Chapter 25:I've missed you so much

*Aileen's POV*

Moments later, I walked downstairs toward the dining table

after Ms. Laura announced, “Breakfast is ready!” My stomach grumbled loudly, and I placed my hand on it as I mumbled to myself, “I’m so hungry.” The aroma of the food filled the air, making my hunger worse as I got closer.

The dining table was packed with delicious dishes—eggs, toast, pancakes, bacon, and even fresh fruit. My mouth watered just looking at the food. I quickly grabbed a seat, choosing one three chairs away from where Anthony was already seated. Just as I was about to sit, Anthony’s voice stopped me.

“Aileen, come sit here,” he said firmly, pointing to the seat right next to him. He barely looked up from his plate, but his tone made it clear that it wasn’t a suggestion. I froze, staring at him for a moment, knowing he wouldn’t let me say no.

With a sigh, I reluctantly pushed the chair I was holding back under the table. “Here we go again,” I thought as I slumped my shoulders and slowly walked to the seat he had pointed out. Anthony pulled the chair out slightly for me as I arrived, his face blank as always.

“Thank you,” I said softly, forcing a faint smile as I sat down. He gave a small nod but didn’t reply. Instead, he focused back on his food.

After a few moments of silence, Anthony spoke again. “Is the draft for my birthday party ready?” he asked while stirring his food with his spoon.

“Yes, sir,” I replied quickly. “I’ll present it as soon as we get to the office.”

Anthony shook his head slightly. “No office work today,” he said plainly. “You’ll stay here and help me plan the party at home after breakfast.”

“Alright,” I replied simply. He didn’t say anything else after that, and we both ate quietly.

As Anthony was finishing his meal, Ms. Laura walked into the room carrying a bowl of soup. She stopped by Anthony’s side and asked, “Would you like some soup?”

Anthony frowned slightly and waved her off. “No, thanks. Just coffee, please,” he said flatly.

Laura didn’t give up. She smiled mischievously and said, “Aileen made this soup. You’ll love it.” Her words made Anthony pause. His eyes widened slightly, and then, to my surprise, he reached out for the bowl with a small smile on his lips.

“Alright, let me try it,” he said. He took a sip, and a look of satisfaction spread across his face.

Laura beamed with pride. “See? I told you! You and Aileen make such a cute couple,” she said with a teasing tone, clasping her hands behind her back.

I felt my heart skip a beat as her words hit me like a brick. My face heated up, and I almost choked on my food. I quickly set my spoon down and shot Laura a warning glare, managing a tight-lipped smile.

“I’m joking, Aileen. Don’t look so nervous,” Laura said, laughing lightly. “I know you’re both married.”

I sneaked a glance at Anthony and noticed his face was unusually stiff and red. “I’m full,” he said abruptly, dropping his spoon onto his plate. “Bring the draft to my study room,” he added before standing up and leaving the dining room without another word.

“What was that about?” Laura asked, raising an eyebrow as she turned to me.

“I have no idea,” I replied, still trying to process what had just happened. My eyes followed Anthony as he disappeared down the hallway.

Once I finished eating, I went back to the guest room to grab the draft for Anthony’s birthday party. With the file in hand, I headed to his study.

The study was large and well-organized, with bookshelves lining the walls and a big mahogany desk in the center. Anthony was sitting in a sleek black swivel chair, his face calm but serious as usual. The room was so quiet that the sound of my shoes clicking on the marble floor seemed deafening as I walked toward him.

I stopped in front of his desk and stretched the file toward him. “Here is the draft for your birthday party plan,” I said.

Anthony took the file without looking up and began flipping through its pages. His face remained unreadable as he scanned the contents.

“I made a few arrangements to improve it,” I added nervously, clasping my hands behind my back.

Before Anthony could respond, a cheerful voice called out from the doorway. “Tony!”

Anthony’s entire demeanor changed instantly. His face lit up with a smile, and his eyes sparkled with excitement. I turned to see who had spoken and found a stunningly beautiful woman standing there. She was elegantly dressed, and her smile was so radiant that it crinkled the corners of her eyes.

“Hi, Trisha,” Anthony said warmly.

“I missed you so much, Tony!” Trisha exclaimed as she walked quickly toward him and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug.

“I missed you too. How have you been?” Anthony asked, his voice filled with warmth and care.

“I’m great, thanks,” Trisha replied, pulling back from the hug. Then, her gaze shifted to me. Her smile faded, and her expression hardened into something cold and hostile.

Without warning, she stepped closer to me and pointed an accusing finger in my face. “I cannot believe you dare to show up here, you cheating bitch!” she yelled, her voice dripping with anger.

I blinked in shock, completely taken aback. “Does she even know me?” I thought, furrowing my brows in confusion.

“You need to get out. Now!” she shouted again, her face twisted with rage.

“Enough, Trisha!” Anthony’s voice boomed through the room, making both of us flinch. “Apologize. Now,” he demanded, his tone firm and unyielding.

“To her? Are you serious?” Trisha scoffed. “You want me to apologize to your cheating wife?”

Clearing my throat, I spoke up. “Trisha, I think you’ve misunderstood. I’m Aileen, Anthony’s personal assistant,” I explained as calmly as I could, though my heart was racing.

Trisha’s eyes widened, and her expression softened instantly. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry, Aileen! I thought you were my sister-in-law. I can’t believe I just said all that!” she stammered, her voice full of regret.

I raised an eyebrow. “You don’t know what your sister-in-law looks like?” I asked, my confusion growing.

Trisha fumbled for words, glancing nervously at Anthony for help. “I... I just… well…” she trailed off, clearly embarrassed.

Before she could say more, another woman’s voice called out from behind us, cutting through the awkward silence. “Anthony, long time no see. I’ve mi ssed you so much.”

Turning around, I saw yet another lady entering the room.