Chapter 12: New Job

In the next few days, Aaron began preparing for his meeting at Acadia Media Group. The previous day, Natalie had texted him the details of the meeting—its location and time. As he stepped out the door, he checked his watch. The meeting was in thirty minutes, and he couldn't afford to be late. After all, what would people say if the new CEO showed up tardy?

As he made his way to the driveway, he saw a well-dressed woman waiting in front of the house. She stood confidently, tapping her foot impatiently. It was Vivian Carter.

"What took you so long? I've been waiting for twenty minutes," she said with irritation.

Aaron frowned. "Vivian, what are you doing here? If you're looking for Sarah, she's already at work."

Vivian rolled her eyes. "Don't you think I already know that? Have you seriously forgotten why I'm here? Are you really that stupid? Just get in the car already."

Aaron's confusion deepened. "I'm not going anywhere with you, Vivian, unless you tell me where we're going."

Vivian let out a dramatic sigh. "You really did forget, didn't you? Honestly, I'm beginning to regret this already," she said, shaking her head. "Listen, if you still want this job, you'll get in the car. Otherwise, stop wasting my time. I'm already on a tight schedule."

Aaron finally understood why she was there. Though skeptical, he decided to get in the car since they were headed to the same destination. As he moved toward the passenger seat, Vivian abruptly stopped him.

"No, no, no. Don't even think about it. Go to the back seat. You're not worthy to sit next to me," she snapped.

Aaron rolled his eyes but complied, settling into the back seat. Vivian started the car, and they drove off. The silence between them grew heavy until Aaron decided to break it.

"So, Vi, what's this job you've arranged for me? I hope it's a good one. I wouldn't want to waste my days on a terrible job," Aaron said jokingly.

"Firstly, don't call me Vi. That's only for my friends, and you and I are not friends," Vivian replied coldly. "Frankly, the sight of you makes me want to gag. I think you should crawl into a hole and disappear."

Aaron blinked, taken aback. "What did I ever do to you to deserve this level of hostility?" he asked.

Vivian let out a cold chuckle. "What did you do? It's simple: you exist. You're a leech, Aaron. You married Sarah to mooch off her. She's been miserable ever since she married you, and yet you lack the decency to leave her. Sarah deserves someone who can take care of her, someone who's her equal. Instead, she's stuck with a useless bum who can't even hold a job. You're weak, spineless, and incapable of protecting her. The only reason I'm helping you get a job is for Sarah's sake. If you want me to stop hating you, leave her. Simple as that."

Aaron sighed. He could see that Vivian genuinely cared about Sarah, but her animosity toward him always seemed excessive. He checked his watch; the meeting was in five minutes. He hoped they'd arrive soon, but suddenly the car stopped in front of a Starbucks.

"Coffee? Seriously? We're running late, and you're stopping for coffee?" Aaron muttered under his breath. "I swear, when I become CEO, she's the first to go."

Vivian returned a few minutes later with a cup of coffee. She placed it in the cupholder and started the car without a word. Aaron couldn't help but ask, "Is it wise to be late on my first day at the job you supposedly arranged for me?"

"Aaron, would you just shut up?" Vivian snapped.

"Oh, she's definitely getting fired today," Aaron thought.

When they finally arrived at the Acadia Media Group building, Vivian parked the car, and they both got out. As they walked toward the entrance, Vivian spoke.

"Listen, Aaron, you'll be working as a janitor. That's the best job I could find for someone with your skills. Be grateful, and don't embarrass me. If you see me in the building, don't address me. And don't mention to anyone that we know each other," she said.

"Fine by me," Aaron replied nonchalantly.

They entered the elevator, and Vivian pressed the button for the 48th floor. Aaron, however, stayed inside when the doors opened and pressed the button for the 50th floor. Vivian stepped out but quickly realized Aaron wasn't following her. She turned to see the elevator doors closing.

"Aaron, what the hell are you doing?" she shouted, running to intercept the elevator, but it was too late. The elevator was already on its way up. Panic set in as she saw the elevator headed for the 50th floor—the CEO's floor.

Vivian bolted up the stairs, arriving at the 50th floor out of breath. She spotted Aaron entering the executive meeting room and felt her blood run cold. Ignoring everyone, she stormed into the room and grabbed Aaron by the collar.

"I swear, Aaron, I'm going to kill you! I do you a favor, and this is how you repay me? By trying to cause trouble?" she screamed.

Natalie's voice cut through the tension. "Miss Carter, is this how an employee of this company behaves, especially on their first day?"

Vivian froze, suddenly realizing where she was. She glanced around the room, seeing the board of executives and the CEO—Todd Davis. Her face turned pale.

"I'm sorry, Miss Stirling," Vivian stammered. "I didn't mean to disrespect you or anyone else. I just wanted to make sure this idiot didn't cause trouble."

"I'm sorry, Miss Carter. Did you just call Mister Turner an idiot?" Natalie asked coolly.

Vivian was confused as to why Natalie, referred to Aaron as Mister Turner. "Yes, i know it's rude but believe me this guy is an idiot," she said, doubling down.

Natalie's expression remained neutral. "Miss Carter, Mister Turner is the new CEO of Acadia Media Group."

Vivian let out a nervous laugh, thinking it was a joke. "Aaron? A CEO? Yeah, right. And I'm the queen of England," she said. But as she looked around, no one else was laughing. The truth finally dawned on her.

Aaron smirked. Vivian's heart sank. For the first time in her life, she was at a loss for words.