Chapter 18: 18

Aileen felt strange sitting next to Oliver like a proper lady. She reminded herself that she had to behave that way while in that company, but she couldn't help feeling that way. Anna looked at her with hatred while Miranda disapproved, as Oliver presented his ideas. Aileen thought he looked like a magnate, a true businessman. She liked that Oliver, but it was clear to her that she was just a toy to him, only there to help him get what he wanted. After the meeting, the other shareholders said goodbye to Oliver and left, while Anna stayed talking with Miranda.

"Are you going home? Aileen, when will you move to mine?" Anna asked.

Aileen looked at him with boredom; she had already made it very clear. She was still getting organized. And now with her father coming, everything was more complicated.

"Oliver, we've already talked about this. Besides, my father won't accept me moving in with you if we haven't gotten married yet. Even if it's all fake, he doesn't know."

"I'll have to talk to your father."

"And what are you going to say?" Aileen crossed her arms, looking at him. It didn't seem very convincing that they should talk, not today.

"I'll tell him that we're engaged and that it's obvious I want us to live together."

"I don't understand what the rush is," Aileen said, feeling uncomfortable. They still had plenty of time to get organized, and Oliver wanted to have Aileen with him right away. She didn't understand it. The wedding was in a month and a half, which wasn't that far away.

"Forget it," Oliver replied, feeling a little hurt. Moreover, he felt like he was begging for a girl's attention, and that wasn't like him. He was losing his touch. "We'll wait until the wedding. So, are you going out tonight?"

"I don't think so."

"I'll go to the bar; I'll call you tomorrow, okay?" Oliver kissed Aileen on the forehead and then left the boardroom. Anna followed him, and Miranda approached Aileen dangerously. She knew that Mrs. Price didn't like the idea of her son being with someone like Aileen—someone poor and insignificant. And she especially didn't like the idea of them getting married.

"So, Aileen Warren. Where did you come from? How did you find my son?" Miranda reproached her. "I know types like you. You think you can entangle my son with your charms, but Oliver is not alone. He has me, and I won't allow him to do something crazy like that. Consider yourself warned, girl." Miranda put on her dark glasses and left the boardroom without giving Aileen a chance to speak or make excuses. Aileen felt bad about how she had been treated, and she felt like crying, but she wouldn't let herself be defeated. She did many things to achieve her goals, to fulfill her objectives, even if it meant getting tired and mentally exhausted in the process. She left the boardroom with her head held high, as it should be. In the hallway, she was surprised to see Zac there.

"Zac?" she called his attention. Zac acted surprised when he saw Aileen since he knew she would arrive earlier. "What are you doing here?"

"Aileen, good to see you here. Oliver gave me permission to do my internship here. I'm very grateful to him."

"Really?" Aileen was surprised. "Well, good for you. Are you getting paid?"

"That's the best part. Yes, they will pay me."

"It's good to have a familiar face. I'll start next week, so I won't feel so alone." Aileen smiled at Zac.

"Don't worry, I'm here for you. I'm off to work now, see you later," Zac said as he left because he felt like he was winning. His attempts to get closer to Aileen were paying off, now he just had to patiently wait for the next week. Aileen headed to the elevator to go home. She kept thinking about Oliver and his behavior. She noticed he was colder than usual. Moreover, he mentioned going to the bar he owns on the outskirts of town, his nightclub where girls dance and seduce. She got off the elevator, looking for a taxi. The recent incident with those guys was still on her mind, sending a shiver down her spine. She thought Oliver would spend the evening with her like last time when they watched movies and slept together. That Oliver and the current one had nothing in common. She felt a bit jealous because she knew he would have fun at night. She sent a message to Vanessa and Trisha:

"Hi! What are you doing tonight? I feel like having some fun."

When she spotted a taxi, she hailed it. The taxi stopped, and she immediately got in.

Her phone buzzed with a new message:

Vane: "What do you have in mind?"

Trisha: "Party? I'm bored."

Aileen replied:

"Let's go to Oliver's bar and have some fun. It will just be the three of us :)"

Vane: "Perfect!"

Trisha: "We'll be there."

The taxi dropped her off at her house. Aileen entered, feeling the loneliness. Her parents were not home; they had gone out. She took advantage of the remaining hours to continue working on her studies; she didn't want to waste time. It was almost seven when she finished studying and searched for something nice to wear. She chose a silver dress that clung to her body, with an open back. She left her hair loose; it was long. She picked plain sandals with a small heel. She applied some makeup, not too much, sprayed some perfume, and added a bit of blush to her cheeks. She sent a message to her friends, letting them know she was ready and would pick them up in a few minutes. Aileen descended the stairs and headed to the kitchen, where she left a note for her parents, informing them that she was going out with her friends. She didn't want them to worry. Outside, Vanessa honked the horn of her car to signal Aileen to come out.

"Hi!" Aileen exclaimed, stepping out of her house.

"We'll have a great time tonight!" Trisha exclaimed.

They knew they would. Aileen got into the car, and they set off towards Oliver's bar. When they arrived, the place was packed with people. After all, it was the most popular and sophisticated bar around. Only wealthy people and even celebrities came here. There was a long line, but the doorman's companion recognized Aileen as the owner's fiancée and let them in immediately.

"Thank you very much," Aileen said, entering the venue. The loud music and neon lights welcomed her. Thunder played through all the speakers.

"Let's get a drink!" Vanessa exclaimed. The three beautiful and attractive girls made their way to the bar. They felt like they were in a different environment. "Three margaritas!" the girl ordered. Vanessa thought the bartender was very handsome and charming. The guy served them the margaritas. "Thanks, handsome!"

Aileen took a sip of her margarita. She felt excited as she scanned the crowd, searching for the guy who drove her crazy. They were probably on the second floor, in the VIP area, she thought.