However, that kiss made one thing crystal clear—I don’t want Diana.
She might have been a stimulating mind to spar withabout Winter Financial, but that’s all she ever was: a colleague, not a partner. She was never someone I could be with emotionally. She’s been a decent sounding board for the CEO in me, but never for the man I am. The man I am needs Mia. Loves Mia. Without her, my days would turn black.
“Don’t talk to me about this bullshit again,” I retort. “If you do, I swear to God, Diana, you’ll be looking for a new job.”
She went straight to my father, who told me to man up and take what I want. In the past week, my mother has told me that maybe it’s time to let Mia go. My sister, Gianna, has also shared her thoughts on the matter, as has my brother, Tristan.
My family’s never liked Mia—never thought she was right for me. And when they found out we couldn’t have kids, that pushed them right over the edge.
But my wife? Hell, she’s a saint. She still tries with them. Still smiles. Still offers kindness they don’t deserve. Still holds her patience, even when I know every word from them is designed to cut.
And what do you do, Aiden?
You let her work hard for their approval and never tell them to accept your wife for who she is.
Why the hell else would they think you’d be interested in leaving her?
Since that kiss, I’ve spent more time in introspection than my whole life put together. I can see I’ve been a terrible husband to the best wife a man can have.
Mia’s love is clean. Pure.
She has no one. Like Diana. No siblings, no parents. Her friend Katya’s family is hers, just like the Winters are Diana’s. But the similarities end there. Diana is entitled. I can see that now. Mia is absolutely not. Diana is polished but also a little fake. Mia is genuine. And most importantly, there isn’t a situation, not even with a gun to her head, where Mia would make a pass at a married man.
“I’m going to bed,” Mia announces, bringing me back to our dining room, to our marriage that I know is fraying at the edges. She looks at the table and the dishes in the kitchen and sighs. “I’ll take care of it tomorrow.”
The hits keep coming.
She cooksandcleans.
After dinner, I usually go into my home office and spend a couple of hours there. I’ve always worked long hours. But since I took over as CEO after my father stepped down a couple of years ago, around the time Diana joined Winter Financial, I’ve been busier than ever.
Mia says she understands but implores me to pursue balance.“Can’t work all the time, Aiden. You have to make room for play, to relax, to even get bored.”
“I’ll clean up, baby.” I smile at her.
There’s a flare of surprise in her eyes.
That’s the kind of shitty husband I am that my wife is shocked I volunteered to help her with a household chore.
She shrugs. “You don’t have to.”
She doesn’t wait to see if I agree with her or not. She just leaves.
I know something isverywrong. I can feel it.
My premonition proves correct.
CHAPTER 3
Mia
Ilie in bed and stare at the ceiling.
My heart hurts.
My Aiden kissed another woman.
My Aiden doesn’t love me.
