The Girl He Craves

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 G*d 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 s**id 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.

asked me to show you around the company. I’m free now and would love to

A tour? Right now?

if I bump into him

I was convinced that the guy wasn’t

you showing me around right now?” I

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

was the one who suggested

said and rose to my feet. Lisa and I walked over

Sophie. I’m really excited to work alongside you.” She admitted and pressed the button for

and for a few seconds, we spoke about nonsense

this is the first floor. You should already be

or at least listen to every word that slipped out of her

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

told me to tag

hair and

new secretary, Sophie. Sophie this is Emliss.” She introduced us. A younger man named Gregg comes to

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

her hand on his chest. “Don’t even

her.” He denied but I could sense his lie and giggled when Emliss said

and I’m introduced to

just made an urgent meeting. All staff must attend.” She rushed

short notice? What time is this meeting?” Lisa

ten minutes. He said everyone needs to

and worried.” The last time he held a staff meeting, he fired half of the workers. Now holding one on such short notice, I

Aiden’s pov

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

raked a hand through my hair

floor. Does that

formally so it

did she

known about everything

I even thinking about

for? She was now one of my employees, which meant she was under me. I could just fire her. Bernard

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

to feel frustrated just

numbers. I dialed Austin. He answers on the

ring.

He said groggily. He must’ve gone to a party again

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

man, Aiden’s on the phone.” I heard a smack and

Ryland’s voice flutters from the other line. I rolled my eyes.

only two who stood be side me through all of the s**t I went through that one year in jail. My parents too,

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

how crazy is that, that you run

” That’s exactly what I was asking myself. What’s even

chuckled. “Office

here. I’m

was it so

saw her? Did you pull her into your arms?” Ryland asked sounding more awake

bluntly while unbuttoning the first button on my

like she didn’t

“Did she say anything to you?