Chapter 029

29.

After Mia walked out, Samantha soaked her handkerchief into the water and used it to wipe her gown, but the stains were still there since her gown was white in color.

She ran her hands through her hair, not knowing what else to do. She wondered why Aiden's cousin would be this mean. It wasn't like she was even interested in the guy, so why was the lady all worked up?

With a sigh, she walked out of the bathroom, trying her best to ignore the stains on her cloth. Her intention was to just go there and tell Aiden that she no longer wanted to have dinner.

When she got there, Aiden's eyes went to her clothes. “Sam, your clothes are still stained.”

“Yeah, I know,” she tucked a strand of hair behind her ears.

“I'm so sorry, Sammy, I had no idea my clumsiness would be this…” Mia trailed off and sighed, giving Samantha an innocent expression. “I'm so sorry. Please don't be mad.” she pleaded, and Samantha couldn't believe this lady. She was acting like some sort of angel in Aiden's presence, but she was a witch and a bitch.

Samantha forced a smile. “You don't have to worry about anything. I'll just-”

Aiden stood up before she could complete what she was saying and removed his suit jacket. He was about to wear it for her, but she took a step back.

“You really don't have-”

He pulled her close and wrapped the suit jacket around her before looking up to meet her eyes. “I'll drive you home,” he muttered softly and picked up her purse. He intertwined their fingers and walked out of the restaurant with her.

“Aiden! Aiden!” Mia called after him, but there was no response. She frowned deeply and tightened her fists around the chopsticks she was holding, breaking it in the process. She couldn't believe Aiden just walked away with Samantha and left her here.

*

When they got to the car, Aiden opened the car door for her. “I already told you that I'm fine and there is no need, okay?” she folded her arms.

“Get in,” Aiden ordered, and her feet moved of their own accord. She had no idea how it happened, but she found herself seated in the car. Aiden closed the car door and walked over to the other side, taking the driver's seat.

He leaned close and helped her put on her seatbelt before starting the car and driving off. Samantha would steal glances at him at intervals, and she took a deep breath, concluding that he was angry.

“Aiden,” she called softly and he hummed. “You don't have to be angry at Mia for spilling wine at me. It wasn't her fault, you know.” she decided to defend the girl even though Mia did it on purpose.

“I'm not angry. Everyone makes mistakes, right?” he looked at her briefly and she nodded before he returned his focus to the road. “I just noticed how uncomfortable you were with the stains on your clothes, and I could tell you wanted to leave, so…" he trailed off, knowing that she already understood where he was getting at.

Samantha's mouth formed an 'O' shape, and she looked at him. “But why the cold attitude? You acted like you were angry. You even left your cousin in the restaurant.” she said and he chuckled softly.

“You don't have to worry about Mia, she'll come around. Besides, she feels guilty of what she did, and driving her home with you would make her more uncomfortable. I'll send her driver to go pick her up. You don't have to worry about her.” Aiden assured her and Samantha nodded.

She leaned her back in the car seat, her mind racing to what Mia had told her in the restroom. From the way Aiden was acting, it proves that he cares about his cousin, but she wondered if Aiden knew that the girl was obsessed with him and would literally do anything to get him.

They got to her house and Aiden parked his car. Samantha was about to get down, but he spoke up. “Samantha, do you trust me?” he asked and her hand that was about to reach for the car door froze.

She turned to look at him. “What do you mean? And where is that question coming from?” she asked, staring back at him.

“I feel like you do not trust me. You chose to do things on your own, and you go through hard times on your own. I have always told you that I want to be there for you, but you keep pushing me away. You can't do this alone. I know you do not want to rely on anyone, but you can lean on me.” he tried to touch her, but she moved her hands away.

“I never complained that I wouldn't be able to do anything by myself, Aiden. I'm healthy and capable of taking care of myself. I don't need anyone.”

“The world doesn't work that way.”

“And who are you to tell the world doesn't work that way?” she snapped. “Do you have any idea what I have been through? Do you think I would trust anyone after all I had to go through to come back to my senses?” she asked. He was about to talk, but she held up her hand. “Look, you might think you can help me, or you're perfect enough for me to lean on you, but I'm afraid I can't do that. I'll do this on my own. I wouldn't have even partnered with you if it wasn't for my father, and please stop acting like you're different from other men. You all are the same. Bunch of cheating backstabbers!” she snapped and got down from the car, slammed the car door shut and stormed into the house.

Aiden's grip tightened on the car's steering wheel. “This won't do,” he muttered. Now he knew what her problem truly was, and with her like this, there was no way he would be able to win her over.

The only way to keep her close so he wouldn't lose her was to have her close to eyesight, and he knew just how to do that.