Lahat ng Kabanata ng Beneath The Facade : Kabanata 31 - Kabanata 40

Aiden I had a hunch that Hermione would avoid me again after I left her house that evening. I tried to call and text her to make amends, but to no avail. I would have confronted her in person, but my schedule was tight over the past week, and I couldn't leave Nell to handle the workload alone, despite his assurance that he could manage it. Nell is my biggest supporter when it comes to my marriage plans. He's been effusive about my engagement to Hermione, gushing over how well we looked together when he watched the video of our public appearance online.This morning, I decided I'd had enough of playing games with Hermione. I instructed Nell to reschedule my appointments and clear my schedule for a visit to Hermione's hospital today. As I envision the morning's events, a smile spreads across my face. Lost in my thoughts, I don't notice Dad until I walk past him. I sense his presence and snap back to reality. I turn to face him, apologizing for ignoring him, just as he clears his thr

AidenI had to leave. I couldn't trust myself not to react impulsively in a way I'd later regret. My body trembled with rage as I stormed out of the hospital towards my car. Jealousy left a bitter taste in my mouth, and the adrenaline rush from speeding didn't erase it. The day passed in a blur as I worked mechanically. Now, I'm sitting at a night bar, trying to drown my simmering anger in alcohol. The loud music reverberates through the club, but it's not enough to distract me from the heart pain Hermione had inflicted earlier that morning. Am I that bad of a man? Women would line up for me, but the one woman who matters to me makes me work hard for her affections. She doesn't seem willing to let me in. They call me the heartbreaker, but I'm not as callous as Hermione treats me in our relationship. I don't treat my dates with the same disregard Hermione showed me this morning.My heart seethes as I recall finding her in another man's arms. My anger surges, and I slam my fist on

Hermione I arrive at work the following morning to find an unwanted visitor in my office. I pause at the door, my hand still grasping the doorknob. I sensed something was off when I inserted my key into the lock and found the door already unlocked. "Hi," Aiden says, waving at me with a charming smile. I step into the office, close the door behind me, and approach him with measured strides. "What do you want?" I ask curtly. "You left your gift behind," he says, nodding toward the bag on the couch. I glance at it briefly before refocusing on him. "How did you get into my office? Who let you in?" "I pulled a few strings. Our public relationship has its perks. And, of course, I'm a charmer," he says with a grin. "Enough babbling. Answer my question," I say, my tone laced with irritation. Aiden swivels the visitor chair to face me fully. "I'm here for a checkup." I blink, certain he's teasing me. "Isn't it a bit early for games, Aiden? If you have nothing better to do with your t

Aiden When I arrive at the hospital later in the day, I send Hermione a text to let her know I'm outside. She responds that she'll join me shortly. I reply with a simple "Okay," trying to suppress a smile.As I wait, I drum my fingers on the steering wheel, the engine turned off. A few minutes later, Hermione emerges from the hospital's lobby, looking radiant. The wind blows her dark hair across her face as she steps out of the sliding doors. She brushes it away, her eyes scanning the parking area until she spots my car, parked nearby. She makes her way over, her rose-pink floral dress fluttering in the breeze.The dress is a perfect fit for her, its light color complementing her complexion. The hem dances across her knees as she moves, and the modest yet luxurious design speaks to her impeccable taste. As she approaches, I step out of the car and greet her with a playful grin. "Hey, babe," I say, anticipating her reaction to the endearment.Hermione scowls, just as I expected, a

Aiden Hermione assures the manager that their menu was not the cause of Lovette's earlier episode. The couple's unawareness of her allergy to caviar was the culprit. Jason had argued that they had eaten seafood before, but he acknowledged that the caviar dish was a new experience for his wife, given her vegetarian upbringing.I'm surprised Hermione returns to me after the ambulance leaves and didn't use Lovette's situation as an excuse to leave. "What?" she demands curtly. "My fiancée is a hero. You saved her life," I say with a smile, feeling a surge of pride. Witnessing Hermione in action, her determination to save lives, fills me with admiration, and my attraction to her grows exponentially.Hermione rolls her eyes, clearly accustomed to situations like Lovette's. The manager extends his heartfelt gratitude to Hermione for saving the day, and she politely dismisses herself with a shrug. "It's my job. No big deal," she says. However, the manager understands the significance o