CHAPTER 3

Bianca was still reeling from her discussion with Aiden as she walked into the classy restaurant. It's been a while since she came around and she knew Noah would definitely be mad.

Taking the elevator to the last floor, she walked into his office without knocking.

“Surprise!”

Noah Anderson stared at her for a while before he returned to his laptop.

“I'm sorry. I know I haven't been the best friend I'm supposed to be, but I'm really sorry.” She said and walked up to him, hugging him.

Noah tried to resist her, but he couldn't as he smiled brightly at her, pecking her.

“You deserve to be punished. A week! That was the last time you came to see me, Bee. It's not fair.”

He pouted to show his displeasure. Noah had been visiting her ceaselessly but she was always too busy for him.

“Look, how about we have lunch together? I have a lot to tell you.”

Noah was like the brother she never had. They were best friends since childhood and she felt so guilty for not checking on him since.

“Want to try out our latest recipe? I created this one myself.” He looked so excited as they walked to the VIP area.

“Please tell me it's seafood.”

“Let's just say a hint of shrimp…”

“No! Just a hint?” Bianca wailed, attracting attention.

“... and a crazy amount of lobster.” He finished as they sat down at their usual spot.

The waiters served the dish and the moment they lifted the lid, Bianca's excited face was quickly changed to a frown.

“Pizza?” She looked at her so-called best friend in mock anger.

“That's your punishment. And I mean it this time.” He said, smirking.

“I guess I deserve it and I'm really hungry. I will eat whatever you give me.” She ate slowly, still yearning for seafood.

“So…you said you have a lot of juicy gist for me. Did one of your patients commit murder?” He asked jokingly as he sipped his juice.

“Well…disturbingly close to that. But there's something more interesting.”

“I won't say a word if you don't give me seafood.” She winked at him a smiled brightly. She knew Noah could never say no to her.

“You are evil.” He said as he pressed the bell.

Bianca was about to talk when she saw a man dressed in a familiar fitted black suit, striding towards her. He commanded elegance and attention, as he made his way towards her.

“What are you looking at?” Noah turned and Bianca noticed immediately that his smile disappeared. That wasn't good.

“Mr. Miller! Welcome Sir. You will be escorted to your seat now.” Noah was in full work mode, but Bianca could detect contempt in his voice.

Aiden didn't reply or try to stop Noah from ringing the bell, he just took a seat at the table, ignoring him.

“What are you doing here?” Bianca asked, gesturing to an angry Noah to calm down.

“I told you that you have to be with me at all times, didn't I? Besides, I'd love to have my session now.”

“Uh… Aiden, you can't have your session here. We will reschedule and you will be informed of your next appointment.

He didn't reply as he watched her lazily, his face cold and stern.

“Mr. Miller, would you love to order now?” Noah asked, pasting a fake smile on his face.

“Oh, no I don't want to. You don't need to worry so much to please me. I'm the good twin.” Aiden winked and smile cheerfully. Bianca couldn't get that image out of her mind.

“Oh, really?” Noah said, smiling genuinely. He quickly dispersed the waiters standing around.

“I know of course. My brother is the worst person to deal with.”

“So, this is the oaf you’re dating? This is what you were rushing to see. Come on, Bianca. I know you have poor taste, but this is a whole new level.” He said as he stood up, making Noah turn red.

***

Aiden walked out of the restaurant, the cold air of the evening doing little to cool his temper. His thoughts were a jumbled mess as he headed home, replaying the scene with Bianca and Noah over and over in his mind. For some stupid reason he didn't like it. He was her patient, so she’s not supposed to talk to other men.

When he arrived at his penthouse, he was surprised to find Michelle waiting for him in the living room. She looked as stunning as ever, her blonde hair cascading over her shoulders, but the sight of her brought back a flood of painful memories.

"Aiden," she started, her voice trembling slightly, "I need to talk to you."

"What are you doing here, Michelle?" Aiden asked, his voice cold and detached. "Shouldn't you be with Alex, planning your perfect life together?"

Michelle winced at his words but stood her ground. "I came to ask you for a favor."

"A favor?" Aiden laughed bitterly. "What makes you think I owe you anything?"

"Please, Aiden," she pleaded, stepping closer. "I know you're planning to destroy Alex's company. I'm begging you, don't do it."

Aiden's eyes narrowed. "And why shouldn't I? He took everything from me. You, my father, my reputation, my peace and now he also wants my position. Why should I spare him?"

"Because he's your brother," Michelle said softly. "And because you're better than this. I know you are."

Aiden shook his head, turning away from her. "You don't know me anymore, Michelle. Maybe you never did."

"Aiden, I know you're hurt," she said, her voice breaking. "But this won't bring you peace. It'll only make things worse."

"You think I care about peace?" Aiden snapped, spinning around to face her. "You left me for him, Michelle. You betrayed me. And now you expect me to just forgive and forget?"

"No," Michelle admitted, tears in her eyes. "I don't expect that. But I hope you'll find it in your heart to show some mercy. For the sake of your family, if nothing else."

Aiden took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging inside him. "I can't forgive you, Michelle. Not yet. Maybe not ever."

"I understand," she said, wiping away her tears. "But please, think about what I said."

Aiden nodded curtly. "I'll think about it. Now, if you don't mind, I have things to do."

Michelle gave him a sad smile. "Thank you, Aiden. And... I'm sorry. For everything."