Chapter 102
Elizabeth's POV
Aiden nodded at me, his expression expectant. "So, how's it taste? It should be pretty good."
The implication was obvious—he had made the dish himself.
I managed a smile, "It's pretty good. When did you learn to cook like this?"
Back when we were together, he never showed any culinary skills. The only plausible explanation was that he had learned for Bianca's sake.
Yet here he was, using those skills on me, which felt inexplicable.
Aiden swiftly tidied up the dining area, moving closer to me with each step.
Watching his effortless manner, I couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia mixed with irony.
"You must be bored staying here. How about watching some TV?" He suggested, turning on the television to the news channel.
And just at that moment, a breaking news story flashed across the screen.
The words were starkly clear, jolting me to full alertness. The broadcast showed reporters outside the Windsor Group's headquarters.
The news anchor, with a polished tone, reported, "As of now, the Windsor Group has not issued any statements regarding the factory incident. The number of trapped employees remains unknown."
I clenched my fists, struggling to maintain my composure, my mind momentarily blank.
The Windsor Family's factory had an accident? And it was significant enough to make the news—an indication of its impact.
Instinctively, I turned to Aiden beside me, noticing his calm demeanor, confirming my suspicion that he was aware of the situation.
"You deliberately showed me this? What are you implying?" I questioned him directly, demanding an answer.
Turning to face me, he wore a peculiar smile, "Elizabeth, I'm merely showing you that staying by my side is your best option now."
"Shut up." His words grated on me, and my mind was suddenly focused on one thing.
I had to leave, find Alexander, and get to the bottom of what happened.
Despite the Windsor Family's troubles, Alexander's prowess should have prevented things from escalating to this extent.
There had to be some hidden reason behind this.
My thoughts flashed back to the figures standing behind Aiden before.
Could it be that all this was orchestrated? A conspiracy against Alexander, leading to these successive misfortunes?
"Aiden, I need to leave."
I declared, moving towards the room's door, but Aiden swiftly blocked my path, gripping my arm.
His expression was serious as he stated, "I won't let you leave."
The television continued to broadcast the Windsor Group news, repeatedly mentioning the impact on the company's stock.
I gritted my teeth, pulling away from Aiden.
"If you dare to stop me, I will..."
Before I could finish my threat, Aiden interrupted, "Do you think Alexander has any energy left to deal with your issues now?"
"Face the reality, Elizabeth. To him, his own interests are paramount, and you'll never be his priority."
"This isn't about Alexander. Even without his involvement, I won't let you keep me here."
The one who wanted to discard me was him, yet now he was the one entangling me, restricting my freedom.
I couldn't help but question if I was allowed no resistance, no escape from this unwanted situation.
Aiden approached, gripping my chin with a fierce gaze, "I showed you this on purpose, yet you're still thinking about going to Alexander?"
"Elizabeth! I told you long ago, your heart should only hold room for me. Anyone else is prohibited."
"You're insane!"
I attempted to push him away, but the disparity in our strength rendered me helpless.
Aiden stood before me, an insurmountable obstacle, and I had no way to counter him.
Indeed, showing me this was all part of his plan.
Aiden aimed to break my spirit, to make me comply without resistance, to remain here willingly.
Yet deep down, I knew his heart still belonged to Bianca. Did it truly matter if he kept me here?
"Aiden, you want me by your side, but why? Do you love me?"
His reaction was nearly nonexistent, indicating the likelihood was slim.
Aiden had a purpose for keeping me here—a reason I couldn't yet fathom.
I studied him, hoping to glean some insight from his eyes.
But Aiden merely chuckled.
"Elizabeth, we were engaged once. Do you doubt my feelings for you?"
His words were so convincingly spoken that I almost laughed.
"And what about Bianca?"
Whenever I mentioned Bianca, Aiden would display an involuntary hint of tension.
And this time was no different.
His reaction to Bianca reaffirmed the ongoing connection between them.
Despite standing alone before me, Aiden's heart was still with Bianca.
At this very moment, merely mentioning her name had thrown Aiden into disarray.
"Since the last incident, I haven't seen her, Aiden. While you're busy hassling me, have you even thought about her?"
My words seemed to hit a nerve, causing Aiden to retreat several steps, distancing himself from me.
"Why are you bringing her up?"
He appeared to be probing, his dark eyes fixed on me, trying to decipher my intention.
With a wry smile, I replied, "I'm simply curious about your current situation."
"You claim you want me by your side. Does that mean we're going back to our past relationship?"
"If we're to be lovers again, I need to know where things stand with you."
Though Aiden was the only one present, the circumstances were not in my favor. Confronting him head-on would lead nowhere.
The only option was to feign compliance while probing for information about him.
Aiden seemed to contemplate something, and suddenly he laughed.
"So, you're saying you'd be willing to return to our past?"
I didn't answer directly but continued, "Tell me where Bianca is."
"A person can't vanish into thin air. Without reassurance, I can't agree to anything."
Determined to know, Aiden's expression slowly faded.
He looked at me, finally speaking, "I haven't maintained contact with her, so I'm not sure."
"Really?" I reached out my hand, "Then give me your phone; I want to check myself."
This request clearly struck a nerve, prompting Aiden to retreat several steps, visibly perturbed.