Riley’s POVI stepped into the office, my heart filled with so much contentment and satisfaction; knowing that I didn’t have my mother’s hospital bills to pay felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my chest. And this was all thanks to Aiden. I couldn’t thank him enough; letting out a sigh of relief, a small smile tugged on my lips.As I made my way to my office, Jessica stopped me. "Riley, I would like to have a word,” she said, her tone harsh.I nodded, my brows furrowing, wondering what she wanted to talk about. "Molina told me that your salary was paid in advance?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.I knew Molina was the financial director and Jessica's good friend, so it wasn't surprising that she had told Jessica about this. "Yes," I answered cautiously.Jessica let out a scoff, her expression turning unbelievably, "You're just a new employee who's been working for less than a week. What qualifications do you have to draw your salary in advance? Or is it the boss's trust that m
Riely’s POVWhat a small world! I couldn’t believe that the man I had seen in Aiden's office was now standing in front of me and trying to pick up conversations like we were old friends.I had some doubts about his purpose. Why was he here? And why was he talking to me like we knew each other?There was something about him that just didn’t sit well with me. We exchanged a few meaningless words, chatting about the music and the crowd. But I ran thin on patience. Who was this guy, and what did he want from me?I decided to be direct. "What do you want from me?" I asked, looking him straight in the eye. "I've met you before. You're Aiden's friend, right?"He seemed surprised by my frankness. He was stunned for a moment, and his smile became much more sincere. "I'm so sorry, you recognized me already," he said, chuckling. "Yes, I'm Aiden's friend. We've known each other since we were kids."He paused, taking a sip of his drink. "It's a coincidence that I met you here today. I didn't exp
Aiden’s POVI sat in my office, listening to my secretary's report. He told me about the tasks we needed to complete today. I nodded, taking mental notes.My secretary continued, "This afternoon, we have a board meeting. We'll discuss our business plan for the next quarter."I thought for a moment. This meeting was crucial. I needed to make sure everything went smoothly.I couldn’t afford to make any mistakes, I want everything to work out."Prepare the meeting documents, please," I instructed my secretary.He nodded and left my office. I picked up the phone and dialed a number."Riley, can you come to my office?" I asked.A few minutes later, Riley walked in. She looked professional, wearing a suit and with her hair tied back. I was impressed. She had grown so much in such a short time.I gulped a lump turning my stare away."Riley, I need you to attend the board meeting this afternoon," I told her.Her eyes widened in shock, “Uh… Me?Me? But I'm just an assistant."I smiled. "Yes, bu
Riley’s POVI couldn't believe my luck. I had been preparing a proposal for weeks, but I never thought I'd actually get to present it. Especially in front of the board.But then Aiden told me to present my proposal at the board meeting that afternoon. I was shocked. I sent my proposal to Aiden just in case, and he loved my idea. That gave me some courage and a little bit of confidence.As I sat next to Aiden at the meeting, I took notes on the important points. Aiden was amazing. He spoke with charm and confidence, and the board members listened attentively.Even though they were old enough to be his father, Aiden didn't show any fear or hesitation.He exuded power and dominance.I believed in his ability to lead the company, and I could see the approval in the eyes of the board members. They were fascinated just as I was that was no doubt.When Aiden introduced me to the board, I felt my heart drop nervous crepting in.I was nothing compared to Aiden, I was only just a a fresh gradua
Riley’s POVAfter the meeting, Aiden and I walked back together. Aiden told me to complete the design drawings as soon as possible.We paused at the entrance of his office."The company will set up a new project team as soon as possible," he said.I nodded in affirmation, “Okay Sir.”"Once the design drawings are completed, the new series will be launched immediately." He adds.“Will that be all Sir?” I asked.He nodded, “Yes Riley, you may leave now.”I returned to my desk full of excitement about today's achievements and started my work. I couldn't wait to see my designs come to life.As I proceed to do my work. Suddenly, a glass of water was thrown in my face.I looked up, and it was Jessica again."What's wrong with you?" I asked, wiping the water from my face.Jessica sneered at me. "You think you're so great just because you attended the board meeting?""I didn't choose to attend the meeting," I said calmly. "Aiden asked me to present my proposal and I did, so how is that my fau
Riley’s POVI focused on my design, trying my best to perfect the collection. I researched classic pieces, learned about various gemstones, and put my creativity into the design.I wanted everything to be perfect and I wanted to be able to impress Aiden even more, I was working so hard to reach my goal.I was very excited to know that the project team had been established. At this time, I had completed more than half of my design, and only the last ring was left.This was the work I valued most, and it would be a breathtaking work of art. Let’s say I put my heart and soul into this.The draft of the ring still needed to be polished, and I planned to work overnight to complete it so that I could start the project directly tomorrow.Lost in my work zone mood, I heard some noise behind me. I turned around and saw that it was Aiden closing the door of his office. He seemed to have just noticed that I was working here.He raised his eyebrows, “Still working?”I nodded with a smile, “Yeah I
Aiden’s POVI sat at my desk, staring blankly at the wall. I didn't know whether to be happy or disappointed. Riley said it was just an accident. I believed she was not lying. This proved that at least she was completely innocent, and I could trust her.But the clues were gone. If even the victim's daughter knew nothing about the truth, how could I prove that Grandpa was innocent?I felt frustrated, nothing was more important than setting my grandpa free and right now everything seems far from that.I picked up my phone and called Diego. "Hey. I just talked to Riley, and she said she didn't know anything about the case."Diego was silent for a while before responding, "From what I know about Riley, she really won't lie."I was curious. "From what you know about Riley? When have you met her?"Diego smiled. "I went to your office last time and was seen by her. Later, I ran into her at the bar, and she recognized me again. We had a great chat. She is indeed a very special girl I see why
Riely’s POVI couldn't believe my eyes. My design drawings have all disappeared! How could this happen? I was panicking and shocked. The team members were also whispering, and I seemed to see the mockery in their eyes.I have never felt so stupid in my life.I know my designs were here yesterday, what then happened to them?How could they suddenly vanish?"See? Jessica was right. She confused the boss with her mediocrity," one of them whispered.I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. I looked around the room, hoping someone would come to my defense. But no one did.Tears had already begun to accumulate at the brim of my eyes as I thought of ways to defend myself but none came.I looked to Aiden for some support. Aiden’s brows were furrowed, and his eyes showed disappointment.My heart sank.I thought Aiden was on my side, but now I'm not so sure. Of course he wouldn’t be, I mean my designs are nowhere to be found, everyone has his accusing gaze on me.I felt so stupid, and wanted no
Chapter 30 Aiden's Pov I rode back home after dropping Riley and I couldn't stop thinking about Riley. The way she talked, the way she moved, the way she laughed, the way she just carried herself -- it was all there for someone to see. Ever since she came into my company, it has been exciting with good news and more hard work. Riley wasn't a lazy woman and she is only one with principles. I felt so happy and relieved that she finally warmed up to me. I mean, I kissed her twice in one day. It wasn't enough but that was more than enough. I chuckled when I remembered how she hurried into her apartment because she was shy. But Diego's words were like a bucket of cold water that was poured on me. 'Don't forget what you should do' I don't know if he intentionally said that to ruin the mood, to discourage me from pursuing Riley further. What he said was probably meant for me to stay away from Riley but I knew he didn't mean it that way. His words calmed me down, throwing me into anoth
Riley's PovDiego was surprised that his mother asked Aiden to take me home instead of him since she liked me and wanted him to get married. That act and everything that happened felt funny to me except the kiss, of course."Take care ma'am." I hugged Diego's mother."Make sure to come around some other time." She hugged me back and rubbed my back.I nodded because that little hug gesture reminded me of my mother. I couldn't wait to see her again but sadly, that'd be till the next weekend when there will be no work to attend to.We walked out of the study with Aiden ready to take me home. Diego stepped beside Aiden, pulled his hand and I paused. "Don't forget what you should do." Diego whispered to him with a serious expression.I frowned slightly, feeling very confused. What was he talking about? What was Aiden supposed to do that he hasn't done? Was there something I was unaware about? Or maybe they have some personal unfinished business that wasn't my concern.Aiden didn't respond
Riley's PovAiden slammed his lips on mine immediately and my eyes flustered close. It wasn't expected but I found myself liking it. He straightened me up and guided my back against the door.It wasn't my first kiss but my mind, heart and body were reacting strongly to it. His tongue divided into my mouth and I found myself reciprocating to his kiss.The kiss was warm and inviting. I didn't feel like it was going to end soon. It was forceful at first when it started but slowly, I started releasing myself to feel it. I remembered my ex - boyfriend didn't kiss me like this, he has never kissed me like that before.What was the difference? It was the emotions that were being communicated through the kiss. I dug my fingers into Aiden's hair, pulling him closer. Damn, I was enjoying every moment of it that I forgot we were having an argument about Diego.Aiden stopped kissing me, pressing his fingers against my bottom lip. He watched me breath heavily until I could regulate my breathing an
Riley's PovThe birthday actually went more smoothly than I expected. I met with new people and had a good talk with them even though they treated me like I didn't exist.That was one of the problems that rich people always have. They always see every other person beneath their legs, below their standards, like others were the dirt they stepped on which was absolutely annoying.But I wasn't bothered because I came here on behalf of someone else. I came because it was Diego's birthday. I didn't need to think about any other thing or any other person that was irrelevant. Diego's mother asked me to stay over for a while which I agreed to."Riley, have you noticed that my mom likes you?" Diego suddenly said, sitting close to me on the chair.I didn't look surprised because it was definitely obvious that she liked me and I also liked her too. She had a good spirit and always wanted everyone around her to be happy, just like my mother."She has been urging me to get married but I said I hav
Aiden's Pov"Is it -- my favorite brand?" Diego exclaimed and I nodded. He pulled me into a happy hug immediately and I reciprocated back with the same energy.Diego had always wanted his favorite brand of sports car all his life and that was the intentional gift I could give to him. It wasn't too much because he was my best friend and my brother so he was worth it."How is it going? I didn't see anyone downstairs when I came." I took a seat just opposite and he also sat down on his former seat.Diego shrugged. "My mother took care of the guests but it isn't time yet. They should be arriving soon though." He answered.Of course, I understood that women loved such things especially parties so it was only understandable that it was his mother doing everything about the party, she had always been the one."Any girlfriends?" I asked jokingly.Diego scoffed, "You were the hot boy of those sessions. I was like a nerd beside you so I should be asking you that." He replied."That's not entire
Aiden's PovThe week was going very smoothly, especially about me being able to see Riley's face. I have never seen anyone as enthusiastic as she was. She was always filled with energy, going around with positivity."I am proud of you, Riley." I shook her hands in congratulations. Her design passed the board's resolution and successfully entered the manufacturing stage.I saw that she had been very nervous earlier in the boardroom but there was no way I could have talked to her or made her feel less nervous about the whole thing.But thank goodness the entire project team ran very well and she was officially in. I was relieved that she was now on the project team because it meant I'd get to see her often."Thank you, boss." Riley said with a smile, withdrawing her hands almost immediately.I glanced around and saw that no one was watching. She was so quick in withdrawing her hands and that pricked something in me. "You should work harder. There were no mistakes in this doesn't mean yo
Riley's PovI laid in my bed, tossing and turning. For more than two hours into the night, I have been unable to sleep. 'What was on my mind?' The answer was - Aiden and Diego.The truth was I couldn't ignore Diego's kindness to me. What he did tonight, his attitude towards me was just too comfortable. I mean, the pulling of chairs, wiping of my lips, paying for dinner even when it was what I owed him, inviting me to his birthday party - it was just too real.But I had strong feelings for Aiden. It may be the first time I was having such a thought and the first time I was admitting that I actually liked my boss."Diego is just a friend." My mind reminded me. I almost slapped my forehead in foolishness. How could I have forgotten?I mean, friends do those things for each other right? Besides, I rejected my boss, not for Diego or anything. I wasn't sure why I rejected him but it came that way though but he would only remain my boss in the future.I turned again, feeling very confused. I
Riley's PovI cleared my throat awkwardly and Diego sat down. The conversation was cut short with both of us focusing on our food. The silence went on for about two minutes."Why is it awkward?" Diego suddenly chuckled and I bursted into laughter."That's a very good question." I wiped my entire lips with one of the tissues to avoid another scene repeating itself.Diego chuckled, dropping his fork. "What are your hobbies?" He asked, looking at me.His gaze was so exceptional that I had to remind myself mentally because he was talking to me. "Hobbies? I am not sure. I like and dislike doing everything." I answered in the most honest way possible.All my life has revolved around my ex-boyfriend. Now, I was busy with work so I didn't have anything I liked. Well, something I could consider as a likable thing was me picking tulips for my mother."What do you mean? That's weird. How is it possible for a female not to have any hobbies? She likes everything and dislikes everything? That's ver
Riley's povIt was a Saturday, a time where I could finally do the things I needed to do without being bothered by work. Quickly, I packed the necessary things into my bag and carried the tulips that were wrapped perfectly well in my hands.I took a cab to my mother's hospital, greeted the receptionist, picked a card and headed to her ward. The ward didn't smell particularly nice but I was already used to it since I came here more than four times every week in the past."Mom!" -- "Oh my God, Riley!" We both shouted simultaneously as we threw ourselves into each other’s arms.Tears spilled from my eyes. I was so happy that she was gradually improving. Never had I thought I would get to see my mother or hug her this close again."Riley, how are you doing? You have lost a lot of weight!" My mother exclaimed, pushing me backwards to take a good look.I rolled my eyes and chuckled. "Mom, I have missed you so much. You don't know how much, that's why i haven't been doing well." That was the