The Return

AIDAN'S POV

 Anxiety gripped me as soon I glanced out of the window. This was finally happening, I was finally returning back to the US after five years. 

My heart raced with mixed feelings as soon as we approached the tall buildings . Memories that I had tried hard to bury came flooding back. I had left California with a heavy and broken heart and now I was beginning to feel all the emotions bit by bit. All over again.

No Aiden. You made a promise. A promise to come back stronger and powerful. That woman is my past and I have vowed never to go back to that past. The past that haunted me day and night and gave me sleepless night. The past that broke me deeply and shattered my heart into tiny pieces.

I had barely been able to pick up those pieces and put them back together. The past I had struggled with for years.

I shook my head in the attempt to dismiss every thought of her. 

I am finally back to start afresh and take over as the company head since my grandmother was retiring. 

We arrived at the airport about 10 minutes later as the paparazzi and press members gathered and awaited my arrival. As soon as I stepped out of the private jet, they all began to scream my name and take photos.

"Mr Hart"

" Mr Hart, lovely to see you. ...are you back for good?" A blonde lady asked 

" Mr Hart, how does it feel to take over from Gloria Hart, your grandmother?" Another lady asked 

" When would you release an official statement?" A red head man asked 

The questions were endless but I knew better than to respond to any of them. I only waved and gave them my famous practiced smile. 

Being away from the USA had taught me a great lot. Completing my PhD programme was the best decision I made. I am soo glad I listened to my grandmother. Had it been for her, I wouldn't be where I am today. 

I immediately sighted Brent, my personal assistant as he approached me alongside a few bodyguards. 

" It's good to have you back Mr Hart" he greeted 

I gave him a slight nod. " It's good to be back Brent " I replied him. 

I had sent him down two weeks ago to prepare and make all the necessary arrangements for my return.

" I hope you had a great flight?" Brent asked as he led me towards the black tinted car close by. There was at least 3 cars parked behind it, who were going to escort me to my hotel, just as I had requested. 

I wanted my entry to be grand. 

" It wasn't bad " I replied him as I approached the car. I noticed that the paparazzi and press members followed behind even though the gaurds tried to stop them from coming closer. 

I let out a big sigh immediately we got into the road and started the journey.

California, here I come.

" I have your schedule here with me sir, do you want me to read them to you now?" Brent asked from the front seat.

" Go ahead " I replied him with a straight face.

"As I had earlier informed you sir, your house is still undergoing the renovation process and won't be accessible until next week, which is why we are heading to a hotel right now " he started 

I nodded in response. That wasn't a problem, besides I was still in doubt on whether to stay at my place or not. The house holds soo many memories and even though I had been advised to restructure it, something within just won't let me. 

It holds soo many memories of the one person I despise with every being in me. She had better pray that our path doesn't cross because if it does I am not sure what I'd do to her. 

Deep down I want to make her pay for what she did to me. For hurting me the way she did. And then, on the other end, I want to ask her why, because I knew the reasons she gave to me five years ago weren't genuine. 

I wanted closure. 

" Evan , your mother's secretary has been in contact with me" Brent continued. " He told me to remind you about the dinner you'd be having with your grandmother and the family" he added 

" I already know about that Brent. Gloria Hart has been ringing it in my ears for the past few weeks." I replied him 

"The dinner is for tomorrow, 7pm at the family mansion " He stated 

I nodded in response waiting for him to go into the business aspect of my schedule.

"As requested, your meeting with the entire head of departments is by 1pm tomorrow...I spoke with HR this morning" Brent continued 

" Set aside a separate time for the marketing team, I need fresh ideas from them " I blurted out. " Ensure that they are prepared to present something innovative by tomorrow " 

"Will do sir" He replied me.

I watched as he typed into his iPad, obviously taking notes.  

"After the meeting, you have a working lunch with the CFO to go over the quarterly financials" He continued 

I chuckled in response. " Always a pleasure..... Ensure that they have all the numbers ready. I don't want to waste my time Brent " I stated as I unlocked my phone and began scrolling through.

"Well noted sir" Brent replied 

"So are you saying that I am free in the morning?" I asked 

" Not exactly sir.......You have a meeting with the CEO of Bioflor Company, Salvador Prichett tomorrow morning. By 10am" he continued 

"Oh, Salvador.... that's tomorrow?" I asked 

"Yes Mr Hart " he replied me 

"And we're supposed to visit his company at San Diego?" I enquired 

" Yes , the appointment is by 10am tomorrow " Brent answered 

" That's good " I blurted out. 

It was few months ago when Salvador, a very good friend of mine from high school reached out to me concerning a business proposal and how he'd like for me to partner with him especially with my plans of returning back to the states.

Salvador Prichett and I had been best buddies for the longest but his family moved out to Spain immediately after high school so we obviously couldn't see much of eachother. We barely even kept in touch.

He returned back to San Diego few years ago and having heard of my plans to return to the states he proposed a business in which we could partner together. 

" The CEO of Arbetel group of companies is still waiting for you to confirm your availability for their anniversary celebration " Brent continued 

" No." I blurted out and then continued few seconds later. " Send them an apology stating how swamped I am with work..........I really do not have time to be fraternising when Im supposed to be preparing for other important things " 

" Permit me to give my opinion sir. ?" Brent asked 

I let out a sigh and then asked. " What is it now Brent? You always have something to say " 

" I believe attending events like this would be of benefit to both you and the company as you're the new appointed CEO" he explained 

I gave him a bored expression. " Is that all you really have to say? " I asked 

" Well i...." He tried to defend but I cut his words shut.

" My answer is still no! Send them that apology email and that's final Brent" I replied coldly.

The Arbetel group of companies was a no go area for me. Besides I still have a score to settle with them and when the time comes , I am going to make sure to pay them in full for what they did to my family.