CHAPTER 2

Aiden knew all this was a mistake when he saw who his therapist was.

“When did poor people start treating the rich? They should have assigned me to someone better.”

Bianca sighed, inwardly counting to ten, before switching to professional mode.

"Alright, Mr. Miller. Let's get started. Why don't you tell me why you're here?"

Aiden leaned back with a huff. There really was no escaping this.

"Isn't it obvious? Daddy dearest thinks I need to be 'fixed' before he can trust me with the family empire."

"Ah, yes," Bianca replied, leaning back in her chair and going through his folder.

"The classic 'prove you're not a complete disaster' therapy. So, why don't you tell me why you think your father sees you that way?"

Aiden shrugged, trying to mask his frustration. "Because he's a control freak who can't stand that I'm not his perfect little clone."

Bianca smirked. "And you're okay with that? Just letting him think you're a screw-up?"

If it weren't a therapy session, she would have used a few choice words.

"Why should I care?" Aiden retorted. "He already made up his mind about me."

"People can change their minds, Aiden," Bianca said softly. "But you have to give them a reason to."

Aiden looked at her bored. "And you think therapy is going to do that?"

"I think it can help you understand why you act the way you do," Bianca replied. "And maybe, just maybe, it'll help you show your father that you're more than the sum of your mistakes."

Aiden sighed, but there was a flicker of hope in his eyes. "Alright, Dr Smith Let's give this a shot and be out of here."

"So, Aiden," Bianca began, notepad in hand, "why don't we start with your childhood? Tell me about it."

"What's there to tell?" Aiden shrugged. "Rich family, high expectations, endless disappointments. The usual. Oh, and fucking a few girls."

“That wasn't important.” Bianca retorted.

“Anything the patient says or does is important. That's what your boss said to me, so get ready for more confessions.

She decided to ignore the clause.

Bianca raised an eyebrow. "That's quite a summary. Any specific disappointments you want to talk about?"

Aiden rolled his eyes. "You mean like the time I pranked the board members when I was fifteen? Or maybe the countless times I embarrassed the family at social events?"

"Sounds like you have a knack for causing trouble," Bianca remarked, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

Aiden smirked. "It's a talent."

"Why do you think you acted out so much?" Bianca asked, genuinely curious.

Aiden shrugging, his expression turning serious. "Maybe because I knew I could never be perfect like Alex. So, I stopped trying."

Bianca nodded, jotting down notes. "Or maybe because you were afraid of failing to meet those expectations?"

“No! I'm anything but a coward, Miss Smith.”

"Maybe it's time you took a chance for yourself," Bianca suggested. "Show him that you're willing to change."

Aiden leaned back, considering her words. "How?"

"Start small," Bianca said. "Prove to yourself that you can be responsible. The rest will follow."

***

“I can't control myself in public. I need you around.”

“What do you mean?” Bianca asked cautiously. She had been on her way home when he requested for an urgent meeting with her.

“I have anger issues, blah blah blah, other stuff. I just need you to follow me around. You know, tell me what to do, stop me from replying rudely, after all, that's why they hired you. I just need you to be with me at all times.” He shrugged as he shoved his hands into his pants pocket. He looked like a king speaking to his subject.

“If I didn't know better, I'd say that's romantic. Why are you doing this?” Bianca asked wearily. She didn't know how she could actually work on him. All she knew was that she wouldn't give up on him again.

“I would rather be with a tree than date you, now get moving. “He scowled as he led the way to his car.

“Just because I dropped all patients to face you squarely, doesn't mean that I don't have a life again.” She mumbled as she followed him.

“Are you trying to gain my attention? I don't date filth.”

Bianca counted to ten before she got into the car. She reminded herself that she needed to keep it professional.

“Mr. Miller, I n…”

“Call me Aiden. I don't want people thinking you're my maid.” He said as he drove away.

“Oh…Thanks. But I really need to…”

“Thanks for what exactly? Have you seen yourself? Do you want to degrade me? I can't be seen with a maid like you. My staff dress way better than you.”

Bianca looked at her well ironed shirt and pants, and stilettos and wondered how a few words from him could make her question her confidence.

“I need to stop by a friend's place. Stop me at the Royal Diner.” She said, feeling so bad about herself.

“Your choice. There's a family dinner by eight p.m. this evening. I will pick you up by half past seven. Don't waste my time.”

“What am I doing at your family dinner? Listen, Mr. Miller, whatever business we have ends after your two- hour session. After that, we are mere strangers. So please understand that.”

Aiden glanced at her for a few seconds but didn't reply. But Bianca noticed his demeanor had changed from cocky to cold.

“When I'm in their midst…I feel this intense hatred towards him. All I want to do is claw out his throat for challenging my position. I'm brainy. I'm hardworking. But just because I love a wild lifestyle, I was termed the other son.”

“I was once my father's favorite. Everyone expects me to succeed him. I contributed majorly to the growth and level the empire has attained. Now he wants to challenge my rights.

Bianca stared at the cold, ruthless man for some seconds and felt total compassion for him.

“Don't you dare look at me like that. I have bigger problems. But I have sacrificed a lot for our business and I will be damned before I let someone else take over. That's why I'm here with you. So, do your part too.”

He pulled to a stop at the restaurant, waiting for her to alight.

“I will be ready.”