Chapter 76 - JUST AN EXCUSE

AIDEN.

I departed early in the morning, eager to start the day. Her alluring figure and captivating eyes stirred impulsive desires within me, making it hard to concentrate.

Besides my responsibilities at the foundation, where I had several important meetings, Ron and I were scheduled to visit Jason Moore’s company to discuss the takeover of the company. The day held a special significance for me as I was stepping into the role of their CEO, a position I had worked tirelessly to achieve. It was crazy how accomplished I felt.

“I was right all along,” Ron said with a big grin.

“I don’t get it,” I replied.

“Or, my friend, you’re just pretending not to understand,” Ron continued with a smirk. “So let me break it down for you. Even though you just got hitched, you’re going out. This could mean one of two things: either you can’t stand your new wife, or you desire her so intensely that you’re overwhelmed and prefer to dodge her. Considering you told me last week that you’re unsure about what’s wrong with you, the latter explanation seems to fit perfectly.”

“Wait, you really think that’s it?” I asked, seeing his point.

“Exactly,” Ron nodded. “You’re conflicted, and it’s making you act out of character.”

“I don’t know, Ron. It just feels more complicated than that,” I said, shaking my head.

“Complicated how?” Ron raised an eyebrow.

“Well, it’s like... when I’m with her, I feel this intense connection. But at the same time, it’s almost too much to handle. It’s overwhelming.”

Ron leaned back, looking thoughtful.

“Sounds to me like you’re scared of how much you care about her. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when something’s that important to you.”

“Maybe you’re right,” I sighed. “But what do I do about it?”

“Face it head-on,” Ron advised. “Talk to her about how you’re feeling. It might be uncomfortable, but it’s better than running away.”

I nodded slowly.

“Yeah, I guess avoiding her isn’t really helping.”

“Exactly,” Ron said, smiling. “And remember, it’s okay to be vulnerable. It might even bring you two closer.”

“Now, let’s focus on the task at hand. We’ve got a busy day ahead,” I reminded him, shifting back to our plans for the day, as this conversation was making me feel awkward.

I really hated it when Ron was right, and he definitely was this time. I couldn’t find the words to respond to him.

We drove silently down the road to the fundraising. My silence confirmed everything for him.

Luckily for me, Sienna was tied up with wedding arrangements today and couldn’t make it to the office. Our wedding. The thought of it all still felt surreal.

Under different circumstances, even just a few weeks ago, her absence would have driven me crazy with frustration. But today, I was honestly relieved. I needed some time to clear my head and focus on work with no distractions. Geez, the situation was really getting to me. This was not my damn plan!

“They’re handling the wedding preparations...” I finally revealed as I poured a cup of coffee. “Do you want some?”

“Hold on, what in the world are they doing? Who the heck are ‘they’ anyway? And yes, I’ll take some coffee,” Ron responded after we wrapped up our conversation.

“Oh man, her parents showed up just as we were about to get intimate, and since her mother doesn’t know the true reason for our marriage, she jumped to the wrong conclusions,” I explained.

Ron immediately rolled his eyes.

“Get intimate? What the hell is that about? Man, are you okay? Because you sure don’t seem like it,” he said, bursting into hysterical laughter, prompting me to shut the office door. “Wow, since when do you even care if anyone overhears you? I think you need a pick-me-up, man. Look, I’ve got the numbers of some stunning, sexy women in my phone book to pull you out of this... funk,” he continued, still with a grimace on his face.

I narrowed my eyes, feeling the frustration boiling over.

“Dude, seriously? That’s not what this is about! Could you please stop joking around for a bit?” I shouted at him, nervously sipping a mouthful of coffee.

Ron just laughed.

“Wait, are you actually being serious? My God!”

“I am not kidding, ok? I have no clue about this either. You know damn well I’ve never felt this way before. Do you think I haven’t tried to connect with other sexy women, as you call them? But I’m terrible at this, bro!”

“Okay, when things get tough, we gotta get creative,” Ron teased, not backing down.

“Knock it off, I’m being serious! Tell me where my money went before we go see Moore’s business," I insisted, trying to get the conversation back on track.

Ron hesitated for a few moments, then finally spoke up.

“Alright, I get it. You’re not up for jokes at the moment. Here is your money,” he said, handing me a pad with all the amounts recorded.

I flipped through the pages, scanning the entries.

“I see,” I muttered, trying to focus on the details. But Ron wasn’t done with his taunting.

“Seriously, man, when did you become such a buzzkill?” he asked, leaning back in his chair. “Remember when we used to laugh about this kind of stuff? You used to be fun.”

I sighed.

“Yeah, well, things change. People change. Maybe I just have more on my plate now.”

Ron shook his head.

“More like you’re letting this whole marriage thing get to your head. You need to loosen up. Hell, it’s not the end of the world. You married Sienna for a reason, right? So why not enjoy it?”

“Enjoy it? You think it’s that simple?” I shot back. “Her mother and sister don’t even know the real reason we got married. They think it’s all rainbows and butterflies. Meanwhile, I’m trying to figure out what the hell is going on with my own feelings.”

“Look, man,” Ron said. “I get it. You’re confused. But shutting everyone out and stressing yourself will not help. You need to find a balance.”

I took another sip of my coffee, mulling over his words.

“Maybe you’re right. But it’s hard to find that balance when everything feels like it’s spinning out of control.”

Ron nodded.

“I hear you. But trust me, things will settle down. You just need to give it time. And in the meantime, let off some steam. Go out, have fun. Don’t let this stuff consume you.”

I leaned back in my chair, feeling a bit more relaxed.

“Maybe I do need to chill out a bit. It’s just... there’s a lot riding on this. On everything.”

“Yeah, I get that,” Ron agreed. “But you’ve got friends to help you through it. Like me. I’m here, man. We can tackle this stuff together.”

I smiled for the first time in what felt like ages.

“Thanks, Ron. I appreciate it.”

“Anytime,” he said, grinning. “Now, let’s get through today and maybe grab a drink later. Sounds good?”

“Sounds good,” I replied, feeling lighter.

Ron did an awesome job handling the funds, with Sienna’s help, of course. They actually spent a good amount on researching this terrible disease, just like I asked. Too many lives had been lost to cancer, so I’d do whatever it takes to prevent more.

“I hope you stay under the radar when she arrives,” I said, flipping through the pad pages, trying to sound casual despite the tension.

“Of course, man, just chill. She doesn’t know who I am,” Ron assured me with a confident grin, promising to stay under the radar.

“Good! Now let’s head over to Jewel Inc. I need to make my entrance,” I said, feeling like it was about to get over with it.

Ron and I took off, and while walking to the car, I couldn’t stop thinking about how things had changed. Ron had always been the carefree one, always quick with a joke or a sarcastic comment. I used to be like that too, but recently, everything felt so much more serious.

“You know, you really need to lighten up,” Ron said, breaking into my thoughts as we got into the car. “I get that you’re dealing with a lot, but it’s like you’re a whole different person now.”

“Yeah, well, life has a way of doing that to you,” I replied, starting the engine. “And besides, with everything going on with Sienna and the foundation, I don’t exactly have a lot of room to relax.”

Ron scoffed.

“That’s just an excuse, man. You can still have fun even when you’re busy. Look at me. I handle my stuff and still find time to enjoy life.”

“Yeah, well, you’re not dealing with a marriage, a foundation, and trying to find money for cancer people,” I said, my frustration passing into my voice.

“True, but I also don’t let stress take over your life,” Ron shot back. “You need to find a balance. Otherwise, you’re going to burn out before you even get started.”