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Chapter Twenty Six

Author: Deborah A. Olaleye
last update Last Updated: 2025-07-07 02:44:51
Aiden

Hermione's clearly not thinking clearly if she thinks I'll let her sit through a 45-minute interview on an empty stomach.

She'd been close to fainting out there, and I suspect the flash of cameras overwhelmed her.

I'm accustomed to the limelight, but this is a change for Hermione, who's never been extroverted or social. She's more comfortable in her hospital or home, surrounded by medical books or patients.

The storm of reporters and cameras must have taken a toll on her, especially without food.

I should have checked if she'd eaten before I picked her up. Our interview wasn't scheduled until past ten, so I expected she'd have had time for breakfast.

Aaron approaches with an energy drink and nut bars. That will have to do for now.

"Sit down," I say calmly, warning simmering beneath my voice.

"I said I'm good," Hermione replies, taking the bottle water from Aaron and drinking from it. "Let's get the interview done..."

"Screw the interview, Hermione. I'm rescheduling," I say,
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  • Beneath The Facade    Chapter Thirty Nine

    Hermione A seafood restaurant. I scrunch my nose. Aiden notices my expression. "They serve the best caviar recipes here," he says, his enthusiasm evident. "You're going to love it." I roll my eyes. "I doubt I'll love anything you do. We're complete opposites." "That's not true," Aiden counters. "I love myself, and you love me too – which means you inherently appreciate my taste, including this restaurant." I lift the edge of my mouth in disdain and let out a dismissive tsk.Aiden swerves the car into the driveway of the Mediterranean-themed restaurant, where a security guard directs him to park. He halts the car in one of the empty spaces marked by white lines. The parking lot is filled with exotic cars, reflecting the restaurant's upscale clientele. Aiden steps out of the car and hands his key to a waiting valet. He waits for me to reach his side, then offers me his arm. I slip my arm through his, and we enter the lavish interior together.The walls shine with a mix of radianc

  • Beneath The Facade    Chapter Thirty Eight

    Aiden When I arrive at the hospital later in the day, I send Hermione a text to let her know I'm outside. She responds that she'll join me shortly. I reply with a simple "Okay," trying to suppress a smile.As I wait, I drum my fingers on the steering wheel, the engine turned off. A few minutes later, Hermione emerges from the hospital's lobby, looking radiant. The wind blows her dark hair across her face as she steps out of the sliding doors. She brushes it away, her eyes scanning the parking area until she spots my car, parked nearby. She makes her way over, her rose-pink floral dress fluttering in the breeze.The dress is a perfect fit for her, its light color complementing her complexion. The hem dances across her knees as she moves, and the modest yet luxurious design speaks to her impeccable taste. As she approaches, I step out of the car and greet her with a playful grin. "Hey, babe," I say, anticipating her reaction to the endearment.Hermione scowls, just as I expected, a

  • Beneath The Facade    Chapter Thirty Seven

    Aiden "Why are you grinning?" Lachlan asks, giving me a once-over as he steps into the elevator beside me. I don't reply, too caught up in my fantasy about my morning with Hermione to contend with him. He's trying to rile me up, but my tryst with Hermione this morning has left me feeling elated. Nothing can dim this feeling. "You're late," Lachlan says. "So are you," I shoot back, not looking at him. Silence hangs in the air as the elevator ascends seamlessly. "When are you moving out?" Lachlan breaks the silence. "It's none of your concern." "Get that stupid smile off your face!" he bites out, his anger evident. I look at him, observing his furious expression. Someone must have gotten on Dad's bad side this morning.I had left home earlier, before breakfast, to surprise Hermione. Hopefully, when I get home tonight, I can catch up on what happened from the staff gossip. Last night, I decided to reciprocate Hermione's callousness. I had planned a seductive game of cat and mous

  • Beneath The Facade    Chapter Thirty Six

    Hermione I arrive at work the following morning to find an unwanted visitor in my office. I pause at the door, my hand still grasping the doorknob. I sensed something was off when I inserted my key into the lock and found the door already unlocked. "Hi," Aiden says, waving at me with a charming smile. I step into the office, close the door behind me, and approach him with measured strides. "What do you want?" I ask curtly. "You left your gift behind," he says, nodding toward the bag on the couch. I glance at it briefly before refocusing on him. "How did you get into my office? Who let you in?" "I pulled a few strings. Our public relationship has its perks. And, of course, I'm a charmer," he says with a grin. "Enough babbling. Answer my question," I say, my tone laced with irritation. Aiden swivels the visitor chair to face me fully. "I'm here for a checkup." I blink, certain he's teasing me. "Isn't it a bit early for games, Aiden? If you have nothing better to do with your t

  • Beneath The Facade    Chapter Thirty Five

    Hermione I lower my hands to my sides. They had embarrassingly hung limp after Aiden released his grip. The spell he cast on me vanishes with his departure, and I exhale in exasperation. My body registers the noticeable chill in the night air, and I shiver, rubbing my sleeves. I feel a flutter in my chest as I inhale, the sensations I had with Aiden earlier rushing back in full force. The roughness of his voice, the warmth of his breath, and the intensity of his gaze all combined to unravel my defenses. I couldn't resist. The scent of beer on his breath could have off-putting; however, when mingled with the scent of his cologne, it created a heady mix that made my senses spin. I inhale sharply and sweep my tongue over my lips, tasting the aftertaste of his kiss. I close my eyes, trying to shake him off my thoughts, but my body keeps reacting to his touch. It's as if my body responds to him on a primal level, drawn to the warmth and intimacy of his presence. I try to resist, but

  • Beneath The Facade    Chapter Thirty Four

    AidenI had to leave. I couldn't trust myself not to react impulsively in a way I'd later regret. My body trembled with rage as I stormed out of the hospital towards my car. Jealousy left a bitter taste in my mouth, and the adrenaline rush from speeding didn't erase it. The day passed in a blur as I worked mechanically. Now, I'm sitting at a night bar, trying to drown my simmering anger in alcohol. The loud music reverberates through the club, but it's not enough to distract me from the heart pain Hermione had inflicted earlier that morning. Am I that bad of a man? Women would line up for me, but the one woman who matters to me makes me work hard for her affections. She doesn't seem willing to let me in. They call me the heartbreaker, but I'm not as callous as Hermione treats me in our relationship. I don't treat my dates with the same disregard Hermione showed me this morning.My heart seethes as I recall finding her in another man's arms. My anger surges, and I slam my fist on

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