Dave
After eating I went to get my car. When I was about to drive through the gate, I spotted Aileen standing near the doorway, waving at me with a smile.
I took down my window and waved back.
Things won't be the same anymore. Aileen will be with us every day. I'll see her in the morning, before going to bed. We'll hang out together, and make memories.
Oh, that sounds wonderful.
What a lovely day to be alive.
After reaching the office, in the midst of work, her face flashed in my mind. I could imagine her face among others.
She looked so small underneath me yesterday. Just thinking how she was begging for more made me brick up. It was surely a wild night for both of us and probably the best night ever.
"Sir, can you hear me?" a sharp voice drew my attention.
I looked beside me to see my secretary standing with an irritated expression.
"What?"
"We are in the midst of a meeting. Can you please give us your opinion on this new project shown?"
"A meeting?" I looked around me to rows of people sitting with Marshall among them. Then it struck immediately that I was in fact in the middle of a meeting.
Why am I daydreaming right now?
"Sorry about it, we'll take a 15-minute break and continue," I added, standing up.
Everyone left individually and I went to grab a cup of coffee from the cafeteria. Then brought it over to my desk and sat down.
I heaved a sigh and kept my eyes closed.
But her face kept appearing in my mind. Don't think about her, don't do it. why am I behaving like a teenager in love?
This doesn't suit me at all!
"It's normal after mating for the first time," Aaron my wolf replied. "You want to be with her more."
What? Now that's not good. How can I focus on work like this?
The knock on the door drew me in.
"Can I come in?" I recognized Marshall's voice right away.
"Yeah, come in." I fixed my posture grabbing the coffee cup from my desk, pretending to sip it.
He came inside and took a seat in front of me going silent.
I became puzzled so I asked, "Is anything the matter?"
"What's the matter with you? You looked quite distracted earlier. Did something happen at home?" he asked in a soothing tone.
Why's he asking that question? Did he suspect anything?
"Uh, no. I'm fine. You're imagining it."
"Are you telling the truth?" he insisted.
I nodded in assurance. He's not getting convinced easily.
"Hm…alright then," his eyes lowered onto the desk. "I thought something happened between you and Emilia since Aileen came to live with you two."
"You are overthinking it," I replied, nervously. "Why would something happen between us over Aileen? We are doing perfectly fine."
He's definitely suspecting something. I need to change the topic before I say something I shouldn't.
"I know but–"
"Look," I cleared my throat putting down the coffee cup. "Aileen is my daughter, just like she was Emilia's daughter. And both of them are my family."
He stared into my face with a saddened expression.
"I know you want the best for me. But, stop worrying so much. If anything goes wrong, you'll be the first one to know. After all, you are my Beta, right?"
He gave a nod of approval. "Right. It's just…. I can't help but wonder sometimes. Whether you are really happy with Emilia by your side? Or you are just pretending to be happy?"
My voice got caught in my throat hearing his statements. He really knows me so well. I really can't hide anything from him.
"What's the point in thinking about all this now?" I asserted, "We've been married for many years already."
And yet, my hearts belongs to Aileen only. That's why I can't accept her as my wife for as long as I live.
After a moment of pause, Marshall sighed. "You are right. There's no point in discussing it. But, if you get stuck anywhere you can tell me about it. I'm here to lend you an ear."
"I know."
Marshall is too pure for this world. And that's why I can't reveal my secret to him.
He got up and checked the time. "Break is almost over. See you at the meeting."
"Yeah."
Leaning against my chair, I heaved a sigh of relief when he was gone.
Goddess, what situation have you put me into?
Aileen is my mate, which I'm grateful about. Still. Why did she have to be my dear daughter?
If she was even my friend's daughter it would've been a better situation than this.
But, it's all thanks to Emilia I got to meet her. Both of us owe a lot to her and yet betray her behind her back.
I feel worse just thinking about it.
The evening came and I was on my way home. After returning, I saw Emilia sitting on the couch all by herself watching the TV.
I casually walked over to her side dropped the bag at a side and sat next to hers.
"Watching TV without me?" I asked, wrapping my arm around her shoulder.
She turned to me suddenly with a shocked face.
"You? You are back already?"
"Yeah."
"Isn't it quite early though?"
"Uh…. hm…. Where's Aileen though?"
"In her room. She was reading the last time I saw her."
In her room? I'd love to go and see her right away but I must control myself in front of Emilia.
"You must be tired. Go and take a shower then we'll have dinner together," she added, patting my shoulder.
"Sure."
Before I went to my room, I passed by Aileen's room and noticed her door was open.
I didn't want to disturb her so I just peeked through the opening and saw her sitting on her desk writing something.
I closed the door feeling content.
Just the thought that she's nearby is enough to make me feel at ease. There's no need to rush, we can see each other anytime now.
"Pretending to be a saint now, aren't we?" Aaron mused. "Are you convincing yourself or others here?"
Ruining my momentum is surely a new habit now.
But despite all that, Marshall's words kept haunting me that evening.
Are you really happy with Emilia by your side? Or you are just pretending to be happy? I know that answer better than anyone. But, I can't admit it.
Cause I know, none of us are ready to break her heart.