CHAPTER FOUR

ARIA'S POV 

“WAKE THE FUCK UP, GIRL!” Claire's voice came louder this time, yelling as I tried to turn over.

“It’s ten o'clock in the fucking morning and you have a lunch meeting by twelve. What the hell are you thinking by sleeping so late?” She came, dragging me off the bed.

“Keep it down… my head is banging,” I murmured.

“Sorry, but you need to get up so you won't be groggy when you get to the meeting. Remember, you have to go alone; you simply can't go with Ryan again.”

I jumped up almost immediately. Memories of yesterday crashed through me all at once. I grabbed my phone, only to see tons of messages from Ryan, ranging from pleas to threats, but the last one was more like a desperate measure begging to see me, even if it was just once.

I tossed my phone aside, getting up slowly.

“What's with that look?” Claire frowned suspiciously.

“I feel bad… I feel like I cheated on Ryan,” I murmured as I walked to the restroom, the evidence of yesterday's experience still buzzing between my legs.

“What!” Claire exclaimed, following me closely.

I paused to glance at her face. “I had sex with a stranger…” I said quietly. Her face moved quickly from annoyed about Ryan to interested.

“You fucked the grumpy CEO?” she exclaimed.

“Shhhh…” I signaled to her, “keep it down… it was a one-night thing.”

“Was that why you kept me waiting yesterday?” she said, following me to the bathroom.

“Yes…” I murmured, hoping she wouldn't pry for more information.

“What… you kept your friend waiting while you got bent over like a slut…” she said, laughing as she watched me wince.

“I'm so happy for you… you got with someone who will crush Ryan in minutes,” she said, giggling, making me wonder if she was the one who was fucked.

“Girl… it's a one-night stand,” I corrected her.

She rolled her eyes. “You need to tell me the details tonight when you get back,” she said as she watched me walk weirdly.

“Was he that good?” she asked, her eyes focused between my legs. I glared at her, not bothering to respond as I started brushing.

“Get out, Claire….” I said dismissively.

“Never, not until I hear the full details right now… I changed my mind,” she said, sitting at the edge of the bathtub, obviously not ready to move until I spilled.

After a while, I narrated all that happened, including how passionate the moment had been and how many rounds we had in three hours. She was more than pleased to hear every single one of them.

“Oh, you bad girl,” she said, giggling.

I rolled my eyes, and then she finally left, letting me clear up and get dressed for the meeting I was having today.

“Today marks a year since I was handed over Cole's group,” I said to Claire, who was driving me to the restaurant.

She nodded, glancing towards me, “Yes, and this meeting is the first official meeting you are representing your parents for; I know,” she said softly.

“You shouldn't think of Ryan at this point, Aria, he doesn't deserve it,” she said, “and your escaped yesterday doesn't mean you are like him, he cheated on you so your relationship is over, you had a one night stand as an adult who isn't in any relationship.” She said, her voice soothing.

I nodded gently, determined to put behind my conflict feelings and actually start the future without him.

I grabbed my phone, placing a call through to my assistant, Tyler.

Giving him instructions about the meeting. And we decided to meet at the restaurant.

When I arrived at the Ashford group, I was greeted by my assistant, already waiting. We walked in through the sleek luxurious office hallway as both my assistant and the Ashford group manager fill me in with what the meeting will entail, we decided a lunch will be suitable if the deal was successful.

“The CEO will join us soon.” She said as she went settled in the conference room, waiting for the executives and the CEO.

I nodded and she left not long after. I waited patiently, revising all I wanted to pitch to his company, a collaboration with his shipment while he own five percent of the company shares. I really hope the bargaining goes well and even hope to meet Mr Julian Ashford, he had once worked closely with my father.

After a while, the manager walked in with some other executives, “Mr Ashford will join us shortly.” She announced.

My heart jumped gently, trying to keep my expression calm.

My heart stopped the moment the CEO walked in. Every executives were on their feet as he took his place at the head table. I almost choked as I couldn't take my eyes off the man I had spent the night with less than a few hours ago.

Now I am here to pitch my family's company at the verge of collapse.

I licked my lips that had suddenly gone dry, I was grateful his gaze simply swept over me like he didn't remember.

“I'm Dominic Ashford, CEO of the Ashford group, welcome to our first meeting with our new partner, the CEO of the Cole's group.” He said,his voice flat professionally.

At first I wanted to convince myself that I was dreaming, the coincidence isn't adding up, why would I have thrown myself at the feet of the person I desperately need help from now.

I closed my eyes briefly, and opened it but I realized it wasn't a dream, it was real. I'm here already I don't even know if I can stay through the meeting without burning in embarrassment.

“Miss Cole…” a voice called, snapping me out of my thoughts, I cleared my throat gently, trying to regain my composure. I glanced around, all eyes are one me.

“It's your turn to introduce yourself.” Tyler mouthed.

I nodded once, regaining my confidence.

“My name is Aria Cole, the newly appointed CEO of the Cole's group….” I started.