Amy

"These are perfect, Mr. Kingston. This place will be exactly how I wished it to be. I am really happy with your services. In fact, we are so impressed that we have decided that we will be recommending your company to all our friends and business associates", said the Duke's daughter-in-law making us all grin with happiness.

It has been ten days since we last met the Duke's grandson and I made all the changes they had asked. His parent's were here today and after showing them the designs, their reaction to the plan was just marvellous.

"I thank you, Mrs. Silva, for your appreciation. But, I think it is Amelia, here, who the credit goes to", Aaron said shocking me. I looked at him surprised and he gave me a nod in return.

"Of course, thank you, Amelia. This is just splendid. I think we should start the construction as soon as possible, then?" asked Mrs. Silva.

"Yes, definitely. I will talk to my construction team and we should get started soon. I will share the updates via email."

"Perfect. Darling, are you forgetting something?" Mrs. Silva ask her husband with a suggestive look.

"Oh yes, of course. Mr. Kingston, we are planning to built another office in Italy. We haven't decided on the location yet, but, I would like if you could work on that project as well, once we get the perfect location", said Mr. Silva.

"Of course, sir. That would be my pleasure", Aaron said shaking his hand.

"Great! See you then", said Mr. Silva getting up. We all got up along with him.

"Also, Mr. Kingston? Once this home is built, I will host a small party. Consider this as a pre-invite for you and your wife", Mr. Silva said making me jump in my place. I looked at Aaron who continued talking to her as they walked out of the room.

Everyone else left as I continued packing my designs.

"That went very well, didn't it?" Aaron said making me jump again.

"Stop sneaking up on me!" I said turning to look at him.

Aaron laughed and said pointing to the table, "I came to pick up my phone."

I smiled at him lightly and said, "I believe you deserve be congratulated. A very successful project overseas, Duke's family recommending you to their friends and a new project lined up already. I think you have a lot of reasons to be elated."

"I am elated. On top of the world, to be honest", Aaron said grinning.

"Congratulations, Mr. Kingston", I said with a small smile.

"Thanks, Amelia", Aaron said smiling back.

"Why did you give the credit to me?", I asked with a frown.

"You deserve the credit, Amelia. You have worked really hard on this project", Aaron smiled.

"I was just doing my job. Besides, I couldn't have done it so good without you, Mr. Kingston", I told him honestly.

"Of course not. You would have done it anyway. I just helped you get there faster", Aaron shrugged.

"Does it mean you agree that I won the challenge? Did you lose in just two months and two weeks?" I asked cheekily.

Aaron scoffed, "No way. There is still a lot more to face. Be ready."

"I am ready. Let's see what more you have in store for me", I replied cockily and he chuckled.

We just stared at each other for a few seconds. Why is it that we are always on good terms inside this conference room? As soon as we leave this room, something or the other goes wrong. Why can't Aaron be like this everywhere? It will get so much easier to handle him? Yes, of course. His revenge. I think the conference room is the only place where he doesn't remember that.

Just then, his phone rang. Since, I was closer I picked it up to hand over to him. I saw the caller.

"It is Marcus", I said handing it over to him. As usual, he just hanged up.

"Why don't you just pick it up and tell him once and for all that you are not interested?" I asked him and turned to pack my designs.

"Who said I am not interested?" Aaron asked me.

"Well, I have never seen you pick up." I told him.

"You do know that I did talk to him two days ago, right?" he asked making me look at him.

"How would I possibly know?" I asked him with a frown.

"He didn't tell you?" he asked me.

"I told you I haven't talked to him in seven months", I shrugged as I walked towards the door.

"But.." Aaron stood there with a frown.

"Are you coming?" I asked holding the door for him.

"Yes, let's go" Aaron shook his head and walked out.

As we entered the elevator, everyone congratulated Aaron. Guess, the words spread already. I could see the happiness in his eyes. He really worked very hard on this expansion to Europe. I don't care, at this moment, if Aaron is a really bad husband. I don't care about the whole revenge shit. Aaron is my boss right now. Only my boss. And as an employee, I am really happy for him. I'd say he deserves the praise.

Soon, we reached our floor and everyone exited the elevator. All the other employees saw him and crowded near him to congratulate Aaron.

"Everyone, it is not just my success. It is everyone's success. So, congratulations to all of you too. Keep up the good work", Aaron told everyone.

Eventually, everyone went back to work. Aaron went to his office still smiling happily. I was still standing outside the cubicle area in a corner.

"Big win, huh? Have to give him the credit even if he is your enemy", Luke asked me with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, big win. Speaking of credit, you know he actually gave the whole credit to me in front of the clients." I said with a smirk.

"No, seriously?" Luke said.

"Uh huh. Very serious. He said that I had worked really hard on it and I deserve it."

"That's...something. What did you say to him?" he asked.

I frowned and said, "Nothing. What should I say? His wish. I just changed the topic."

"Amy?" Luke stared at me open mouthed. "He gave the entire credit to you for something that was so important for him. That means that he really appreciates you and your work. You didn't say anything to him? Maybe a thanks?"

But, before I could reply, there was a loud noise. It was a sound of something crashing and it came from Aaron's office.

"I don't fucking care! I am not scared of you! You can go to hell! I am not your bloody servant to listen everything you say! Understood? You can do whatever you want. I do not give a damn about any of your empty threats! Just go burn in hell!" Aaron yelled at someone inside his office and then, we heard a loud thud sound making us all flinch. Probably, he threw his phone across the room.

Even though the door was shut, we could here everything. Aaron sounded really angry. Whoever was on the receiving end must have done something really bad to piss him off like this.

"Wow. What was that?" Luke whispered beside me, taking a deep breath.

Everyone was still in shock and was looking at the shut door of the office in fear.

I was unable to say anything for a second and just continued staring open mouth.

Finally, I could take my eyes off the door, "I have no idea", I said slowly. I took a shaky breath and continued, "I have known Aaron for a long time. I have never seen or heard Aaron like this. He is always calm and composed. He is rude with me and has yelled at me a lot of times in the last four months of our marriage. But, I am an exception for everything he does. Except me, I have never seen him yell at anyone. This...this is not Aaron."

"I guess, something is off. Amy, you should go check on him", Luke suggested.

"Are you crazy? Why would I go? He can do whatever he wants. I couldn't care less," I said.

Luke looked at me with a serious expression, "Look, Amy, I do not think his secretary is in office right now. It sounds serious and, like you said, it is out of normal. He may do something crazy like hurt himself. Maybe seeing you will get him back to his senses."

"He will just yell at me too, Luke. Besides, why should I care?" I asked Luke, biting my lip.

But, deep down, I knew I should go. I wanted to go. I don't know why. I just did. Maybe to just satisfy my curiosity about what could have made him so angry.

"Amy, I know deep down you wanna go. You are tapping your foot restlessly. Stop your acting and go check on him. I am here if the situation worsens. I'll barge in and get you out. I promise," Luke told me, pushing me in the direction of his office.

I gulped and walked slowly towards his office. I was really scared at this moment. What will I even talk to him about? What do I even ask him? I have never even seen Aaron like this before.

I knocked on his door. My hand was shaking in fear.

"What?" Aaron yelled from inside.

I opened the door slightly and went inside slowly. I gulped in fear when I saw the room.

Like I assumed, his phone was lying across the room in the corner. There was a broken vase and some files lying on the floor, as if he had thrown them all around in anger.

Aaron looked at me with a cold face, anger burning in his eyes, "What the hell do you want now?"

"I....I j..just came to...to... A..are you okay?" I asked nervously. Damn, I don't think I have ever seen him this angry. His eyes are red.

"Yes, I am perfectly fine! Do I not look fine to you?!" Aaron asked angrily.

"Well, I...we heard you yell-"

"Oh, so now you want rub salt on my wounds then? Is that why you are here?" Aaron asked, slamming his hand on his desk and getting up.

"I..I just-"

Aaron started walking towards me, yelling, "That is it, isn't it? You just came here to check how much did-"

"Aaron, stop. Look, you are about to step on glass", I yelled before he would hurt himself.

But, he stepped on it anyway. Actually, stomped on it, crushing it below his foot.

"Aaron! What are you doing? You will-" I yelled.

"Just get out, Amelia", Aaron gritted with his eyes closed.

"Yes, but-"

"I said get the fuck out of here!" Aaron yelled again. There was anger and disgust in his eyes.

I just shook my head and looked at Aaron, "You know what? It is indeed my fault. I shouldn't have come in here", I took a deep breath and turned to leave.

But, Aaron caught my hand and turned me around. He pushed me to the nearest wall and held me tightly. I was struggling to set myself free but in vain.

"Damn right, you shouldn't have. Then, why did you? I shall tell you why. Not because you wanted to check on me but, because he told you so. What a mind blowing actor you are! I didn't know you had it in you. You act all innocent and sweet, but I know the reality. You don't give a damn about me. You came in here acting like a good, innocent wife because he told you to do it. He told you to do it and you did it, correct? After all, he is yo-"

"How did you know that Luke asked me to come in here?" I asked him with a frown.

"What?" Aaron said through his clenched teeth.

"Yes, but you know what? Just forget it. Because you don't deserve anyone caring for you. Here, all of us heard you yelling, and Luke told me that you might need to talk to someone. I stupidly listened to him and came in to ask if anything was wrong. But, you? You are just impossible. And, can you please move out of my personal space?" I told him angrily.

He left my arms slowly and took a few steps back to give me some space.

I rubbed my arms and walked towards the door, saying, "I really don't understand why Luke thought I should talk to him. He knows everything about us and yet -"

"Everything? What do you mean by everything?" Aaron asked suddenly.

"Everything, the entire truth about the marriage," I nodded, confirming his suspicion.

"You..You told him?!" Aaron exclaimed.

"Yes, he deserved to know," I shrugged.

"How can you tell him? You were not supposed to tell him. It was clearly mentioned in the prenup that-"

"I don't care about that shit. You already told Daniel. So, I told Luke", I completed for him.

"Dan is my brother. I trust him. But, Luke? Why would you do that? What if he tells anyone?" Aaron asked me.

"I told him because I wanted to tell him. The reason was very important. And, I know that he will never mention it to anyone. I trust him too. More than you at least", I raised an eyebrow challenging him to question me further.

"Very important reason, huh?" Aaron asked looking at me in a weird way.

"Yes, extremely. Now, if we are done here, I am going back to work." I turned and left his office.

I reached my desk and Luke raised his eyebrows in question, obviously meaning how did it go. I just shook my head and signaled him that it didn't go well.

Seriously, is Aaron bipolar? I mean he was so happy like not even thirty minutes ago. He got so angry so fast. Then, he started yelling at me and again after a few minutes, he was his mysterious, weird self. What is wrong with this man?

But, more importantly, why did Aaron get angry? This angry? What happened?

The rest of the day passed without any more drama. Before we knew, it was already evening and I was in the kitchen cooking dinner for the two of us. Aaron was in the living room watching some show. He hadn't spoken to me since whatever happened in his office this afternoon. I am also not in a mood to argue with him anymore. I mean I thought a lot about everything. Maybe he was angry on something else and just removed his anger on me. But, I am not his punching bag. He cannot do this and expect me to be okay with it.

I was thinking about how to get back at him for this when my phone rang. It was right next to me on the counter but, my hands were dirty so I was contemplating on what to do. Just then Aaron got up from the living room and entered the kitchen. I looked at him and, I guess he was feeling guilty for the afternoon, because for the first time in last four months, without uttering a word, Aaron did something for me. He picked up my phone and put it on speaker for me. It was Luke.

"Hey, Amy."

"Hey, Luke."

"Did you have dinner?" he asked.

"Making it right now", I told him.

"Nice, what's for dinner?" he asked.

"Lasagne", I replied with a smirk. It is his favorite dish.

"Oh my god! You still remember that I love it, don't you? Really, all these years, your cooking is something I have really missed. Remember those times in high school, when you used to sleep over and then in the morning, you used to fix some delicious breakfast for me?" Luke moaned making me laugh.

Just then, Aaron started coughing badly. I turned to look at him. He had a water bottle in his hand. I think the water went in the wrong pipe.

"Oh, how I miss those days! Hello? Amy, are you still there?" Luke asked.

"Yes, yes. I am here", I said putting my attention back on the call.

"Okay, listen. I called you because I have something important to tell you. Remember that little personal work of mine. It is related to that. All this time, I was waiting for the right time. Now, that it's here, I can't wait to tell you. So, tomorrow in lunch time, can you directly meet me at our usual place?" Luke asked hopefully.

"Sure, Luke! Of course. You know, how curious I have been, right? Now that you have decided to finally tell me, I am excited to know that secret of yours", I laughed.

Just then the fridge started making some noise indicating it had been open for too long. I realised Aaron was still there. He had held the fridge door open and was just staring into space. He was probably lost in thoughts. I waved at him. When I gained his attention, I signalled him to shut the door.

"Great, Amy! See you tomorrow. Save some of that lasagne for me, if possible", Luke laughed.

"Bye, Luke. Good night", I told as he hanged up.

I put the lasagne in oven for baking. I washed my hands and sat in living room waiting for it to be done. Aaron went in his room.

After a while, when food was ready we sat down to eat.

"What is your long lost friend going to tell you tomorrow?" Aaron asked suddenly.

"What sort of a question is that? No, seriously. If you heard the whole conversation correctly, which I know you did, you should know that he is going to tell me something that I do not know. It is a secret. He will tell me tomorrow. How would I know about it right now? Do I look like some future teller to you?" I asked frustrated.

"I just asked you a question. You don't have to give me a lecture on it. I just wanted to know if it was so important that he called you so late in the night", Aaron shrugged.

"Eight is late in the night?" I asked sarcastically and he just kept silent.

After a few moments, Aaron spoke again, "Peter is on a leave for a month."

"Anything serious? Maybe, I should give him a call later."

"No, that's..that's not necessary. It's nothing serious. His mother is unwell. But, that is not the reason I am telling you this", Aaron gave me a smug look.

I just raised my eyebrows waiting for him to continue.

"I am lacking a secretary due to his absence. So, you are taking up the task until his return", he said smirking at me.

"No, I am not", I frowned.

"Yes, you are.", Aaron announced.

"Aaron, have you lost your mind? I am an architect. I have zero knowledge about being a secretary. How can you expect me to work as one when I don't know anything to begin with?" I asked bewildered.

"You do everything I say for the six months of your tenure with Kingston Designs. That is what your contract says, doesn't it? So, this is what I am expecting you to do. Now, if you do not want to do it, then you have to accept your defeat and say goodbye to your dream of working."

"Aaron Kingston, you really need help. You are crazy. I get what this is about. You know that I will excel in every task you give me as an architect. So, you are doing this so that you can have some reason to fire me. That is it, isn't it?" I asked him with anger.

"Yes, that is exactly it", Aaron smiled and I knew he was controlling his laughter.

"Aaron, I swear. Do not make me kill you", I gritted.

"See you tomorrow at nine in my office, Amy. Don't be late", Aaron kept his plate in the sink and left to his room.

I groaned and put my plate in sink as well. After going to my room, I called Peter.

"Hey, Amy. No, Reece. You can't do that", Peter said on the phone.

"Hey, Peter. How's your mother? Aaron just told me", I asked him.

"Oh, she is good. Just some migraine. In fact, when boss called me up some time ago, I told him that I can come back to office in like a week. But, he insisted that I take the month off", Peter said and my jaw dropped to the floor. My fist clenched.

"Peter, what will be an awesome albi if I murder someone?" I asked him through clenched teeth.

Peter laughed, "Amy, a lot of people's livelihood depends on Kingston Designs. Killing the CEO won't be good in terms of humanity"

"Damn it", I pouted.

"Now, I know I shouldn't ask this but, why do you want to kill him?" Peter laughed.

"Because now he wants me to play the role of his secretary", I rolled my eyes.

Peter was silent for a few seconds before he burst out laughing.

"Now, I get why boss wanted me to take a month long vacation. He wants to keep you close to him all the time", Peter said in middle of laughs.

"Nonsense. All he wants to do is torture me", I grumbled.

"Amy, do you even know the basics of being a secretary?" Peter asked.

"Why do you think I called you in the first place?" I asked him closing my eyes in frustration.

Peter continued laughing, "Well, happy to