Chapter 4 — Morning After and Secrets
639 Words
“Hmmm…” Aiden yawned lazily, squinting at the sunlight streaming through the window. He really didn’t feel like getting up this morning.
“Wait… where am I?” he muttered, sitting up and looking around. This wasn’t his room. The room was enormous, with soft carpets, elegant furniture, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The sound of running water caught his attention. “Who’s in the shower?”
He tried to stand but winced sharply. His body ached in places he hadn’t expected.
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Earlier that night…
Aiden had followed Damien into the private lounge, and the two had spent hours talking, drinking lightly, and teasing one another. The tension had been electric, and Aiden had been surprised by his own boldness—by how drawn he was to Damien’s confidence.
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Back to the present, Aiden’s thoughts drifted to last night. Am I really feeling this way just from… that? He groaned and made his way back to bed. A few minutes later, Damien emerged from the shower. Aiden froze, noticing the man’s calm, confident presence. He couldn’t help sneaking glances, admiration—and curiosity—running through his mind.
“Are you okay?” Damien asked, toweling his hair, noticing Aiden’s discomfort.
“Yeah… I think so,” Aiden replied, rubbing his temples. “I just… I feel a bit worn out. How much did I drink?”
“You didn’t hold back,” Damien said with a smirk. “And… well, you surprised me. You were bolder than I expected.”
Aiden tilted his head, confused and flustered. Damien’s words made his chest race, and a strange warmth spread through him. He tried to brush it off. “It… won’t happen again,” he muttered.
Before they could continue, a knock sounded at the door.
“Come in,” Damien called.
“Sir… Mr. Charles is ready downstairs,” Sean reported politely.
“I’ll be out in a minute,” Damien said, turning back to Aiden. “Don’t leave. The doctor will come to check on you while I’m gone.”
Aiden glanced out the window, puzzled. Wait, how did I end up here… at this mansion? But he didn’t have time to dwell. Soon Damien left, and Aiden decided to get dressed and leave. He must be incredibly rich to have this place, he thought as he made his way out.
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Later that morning, Justine found Aiden at his doorstep.
“Dude! Where were you last night? You were supposed to be home!”
Aiden groaned. “What are you doing here? I have my own place, you know…”
“That’s harsh!” Justine shot back. “I was worried! You left me at that club—you know how dangerous that place is!”
Aiden rolled his eyes. “I’ll be fine. I just need some rest and maybe a checkup.”
They walked to the kitchen, and Aiden explained what he could remember from last night. Justine listened, stunned by how confident and bold his friend had been.
“Man… I can’t believe you managed that,” Justine muttered. “Do you even know him?”
“No, but… he’s mysterious. I only know he’s rich, and his mansion… it’s huge.”
Aiden assured him it was a one-time thing. “It won’t happen again,” he said firmly.
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Meanwhile, Damien was already back to work.
“Boss, here’s the information regarding him,” Sean said, handing Damien a file.
Damien scanned the documents, his expression unreadable. “The Lawsons are still refusing to cooperate. Their financial situation is complicated, but their child… still in university… runs a café part-time.”
Rex peered over his shoulder. “Wait, so this is the same Lawson he was interested in?”
Damien smirked, closing the file. “Mind your business,” he said.
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- Writer
