Amy

Finally, I have successfully completed two months of torturous work with Aaron Kingston. Four more months and then I will be free to work anywhere I want. Anywhere but Kingston Designs. But, I will definitely miss working here. Not because of Aaron, but because of the amazing friends I have made here. The interns, my coworkers, Peter and Luke. I will miss all of them.

Although, Aaron has given me almost impossible tasks to complete over these last two months and it took a hell lot of strength to not call it quits at some point, I did enjoy the company of everyone around me. The environment in the cafeteria and the lunch room are always filled with fun, Peter is always saving my ass and Luke keeps my mind off Aaron during the lunch hours. Also, that last incident between us has made a huge effect on our relationship.

It made us realize that staying in close proximity is not safe for us and thus, created an unsaid mutual understanding between us to avoid each other as much as possible. We talk minimal during office hours that is to say if it is extremely necessary for us to do so, share a quite dinner with only sounds of the utensils and then go directly to bed. Aaron, who used to spend some time after dinner watching television in the living room, has stopped it completely. Instead he returns to his room directly after dinner. We do not talk to each other about anything that can nearly be aggravating or needs us to be in close proximity. In fact, we have even avoided going to mom and dad's place since that day so that we do not have to pretend at all.

And, no one is complaining here. In fact, I am really glad that things are like this between us. I have never been a person who can fight and yell all day. I just can't do it. I need my mental peace. If I don't like someone I will avoid them but, I cannot argue and fight with them all the time. No matter how much I hate the other person, if he comes to me, I will talk nicely until he starts getting on my nerves. Considering that it is easy for Aaron to get on my nerves, I am glad that he doesn't talk to me. That way I can maintain my peace.

Everything between us has been so platonic between us these past few weeks that today, when I received a meeting invite from him, I almost jumped out of my seat. Well, obviously it is not just him and me but a lot of other people, at least fifteen other people. But, I was still shocked. Explains much? Yes, that is how much we avoided each other.

Anyways, it is work and I am only his employee here. So, here I am with my manager and ten other people waiting in the conference room for Mr. Kingston to enter.

"Why are we here again?" I whispered to my manager who was sitting next to me.

"No one knows. There wasn't anything specified in the email. No one even knows what the agenda is. We were just invited. I am scared. Hope it is not something bad." Tony showed me his crossed fingers and I slowly nodded.

Just then the door to the conference room opened and a few people walked in. I was about to look away when I saw Luke come in.

"Luke!" I whispered yelled before I could stop myself. I looked around the room and gave everyone a sorry glance.

"Amy!" Luke walked towards me and sat on the empty chair next to me.

"I didn't see you on the list of invitees." I told him.

"Nosy little girl, are you?" Luke chuckled and I elbowed him. "It was a last minute change. The person who was supposed to be here unfortunately met an accident. Minor one but, yes, they had to take him to the hospital."

"What is going on, man? Why this urgent meeting?" I asked Luke hopefully.

"I don't know. You tell me. After all, you are his wife. I thought you would know." he shrugged.

"I do not. W..We do not discuss work. We like to keep things separate." I lied.

"Really?" Luke dragged looking at me skeptically.

"Yes. I am confused though. All of us are from so many different sections. Some are architects, lawyers, HR and finance guys too. I do not understand." I told him shaking my head lightly.

"Maybe all of us are getting fired." Luke joked.

I looked at him with my lips thinned but before I could answer him, the door opened again and Aaron walked in with Peter tailing behind him. Everyone sat straight in their seats. I saw some people gulp in fear and anxiety of what is to come next. I bit my lip to stop myself from smiling. I turned to look at Aaron, waiting for him to speak.

"Good afternoon, everyone", Aaron began in his bossy voice.

"Good afternoon, sir", everyone replied in unison.

"So, first of I wanna make one thing very clear. Whatever I am about to say next is of top secrecy. I expect you to keep it one. Nothing must go out of this conference room at all. Is that clear?" he asked and everyone nodded.

He continued, "As you all know and I shall repeat for the ones that do not keep up with everyday news, I have recently expanded to Europe, precisely last week." I glared at him slightly knowing very well he just taunted me. I could feel Luke controlling his laugh too so I gave him a stern look too. For God's sake, it is OKAY to not read news everyday!

I focused my attention as Aaron continued, "So, our first project that we got is from Spain. It is the Duke of Amalfi's family. They want us to design a vacation home for them in the outskirts of New York City."

Everyone was too shocked to react until someone clapped, bringing all of us to our senses, and then everyone followed. The conference room was filled with sounds of clapping, cheering and congratulations. We all knew this was big news and I looked at Aaron to see him smiling proudly and thanking every person that congratulated him. Suddenly, he looked at me and our eyes met. I smiled at him harder and nodded my head slightly as in to congratulate him. He blinked backed with a smile and I knew, for the first time, that he wanted to say thank you.

We continued staring at each other until the excitement died and Luke cleared his throat. Aaron drank some water and continued, "Now, the family wants it to be a secret because they do not want anyone, especially media, to get the location for what is going to be their very private family home. So, they have asked us to maintain the secrecy. Thus, I have all of you assigned on this project from your respective departments. I believe that you guys are the most trustable employees of this company and will help me keep it a secret. Also, to ensure additional security, you will not be able to take to your houses any document or designs related to this project so that you can work from home. If work is pending, I am sorry but you will have to do overtime in office itself. Also, your desks have been shifted to the fourteenth floor. I will be watching over things very closely on this project. It is a major one for us. Finally, no talking about any of this to any other employee outside this room."

Everyone nodded as Aaron completed understanding the gravity of the situation. It was a massive one and it had to be a hit. There was no way around it.

"Alright then, you are free to go and you will get the emails about the details by the time you reach your desks. I expect the first draft of the finance report, designs and the report from HR to be ready by coming Monday. Also, legal team, inform me of any issues that need to be looked into as soon as possible. Let's get back to work."

"Monday? But, it is already Wednesday evening. How can designs be ready so fast?" I asked Aaron.

"I said the first draft. They do not have to be very detailed. But, need to have some information about the actual design. Something nice to show to the Duke's grandson who is visiting on Tuesday." Aaron replied and I nodded.

After that slowly everyone got up and left. I was leaving the conference room with Luke by my side.

"That was impressive!" Luke said to me as we entered the elevator. It was packed with a lot of people who left the conference room with us and were going to the fourteenth floor.

"It sounds exciting." I replied with a smile.

"I just can't believe they trust us so much!" Luke replied.

Trust. Did Aaron really trust me? If he did, why doesn't he just tell me about why he is behind this whole revenge thing? Does he not trust me enough to know that I would never do something to intentionally hurt him?

What you have done is not the reason for this. What you have not done might be the reason for this. What happened in the end is definitely the reason for this.

I recalled Aaron's words. I still remember then so clearly. But, I still do not understand them. I remember the pain in his voice when he said it. But, what did he mean? What happened in the end?

"Earth to Amy." Luke was waving his hand in front of me as we got off the elevator and stood aside.

"Yeah, sorry. I zoned out." I blinked.

"I was asking if you wanna join us to the club this Saturday night?" he asked casually.

"Us?" I asked.

"Some work friends. I can pick you up at nine. It is Saturday night. It gets wild but it will be fun. I can drop you too."

"I don't know, Luke. I don't even drink and I am not comfortable around so many people that I do not even know." I groaned.

"Come on, you know me and if you do not go out, how will you ever meet new people. If it is about Aaron, I am sure he wouldn't mind." Luke tried to convince me.

"I'll think about it." I told him.

"No you are not thinking. Thinking makes you do the things that are grandma-ish, You are going and that's final."

I rolled my eyes at him. "There is no word like 'grandma-ish'. I said I'll let you know."

"Amy, I said you are-" Before, he could complete what he was saying, someone who just rushed past him, knocked into him causing him to loose his balance and he fell forward, almost hugging me. I was pushed back due to the force and my back hit the wall behind me. If someone would see from a distance, it would look as if Luke had caged me between him and the wall. Almost romantic.

I shuddered at the thought and before I could push him away, the elevator pinged and Aaron walked outside. He turned right and saw us. I did push Luke away but, it was too late. He had already seen us. He was shocked at first and then his face turned blank and he just walked away.

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"Where are you off to?" Aaron asked me as I sat down on the couch to wear my sandals.

"Somewhere. Why do you wanna know?" I asked without looking at him.

It was Saturday night and I was going to the club with Luke. He didn't give me a choice but I was excited anyway. It will be refreshing and fun, hopefully. I was wearing a midnight blue knee length dress with brown sandals and matching earrings. I had a little makeup, enough for the club. Luke will be here in fifteen minutes and I am almost done.

"It is nine thirty in the evening. Don't you think it is a little late to go out alone?" Aaron asked again sitting opposite to me with his coffee and laptop.

"No and I am not going alone." I said finally looking at him.

"You are going with Luke." He said it more like a statement than a question. So, I didn't bother replying and just shrugged.

"Where are you both going?" he asked again with a frown.

"Where, Mel?" he asked again when I didn't reply.

"Amy?" he gritted again and I ignored him again.

" Amelia, I swear to god-"

"Clubbing." I cut him off before he could say anymore of his stupid empty treats.

"Clubbing? You do not even drink." Aaron scoffed and glared at me.

"I will enjoy the music and dancing. Besides, I can always start a new habit. Luke can help me to enjoy new things." I shrugged.

"Well then, enjoy your night", he spat at me.

"I will." I gave him a fake smile.

He opened his mouth to say something but, before he could say anything, his phone rang. He picked it up from the coffee table and declined the call. Since, it was lying on the coffee table, I think I saw the name of the caller as Marcus Lawson.

Marcus is calling him? Strange. I think I misread it.

Before I could think more about it or ask him about it, my phone pinged. It was from Luke.

"And...that's my cue." I said as I got up and walked to the main door. I could feel Aaron stare at my back. But, I didn't bother turning around. I walked out of the apartment and to the parking lot. I saw Luke's car from a distance and waved at him as I walked towards him.

"Someone's looking gorgeous." Luke smiled as I got in the car.

"And someone's looking handsome." I gave him a hug.

"Ready to hit the club with style?" Luke smirked at me.

"Let's go." I winked.

We reached the club after twenty minutes. Luke introduced me to some of his friends and I greeted them. They were cool and funny people. We joked around a bit to lighten up the mood. Eventually, some of them were off drinking and and others started dancing as the music blasted loud. I danced with Luke and the others for a while.

Luke and I were sitting on the bar counter later. Since we both aren't drinking today, he was telling me gossips about all the people there. I swear Luke can be confused for a gossip queen. He just has so much to share about everyone. He has ten pairs of eyes and ears, I feel. Some of his stories were so damn funny that I almost rolled of on the floor laughing. I had so much fun I couldn't believe that it is midnight already.

After about an hour, Luke was lost somewhere too. Bloody traitor. He told me he would stay by my side so that I didn't feel alone and now, I am left all alone with these few girls that I do not even know well enough. But, doesn't matter. Like Luke said, if I do not converse with others, how will you ever make new friends.

Well, you should at least understand what they are discussing though.

True. The current topic is about the amazing makeup quality of this Italian company, Belle. Apparently, it is a new company started by some Italian girl a few years ago. I was so lost. Firstly, because I have never even heard of it and secondly, because I do not use so much makeup to understand half the things they are saying. Primer, contours and what?

Thankfully, the topic changed after sometime. Now, they were discussing boyfriends. It was a safe topic until someone said my name.

"So, Amelia, what about you?" the girl on my right asked.

"What about me?" I asked politely.

"Are you seeing someone?" someone else asked.

"Actually, I-" I was about to tell them that I am married but I got cut off.

"Come on, spill it, girl. What's with you and Luke?" the girl next to me asked shocking me.

"Luke?"

"Yes, Luke. We have seen you guys, you know. Having those secret conversations and you have been having lunch together almost everyday."

Those secret conversations were because I am a married woman. I am your boss's w..wife.

"Yes. We are just friends. Best Friends", I shrugged.

"Just friends, huh? They all start like that." Someone said making everyone laugh.

Are these women blind? I have a ring on my finger, which I need to remove soon, by the way.

"No, seriously. In fact, Luke-" I tried to explain.

"It's okay, Amelia. We all were once just friends with a lot of people", the girl opposite to me said with a wink and literally did the air quotes around just friends. Everyone else laughed and continued with their conversations about random topics.

I was lost in my thoughts again. Does Luke know what these people are thinking? It is so stupid. Why do they always have to add ridiculous ideas into every relation? Can't a guy and a girl be just friends?

"Can't a guy and a girl be just friends?" Aaron's voice rang in my head.

I clearly remember that day. While we were dating, we had gone out one evening. There, I had met this one girl, Ashley. Ashley Jones. When Aaron had introduced me as his girlfriend, she had looked at me as if she wished I was dead. She was this snobby ass, loves to show off, rich girl and she was all over Aaron. I was extremely jealous. I had fought with Aaron after we left the restaurant demanding to know what's going on between him and Ashley. He repeatedly told me that there was nothing at all but, I didn't believe him, That's when he had asked me this question. I never answered it but to be honest, till this day, I hold Ashley Jones against him. Well, not that I am jealous for him anymore but, you get it.

The point is that Aaron-

Wait, what the hell is wrong with me? Why am I thinking about Aaron all of a sudden? I am here to enjoy an Aaron-free evening and yet, I am remembering these stupid moments with Aaron. Damn you, memories.

"Thinking about me?" Luke said behind me.

"Luke! Where have you been? Do you know-" I stopped and looked at the girls surrounding me. They were giving me the smug looks. I decided to just avoid them. So, I pulled Luke aside.

"Luke, do you know what's going on? These girls think that there is something going on between us. I mean seriously. Eww. It is so bad to even think of. But, why do they think like that? I mean, how can they? Haven't you told them that-"

"Amy!" Luke yelled clamping my mouth shut.

"Relax, Amy. Breath." Luke said and I took two deep breaths. He took his hand away from my mouth.

"Amy, who cares what they think? Let them think whatever they want to. You don't have to explain yourself to everyone. Just those who matter. Remember? You were the one who told me that." I nodded in reply.

"You are here to enjoy, right? So, enjoy yourself." Luke said with a smile.

"I am enjoying." I grinned. "Where were you off too by the way?" I asked suspiciously.

"Somewhere." he shrugged.

"You have been keeping a lot of secrets lately, Mister." I looked at him playfully narrowing my eyes.

"I will let you on one of them pretty soon." he winked and continued, "Anyways, tonight is not going to be like those romantic novels, right? Where the heroine goes to the club and the hero follows her there secretly. Our boss isn't gonna come here, is he?" He joked. I faked a laugh and just shook my head.

Aaron wouldn't give damn if I am out late or not. If I am in trouble or not. If I can guess correctly, he will be sleeping by now. Why would he come here? He is no hero, I am no heroine and this is no love story. This is a hate story.

"Oh, I love this song. Let's go dance." Luke pulled me to the dance floor without much ado.

Aaron

Where the fuck is that woman?

It is two in the night and she is out without a trace. I am unable to concentrate on my work because of her. I don't even know that long lost friend of hers enough to know if he would be taking care of her. In the past few hours, since she closed that damned door, I have walked to my car seven times to just go find her. I have almost dialed Peter's number more times than I can count to ask him to find out where she is. I stopped only because Peter is on a weekend getaway with his family and I do not want to disturb him. I am constantly checking for any messages or calls from her.

She would call me if she is in trouble, right? She has my number but she.....Uhh

The mere thought of her being in trouble makes me want to break things. I know that if I call her she will never pick up.

Don't think about her, Aaron. She doesn't mean anything. You only want your revenge