The Girl He Craves

Chapter 40

Sophie’s pov

My fingers tremble as I dialed Mila’s number. She was probably already on her shift but right now I

wasn’t thinking clearly.

I brought the phone to my ears and lifted my thumb to my mouth to bite on my nails. Anxiety was eating

me alive right now, and I needed to hear a familiar voice to ease me and hold me down to reality.

Because right now, I was convinced that this was a crazy dream and that I hadn’t actually seen Aiden.

Because there was no way in hell Aiden would ever ignore me after all those years. He would at least

want to give me a piece of his mind or at least say my name, right?

Why was I even frustrated that he hadn’t acknowledged me?

I groaned and chewed on my nails. This really was a bad habit I should stop.

Mila answers on the fourth ring. “You caught me on a bad time Soph

“Sorry. I uh-I think I just saw Aiden Mila.” I breathed out in a rush as an image of Aiden in the elevator

with me pushes into my mind.

He was so cold in there. He didn’t even spare me another glance after I said his name. He hadn’t even

acknowledged that his name tumbled out of my lips.

“What?” Mila breathed out in both shock and confusion. “Did you say Aiden? As in Aiden Xavier? You

saw him?”

“1

Oh God Mila, I wasn’t even sure what I saw in the first place. Maybe it was another guy alto gether and

he hadn’t answered me because he wasn’t Aiden in the first place.

Maybe my stupid mind just placed Aiden’s image onto the guy’s face. Yes, that seems about right, I

didn’t see Aiden, that was only my imagination.

“I’m not sure Mila. He

I sighed. Why can’t leven speak properly now? Gosh, I’m literally still tongue-tied.

“What do you mean you aren’t sure? Soph

Mila’s words are cut off by Lisa calling out my name to grab my attention. I look up. ashamed that I was

caught on my phone during what was supposed to be my work hours.

“Mila I’ll call you back.” I rushed out and end the call quickly. I shifted in the seat and looked at Lisa like

I was constipated. My first day and I was caught doing something I shouldn’t be do ing

Would she report me to Bernard?

“Yes? | asked sheepishly while cringing inwardly. Great first impression Sophie. I scowled at

myself.

Lisa smiled politely and outstretched her hand over the desk. “I’m Lisa, Bernard’s PA. Wel come to

Harrington.co. I had meant to greet you earlier but you looked out of it.”

| smiled awkwardly and took her hand in mine. She shakes my hand firmly. “I’m Sophie. Bernard’s new

secretary. Sorry about earlier, I thought I just saw…

I trailed off unsure of what to say without sounding crazy.

“I thought I saw a ghost.”

Really Sophie? A ghost doesn’t make you sound crazy at all. My conscious mocked me sar castically.

I wanted to groan out loud. I must sound like a complete nut job right now.

Lisa’s brows furrowed but she doesn’t push me to elaborate. Instead, she changes the sub ject, which I

was more than grateful for.

“Bernard has asked me to show you around the company. I’m free now and would love to give you a

tour.” She smiled.

A tour? Right now?

What if I bump into him again?

I shook my head. I thought I was convinced that the guy wasn’t truly Aiden but a fragment of my

imagination?

“Is Bernard okay with you showing me around right now?” I asked, concerned.

This was my first day and it would be best to leave a good impression. Sure Bernard and I were

friends, but there was a line drawn when it comes to work.

Lisa nodded. “He was the one who suggested it.”

“Oh okay then,” I said and rose to my feet. Lisa and I walked over to the elevator.

“Mr. Beckam has really spoken highly of you Sophie. I’m really excited to work alongside you.” She

admitted and pressed the button for the elevator to open.

We stepped in and for a few seconds, we spoke about nonsense until the doors slid open and we step

out.

“Okay, so this is the first floor. You should already be familiar with here. This is usually where the

reception….

Lisa continued and I tried my best to look interested or at least listen to every word that slipped out of

her mouth. But I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I was on the lookout for him again.

“So this is the last floor we can view. The CEO’s floor is off limits unless it’s for a business meeting or

you’re one of the higher-ups.” Lisa said as she stepped out of the lift. I followed her and was about to

answer her when someone calls her,

She waved and told me to tag along.

“Ooh, who’s this?” A young woman with blonde hair and bright blue eyes covered with glass es grinned

at me.

“This is Mr. Beckam’s new secretary, Sophie. Sophie this is Emliss.” She introduced us. A younger man

named Gregg comes to join in on the conversation.

He was tall and lean with brown hair and cute dimples when he smiled. “Hey.” He smiled at me and

outstretched his hand. “I’m Gregg.” The corner of his lips lifted into a curved smirk.

“Gregg you damn flirt.” Emliss snorted and smacked the back of her hand on his chest. “Don’t even

think about it.” She warned him.

Gregg pouted. “I wasn’t planning to try my luck with her.” He denied but I could sense his lie and

giggled when Emliss said sure sarcastically.

A few others came to join in on the conversation and I’m introduced to everyone until sud denly another

rushed our way.

The unknown girl looked confused and nervous. “The CEO just made an urgent meeting. All staff must

attend.” She rushed out in one breath.

“A staff meeting on such a short notice? What time is this meeting?” Lisa asked in confusion.

“In ten minutes. He said everyone needs to attend.”

Lisa looks nervous and worried.” The last time he held a staff meeting, he fired half of the workers. Now

holding one on such short notice, I can’t help but be worried for what’s to come.”

Aiden’s pov

As soon as I stepped into my office, I loosened my tie. For some reason, it was scorching hot even

though the Ac was on full blast.

I raked a hand through my hair in frustration.

She stopped on Bernard’s floor. Does that mean she works for him?

She dressed formally so it was obvious she worked here.

When did she even start?

I’m the CEO, I should’ve known about everything that’s going on here.

Why was I even thinking about her?

What am I even getting frustrated for? She was now one of my employees, which meant she was

under me. I could just fire her. Bernard would have no say in the matter.

sat down on the chair and looked out the huge glass wall and glared at the skyscraper buildings No,

that would be too easy to do. I won’t fire her just yet. I want her squirming in my presence more for

what she did to me.

I want her to feel frustrated just as I felt

I groan and slammed my fingers on the numbers. I dialed Austin. He answers on the fifth

ring.

“Hey man.” He said groggily. He must’ve gone to a party again last night.

I clenched my jaw feeling left out. Austin and Ryland were in college, doing what college kids do, drink,

smoke, and have sex. While I was here running a multi-billion dollar business. Sure the job wasn’t bad,

but I can’t help but feel jealous that Ryland and Austin were getting to experience college life.

“Oi Ryland wake up man, Aiden’s on the phone.” I heard a smack and groan.

“Dude I need rest.” Ryland’s voice flutters from the other line. I rolled my eyes. Lazy assholes.

“What’s up Aiden man?” Austin asked. Austin and Ryland were the only two who stood be side me

through all of the shit I went through that one year in jail. My parents too, but I knew they were

disappointed about what happened.

I pulled air into my lungs before speaking, “I think I just saw Sophie Bell in my building. If not her then

it’s her ghost.”

Austin snorted. “Sophie ain’t dead man. Well I don’t think so. Still, how crazy is that, that you run into

her? What the hell is Sophie Bell doing in New York?”

I sighed and raked a hand through my hair again. ” That’s exactly what I was asking myself. What’s

even crazier is that she’s working here, I’m sure of it.”

“Oh shit.” Austin chuckled. “Office romance nice.”

— “There will be no office romance here. I’m over her.” | gritted out, loosening my tie even

more. Why the hell was it so hot in here?

“I call bullshit. What did you do when you saw her? Did you pull her into your arms?” Ryland asked

sounding more awake now.

“lignored her,” I stated bluntly while unbuttoning the first button on my shirt.

“I pretended like she didn’t even exist.”

“Ouch cold.” Austin chuckled. “Did she say anything to you? I bet she was shocked when she saw

you.”

“She was. And no, I think seeing me tied her tongue. I’m finding it hard to believe that she hadn’t known

I was the CEO of Harrington.co. But if she did know, she’d definitely not be as stunned to see me as I

was seeing her.” I said, furrowing my brows as I thought about how con fused and shocked she was.

She definitely didn’t know I would be here.

“Man you lucky bastard. To run into your ex

“She was never my ex. We weren’t together.” I corrected quickly.

“Yeah well, you still love her.”

I snorted. “And watch where that got me. In jail for a vear. If Sergio didn’t work his magic la

be there for four more. And besides, Sophie is dead to me. I loathe her, I don’t love her anymore, 1

have since forgotten about her.”

“Whatever you say man. Just don’t call the next time to announce that you two are getting married and

have a baby on the way.” Ryland joked.

I snorted. Me getting married to Sophie and possibly having a kid with her went down the drain the

moment she turned her back on me like everyone else.

Aiden’s pov

The three long-time friends continued to talk until Ryland had to bring up Sophie again.

“So what are you going to do about Sophie?” Ryland asked. I pinched the bridge of my nose in

frustration. Why did he have to bring her up again?

I was already forgetting about her…..well kind of.

“Nothing. Absolutely nothing.” I said dryly

What did he want me to do? Firing her now would only show her that she was still affecting me. I didn’t

want to look weak.

“I say you take out your revenge on her for what she put you through. You were a mess man.” Austin

said and Ryland agreed.

They were right. I was a mess that entire year she hadn’t checked up on me. And those last three

years, she still had the nerve to haunt me in my mind.

I was so exhausted.

Revenge sounded sweet. But I wouldn’t know where to start.

“She’s in the financial department working with Bernard I think. Not sure what she does there but I plan

on finding out. Revenge sounds easy especially since I’m the one making her have food on the table

for now.”

“For now?” Austin asked in a confused tone.

“I plan on firing her when I’m done with her,” I said coldly.

The three of us spoke for a good while, with the two suggesting ways on how to take re venge on

Sophie. Soon the time caught up to them and Austin and Ryland had to leave for their class.

After the boys told him they were heading out for their first class of the day, they said their goodbyes

and ended the call.

I reached for the new phone my secretary bought and rang her. She answers quickly. “Set a staff

meeting for ten thirty today. I want everyone to attend. “I said nonchalantly.

“But sir it’s already ten twenty?” Noel voiced out with concern.

Igritted my teeth. Was everyone working for me so incompetent to do as I say?

en thirty. Later than that is unacceptable. Remember, every one must attend. Failing to do so and

they’ll leave with a box on their damn head with their be longings.” I snarled and slammed the phone

down, cut the call.

I feel my jaw pop as I glared out of the glass wall overlooking the city.

I’m going to show Sophie my ruthless side. I want her squirming in my presence. I want her beneath

me….

I brushed a hand over my face in frustration. Not that beneath! I want her beneath my foot so I can

squish her like the annoying bug that she was.

I need to show her that she was no one to me. She didn’t affect me. That I had forgotten about her

three years ago. That she holds no value in my life anymore.

“Fucking Sophie Bell. Why the hell did you have to come to Harrington.co?” | groaned, tempt ed to call

my secretary and demand her to order the strongest rum.

I needed something strong to get her out of my mind. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get drunk on the job.