heavy on my shoulders. I focused on my plate, the fluffy eggs and crispy bacon blurring together as I tried to avoid eye contact. The maids moved quietly around the table, refilling coffee cups and removing empty plates. My father cleared his throat, the sound like a crack of thunder in the strained silence. "Aiden," he began, his voice low and measured. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I met his gaze, bracing myself for the impending storm. 'Yes, father," I responded, my voice measured as I tried to gauge his mood. I hoped against hope that this conversation wouldn't escalate into a full-blown argument. My father's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he asked, "So, how's work?" He shoveled a piece of omelet into his mouth, his jaw working mechanically as he chewed. I swallowed hard, my throat dry with apprehension. "Work has been going great, Dad," I replied, forcing a calm tone as I took a sip of my coffee. My father's expression remained skeptical, his eyes boring into mine as if searching for any sign of weakness. "And your wife?" he asked, his voice dripping with disdain. My gut twisted with anxiety as I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "She's great," I replied finally, trying to sound convincing. My father's eyes flashed with anger, his face reddening. "So when are we meeting her?" he pressed, his voice rising with each word. I felt a cold sweat break out on my forehead as I tried to placate him. "Soon, Dad, very soon," I promised, trying to sound sincere. My father's expression turned incredulous, his eyes bulging with rage. "Well, I don't have to remind you that you're running out of time," he growled, his voice menacing. "You need to produce a pregnant wife within the next three days, or you'll lose everything, I really think I've been patient enough." I felt a surge of panic at his words, my mind racing with the consequences of failure. "I know, Dad, and I have everything under control," I reassured him, trying to sound confident. But my father was having none of it. "Do you?" he thundered, his face purpling with rage. "Because I really don't understand why it's so difficult for you to introduce my daughter-in-law and the heir to Brooklyn's wealth to your parents." My mother intervened, her voice calm and soothing. "Zac, that's enough," she said, placing a restraining hand on his arm. "Let's not discuss this now." "Aiden, you should know your father is only concerned about you," my mother said, her voice soft and placating. "You're our only son, and we aren't getting any younger." Her eyes pleaded with me to understand, but I was beyond reason. I felt a surge of anger and frustration, years of resentment boiling over. "Then maybe you both should leave me be, so I could handle my own life!" I yelled, slamming my fist on the table. The sound echoed through the room, making my parents jump. I stormed out of the dining room, my heart racing with anger. I was almost at the doorstep when my father's thunderous voice stopped me in my tracks. "Aiden!!" he bellowed. "You do know I mean every word when I say I'll bring you down, right?" His voice was menacing, dripping with malice. I turned slowly, my eyes flashing with defiance. I didn't look directly at him, but I could feel his gaze burning with anger. "Let me be the one to worry about that, Dad," I said, my voice low and even. "Then we'll know which of us would be going down." I turned and walked away, leaving my parents and their toxic expectations behind. The door slammed shut behind me, a satisfying crash that echoed through the hallway. I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of liberation wash over me. I was done with their manipulation and control. It was time for me to take back my life. I slid into my car, my mind preoccupied with the upcoming meeting with the board. As I drove to the office, I mentally prepared myself for the discussion ahead. Upon arriving, I handed my phone and belongings over to Ava, my secretary, as I walked into the conference room. The meeting was already underway, with the board members seated around the large mahogany table. We were just a few minutes into the discussion when Ava walked in, a discreet knock on the door preceding her entrance. "Aiden, I'm so sorry to interrupt, but you have a call from one Hailey," she said, her voice low and apologetic. My heart skipped a beat as I hesitated, unsure of how to react. I hadn't expected Hailey to call me, especially after our argument yesterday regarding my proposal. I excused myself from the meeting, taking the phone from Ava. "Hailey?" I called out, my tone neutral, unsure of what she was about to say next. "Hey Aiden, could you please come pick me up? I've just been discharged from the hospital. And yes, I'm ready to sign that contract," her voice echoed from the other end, sending a surge of surprise through me. I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could utter a word, she ended the call. I stood there, phone still in hand, as the board members looked on, curiosity etched on their faces. "Gentlemen, this meeting has been adjourned," I announced, my voice firm, as I picked up my suit and car keys. "I have an urgent matter to attend to." With that, I strode out of the conference room, leaving the board members to wonder what had just transpired.