Beneath The Facade のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 21 - チャプター 30

AidenI 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

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

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 savin

HermioneAiden Mendes spanked me on a live broadcast. I seethe with rage as we exchange goodbyes with Becca and the production crew, making our way to the limo. Thankfully, we're led through a different route, avoiding the swarm of reporters. I doubt I could maintain the facade of fake smiles if I had to navigate through them again. The thought of being besieged by them makes me shudder.Once we're in the limo, Aiden becomes absorbed in his phone, his fingers flying across the screen as he types out messages. Throughout the ride, he doesn't glance my way, and I'm forced to ignore him in return. The playful man I know has vanished, replaced by a tense, focused individual. His jaw is clenched, and his expression is stern.I almost ask him what's caught his attention, but I refrain. After the events of the day – nearly fainting, leaning on him in vulnerability, and being spanked – I'm not eager to prolong our interaction. I just hope I can get through the rest of this charade without

Aiden "Turn the car around," I order Kash. He promptly halts the car and executes a swift U-turn. Although the road's curvature makes navigating the large vehicle challenging, Kash skillfully maneuvers it, and we head back in the opposite direction.After Hermione stormed off, I felt numb, but my sluggish response only made things worse. My mind had been preoccupied all day with the weight of the news I received after the interview. The revelation was a devastating blow, and I couldn't shake off the crushing sense of loss. Replaying my interaction with Hermione, I realized I'd been an idiot. It wasn't her fault my investment had tanked. I needed to make amends, and fast. I couldn't afford to give her more reason to push me away. Even when I tried to charm her, she'd kept me at arm's length. Now, after my asinine behavior, I wasn't sure where I stood.Kash pulls up in front of Hermione's gates, and I stop him before he honks. I doubt my meeting with Hermione will take long, though