Chapter 4 CRANKY FEELINGS

Aiden stared at the cityscape, the city lights blurring into a kaleidoscope of colors as he drove. The hum of the engine and the soft jazz playing on the radio did little to soothe the churning in his stomach. He hadn't seen Sophia in a week, and the silence was deafening. It was like a phantom limb, the absence of her presence a constant ache.

He knew he'd messed up. Big time. The way he'd reacted to her news, his knee-jerk response, had been childish and impulsive. He'd been so focused on his own insecurities, his own fears of losing her, that he'd forgotten about her needs.

He'd called her, texted her, tried to reach out, but she wouldn't answer. He understood. He deserved her silence.

He'd tried to convince himself that it was for the best. That she was better off without him, without his baggage, his past. But the truth was, he couldn't imagine his life without her. She was the missing piece, the melody to his soul.

Aiden pulled over to the side of the road, the city lights casting long shadows on the pavement. He took a deep breath, trying to clear his head. He needed to talk to her, to apologize, to explain. He needed to make things right.

He knew it wouldn't be easy. He'd been a jerk in high school, making fun of her weight and her insecurities. He'd been a bully, and he'd hurt her deeply. He knew he didn't deserve a second chance, but he was willing to try. He was willing to fight for her. He was willing to do whatever it took to win her. He just hoped it wasn't too late.

Just as Aiden was about to dial Sophia's number, his phone buzzed with a familiar ringtone. It was Jenna, one of his casual flings from a few months back. He hesitated for a moment, glancing at the screen, but he knew he couldn't get distracted now.

He answered, trying to keep his tone neutral. "Hey, Jenna."

"Hey, Aiden! What's up? Wanna hang out?" she asked, her voice playful and inviting.

He felt a pang of temptation, but he shook his head, even though she couldn't see him. "Nah, not really in the mood. Got some stuff on my mind."

"Aw, come on! We had fun last time," she insisted, but Aiden could feel his resolve strengthening.

"Yeah, but I'm just focusing on some personal things right now. Maybe another time?" he replied, trying to keep it polite but firm.

"Okay, if you say so. Just remember, I'm here if you change your mind!" Jenna said, her tone still upbeat.

"Thanks, but I really need to sort things out. Take care," he said, ending the call before he could second-guess himself.

With a deep breath, he turned his attention back to Sophia. He had to get things right with her. That's what truly mattered.

Aiden put the car in gear and drove, the city lights blurring into a kaleidoscope of colors as he drove. He needed to see her, to talk to her, to apologize. He couldn't just sit here, paralyzed by his own guilt.

Aiden's hand hovered over the doorbell, uncertainty creeping in. He felt a mix of excitement and apprehension as he stood before the grand mansion. It seemed so imposing, a stark contrast to the warmth he had always associated with Sophia.

He took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart. He had been so focused on his feelings for her, but now he couldn't help but wonder what kind of life she led in this place.

Determined, he pressed the doorbell, waiting with bated breath for her to answer. He hoped to finally bridge the distance between them and see where their connection could lead.

Ruth answered the doorbell, standing firm in the doorway. "You need to leave, Aiden. You're not welcome here."

Aiden felt a knot tighten in his stomach, knowing he had messed up in the past. "Please, I just want to talk to her," he pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice.

As Aiden stepped inside, he was met not with a warm welcome, but with a cold glare from Ruth. "What are you doing here, Aiden?" she asked sharply, crossing her arms.

Before he could respond, the nanny appeared, her expression equally disapproving. "You shouldn't be here," she said firmly, her voice leaving no room for argument.

Aiden felt a wave of guilt wash over him as he realized that Ruth and the nanny knew about his past with Sophia. He opened his mouth to explain, but the words caught in his throat. He had come here to apologize, to make amends, but now he felt like an unwelcome intruder in a place that had once felt so familiar.

"Look, I just want to talk to Sophia," he finally managed to say, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.

Ruth exchanged a glance with the nanny, clearly skeptical. "You think she wants to see you after everything?" Ruth challenged, her tone icy.

Aiden swallowed hard, knowing he had a long way to go to earn their trust-and Sophia's.

*************

With a heavy heart, Aiden turned away from the imposing mansion, his hopes of seeing Sophia dashed against the cold reality of his past actions. He walked a few steps before pulling out his phone, needing to vent his frustration and confusion. He dialed José, his best friend, the only person he could confide in.

"Hey, José," Aiden said, his voice strained. "You won't believe what just happened."

José, ever the patient listener, replied, "What's up, man? Spill it."

Aiden recounted his encounter with Ruth and the nanny, his voice laced with disappointment and a touch of desperation. "They wouldn't let me in! They know about everything, José, and they think I'm a bad guy."

José listened intently, offering words of comfort and understanding. "Look, Aiden, it's understandable they're cautious. You messed up, but that doesn't mean you can't fix it. Just give it time and show Sophia you've changed."

Aiden sighed, knowing José was right. He had to prove to Sophia, and to himself, that he was a different person now. He hung up the phone, his resolve renewed. He might not be able to see Sophia right away, but he wouldn't give up. He had to make things right.

Aiden stepped back into his company, hoping to shake off the earlier encounter. But as he walked in, one of his casual partners approached him with a warm smile. "Hey, Aiden! Glad to see you back!"

However, Aiden wasn't in the mood for small talk or flirting. He felt cranky and irritated, the earlier rejection still weighing heavily on his mind. "Yeah, hey," he muttered, trying to brush past her.

Noticing his mood, she frowned slightly. "Everything okay? You seem off."

Aiden sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Just had a rough day. I'm not really up for... anything right now."

She nodded, sensing he needed space. "Alright, just let me know if you want to talk or hang out later."

With that, Aiden made his way to his office, hoping to clear his head and figure out his next move.