Humble son-in-law in the day, Billionaire at night

8

“Oh, you don't have to look so sad about that,” Aidan's mother-in-law says.

“I don't know how Harper will feel about it…we've…” he looks down, deliberately lowering his voice. “She's my best friend and I don't…I don't want to do anything that will make her feel bad.”

“Oh, gosh, you're so sweet,” Aiden's mother-in-law says. “I already said that is nothing to worry about.”

“But…” Wesley looks at Aiden, faking a concerned look. “Will you be okay with it?”

Aiden scoffs. “I sure look okay. What damn sort of man will hear this shit you're saying and still remain sane?”

“Aiden, this is going to be my last warning,” Aiden's father-in-law says. “Shut up right now.”

Aiden looks at his father-in-law and shakes his head. “I'm sorry, sir, but there is no way this is going to happen when I'm still in this house.”

“That's what you want? I can now see how ungrateful you are. Park your things and get out of this house,” Aiden's father-in-law orders.

Immediately, Wesley gets on his feet in front of Aiden's father-in-law. “Please, forgive him, sir. I'm not married but I have had a couple of girlfriends and I know how it feels if one of them starts going out with some other guy.”

Aiden's father-in-law gets up and tries to pull Wesley up. Wesley won't budge until the man promises to allow Aiden to stay in the house.

“It'll cause Harper more pain and I'll rather give up my life than to see Harper in pain,” Wesley insists.

Aiden's father-in-law shoots a hard glare at Aiden. “I don't want to see you around.”

Aiden storms out of the place back to the room.

Wesley can barely keep his smile to himself. What a good thing to be rich…and have a brain.

“Honey, Aiden's behaviour is getting out of hand. Look at the way he's talking to us as if he's the one providing for our meals?”

“It must be because he doesn't know how hard it is to actually make money.”

“That reminds me,” Aiden's mother-in-law says, “we have to get him a job. The time he spent in this house is enough.”

“Sorry to interrupt,” Wesley says gently. “Are you in search of a job for Aiden?”

“Yes. I have checked around but no one is willing to employ someone who's never been to the four walls of a school,” Aiden's mother-in-law says.

“I think…” Wesley pretends to think. This is actually the best time to put Aiden where belong. That stupid unthinking fool. “I think there is a vacancy at my company. If you don't mind, he could resume working tomorrow.”

“Did you just ask? We don't mind at all. The earlier he gets his lazy butt out of this house, the better.”

Wesley nods. “Alright. By the way, would you mind if I have a word with Harper?”

“Of course, no! She must be in her room. Maybe she's still exhausted from all the work.”

Wesley gets up, bows slightly and leaves. As he goes, he hears whispers from Harper's parents.

“I wish he was the one who got married to Harper…”

“Respect and wealth. Such a rare combination to see in a young man…”

Wesley grins. Yeah…respect. They should wait until they find out what he's prepared for them. That old fool especially.

Inside their room, Aiden leans on the wall, taking slow breaths to calm himself. He can't afford to mess things up right now. He's spent too much time wasting it.

He glances at his wife. She has her head buried in her hands by the foot of the bed. He swallows hard.

“Babe…”

“I fucked up, Aiden. I had no idea…”

“What are you talking about?”

“I…the owner of the Vicholas group…he…” she stands up, runs her hand through her hair. Damn…how do people cheat on their spouses? She didn't deliberately say all she told that man knowing the man was not talking about her husband and she feels really shitty.

“Are you okay?” She hears Aiden ask her.

She walks closer to him. “I love you.” His face flushes and she can swear hers does too. “Whatever happens, just remember that.”

“Don't do any crazy thing.”

“Actually, you could just have said you love me back.”

Aiden is about to give a taunting reply when the door bursts open and Wesley bangs in. He looks back and forth between Aiden and Harper, a hint of envy flashes across his face.

“I need to have a minute alone with you, Harper,” he says.

“Sure…go ahead.”

He nudges at Aiden.

“Come on, Aiden is my husband,” Harper says. “You can say whatever you want to tell me while he's here.”

Wesley forces a laugh. “My bad. When will I get used to it? I thought it was still back then when you and I had secrets.”He places emphasis on the ‘secrets’. “You must have told him all of that now.”

Aiden glances at Harper. She looks away from him sharply.

“So…you were going to tell me something?” Harper asks.

“Yeah. I don't know how much you know about all that happened last night, you were not on—”

“Just get straight to the point,” Aiden impatiently.

Wesley hisses under his breath. “The owner of the Vicholas group invited us to a party tonight. Will you be able to make it? It's really important to the contract.”