Chapter 3: Who Could Be So Unlucky to Be Liked by Such a Man?

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves as I stood outside Aiden Katz’s office. My heart raced, my hands were clammy, and I felt like I was about to face a firing squad. Disguising myself had seemed like a good idea at the time—makeup that was too heavy, clothes that were frumpy—but now I was second-guessing everything. What if he saw through it? What if he recalled upon seeing me again?

The hallway was eerily quiet, the only sound, my own anxious breathing. I could see my reflection on the polished marble floors, a distorted image that mirrored my inner turmoil. I adjusted my glasses, hoping they added to the illusion of plainness I was trying to project. The overhead lights cast a harsh glare, illuminating every insecurity I had about this charade.

I pushed the thoughts away. No time for doubts. I had to stay focused.

---

As I stepped inside, I was hit by the cool air and the unmistakable scent of leather and cologne. The combination was almost overwhelming, a stark contrast to the bustling chaos outside. Aiden sat behind his imposing mahogany desk, his piercing eyes locking onto me the moment I entered. It felt like his gaze could strip away any pretense, laying bare my deepest insecurities. The intensity of his stare made my stomach churn with a mix of anxiety and defiance.

The office perfectly reflected Aiden's refined taste. Dark woods and sleek, modern lines created an atmosphere of both elegance and power. Every piece of furniture seemed meticulously chosen to reflect a sense of authority and sophistication. Floor-to-ceiling windows lined one side of the room, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the city skyline. The skyscrapers glittered in the afternoon sun, a view that only someone like Aiden could command. This was his kingdom, and he was its undisputed ruler.

The walls were adorned with abstract art, the kind that suggested wealth and cultured sensibility without revealing too much about the man himself. Aiden's leather-bound books lined the shelves, their spines unbroken, serving more as decorations than sources of knowledge. A carefully curated collection of awards and plaques was displayed, each one a silent testament to his achievements.

If I put my hatred aside, I would have to admit that Aiden had impeccable taste and was undeniably a capable leader. However, that was something I would never say out loud. Instead, I straightened my back, trying to match his unwavering confidence with my own façade of indifference.

"Ms. Madden," he said, his voice as smooth as silk but carrying an edge that set my nerves on fire. "Have a seat."

I sat down, forcing myself to maintain eye contact. This was a man who could smell fear. I couldn’t let him see mine. His desk was immaculate, papers stacked in neat piles, a laptop open but turned away from me. A single photograph of him with a group of executives, all smiles and confidence, was the only personal touch.

Aiden leaned back in his chair, studying me with a critical eye. "We need to discuss the incident from the other night," he began, his tone firm and unyielding. "I presume you've already heard about someone slipping into my tent at the last camp. Since you were the only one unwell the next morning, I have reason to believe you might have some information."

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "Funny, because I’ve heard otherwise," he said, a hint of skepticism creeping into his voice. "Witnesses place you near my tent that night. Care to explain?"

My heart skipped a beat. How had he found out? I had been so careful. "I was looking for food," I stammered. "I… I saw things I shouldn’t have seen."

His lips curved into a half-smile, one that didn’t reach his eyes. "Things like what?"

I hesitated, my mind racing for a plausible lie. "I… I saw some rather unspeakable movements in your tent, so...uhhh yeah."

"Ahem." Aiden gave a rather unnatural cough, almost as if he might trip if he were walking. I'll consider that a small win.

"I see," Aiden said, his tone stiff. Then, as if I were hallucinating, he reverted back to his serious look. "Since you witnessed the scene, I'm sure you can make out the woman I'm looking for. If you can find her for me, I’ll see to it that you get a promotion."

The room felt like it was closing in on me. "But… but what if I can’t find her?"

"Then you’re of no use to me," Aiden said bluntly. "Now, get to work."

See? This is one of the many reasons why I didn’t quite like Aiden– most especially the professional Aiden Katz.

I nodded, turning on my heel and practically fleeing the office. Just as I was about to escape, Aiden’s assistant walked in, escorting a woman I recognized immediately: Dolores Hart, the company’s CFO. She was all smiles, batting her eyelashes at Aiden as if they were old friends. Dolores was a striking woman, with perfectly coiffed hair and a wardrobe that screamed sophistication and power. She moved with the grace of someone who knew exactly how to wield her charms.

"Aiden, darling," Dolores purred, sliding up to his desk. "So good to see you again."

I couldn't believe it. Dolores was actually claiming to be the woman from that night! My anger flared, but I kept my face neutral. This was my secret, and I wasn't about to let her mess it up.

Aiden looked skeptical but let her talk. "Really, Ms. Hart? You're sure it was you that night?"

"Of course," she said with a coy smile. "You were so charming, and we had an incredible time. Remember?"

Dolores spun her tale effortlessly, describing a night that was pure fiction. "You were wearing that navy blue suit I love. We had a few drinks, talked about the future of the company… and then things just happened. You were so passionate."

As she spoke, jealousy hit me. It wasn’t like I wanted Aiden’s attention, but seeing Dolores fawning over him made my blood boil. She described moments and details that were too perfect, too rehearsed. I clenched my fists under the table, my nails digging into my palms.

Aiden’s expression shifted from skeptical to outright disbelief. "Dolores Hart, that's enough," he said coldly. "You and I both know that never happened."

Dolores’s smile faltered, but she quickly tried to laugh it off. "Oh, Aiden, you're such a tease."

"I'm not teasing," he snapped. "Do you think I have no feelings? Or that I'm stupid?"

Dolores blanched but tried to regain her composure. "I didn’t realize you were usually such a prude and so good in bed," she shot back, her tone dripping with fake bravado.

I couldn’t help but cringe. An incredibly reckless one. Aiden’s eyes darkened, and the tension in the room cranked up another notch.

"Ethan," Aiden barked, his voice like ice, "find out if the ecstasy drug in my water glass has anything to do with Dolores Hart. If it does, get rid of her quickly. If it doesn’t, send her to France. I don’t want to see her again."

Dolores's face contorted in anger, but before she could respond, Ethan was already ushering her out. I watched the scene unfold, my heart pounding. It was a good thing I hadn’t admitted anything. Otherwise, I would have been the one thrown out.

Aiden turned to me, his expression softening just a fraction. “You're still here,” he said quietly. “What are you doing? Go to work. Do you also want to be transferred?”

I shook my head vigorously. “No, sir. I’ll go find the woman for you.”

As I left the office, I couldn't help but feel the weight of my deception. Inside, I was screaming: This woman is me. Where am I going to find a “me” for him?

Back at my desk, I took a moment to collect myself. I needed help, and there was only one person I could trust with this: Daisy. I grabbed my phone and dialed her number.

“Daisy, I have a favor to ask of you,” I said as soon as she picked up.

“What's up, Claire?” she asked, her voice warm and reassuring.

“I need you to get rid of the surveillance footage near the campground,” I explained. “It's a matter of life and death.”

There was a pause on the other end. “You got it. I'll take care of it.”

I let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you. I owe you one.”

I hung up and returned to my seat, my mind still reeling. Just then, a coworker, leaned over, her eyes wide with excitement. “Did you hear about Dolores?” she whispered conspiratorially. “She tried to fool Aiden, and he threw her out. Serves her right, considering she has a boyfriend.”

I nodded absently, my thoughts still swirling. “Yeah, I heard,” I muttered, trying to focus on her words. But my mind kept drifting back to my own tangled situation.

Sensing my distraction, pressed on. “Can you believe the nerve of her? I mean, trying to pin that night on Aiden? And all the while, she's been flaunting her boyfriend around like some trophy.”

I forced a smile. “Yeah, it's crazy.”

She lowered her voice even more, leaning closer. “I heard Aiden was furious. He didn't just throw her out; he sent her packing to France. Imagine that! One minute you're trying to pull a fast one, and the next, you're on a plane to Paris.”

I raised an eyebrow. “France? Seriously?”

She nodded eagerly. “Yep. Ethan practically dragged her out of the building. People are saying Aiden's not messing around anymore. He's cleaning house.”

I swallowed hard, my own guilt gnawing at me. “Sounds intense.”

She blabbered on, oblivious to my inner turmoil. “You know, I always thought Dolores was a bit shady. But this? This takes the cake. I wonder how her boyfriend is taking the news.”

I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. “Who knows? Maybe he doesn't even care.”

She laughed. “Maybe. Or maybe he's as clueless as she thought Aiden was.”

I managed a weak chuckle, but inside, I was falling apart. I had slept with Aiden even though I was in an arranged marriage. The guilt was eating me alive. I knew I had to end it all—the marriage, the lies—everything.

“Anyway,” she said, straightening up, “I should get back to work. Just thought you'd want to know the latest drama.”

“Thanks,” I said, grateful for the distraction, even if it was brief.

As she walked away, I sank deeper into my chair, my thoughts racing. How had my life become such a mess? I needed to think, to figure out my next move. But one thing was clear: I couldn't keep living this lie.

I called my mom, and when I told her I was going to call off my engagement with that man, Mom, of course, disagreed.

“How could you refuse an engagement to Aiden, he's a very nice man!”

“Well, Mom, I'm still at work, I can't talk much longer.” I guess Mom is really stubborn, “I'll talk to you in person in a few days.”

After hanging up the phone, I felt something was wrong. Wait a minute. What did mom just say?

Aiden?

“Could it be that the man I was meant to marry is Aiden, my boss?”

I laughed at my own ridiculous thoughts.

There were so many people with the same name in the world, and my link was my nemesis boss?

I didn't think there's such a thing as coincidence under the sun.