The Girl He Craves

85

Sophie’s pov

Bernard is sitting across from me, his gaze swirling with deep confusion and shock.

“Wait. So Ashton’s father is Aiden Xavier?” He asked with a perplexed expression.

I figured it wouldn’t make sense to not tell him the truth. Bernard has after all done so much for me and

Ashton.

I couldn’t bare to lie to his face.

So I told him everything.

From how Aiden and I were in high school. The reason why I wanted to leave the job. The reason why

Aiden threat- ened his job.

I told him that Aiden was Ashton’s dad. I told him every- thing….

I nodded, wincing as I brought the cup of coffee to my lips.

We’re at the diner, the very same one I have worked at for

years.

After dropping Ashton off at daycare, I came here to have coffee with Bernard and to tell him

everything.

Mila approaches us.

“Do you two need anything else? A croissant?” Mila asked.

I shook my head. We were actually late for work and I’m surprised Aiden hasn’t called my phone as yet

to ask me about my whereabouts.

Sure he called to speak to Ash, but there was a different edge in his voice when he spoke to me this

morning.

“No. I’m going in a few. Running late.” I said to Mila with a

smile.

Bernard also declined anything else other than a coffee.

Mila walks away soon after.

“Now I understand why he reacted that way when I said you left the building.” Bernard nods.

I sighed. “I’m so sorry I pulled you into that mess with Aiden, Bernard. He had no right to threaten your

job. But don’t worry I won’t let him fire you.” I reassured.

Those years Bernard visited the diner, those talks with me let me know that he loved his job.

I would not make a little disagreement with Aiden cost the innocent man his job. I’ll not be the cause of

his downfall.

Bernard smiled softly. “Honestly this wasn’t the first time Aiden has threatened my position. But that

time he meant it. He would’ve done anything to keep you by his side. I don’t know if to worry about this

man’s determination or give him his props.”

I press my lips together as I frowned. Bernard was right.

Aiden was determined to get what he wanted and he al- ways got it. But was that something to fear?

Yes. Was it some-

thing to give him his props for? Probably.

The man can achieve anything. It was clear so when he got out of jail earlier when he was supposed to

serve five.

He was powerful. And that was something to both fear and look up to.

The only problem with that was that he was determined to leave me by his side even before he knew

about Ashton.

What was his purpose then?

Bernard looks at his watch wrapped around his wrist. “We should head to work now. We’re running a

bit late. ” He said and lift his gaze to mine.

“I’m sad you’re no longer working in my department So- phie but I’m happy you got an even bigger

position. I just hope Aiden treats you well and with respect.”

I nodded with a tight smile.

I hope he treats me well too.

We’re making our way into the building when eyes like marbles roll over to me.

One happens to be Gregg.

My footsteps quickened when I noticed that he was ap- proaching me.

Please make it be Bernard he’s coming over here for. I silently pray in my head.

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“Sophie!” He calls out, waving at me.

I sighed heavily in my head, looking over at Bernard in a silent way to tell me to help me escape.

He shook his head and smiled. “I’ll see you later on So- phie.”

He leaves me quickly after and all I could do was glare at his back. What a traitor.

I stopped, crossing my arms as Gregg stops before me. His eyes are raking down my form.

Suggestively and making me uncomfortable.

“Rumor has it that you’re one of the Ceo’s whores.”

I flinched at his bluntness and cruel words.

I knew that the rumors would not have been forgiving but damn, I thought they’d at least not be so cruel

about it.

I opened my mouth to respond to him but he smirked and speaks before I got a word in.

“I’m just here to warn you that our Ceo has never settled for one girl before. Holding your hopes for him

to only see you is a far-fetched dream. You’re better off with a normal guy. He won’t make you happy.”

Okay I’m done with hearing this.

Glaring at him, I spat lowly. “Gregg, why did you waste my time? Whatever is happening with the CEO

and me isn’t any- one’s business and certainly not yours. Please don’t stop me again for some

nonsense.”

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Gregg’s face is a mixture of shock and disbelief. He clearly had not expected me to counter him back

with anger and irri-

tation.

I left him standing there mouth gapped in shock.

When I entered the elevator and the doors slid closed, I breathed out a sigh.

I knew the rumors would be cruel. It’s not like it was a shock that they thought I was one of Aiden’s

whores.

My brows knot.

How many whores did he normally bring here?

Why am I even thinking about this?

It’s not like I should care at all.

He’s a playboy, always has been. Seeing him with a wom- an, well me, obviously, they’d think we had

something going

Well didn’t you two have something going on? My con- science mocked me.

Now is seriously not the time conscience. I’m trying to hold my head above the rough waters of the

storm. I have no time to think about Aiden and me.

We were only parents to a cute boy named Ashton. And of course, to co-parent we had to get along.

There’s nothing going on between us. And probably would never.

The elevator doors ding open and I walked out.

I need to tell Aiden about those rumors. Give him a heads- up that his employees thought we were a

thing.

Well, the latest thing since he can’t stay with a woman for more than a day.

I march over to his office after setting my bag on the desk. My heels clicked loudly and when I thrust

that door open without knocking, I wanted a hole to swallow me whole.

Because in the room, with a stern expression was the old- er man I saw in court.

That same old powerful man.

Aiden whose expression looks irritated and angry stands up from his chair and points over to me.

“Grandfather, this is the woman I was talking about. She’s my fiance.”