CHAPTER FIVE
1588 Words
A COMMON TRUTH
~ALEXANDER STONE~
The scene from last night's incident still lingered in my mind as I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. The memory of her expression was vivid in my mind, seemingly etched into my thoughts.
"Lexa," I muttered her name, feeling frustration welling up inside me. "You keep pushing the boundaries, and now I can't seem to shake you from my thoughts," I whispered to myself.
Forcing myself out of bed, I made my way to the bathroom to prepare for the busy day ahead. I knew I needed to focus on work and not get distracted by my employees.
The morning began with a commotion that drew me downstairs to investigate.
"How clueless can you be?" that familiar voice teased.
Adjusting my tie, I entered the kitchen where I was met by Aunt Nadine and Lexa.
"Good morning, sir," the maids greeted in unison.
I acknowledged their greeting and turned my attention to Aunt Nadine and Lexa, sensing Aunt Nadine's sour mood.
"Aunt Nadine," I greeted with a smile. "You didn't mention you were coming over."
Aunt Nadine flashed me a grin, walking over to me and giving me an appraising look. "Always looking sharp, nephew. I fear some lady might snatch you away," she teased in her usual manner.
"You've met Miss Wyeth, Ace nanny," I informed Aunt Nadine.
She turned her gaze to Lexa, who was busy preparing a cup of tea. "Yes, I have. She seems a bit slow," Aunt Nadine remarked.
My mind flickered back to the night before as I watched Lexa holding the mug, her lips forming a slight pout in response to Aunt Nadine's comment.
"She's new here, Aunt. Please go easy on her," I pleaded, diverting the conversation about the whereabouts of my son, Ace.
"He is having breakfast. I came in to make myself a cup of tea," Lexa interjected.
I nodded, understanding her need for a break. Aunt Nadine, however, had other plans.
“Well, Miss Wyeth, would you mind making me a cup as well?” she asked with a smirk.
Lexa's eyes flashed with annoyance, but she nodded nonetheless and quickly made another cup of tea for Aunt Nadine.
As I watched the interaction between the two women, a sense of unease settled in the pit of my stomach. It was clear that Aunt Nadine enjoyed pushing people's buttons, especially when it came to new employees.
After breakfast, Aunt Nadine left, leaving Lexa and me alone in the kitchen. I could see the tension in her shoulders as she cleaned up the cups, avoiding my gaze.
“Lexa, about last night...” I started, but she cut me off.
“It's fine, Mr. Stone. It was a mistake, and it won't happen again,” she said quickly, not meeting my eyes.
I sighed, knowing that I needed to handle the situation sooner rather than later. But for now, I watched as Lexa finished up her work and left the kitchen, her footsteps echoing in the empty hallway.
I pulled out my phone and dialed Mark's number, waiting patiently as it rang. When he finally answered, I asked about the day's meetings.
“How many meetings were scheduled for today?”
“Two, sir. The meetings with Haven Airline and D&D Technology. I can push them back if you're occupied,” Mark replied.
“No need, I'll be there in 30 minutes,” I said before ending the call. Lexa and Ace finally joined me, and after making me wait, I turned to Lexa.
“Miss Wyett, what caused the delay? I have an important meeting to attend,” I asked.
“Sorry, sir. Ace couldn't find his rhythm book,” Lexa explained.
“Well, then we'll just get a new one. He should be more careful with his things,” I responded, turning to Ace, who hung his head in shame.
“Collins, get the car ready,” I instructed. The drive was quiet as we dropped Ace off at school, with Lexa remaining quiet.
“You shouldn't take what Aunt Nadine said to heart this morning. She can be moody, especially with employees,” I reassured her, trying to ease the tension.
She gave me a small smile and nodded before looking out the window at the passing scenery.
“I'll be home late, so please watch over Ace closely,” I instructed before turning my attention back to the tablet on my lap.
Annoyed by Lexa's prolonged silence, I set my tablet aside and sighed.
"Lexa, is something troubling you?" I asked, striving for a more conciliatory tone.
Her gaze met mine. "No sir, everything is fine."
"Then why the withdrawn behavior?"
"Behavior?" she replied, her expression bewildered.
"You've been unusually calm and taciturn all morning," I explained.
"I tend to be quiet, sir," she responded, her eyes softening as they held mine. "Oh, please remain still."
Lexa leaned in closer, her left hand on my shoulder, her chest pressed against mine. As I leaned back in my seat, I felt her warm breath on my neck through the protective suit I wore.
My heart pounded frantically. "What are you doing?" I inquired.
She remained silent, her hand deftly removing something from my hair. Her eyes widened as she acknowledged the compromising position we were in.
She swiftly pulled away, her cheeks flushed. she stuttered out an apology before adjusting to her seat.
I sat there, feeling a mix of confusion and excitement at the unexpected closeness. It was clear that there was something beneath the surface with Lexa, something more than just a quiet and reserved employee. I decided to let it go for now.
As Collins dropped me at the office, my mind buzzed with the morning's drama. A smile crept onto my face as I entered the elevator.
The investor meeting had been intense, demanding composure while negotiating. Yet, the outcome was undeniably rewarding.
"Exceptional work, sir," Mark lauded, trailing behind me. "With the Haven Airline deal secured, D&D will be a breeze."
"Premature optimism, Mark," I cautioned, unbuttoning my suit. "Those D&D investors are sharks. They'll be spitting venom when they learn about Haven Airline."
"You mentioned nothing of her presence," I said, my gaze drawn to Jade seated at the reception desk.
"I did not know her return," Mark replied. "Shall I excuse her?"
I cut him off, striding towards Jade. She rose, her smile illuminating.
"I had no idea you were back so soon," I remarked, facing her.
With graceful ease, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her smile demure. "Apologies for the intrusion. It felt remiss not to extend a greeting."
Jade Hendrix, an illegitimate child of Samuel Hendrix from the Hendrix firm, was introduced to me at his birthday party. Surprised by his secret daughter, I accepted her as a potential marriage candidate due to my need for a mother figure for my son, Ace.
"Are you occupied?" Jade inquired.
"Let me check," I responded, consulting my watch. "Mark, am I busy?"
"Not until 3 pm, sir," Mark replied. "You still have the D&D deal to close."
"I was hoping to take you to lunch," Jade suggested, her eyes filled with anticipation.
"Very well," I agreed. "Mark, arrange lunch at a reputable restaurant."
"Certainly, sir," Mark replied, departing and leaving Jade and me alone.
Mark had chosen a French restaurant just a few blocks from my company, its calm environment was one of my favorite things.
“So” Jade began, her voice hesitant. “How have you been?”
I shrugged. “Can't Complain”
“That's good.” she paused, then asked, “How is Ace doing, I know I haven't stopped by the house to visit, hope he is doing alright.”
I nodded my head. “Yea”
“I see” She lowered her gaze to her lap.
“Jade,” I said, trying to sound gentle. “You don't have to force conversation, it's okay to just eat in silence”
She smiled, picking up her glass of wine and she took a sip from it, our cutlery noise filling the air.
“Are you seeing anyone perhaps” she trailed in, her questions unexpected.
“What do you mean?” I asked
She looked up at me, her eyes searching mine. “I think we should be honest with each other”
I said nothing, relaxing on my seat as I let her do all the talking, I know she was far from perfect but can you blame me for giving her the benefit of the doubt?
“Do you love me?” she asked again.
“I'm not interested in you romantically,” I said. “I only proposed to you for the sake of my son and my business, so it is all just business-related”
"Your heartless words always leave me dumbfounded, Alexander," she retorted. "But I understand, you're right. It's all business to you and my father."
"I'm sorry," I replied.
"Don't be. Not all men can be as brutally honest and coldly distant as you," she said, her lips curving into a faint smile.
"But don't worry, I'll do the loving instead."
My eyebrows raised in surprise as she reached for my hand on the table. Her fingers entwined with mine, sending a shiver down my spine. I attempted to withdraw my hand, but she held it firm.
"What I'm saying, Alexander, is that I..."
Her voice trailed off, leaving me hanging on the edge.
- Writer
