The Billionaire's Unwanted Bride novel Chapter 47

Aidan's POV

I was buried in my work till 7 pm when I remembered I had the intention of paying Anna and her mother a visit today.

I quickly round things off and pack the files I will be using at home in my briefcase. I stroll out before locking the door. I had dismissed Chloe since 6 pm.

I take the elevator out to the parking lot and hop in before driving off. Different thoughts are running through my mind as I drive to the neighborhood. I am hoping to meet her mother at home since it's past 7 pm already, I am sure she must be back from wherever she is always going to.

What should I say to her? How can I succeed in convincing Anna? Should I plead with her to agree to my terms? Should I try sweet-talking just like Richard has advised?

I shake my head at the thought of begging her.

I can't do that, I mutter.

"What do I do then?" I ask no one in particular.

A few minutes later, I drive into the neighborhood and park aside before going out of the car, hoping the dog that kept barking at me the other day won't do the same today. I take long strides towards the house and knock on the door softly.

I hear a voice from within and before I know it, the door is thrown open by Evelyn. Her face lit up in excitement.

"Hey, Aidan", she waves her hand at me with a smile.

I remembered the last thing my mother said to me before I left home without seeing my father. She is requesting me to come with my bride the next time I visit. I am still contemplating what to do.

Now that Evelyn is home, should I just tell her to help me do the persuasion? I shake my head at the thought. Evelyn will laugh at my silliness.

Should I just plead with Anna in private without Evelyn around? I shake my head inwardly again, I think Anna is just like her mother.

"Aidan?" Evelyn waves her hand in front of me to pull me out of my reverie. I blink twice and watch her.

"Who is that, mom?" I hear Anna's voice. She comes into view. She is wearing a cardigan and her hair is packed in a messy bun making the pleats of hair fall off her face. Her mouth is slightly open and I suddenly remember how I kissed those lips that night.

"I think Aidan is here to see you, Anna", Evelyn turns to Anna.

Anna sees me and folds my arms, with a face devoid of emotions. I don't know what she is thinking.

"Why are you here?" She comes forward when Evelyn moves out of the way.

I scratch my head when I realize I don't even know the first thing to say. "Can I come in?"

She stays in the door and leans on the frame. "No!"

"It's pretty cold out here", I shiver impulsively.

She looks at me from head to toe. "A billionaire like you shouldn't be seen in a shabby house like ours."

I know she is trying to use my words against me. I have no idea why I even said that. I guess it is because I found the house really uncomfortable.

I sigh heavily and rub my hand over my head. I want to let go of my ego right now but I am finding it hard to let go. I dip my hands into the pockets of my trousers and stare at her. "I'm sorry....."

"Sorry?" She interrupts me.

"Yeah?", It sounds like a question. I am asking myself if I am genuinely sorry for what I said about the state of the house. I doubt if there is anyone in the world who doesn't like comfort and luxurious things, I guess Evelyn is staying here with her daughter because they can't afford luxurious homes and not because they don't like it. I feel sorry for them and I am here to change that.

"I didn't mean to sound insulting...."

"Why does it look like you are doing this because you want something?"

"Stop with the interrogation already, Anna, and let him in", Evelyn appears again. I am thinking she has left the living room.

I am not happy that she is still around to hear me say sorry to her daughter but I am glad she is cautioning Anna. This is hard on me but they have no choice.

"Come in, Aidan", Evelyn pushes Anna out of the way and invites me in with a smile.

I enter and adjust my tie. "Thank you."

"Please, sit." She offers me a seat.

I look at the sofa for a while as Anna stands watching me before I sit. "I guess I will let you two be."