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Chapter Twenty One

Author: Deborah A. Olaleye
last update Last Updated: 2025-07-04 19:13:11

Aiden

I grunt as I work out on the bench press, my chest heaving with each lift. My muscles bulge beneath my skin as I strain against the weight, which is heavier than I typically lift.

Exhaustion drains my energy quickly, and I set the weight bars on their holders overhead, relieved to have avoided a potentially crushing accident. Sweat drips from every part of my body, but the sensation is exhilarating.

I sit up, pull off my gloves, and notice Lachlan entering the gym room. Our eyes meet briefly, but we both ignore each other.

I rise from my seat, throw my face towel over one shoulder, fold my gloves in my fist, and head to the shower.

After freshening up and changing, I join my family for breakfast. Sundays are always later than weekdays, and we observe the Sabbath by sleeping in.

I'm not a fan of churches, preferring my own company to sitting among hypocritical people listening to sermons that I'd forget the moment I stepped out. Sermons put me to sleep.

That doesn't mean I'm
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  • Beneath The Facade    Chapter Twenty Six

    AidenHermione'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,

  • Beneath The Facade    Chapter Twenty Five

    Hermione The press is waiting as Aiden's driver pulls into the curb. Aiden's hand squeezes mine in a moment of reassurance, and we share a fleeting glance. He releases my hand as quickly as he holds it, before I can yank it off, much to my satisfaction. He signals game on, and I push my aversion to him aside. Aiden's driver opens the door to the dazzling flash of camera lights and a barrage of questions. Aiden handles the situation with aplomb as he reaches into the car to help me out. He looks to be in his element as reporters swarm around us. As I step into the chaotic scene, my distress is apparent, and Aiden plants his palm tenderly on the small of my back, leaning closer to whisper sweet nothings in my ear. My belly shakes with amusement, and I can't help but smile, tilting my head to the side as he whispers: "They can't devour you, baby. I've got you." I don't need his help to take on the press, but I'll play along. I'm an independent lady, and I don't need any man's savi

  • Beneath The Facade    Chapter Twenty Four

    Hermione I wake up at exactly five a.m. and run through my mundane routine, despite not having work to attend to this morning. My schedule has been altered to accommodate my arrangement with Aiden. My surgeries have been postponed, while critical ones that can't withstand the new development have been transferred to other professors or rescheduled. I resent how Mom continues to shape my life according to her desires and whims. I've been living under her guidance for years; isn't it time for me to be set free? At 25, I'm old enough to choose my own battles and fight them. Yet, she's content on keeping me under her control.I'm increasingly agitated this morning as I exercise, dreading what lies ahead. I absorb the brief moment of silence surrounding me, the only sounds being my harsh breathing as I push my body to its limits on the treadmill, and the dull hum of the machines in the background. I slow down to a walk, struggling to catch my breath as I hold my waist. I shouldn't ex

  • Beneath The Facade    Chapter Twenty Three

    Aiden My desk chair rotates beneath me as I maneuver it to face the direction I want. I drum my fingers on the table surface, a smug smile curving on my mouth as I anticipate Hermione's call. I gave Jephthah clear instructions: don't return unless she receives the flowers I sent and makes sure there are witnesses when he mentions my name as the sender.It's only a month away from our wedding, and Hermione's proving to be a tough nut to crack. I knew winning her heart wouldn't be easy from the start. However, I'm tired of this cat-and-mouse game we're playing. I'm done waiting for her to make up her mind; I'm pursuing her until she gives in. She's clearly attracted to me but fighting it, and I won't let her resist forever.Dad extended the previously set date for the wedding to bid me more time to charm her over. Nonetheless, Hermione's and my schedules don't mesh. Therefore, planning our wedding will require more than just a month. The max given is two months. I can't comprehend wh

  • Beneath The Facade    Chapter Twenty Three

    Aiden My desk chair rotates beneath me as I maneuver it to face the direction I want. I drum my fingers on the table surface, a smug smile curving on my mouth as I anticipate Hermione's call. I gave Jephthah clear instructions: don't return unless she receives the flowers I sent and makes sure there are witnesses when he mentions my name as the sender.It's only a month away from our wedding, and Hermione's proving to be a tough nut to crack. I knew winning her heart wouldn't be easy from the start. However, I'm tired of this cat-and-mouse game we're playing. I'm done waiting for her to make up her mind; I'm pursuing her until she gives in. She's clearly attracted to me but fighting it, and I won't let her resist forever.Dad extended the previously set date for the wedding to bid me more time to charm her over. Nonetheless, Hermione's and my schedules don't mesh. Therefore, planning our wedding will require more than just a month. The max given is two months. I can't comprehend wh

  • Beneath The Facade    Chapter Twenty Two

    HermioneDr. May and three residents—Jojo, Miles, and Crystal—accompany me on my rounds. We visit each ward, checking on patients and discussing their symptoms and possible treatment options. Our first stop is Mrs. Conifer's ward. She's an extremely obese woman, and her flesh spills over the sides of the bed. The hospital bed's sturdy frame is a good thing, considering her condition when she was rushed in."Good morning, Mrs. Conifer. How are you feeling today?" I ask as we reach her bedside. "I'm doing okay, Doctor," she croaks. "A bit short of breath, but okay." I nod, taking a mental note to refer her entire family to a dietician after she's been treated. They clearly need a strict diet and exercise plan.Yesterday, I met her husband and their two sons, who were no more than ten and eight years old, respectively. Both children were alarmingly overweight, with bodies that seemed to mirror their mother's condition. Given the family's physical characteristics, it's likely their ob

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