I was peacefully sleeping when someone decided that this was enough for today and woke me up with endless knocks. My medications help me to sleep peacefully without my usual nightmares, but after waking up, it took me some time to connect with reality. It took me a few more minutes and endless knocking to understand what had happened the past few days. First of all, I am not engaged with the love of my life anymore. My ex-fiance kissed me without my permission, and that caused my panic attack. My favorite unknown psycho friend is back, but hey, I am getting married to my ex-fiance’s elder brother. This is not even funny. I can't believe this all happened for two days.

What am I going to do now? Marry Aiden. I mean, in the past, he was giving me chills because he is, you know, kind of creepy and there is no emotion in him. Is he some kind of sociopath or something? I heard that it was his father's fault; he raised him to be anything but cold and calculative. He was forced to be this way. He is a future heir, after all. The one who knows no mercy.

What if he is the same as me? I shake my head. Nonsense. None of it is going to happen with you, Allison. He kind of likes you. I don’t know why, but he is protecting me all the time. He chased after me, comforted me, protected me, held me while I was sleeping, and even beat Rob for me.

I am not naive enough to believe he did this all because he is a decent man or gentleman. No, not his type. He is the one who takes everything he wants, and now he wants me. “Be a pawn or a queen; it is your choice." His words left a deep trace in my mind. Sure, he has some interest in me; most likely, it includes being intimate with him. People like him don't have a heart. He just wants to own something his brother can’t. This is all, Allison. Do not overthink that you need to get your shit together and marry him if you want to protect yourself from this psycho.

Suddenly, all my thoughts vanished when I heard his voice.

“Allison? Sweetheart, please answer me. I am worried. Where are you? Lisa, I swear to God, if you don’t open this door, I am going to break this shit." What is he doing here?

Then I recall last night's events. He promised to come to my place.

“Aiden? I am here. Just give me a second. I am naked.” I feel my cheeks flush saying this to him. You may think that it's weird, but I love sleeping naked. This is so comfortable and healthy. Everyone should try to sleep like this. I remember Rob’s reaction when I told him I was sleeping naked. He was so excited to sleep with me so he could engrave my naked body in his memory forever. Most of the days, my naked body lying beside him meant we were naked and having sex. What can I say? It was fun. And here we are again, recalling the memory of the asshole who broke my heart. I need to see my therapist, or I will go crazy more than I am right now.

When I opened the door, something unexpected happened. Aiden crossed the distance between us and hugged me so hard I was sure I couldn't breathe.

“Lis I was so worried about you. Why didn’t you answer my calls? I was calling you for the last 20 minutes and there was no response. I thought something had happened to you. Never do this to me again, Lisa. I thought I lost you.” He was desperate. Never in my life did I consider the possibility of hearing him sound desperate.

“I am fine, Aiden; don’t worry. It’s because of my meds that I pass out as soon as I take them, and sometimes after that, I am short of losing the connection with reality. It takes time.” I decided to skip the part when I am scared for my life because he is back, and if I don’t get married to him, I am as good as dead.

“Why are you taking medications, sweetheart? Are you okay?” He said he was worried. I can’t believe he is worried for me. This is kind of sweet.

"Yes, I am fine.” No, I am not; my old friend is back and will soon kill me for what I did.

“I talked to Richard about marriage, and he blessed us. The PR team will deal with the consequences by telling the media that you and Rob split up a year ago but continue attending events together to maintain your image. But then we started working together for “NexGen Innovations" and fell in love. When I confessed my feelings for you, you broke up with Rob officially, and now we want to get married. What do you think?"

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Well, I mean. Great, that's great. I love it."

"Good, because there is no way in hell that I am letting you go this time." He said it almost possessively. Wait, did he say this this time? What does he mean by saying this? Does he like me romantically?

"Aiden, we need to talk. What do you gain from this? I mean, I am not someone you can consider a profitable case. Why are you doing this?” I said that my voice was almost shaking. Maybe I should just accept his help, but on the other hand, I need to know what he wants from me in return. If I want him to look at me like his equal, I should think like him.

“I have to admit something to you,sweetheart. I can no longer keep this weight to myself; I've been carrying it for the past three years. I felt something I had never felt before the instant I lay eyes on you. It was more than a fleeting attraction—rather, it was a deep bond that got deeper every day.

Lis, I've been in love with you. It's not something I expected or planned for, but it is a fact that cannot be denied.Your presence has become an integral part of my life, and the thought of not having you by my side is unbearable.

I am aware that our path has been unusual and that the conditions we have lived in have not been typical. But my feelings for you have simply grown stronger in spite of everything. I don't want to live a life without you because I am unable to imagine it.

My love for you has been a constant, unwavering force in my life, and I couldn't keep it hidden any longer.”

As Aiden confessed his love, admitting he'd been in love with me for the past three years, I was left speechless. His words surprised me, and I felt a mix of emotions — confusion, disbelief, and uncertainty.

I looked at him with wide eyes, not knowing how to respond. The unexpected revelation left me feeling overwhelmed, and I struggled to grasp the depth of Aiden's feelings.

A moment of silence hung between us, filled with unspoken emotions and the weight of this newfound truth. My mind was in turmoil as I tried to process what Aiden had just shared.

Aiden's unexpected confession left me utterly speechless. My mind was a whirlwind of emotions – surprise, confusion, and a hint of disbelief. The weight of his words hung in the air, and I struggled to find the right response.

"All these years," I murmured, my voice barely audible. "I had no idea." My eyes met his, searching for any signs that this might be some elaborate joke or misunderstanding.

As Aiden's confession sank in, I couldn't deny the connection we shared. It was more than I had initially thought, and the revelation felt both overwhelming and surreal.

"I never imagined... I mean, I didn't realize it went this deep," I admitted, my words stumbling out as I tried to make sense of it all.

Aiden's honesty was both disarming and unsettling. The dynamics of our relationship had taken an unexpected turn, and I needed time to process the implications of his feelings.

"I appreciate your honesty, Aiden," I finally said, a mix of gratitude and uncertainty in my tone. "This changes things, and I need some time to figure out how I feel about all of this."

Aiden nodded, his expression a combination of comprehension and anticipation. The unspoken question hung in the air: What would happen next for us? I realized that decisions had to be made, and the way forward needed careful thought.

His eyes unwavering, he said, "Allison, I understand your need for time and understanding. I never intended to put you under pressure. Whatever happens, I commit to being there for you and will respect your decisions. We'll take this one step at a time. But I am desperate at the thought of not spending time with you after almost losing you. I can’t take it, Lis."

I could relate to his statements since they were a combination of honesty and desire. Even though the realization had added another level of complication, Aiden's commitment to helping me along the way was clear.

“I.. It’s better if you leave right now. I need some time to process everything. I will call you when I am ready, Aiden.”

“I will wait for your call, Sweatherat. Take care of yourself and call me if Rob dares to call you after everything.” I can sense his jealousy; he is freaking jealous. Knowing that Aiden is in love with me is both confusing and almost comforting. Never in my life did I consider that Aiden Miller would confess his feelings for me.

“He won’t”

“I will make sure of it," and then he just kissed my cheek. This almost soft gesture made my cheeks heat.

Then, when I looked at him, I saw him smiling. Wait, he has freaking dimples. The cutest dimples I have ever seen. He looks so cute and almost saintly. Aiden Miller is everything but a saint.

“You look adorable when you are shy, sweetheart. Did anyone tell you this? Don't tell me, or I will be jealous and most likely kill the poor bastard. Smile more, sweetheart." That was his last words until he left my apartment, leaving me more confused than I was...