Hazel's POV

As Monday morning arrived, I woke up feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. It was the start of a new week, and I couldn't help but wonder how things would be with Aiden after our dinner together. Part of me was glad that we had cleared the air and decided to be friends, but another part was still cautious about getting too close to my boss.

When I told Chloe what happened, she was hesitant. She was still mad at both Spencer and Aiden, and she didn't trust Aiden.

I always try to see the good in people. That's what I gave Aiden the benefit of the doubt.

I got ready for work, choosing a simple yet professional outfit. As I left my apartment, I couldn't help but notice Aiden waiting by his car. He waved at me and walked over.

"Morning, Hazel. Ready for another exciting day at the firm?" he greeted me with a warm smile.

"Good morning, Aiden," I replied, a hint of nervousness still present in my voice. "I guess I'm as ready as I can be."

He chuckled. "Don't worry, Hazel. It'll be a great day. We're friends now, remember?"

I couldn't help but smile at his reassurance. Maybe being friends with my boss wouldn't be such a bad thing after all.

As we drove to the office, we engaged in casual conversation, discussing weekend plans and sharing a few laughs. Aiden's presence was surprisingly comforting, and I found myself relaxing in his company.

When we arrived at the firm, we greeted the receptionist and made our way to the elevator. Aiden pressed the button, and we stood side by side, waiting for the doors to open.

The elevator doors opened, and we stepped out onto our floor. As we walked towards our respective offices.

Once I settled into my desk, I focused on my work, determined to prove myself as a capable secretary. Throughout the day, Aiden and I interacted professionally, discussing projects and attending meetings. However, there was an underlying sense of camaraderie between us, making the work environment more enjoyable.

During lunchtime, Aiden invited me to join him. I accepted the invitation, wanting to further embrace our friendship. As we sat around the table, engaging in light-hearted conversations, I couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging.

As the day came to an end, Aiden approached my desk with a smile. "Ready to head home, Hazel? I promise not to blast any embarrassing music this time."

I laughed, grateful for his consideration. "That's reassuring. Let's go."

"So Alice had been asking about you, and I suggested that the three of us could hang out on the weekend." Aiden said as he drove.

"Sure" I agreed. "How about Sunday? Im going to visit the kids at the hospital on Saturday" I said.

"Sunday works. You know you really have a kind heart Hazel. You spend you free time helping others" Aiden said and I instantly blushed.

"I just enjoy helping kids. They're going thru so much." I replied.

"You're really are something else" Aiden said and I once again blushed and looked out the window as we drove home.

Finally, Friday arrived, and as I was getting ready to head out for lunch, my phone buzzed with a text from Michael. He asked if we could have lunch together, and I agreed.

As I left my desk, Aiden approached me. "Hey, Hazel, want to grab lunch together?"

I hesitated, knowing I had already made plans with Michael. "I'm sorry, Aiden, but I already agreed to have lunch with Michael today."

His face fell slightly, and a flicker of irritation crossed his features before he quickly masked it. "Oh, I see. No problem. Maybe next time then," he said, his tone tinged with disappointment.

Feeling a pang of guilt, I tried to lighten the mood. "Definitely, Aiden. We'll have plenty of opportunities. Enjoy your lunch, and I'll see you later."

I met Michael at a little restaurant down the block. I arrived before he did so I sat at a booth.

"Hi Hazel." I heard Michael say and I looked up at him.

"Hey" I replied.

"How are you feeling?" He asked.

"Great, a lot better" I replied.

"I'm glad to hear that Hazel. You scared all of us." He said. I blushed remembering what happened at that awful dinner party.

"Well I feel a lot better now." I replied.

"Good. The kids really missed you. I heard you did come in to see off Alice" he said.

"Yeah, I got really close to her and her brother asked me if I could accompany him, so I did" I replied.

"I see" he replied with an irritated look. "Are you coming on Saturday?" He asked.

"I am." I replied and Michael smiled.

"Great. I'm feel like I'm doing a little better with the kids. They ko longer start crying whenever I enter the room" he said.

I laughed at his joke. "I'm glad. You know kids sense your energy. If you enter the room all tense, then they get tense."

"That why I still need your help Hazel" he said.

"I still don't know how I'm helping you but if you think whatever I'm doing is helping then I'm here for you." I said and Michael smiled.

Just then Michael received a phone call. "I have to go back to the hospital. See you tomorrow Hazel" he said pulling out a hundred dollar bill and running out. I tried to protest but he wouldn't let me and said he had to run back to the hospital.

I then made it back to the office.
Throughout the day, I couldn't shake the feeling that Aiden was acting somewhat distant and irritable. It puzzled me, and I wondered if my lunch plans with Michael had caused any tension between us. I tried not to dwell on it too much, focusing on my work and the upcoming outing with Alice and Aiden.

As the end of the day approached, Aiden approached my desk, his face still slightly strained. "Ready to head home, Hazel?"

I smiled, hoping to ease any lingering tension. "Of course, Aiden. Thanks for the ride."

We walked to the parking lot in silence, the air feeling slightly awkward. Once inside the car, Aiden started the engine, and we began the journey home. The atmosphere between us remained strained, and I couldn't help but wonder what had caused this sudden change in his demeanor.

As we drove, I decided to address the elephant in the room. "Aiden, is everything okay? You've seemed a bit off today."

He glanced at me briefly before focusing on the road. "Yeah, everything's fine, Hazel. Just a long day, I guess."

I nodded, not fully convinced by his response. "If you ever want to talk about anything, remember that we're friends now. I'm here for you, Aiden."

He gave me a half-hearted smile. "Thanks, Hazel. I appreciate that."

The rest of the drive was filled with a somewhat uneasy silence, and my mind continued to churn with questions. What could have caused his sudden shift in mood? Was it because I had lunch plans with Michael instead of him?

Once we arrived at our apartment complex, Aiden parked the car, and we walked towards our respective units. Before parting ways, he turned to me and said, "Hey, don't forget about our outing with Alice this weekend. It's going to be fun."

I reassured him with a smile. "Don't worry, Aiden. I haven't forgotten. I'm looking forward to it."

He nodded, his features softening slightly. "Good. Have a great evening, Hazel."

"You too, Aiden," I replied, trying to hide my concern.

As I entered my apartment, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was amiss. Aiden's behavior throughout the day continued to puzzle me, and I couldn't help but wonder why.