All Chapters of Beneath The Facade : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Hermione I did the one thing I vowed never to do again: reveal my vulnerability to another soul.As Aiden drives, I gaze out the window, clearing my mind of the morning's events. His familiarity with my home address doesn't surprise me, and he pulls over before the gates to my condominium. The gate swings open, courtesy of Lucas, my gatekeeper, who has confirmed my presence. Aiden zooms in, parking in the spacious driveway. My house exudes a modest charm, its understated exterior belied by the ornate furnishings and subtle blend of architectural and art excellence within.As Aiden follows me inside, his eyes scan the interior, a hint of approval flickering across his face. I notice his surprise when I invite him in, but he quickly regains his composure. I lead him to the living room, gesturing to a seat. "Would you like tea or coffee?" I ask, heading towards the kitchen. Given the early hour, I assume he hasn't had a chance to eat or drink yet. While I'm not inclined to cook him

Hermione I fiddle with the small wad of paper in my hand, my eyes narrowed and my mouth twisted in contemplation. I'm sitting back in my chair, weighing my options regarding the scrap I'm holding. I had retrieved it from the waste bin when I returned home from work, and since then, it's been in my possession. There's no logical explanation for my actions, as I've already decided to keep Aiden Mendes at arm's length.Unless my mother arranges another date between us, I'm not willing to reconnect with him. However, I had gone back for the paper and discovered that I had missed his contact details written on the back the first time I checked it. Now, I'm hesitant to give him a call.My answer is clear: I've chosen to maintain distance. He would have gotten the message behind my silence. Yet, my actions won't stop the inevitable from occurring. Whether I connect with Aiden Mendes or not, our marriage will still take place. My mother is resolute in her plans, and she's never been one to

Aiden The sound of glasses clinking and cutlery scraping against dishes fills the air, accompanied by conversation between our parents. Mild humor is shared across the table, and laughter peals through the air. My eyes dart from Hermione's mom to my stepmom as they exchange compliments. But it's clear that their exchange is only superficial; neither woman genuinely cares about the other, except for the arrangements between our families and the benefits this alliance will bring."Are you sure Aiden is who you want, Ezra?" Beatrice asks, leaning closer to Hermione's mom so that Dad won't hear her. She's still trying to promote Lachlan, disregarding the fact that I'm just a seat away. Beatrice had initially offered Ezra Lachlan's seat when they were introduced, addressing Ezra as Director Pierce. However, Ezra promptly corrected her, saying Ezra was fine, since they would soon be in-laws. Now, the two are on a first-name basis and chatting away into the night. While I'm glad Hermione

Aiden My heart warms at the angry expression on Hermione's face. She looks as cute as a bunny.Her eyes radiate so much hatred as she watches me, but laughter bubbles in my belly. She hates me, but she can't help but love me. She charges ahead, eager to leave me behind. But then, she stops abruptly, thumping back toward me.My heart races as she bursts forward like a bull charging toward an impenetrable wall. I'm not impenetrable, and the furious expression on her face makes me hold my hands out to her."Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned," they say. I've given Hermione enough reason to go ballistic.With the thought flashing on the spur of the moment, I clench my thighs together and shield my groin area, not wanting to risk being attacked there.However, Hermione stops before me, yanking at her hair. "Is there another way to escape their notice?"I pause at her request, feeling suspicious."I can't go there, looking like this." She waves her hand emphatically across her frame.

HermioneMy hands pause over my keyboard at a knock on my office door. I raise my head, frowning, and demand to know who's there. The door opens, and a delivery man steps in, carrying a large boxed package. "Hermione Watson Pierce?" he asks, approaching my desk. "Yes," I respond curtly.I'm not expecting any delivery, and my irritation grows. If this is another gift from the Mendes, I'll lose my temper. It's been barely three days since our dinner on Sunday. The gifts Beatrice sent are still stored in the storage room, unwrapped and untouched. I dislike receiving gifts, but rejecting them from potential in-laws seems impolite – a sentiment likely rooted in my upbringing."You have a delivery from Aiden Mendes," the delivery man says. "Where should I set it down?" At the mention of Aiden's name, a jolt of electricity runs through me, and my posture stiffens. A metallic taste fills my mouth, and my stomach recoils.I loathe him. I loathe the effect he has on me, even in his absence