A Second Chance At Love

Jessica's POV “Yes mother, I'm almost done!” I called out from the kitchen as I arranged the cups of tea on the yellow tray I was holding. I was back to being my mother's little girl who ran errands for her. The last thing I wanted was to become a liability to my mother but she wasn't going to let me live on the streets. Especially after a divorce. As I approached the living room, the chatter in the room grew stronger. As usual, my mother was having her best friend over, their relationship stood to prove that social or financial status didn't hold ground when it came to friendship. My lips turned upwards as their lighthearted conversation and giggles stirred warmth in my numb heart. “Oh, we were just talking about you!” Anna, my mother's best friend, exclaimed as I dropped the tray on the wooden table in the center of the living room. My brows pulled together in surprise, “Me? Why?” My mother's slurp on her tea followed my question, “Dear, Anna was just wondering if you could work as a secretary at her son's company,” my mom explained. I glared at my mother but she still had a smug smile on her face. Hell, Aaron and I were childhood friends but we didn't get along. He was the last person I thought to work with. The sun's rays reflected into the living room through the window, making the room warmer than normal. The ticking clock was the only audible sound in the room. I sat across the two besties with arms rounded around my chest, “Mom, I don't need a job.” My mother exchanged glances with Anna before dropping the cup on the table, “Oh really? Since you moved in, you wouldn't let me hear the end of not wanting to be a burden. I helped you out so what's the problem?” As I parted my lips to speak, Anna's words cut me off. “I think she's still having that feud with Aaron,” Anna shifted her gaze from my mother to me. “It's been ten years since you two saw each other. I promise he's a changed man.” But her words only fueled my lack of interest. Back in high school, Aaron would often teased me about making me work as his secretary once he took over his father's company. Accepting this job meant fulfilling his silly dream and I wasn't going to let that happen. I clasped my hands together, “I understand aunty but I seriously don't want to work right now. When I'm ready to work, I'll let you know,” I feigned a smile as I finished. Anna returned my smile but my mother wasn't having it, “Since you don't think you're ready for the job, please stop whining about having nothing to do all day.” I drove a finger over my temple with my lips pressed together. Christ. My mother was purposely being provocative but I wasn't going to play this game as I knew how it always ended. The emotional blackmail lane. “I'll be in my room mom,” I rose up from the couch, leaving the room without waiting for her reply. “Unbelievable, she wouldn't let me be until I found a job for her and now that I did, she's not taking it.” “That's how children are, I remember Aaron used to talk about…” Their voices faded into the background as I slammed my room door shut. As I threw myself on my bed, a deep sigh escaped my lips. I was still trying to move on from my broken marriage and working as Aaron's secretary meant dedicating myself to something different from healing. And right now,I wasn't sure I was ready. But deep down, a little part of me wanted to know what Aaron looked like now. I hadn't seen him since high school, I wondered if his mother was right about him being a changed person. Then again, the thought of him acting overly proud and annoying as usual made me suppress my curiosity. He always knew how to annoy me yet we were still friends. My thoughts soon got diverted following the grumbling of my stomach. I needed to eat something but I was getting too comfortable in my soft, cozy bed. The bright clouds were the last thing I saw through the window as I drifted off to sleep and my mother's knocks were the first thing I heard as I woke up. “Jessica, won't you have dinner? Okay, I won't talk about the job anymore, just come and have dinner with me.” Her voice followed her knocking on the door and for some weird reason, it made my lips curve upwards. My mother could throw tantrums for hours only to act affectionate in the following minutes. The thought of it made me want to snuggle her while planting kisses all over her face. I sluggishly rose up from the bed, adjusting my purple top and black pants as I approached the door. With a pull on the door knob, my blue eyes met my mother's and my nostrils caught the smell of beef stir fry with noodles. My mom quickly placed her hands on my face, caressing my cheeks, “Are you okay? You've been locked in all day.” I stared at her, my drowsy eyes crinkling into a smile. “I'm fine mom, I was going to get lunch but I fell asleep,’ I explained. “You sure it's not because you were mad at me?” She moved her hands from my face to my arm, stroking them softly. I chuckled, “Well, that too. But I'm not mad anymore. I'm hungry.” And with that, we both headed to the stairs. I pocketed my hands into my pocket when I realized I wasn't with my phone. “Mom go ahead, I have to get my phone real quick,” I stated before rotating my head back to the door. My eyes scanned the room, I couldn't find my phone anywhere. “Where could it be?” I muttered as I lifted the thick black bed sheets off the bed. The moment I lowered my body to check under the bed, the next thing I heard was my mother's scream.

Jessica's POV As I rushed out of the room, my eyes met terror. My mother's body was tumbling down the stairs, helpless and unable to stop moving until she got to the last floor. “Mother? Mother! Please wake up!” I still recall how many times I yelled and shook my mother after I managed to reach her. My mother was always so careful when walking down the stairs but today, she slipped off the stairs, tumbling all the way down. By the time I got to her, she was already unconscious. If the ambulance hadn't arrived on time, I'm not sure if my dear mother would have survived this. Tears clouded my vision as I watched my mother being rolled into an operation theater. My trembling body propelled forward so I could see my mother through the observation window. My heart sank as I stared at my mother in the light blue gown patients wore, she was looking so pale and lifeless compared to her usual vibrant demeanor. The smell of antiseptic mixed with the air coming from the air conditioner, it complimented the chills running down my spine. The doctor attending to her stepped out of the theater and I unconsciously tugged at the hem of his white coat. The smell of pills invaded my nostrils following that action. “How-how’s my mother? Please tell me she's fine,” My voice broke into a whine as tears streamed down my cheeks with every word I spoke. The doctor's warm smile offered me a sense of relief, “Yes, she's out of danger.” My reddish eyes crinkled at the corner, I took a deep breath so the turmoil inside me can be replaced with calmness. “But-” My heart started racing, anxiety twisted my insides, “But- but what?” “She has internal injuries. We'd need to perform an operation and that'll cost a hundred thousand dollars.” The doctor's words settled deep inside me, stirring panic and the sense of urgency. I currently had no job, my mother's business was put to a halt since she got admitted. Where the hell was I going to get the money for her treatment? I held my face in my head as my wobbly knees slowly led me out of the hospital. My mother was my only family. I couldn't stand the thought of losing her. Somewhere in between my severe thinking, I recalled the job offer Anna had given me. It seemed I'd need the job after all. But I didn't even know where the company was located and I hadn't found my phone. “Argh! Fuck this!” I cursed in frustration while pulling my hair. My eyes caught a glimpse of a phone stand with neon pink lights across the street, that was my saving grace! The chilly night breeze made the hair on my skin stand erect, I cuddled myself as I crossed the street. As I stood inside the phone booth, the weight of my mother's illness burdened my heart. Fuck my feud with Aaron, getting this job was no longer an option, it was a necessity. My heart beat in sync with the landline ringing, “Hello? Aunty,” My nostrils caught the scent of cigarettes in the phone booth and it made my nose wrinkle in disgust. I had expected the soprano pitched tone so it shocked me when what I heard was the opposite. “Hello, who's this?” An unfamiliar deep voice inquired. My profile twisted in confusion, I didn't know who was with Anna's phone but I really needed her address so I just carried on with the conversation. Despite the warmth of the phone booth, the cricket sounds made my pupils dilate upon the thought that someone might be watching me. “I-I I'm Jessica. I'm calling to ask for the address to Anna's home,” I stated with my eyes wandering around my surroundings despite being inside the phone booth. “Mom! There's some Jessica on your phone and she's asking for the house address. Do I give it to her?” The voice said on the other end and it dawned on me who I was on the phone with. Aaron. “Aaron?” I inquired with a tone of surprise. “Yes, how can I help you?” He replied, his voice dripping with curiosity. I slid a palm down my face, “Don't- don't you remember me? This is Jessica Wilson. Childhood friend? The one who always got better grades?” This was definitely the wrong time to stir drama but I couldn't help but chip it in, knowing the type of person Aaron was. “Oh you? It's been years. Point of correction, you didn't get better grades, the teacher just favored you. Why are you asking for my home’s address anyway?” Aaron's question reminded me of my present problem and I found my heart pounding heavily. “I-” I bit my lips nervously before continuing, “I- I need the job, my mother's ill.” “Oh dear. Is it really serious? If you want, we can handle the bills. You don't have to take the job,” Aaron stated affectionately. Anna and Aaron never hesitated to help me and my mother whenever we needed it but I didn't want to rely on them. This was my problem and I wanted to solve it on my own. My fingers curled around the black landline even tighter, “No no, you don't have to worry. I would handle it on my own, I just need the job and an advance payment if possible.” “I'm sorry but I don't think I'd be able to help.” Those words shattered whatever was left of my hope. Tears brimmed at the corner of my eyes as I lowered my head. What was going to happen to my mother?

Jessica’s POV I opened my mouth to speak but words wouldn’t come out, I could feel panic and tears making my throat constrict painfully, and I knew I had to end this call right this minute before I weep into the call. I cleared my throat softly,”Erm… may you please let me know why my request is not being responded to positively?” I hated how my voice slightly shook. He acted as though he didn’t hear my question, I was about to give up and turn off the call then he finally spoke. “You can have the job. I’m only doing this because of the relationship between our mothers. Don’t in any way think I’ll be easy on you just because our moms are friends, I hate slackers and you won’t be the exception.” Although he sounded mean and stern, but just for the fact that a way out of the mess had finally presented itself I felt instant relief. ”of…of course sir, I wouldn’t disappoint you at all. I promise you won’t regret this.“ I heard him blow out an arrogant huff but at this moment I really didn’t give a shit. Right now he just saved me big time. “Time will tell whether or not I made the right decision to give you a job or not. I have a meeting right now but text your bank account details and mail your CV to me.” “Thank you so much.” Despite his arrogant approach the man just saved my ass and I was grateful. He put off the call without even responding but I don’t care. What mattered in this moment wasn’t the low feeling I got in the pit of my gut at the thought of working with this arrogant bastard. My mum was going to be alright. I quickly typed my account details on my cell phone and sent to his number, almost instantly I received the sum of 300,000 dollars. Wow, not a bad starting salary at all especially for such a simple role as being a secretary. My phone beeped again and a message popped from him, “Still waiting for your CV, you resume at 8:30 in the morning sharp and not a minute late. If you do, consider yourself fired.” I rolled my eyes at the arrogance, something tells me this job won’t be as straightforward as I think. Getting up swiftly I headed to the hospital reception to pay my mothers bill so she could get better attention. The next morning I woke up by 6am not wanting to be late. Thanks to the early payment I was able to get a private hospital room that had an extra bed last night. I stretched out, giving myself a few seconds to adjust before jumping down from the bed. My mum was still sleeping, so I gently tiptoed and kissed her forehead. I was also able to secure a private nurse who would attend to her while I’m at work. My things were still at the house so I had to quickly dash home and shower, and change into a navy blue office dress that flattered my slim curvy figure. I was mindful of the time so I didn’t do much with my waist length hair, I simply slicked it down and used a claw clip, pairing the outfit with the only decent pair of black leather block heels and matching purse. I twirled and turned in the mirror, sprayed on some body splash, satisfied with my look and dashed out. I knew if I took the bus I’d be late so I hauled down a taxi and rushed in. At exactly 8: 00 am the cab pulled up to the skyscraper building, I paid the driver and came down tentatively. I’ve always been socially awkward and big serious buildings like this always made me feel nervous. “I’m doing this for me, be brave Jessica.” I muttered to myself. I walked into the building and was pleasantly surprised at the grandeur, the place managed to stay looking professional despite luxury minimalist furniture and decor. A bald, overweight security guard approached me, “Excuse me miss, can you state what you're here for. No one is allowed to stand her idly, bosses orders.” “I’m actually here for a job, I was offered the position of personal assistant to the CEO by the boss himself.” The security arched his eyebrows at me in amusement and confusion, then spoke something into his walkie talkie. I looked at the time and noticed a good five minutes had passed, I didn’t want to be even a minute late. The security guard affirmed something and turned to me with a warm smile. “You’re welcome, Miss Jessica, you can approach the receptionist over there, the Human Resources manager already made your id and access card.” I let out a breath of relief I didn’t even know I was holding, “Thank you.” I said hurrying in the direction he pointed at me to go, I was halfway there when I immediately stopped dead in my tracks. I felt goosebumps immediately cover my skin, of all the people that could’ve been the receptionist it had to be Jolene Francis. My legs immediately felt like jelly and I felt bile rise up to my throat. Jolene Francis is not only the best friend of Rachelle who my ex husband is having an affair with but also my high school bully. My legs slowed down and I immediately wanted to exit the building. I summoned my courage and approached the desk. She eyed me over immediately, I didn’t bother to exchange pleasantries, as far as I’m concerned, an ally to Rachelle and Michael, is a foe of mine. Wordlessly she thrusts a brown envelope to me, I took it and turned not even checking the package. I walked to the elevator while trying to pry the envelope open that probably contained my access card and company id but halted immediately when I collided with a hard wall.

Jessica’s Pov “Ouch!” I exclaimed taking unsteady steps back only to feel a thick muscled hand to my waist steadying me. I immediately popped my eyes open, wondering who had rescued me from hitting the floor. Watch where you’re going,” came a deep voice, laced with irritation and slight concern. I looked up, my breath catching in my throat. There he stood all 6 ft 2 of Aaron Gates , his piercing blue eyes locked on to mine and the startling effect left me feeling light headed. The air around us seemed to frizzled with electricity. “Sorry! I was just—” I stammered, flustered. “You were just heading up to resume work as my assistance , I take it?” His smirk was infuriating and captivating all at once, the same as it was years ago. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Tell me why the hell I was having this sort of reaction to freaking arrogant and full of himself Aaron Gates . “I didn’t mean to run into you.” “Jessica’s , right?” he interrupted, tilting his head slightly as if sizing me up. I nodded in agreement. The hell he knew my name, we grew up together! He was only acting like he didn’t. The whole lobby seemed to be frozen and kept silent watching the exchange between myself and the CEO Aaron Gates. He cleared his throat and everyone seemed to immediately go back to what they were all doing in fear and slight frenzy, he faced me. “Follow me to the office, I really hope you’re ready and capable for this job. If you’re clueless enough to not look where you’re walking to, I can imagine the sort of mistakes you can likely make.” I wanted to answer him but he walked away quickly and I had no choice but to follow. In the elevator I wiped my calmly hands down on my dress, I had an unsettling feeling as though something I wouldn’t like was looming in the air. The elevator arrived at the last floor and dinged, myself and Aaron got out. I followed his lead to the last door in the hall. It had a huge red wood cherry door, the door scanned his thumb and the door opened automatically after saying, “welcome back Gates.” When the door closed behind us I felt extremely nervous for no reason. He walked to his office table dumping his briefcase on it before plopping down on his office seat. “Have a seat.” He said to me as he tossed his glossy hair with his thick long fingers. “Thank you.” I responded. He didn’t even give me a second look, his eyes were immediately fixed on his computer screen. “So we have a meeting with a top client in an hour, I hope you know how to take proper minutes of meeting.” I nodded but to be honest I felt dizzy and mesmerized by him, an odd desire pooled in my lower stomach as I looked at him. His lean muscle, athletic build, his former handsome boyish looks had transformed into that of a handsome attractive man. He would have even been more irresistible to me if he had a pleasant attitude. “Jessica, Jessica?” His voice immediately snapped me out of my lustful thoughts. “Si….. sir” I said, stuttering turning red as though he had heard me ogling him in my head. He gave me a serious look with his piercing blue eyes. “Is your attention span that low? I did warn you already about slacking off, I could fire you and the first early payment would count as a loan which I highly doubt you can pay.” I immediately felt a flint catch a spark in my chest, what arrogance is this? And why would he automatically assume I couldn’t pay back the 300k even if I couldn’t afford it. “Did you really assume just because we used to have play dates back in the day, I wouldn’t do a background check on you? I know you’re penniless, me hiring you was me putting in my good deed for the year.” I clenched my fist in anger. Something about this conversation and the tone of his voice reminded me of my ex husband Micheal, he too looked down on me and made me feel like a liability. I felt tears sting the edge of my eyes, but I refused to let them pour down my cheeks, I wouldn’t let any of them see me cry. His eyes seemed to soften a bit when he noticed my demeanor but he immediately covered it with an aloof and unconcerned expression. He jerked his hand at me, “your office is the one opposite mine, get accustomed to it. We leave in thirty minutes .” I didn’t trust my voice to come out confident and strong as I wanted it to appear, so I simply nodded and turned to leave. The door opened for me and i easily located my office. Now in the privacy of my office, I let the water work burst freely. I wiped away my tears in anger wondering why once men become rich and influential they become something else. To distract myself I took out my cell phone and called the nurse to check up on my mum’s health. At thirty minutes exactly, myself and my new boss Aaron were seated in his exotic latest model of Mercedes Benz limousine heading to the North point view restaurant located in the most exquisite five star hotel the city had to offer. The car ride was quiet and awkward. Aaron sat opposite me in the limousine typing away on his phone, although there were times I felt his eyes on me but when I raised my head I found him typing on his phone. I let out a breath, fingers crossed that the meeting would be fast and end quickly. The car came to a halt at the restaurant and we got down from the car escorted by the security into the restaurant. There was something in the air that made it tense and heavy, it reminded me of those dramatic moments about those soap Operas before something happened. Familiar scent grazed my senses, the woody smell caressed my nostrils, I raised my eyes and they connected with a pair of gray ones. I couldn’t even stop myself from saying loudly, “ What the fuck?”

Jessica’s Pov Almost everyone at the restaurant stopped to look at me including the reason I exclaimed none other than Micheal himself, l felt like the ground should open and swallow me. Micheal in turn had a bored and an honestly irritated look as though my presence itself weirded him out. Aaron gave more and more time for the awkward moment to sort out the issue. But it didn't. Michael fakes a cough and it snaps everyone out of the moment, he immediately gets up apparently to greet Aaron. Seeing Micheal again in close proximity was hard because my feelings are definitely not yet that strong or stable enough towards him so I was shaken up. Micheal stood up and shook Aaron who seemed to have become cold and upset. I noticed that he was acting a lot more official and that even he squeezed Michael's hand who winced slightly. “Welcome Boss.” Micheal said and it dawned on me that Aaron was probably the one who Michael looked up to in the corporate world and basically wouldn’t shut up about when we were married. “Good morning, I must apologize I arrived about two minutes late for our appointment. ” I stood there just seeing mouths move and not hearing a thing. All I could do was watch them go back and plan something about a contract to build another skyscraper that’s like the one the company currently has. “Sir, (he gave an awkward laugh) to be honest, the whole job that we’re talking about should on its own be about 699 million dollars.” I could see Michael break out a cold sweat as he said this. Aaron tapped the edge of this pen thoughtfully on the dinner table. And then clicked his tongue,“That’s not a problem, have your lawyer send me a copy of the contract by tonight latest and I’ll have my legal team look at it , if there’s anything we’re not comfortable with, I will revert back to you.” All I could wonder was if life is playing a fast one on me, how could the man who married me and even got me pregnant only to abandon me high and dry. Is about to be rewarded the most empowering contract of all times and have his life elated. I could imagine it was certainly Rachelle who hooked him with this sweet deal. Since I was too disoriented and shocked to function, all I did was quietly tap the record button in my device and then I’d listen and take notes once we’re at the office. My hands were shaking badly as I tried to reach for the glass of water to soothe my parched throat. I gave up trying to hold it steadily and decided to wait to get back to the office before I could get water. I felt both eyes on me and I didn’t even want to respond to any of them so I kept my head focused on doing nothing. I felt Aaron push his chair ever so slightly away from the table, giving himself enough stand, then I heard him say, “I’ll be on my way now, I’ll be expecting the contract as soon as possible.” Micheal immediately got up, extending his hand, “ of course sir, it’ll be sent immediately.” Aaron didn’t respond but simply nodded and walked away. It took me a few seconds to get my legs and brain to work together and I followed him behind quickly before Michael could say anything to me. Now the outside security entourage opened the car door for us and I made sure he went in first before I followed suit. In a few minutes we drove away. Seated in the limousine, lost in my thoughts of melancholy for myself, but common, who would blame me? I was about to become a baby mama to a man who would probably not want to be a part of my baby’s life. I didn’t really blame Micheal though, my first mistake in the marriage was letting go of myself to please him and make the marriage work. Hot tears stung my eyes and one spilled, I quickly thumbed it away. Today was turning out to be a nightmare and I just wanted to wake up from the horrible dream. The car stopped at the office and we got down from the car and into the building. Instead of using the general elevator, the security protocol officer led us to the private one. If it wasn’t for what was going on today and the circumstances of my job today, I might have been enjoying the sightseeing of the office. I leaned my back against the wall of the elevator, closing my eyes for a few seconds and I heard the sound of all the lights in the building shut down. My eyes popped open immediately in panic because I was claustrophobic, Aaron immediately took out his phone and made a call, “what the heck? I give you 5 damn minutes and if the light is not up by then consider your department fucking fired!” I held my chest trying to steady my breathing as it was slowly becoming erratic. I actually can’t think straight in small spaces, it scares me and causes me to hyperventilate till I feel out of breath. I closed my eyes trying to imagine the beach or some exotic place but it wasn’t really working. I felt like I was about to pass out then strong arms encircled me. At first I jumped when our bodies made contact but he whispered in his silky low baritone voice,” it’s okay, you’re safe, you’re good, the light will be back up soon just try and calm down please.” My body, as though hearing his voice was the best opium I needed , relaxed and melted into him, but I kept my eyes closed. The lights came back on but I noticed Aaron didn’t let go of me or even attempt to. I too truthfully was enjoying being comfortable, the elevator opens suddenly and I pop my eyes open, and I see a woman’s eyes go wide on seeing me and Aaron’s position.

Jessica's POV “What the hell are you doing with my man?” That was all I heard before I felt a stinging slap on my face; I cupped my cheek in pain. I felt Aaron pry the woman off me as I winced in pain. “What the hell is your problem, Lily? Why would you fucking slap my secretary?” I heard him say in an angry voice. My vision steadied and I looked up to see the woman who had just assaulted me. The woman he called Lily looked about my age; she had beautiful green eyes and a curvy petite frame. She looked big mad, the corner of her eyes twitching and her fist clenched. Aaron held her to the other side of the wall looking very livid. “You can't blame me; what the heck are you? My man doing in the arms of another woman. How else did you expect me to react? Run to you and give you a big hug for having some bitch at your arm.” Aaron looked about ready to explode in anger, “For the last time, I am not your man. I've told you and my mother I have zero intentions of having anything romantic with you whatsoever. Get that through your thick skull.” I watched her eyes slightly water as she struggled against Aaron's hand; She angrily let go of him, and just as suddenly as she had appeared, she disappeared, stomping her feet in anger. He then turned to me with apologetic eyes, “I'm so sorry about that, she's quite crazy and delusional.” I nodded wondering what was with the switch of attitude. This was the same man just being mean to me a couple of hours ago. We got to the elevator, and he was being all sweet. “It's fine, I'm okay. We shouldn't have been in that position anyways, no woman would like to see her man holding another woman.” I managed to croak, I needed to put some ice on my cheek. “I'm not her man for the last time; please refrain from calling me that.” He said sharply his eyes hot. And just like that, we are back to being the same old Jessica and Aaron, I thought to myself. Some of his security personnel appeared from the doorway, and he came out of the elevator, slightly nudging me to follow, and I obliged. The men looked already afraid; he faced them with a scary scroll, his eyebrows creasing together. “Now how many times do I have to tell you not to let that crazy woman into my office building?” The tallest among them, I assume, is the boss who spoke up, stuttering, “Sir…sir ... .your…mum, your mum told us to disregard that instruction.” Aaron turned even redder, I could almost swear steam was coming out of his ears. He opened his mouth to say something but stopped and gave a short sadistic laugh that sent chills up my spine. “You're fired as the boss of the company security Andrew, fucking drop your company id and pass with the human resource. I'll contact the agency to give me someone who has no problem following orders.” Andrew shook, his eyes wide. “Please, sir, reconsider. I won't ever mess up this way. Please, my wife just gave birth.” The desperation in the man's voice even made me feel sorry for him but Aaron's eyes remained cold. “You should have thought about that before you disregarded my orders; I'll do you the favor of sending you this month’s salary; the rest is up to you.” “Aaron, please if you can, reconsider.” I heard myself speaking up; as a pregnant woman myself, I would kill for a man who would be responsible by my side. Aaron's eyes flashed in my direction and the intensity made me take a step back. “Jessica, while we're at the office, not any family and friends get together. You will fucking give me my respect and refer to me as ‘Sir’. This is why I hate helping familiar faces out. Now go to your office!” To say I felt humiliated by his scolding would be an understatement, but I refused to show it. I let out a deep breath, stilling the urge to cry within me; with my last shred of dignity, I walked back to my office. Even when I entered my office, I refused to cr.y, I was getting sick of how he was making me feel like shit; I wouldn't even need this fucking job except my mum had an accident. My cheek still stung, so I decided to splash some cool water on it in the bathroom; I looked at my reflection and saw Lily’s hand had slightly bruised my cheek. She was darn lucky the shock of the moment didn't let me react, else she would have been in a far worse condition. I wiped my face with a towel, wondering why Anna wanted Aaron to get married to Lily. Whatever it's none of my business, but my brain reminded me of the obvious tension between us both when we're alone. But I shook my head, banishing those thoughts; maybe it was just pregnancy hormones making me horny or whatever. I left the bathroom, wondering how much my life had changed in the space of 48 hours. I was so lost in my thoughts I didn't notice Aaron himself seated on my seat. “How's your cheek?” The sound of his voice made me jolt, “shit.” I muttered holding my chest. He stood up suddenly and walked towards me; I unconsciously took steps back till I hit my back and hit the wall; I couldn't move forward because he was closing in on me. My breathing increased sporadically as he was a step away, he closed the distance between us in one stride. Feeling awkward, I looked down; I felt his strong fingers lift my chin and force me to meet his eyes. I stared into his deep blue eyes and felt like I was drowning in the deep blue sea. He bent his head low towards mine, and I caught my breath, anticipating his kiss.