Chapter 7

It had been a while since I started my stroll. I started to think that it had become my thing to forget time while going on walks to get some fresh air. Remembering that the last time I did this it didn't go well, I decided to go back. No matter how many times I find myself in front of the mansion-like house of Aiden, I can never get used to it.

I hummed along with the song that was playing in my head parallelly with my thoughts while stepping inside the house. I decided to greet Martha and let her know that I came back home before going to bed. However, shattered pieces of the bud vase that used to stand on the end table caught my attention. I immediately dashed inside to see if Martha was okay only to find her cleaning an even larger mess of glass bottles and glasses.

"Oh my god! Martha! Is everything okay?", I exclaimed, rushing towards her and picking up pieces.

"Oh! It's okay, dear. I think Aiden is having a bad day. He tends to take it out on things surrounding him.", she said like it was a completely normal thing to do.

I remembered the time when he broke my vase because of my pestering. Aiden needs therapy, I thought.

"Martha, you're not hurt right?", I asked, genuinely concerned.

She looked at me like I was deranged and gave me a small smile.

" No, dear. Why would you even think that? Just so you know, Aiden lashes out only when no one's around. I was out to draw some money when this happened. I came home to find this mess.", she said, before getting the broom.

"Do you have any idea why?", I asked, hoping to receive any hints to connect the dots.

She shook her head before going into deep thought for a few seconds. There definitely should be something, I thought.

"He seemed quite upset when I let him know that you were out on a walk. I also think he went out searching for you.", she said, realizing it just now.

If whatever she said was true, I still didn't understand how this would make him upset enough to create this horrific mess.

I continued to help Martha clear the mess and decided to check on Aiden before going to bed. I tiptoed my way towards the staircase, hoping that he was in a good mood for a healthy conversation. The door creaked open when I gave it a little push after lightly knocking on it. I saw Aiden speaking to someone on a call with a serious composure, making me decide to wait for a few minutes.

I took my time to observe his usual gestures, the way his hand often goes through his hair whenever he's frustrated, the way he pinches his nose in attempts to calm himself down, and the way his eyes are capable of changing shades. He looked at me and slightly widened his eyes, probably surprised, however, his expression went back to agitation with a hint of anger. He quickly said a "call you back" to the person on call and faced me.

"Hey", I smiled, " Uhm are you okay?"

His expression was stoic, somehow I expected it to be.

"Where have you been?", he asked, completely ignoring my question.

"I wanted to clear my head, so I went out for a walk.", I replied immediately, suddenly sensing that this might not go well as expected.

"And you didn't tell me", he said, more like stating the obvious.

"You weren't at home, I left Martha a message before going. I don't think it's a problem now, Aiden", I said, not understanding why he'd stress this point.

"It is a fucking problem. You have people after you, Haven. How stupid can you be?", he yelled, startling me all of a sudden. "You're not supposed to go out unless I agree to it."

A sudden jolt of anger and confidence rushed through me. He couldn't be serious.

"I can do whatever I want.", I snapped. "If you don't want me here, I'll go back home. You can't just-"

Before I could complete the sentence, I was grabbed by my arm and jerked towards him catching me off guard.

"Don't test me, Haven. Trust me, you'll regret it.", he said, sternly, tightening his grip on my arm.

I didn't say anything when he gave me one last jerk and let me go, making his way out of the room furiously. My eyes stung with tears when the intensity of the moment sank in. I rushed to the guest room that I have been staying in and plopped down the bed, crying hysterically. I did not know what his problem was, but whatever it was would tear everything sane thing in his life apart. I cried to sleep with irrational concern and fear while the night passed quickly.

By the time I woke up, Aiden left for work. In a way, I was relieved because I didn't want to face him again. However, I had to wait for him so that I could ask him about my work. I certainly could not stay cooped up in this place no matter how huge it was. And I didn't want to go to the cafe without telling him, considering the fact that the last time I did that, it was not pleasant.

I made my way towards the kitchen and found Martha working. She noticed my presence and smiled at me to which I reciprocated with a smile and a quick "Good Morning."

"How did you sleep last night, dear? , she asked me, gesturing me to sit at the table to have breakfast.

"Good, Martha. I had a very comfortable night.", I said, denying my encounter with Aiden.

I did not know if Martha was aware of what happened yesterday. If she did, she was doing a great job hiding it.

I spent the whole day reading, applying to jobs, and talking to Martha. It was almost time for lunch when I heard the front door open and saw Aiden walk through it.