Chapter 5: Growing Closer
741 Words
Three months have passed since Don Martaugh Gran’s new establishment, managed by David Maxwell, opened. Everyone was happy, and business was thriving, as were David’s feelings for Aria. David couldn’t concentrate when Aria was late or absent without informing him.
"Why aren't you here yet?" David texted Aria.
"On my way, sir," Aria replied.
As soon as she entered the office, David saw Aria walk in. She sat at her desk when her friend Melanie spoke up.
"You know, Sir David has been looking for you," Melanie said.
"Really? Why?" Aria asked.
"I don't know, but he seemed angry," Melanie added.
"Why? I haven't done anything wrong..." Aria’s voice trailed off as she heard her name.
"Aria, come to my office," David called, sounding angry.
"Yes, sir," Aria stammered, feeling nervous about what she might have done wrong.
Aria walked into David’s office. She saw him sitting at his desk, looking at his computer. She wondered if she had made a mistake at work.
"Sir...?" Aria said.
"What are you doing there? Come here," David said.
Aria walked over to David’s desk. As she approached, David stood up, and they faced each other.
"I missed you..." David said, hugging Aria.
Aria was surprised. She thought she had made a mistake or messed up her work. She sighed in relief.
"Oh, why does my darling look so worried?" David asked affectionately.
"Who wouldn't be nervous? Melanie said you were angry, and I thought I had done something wrong," Aria explained.
"No, Aria, I just missed you, that's all," David said, hugging her tightly and kissing her forehead.
Though they had no official relationship, it felt as if they did when they were together. David was happy and motivated when Aria was around. He would arrive early at the office, knowing she would be there, and his day would be complete with her presence.
On the other hand, Maine was busy with the tasks assigned to her by her uncle, Martaugh Gran. She and David only saw each other at night, and she noticed that David was often irritable and their moments of affection as a couple had diminished. Maine didn’t suspect that her husband had someone else because David had always been that way—unaffectionate and prone to arguments.
In contrast, when David was at the office, he showed his true self to Aria. He felt comfortable around her; she was very different from Maine. David constantly compared Maine's and Aria’s personalities. When Aria came into their lives, she was all David could see, and he was genuinely falling for her.
Sometimes, Maine visited the office where David managed. When she was there, David would leave and go home, avoiding any encounter between Maine and Aria. David didn’t want Aria to be hurt by his wife’s presence, so he would go home when Maine arrived and return to the office after Maine went back home. David had grown to care deeply for Aria and didn’t want to hurt her.
Every day was the same routine for Aria and her boss, David. Aria tried to avoid it, but David kept pursuing her. Even during work hours, he would call her to his office just to talk, and soon enough, he would start kissing and hugging her. Aria could feel David's love, despite him being married. She knew it was wrong, but she couldn't avoid it because he was her boss, and even if she didn't want to, she had to interact with him daily.
At work, Aria couldn't escape her colleagues' anger and jealousy because David obviously favored her. Some of them were beginning to suspect that there was something more between the two because they noticed that when Aria wasn't in the office yet, David was restless, moody, and quick to anger over minor mistakes. In contrast, when Aria was around, David was visibly happier and excited to see her, which dramatically affected his management of the establishment.
Melanie: did you know, Aria, people are talking that you might be in a relationship with Sir David?
Aria: Huh? No, that's not true.
Melanie: That's what I'm saying because he calls you to his office every day.
Aria: He's just discussing work because I'm loaded with tasks right now.
Melanie: That's exactly what I mean. Maybe they're just jealous because Sir David, our handsome boss, noticed you. Honestly, if he called me, I would definitely go to him too.
Aria: Crazy hahahaha
- Writer
