Regrets

2

Aiden's POV

My eyes are shut tightly as I pinch the bridge of my nose in frustration. I can't believe I forgot her birthday. I didn't mean to snap at her this morning but I also didn't need the guilt and stress. I already have so much going on with work.

I need to focus on my work. My company is my baby and my proudest accomplishment. I have great plans for it in the future and it needs all my attention.

There's a knock at my office door and my assistant walks in giving me a sultry look. I roll my eyes at her advances. First of all I'm not a cheater. And secondly, if I don't have time to sleep with my wife I definitely don't have a second to spare for Lucy.

It's true Isabella and I haven't been intimate for a while, but that's just because I'm working to support us and our future family. I'm sure she understands.

"David is coming later to discuss the deal with Kingston Co. and before that you have a meeting with new investors at 5:00." She informs me. That means another all-nighter if David is stopping in. Once we start a project together we never stop until it's complete.

"Thank you Lucy. Please bring my lunch in at 1:30." I dismiss her with my hand.

I look down at the papers sprawled across my desk. It's the Kingston Co. contract. Some of my other business associates have advised against doing any business with them. They have been know to be part of not so legal activities. But Kingston Co. could be a great asset and as long as I keep the contract clean I shouldn't have to resort to anything illegal to grow my company.

***

"I won't do it David!" I shake my head and stand up from my desk.

"We could be producing projections in the next few years that we wouldn't reach for decades if we accept this deal."

"I don't need to play dirty to succeed David." I won't be like my father.

"Just promise me you will think about it. If you went through with this you could take over the business world in just a few years."

"Fine. I'll think about it but don't expect anything."

"Well then that's it we have gone through every point and made our changes." It's now 3:00 am and David and I have just finished the contract with Kingston Co.

"Gonna head home?" I shake my head no.

"Doesn't Isabella worry where you are? Speaking of Isabella, I haven't seen her around Jesse at all recently. What's she up to?"

"I don't know how she spends her day. And she doesn't ever question me when I don't come home." He looks shocked at my confession. I know I should probably be involved in my wife's life more but I have my own things going on.

"You should be careful there Aiden." He gives me a serious look.

"What do you mean?"

"This might come off as a little psycho-therapy sounding, but if you aren't the one there in her life as a husband should be for emotional support and companionship she will find someone else to fill that role even if it's unintentional. Then the next thing you know she's in love with someone else who fulfills all her needs."

"Isabella would never cheat on me." I scoff but in my head I'm not as confident.

"Maybe not physically but emotionally. Jesse's mom is a marriage counselor so she always is giving us advice and such. I used to find it annoying but I think it's really helped us."

"Isabella and I are fine. We have our own dynamic that works for us and we are both happy. That's all that matters." I'm growing tired of this subject. Our relationship is fine and I don't like him bugging in on it.

"Whatever man. I'm gonna head home to the misses. You enjoy your comfy office couch." He grabs his suit jacket and heads out the door.

I get up and pour a glass of whiskey.

We're fine. We're happy.

David doesn't know what he's talking about.

I finish my drink and lay me head down on the arm of the couch with one thought in my mind as I drift off to sleep.

Isabella is happy.

******

I ended up sleeping again in my office the next night as well. I had work to catch up on. But a part of me also knew I was trying to avoid someone. Or rather a feeling. Guilt.

I was in a meeting with some investors when David burst through the conference room doors with two women in tow one being my slutty assistant and the other one his wife Jesse.

The first to speak is Lucy. " I'm sorry Mr. Jackson they wouldn't listen when I said you were in a meet-,"  "It's alright Lucy you can go." I interrupt her annoying rambling.

I then turn my attention to the other two intruders. "Is it important David as you can see I have important matters to attend to." I give him an accusing glare but he just scowls back at me.

"Yes I promise you this is a more important matter but it should be done in private. Could we continue this in your office?" He speaks in a steady voice. I don't answer, instead I turn to the other people around the conference table. "How about we reschedule when there are less distractions. Have your assistants email mine." I stand from my chair and head towards my office. David and Jesse are quick to follow.

"Okay, what is so important that you thought it was worth interrupting my meeting?" I sit on the edge of my desk.

"Why don't you take a look at this and decide if it is important enough for your attention." After her clearly pissed off statement I notice Jesse is holding a manila folder. She walks over to me and shoves it in my chest.

I give her an annoyed look and begin to open the folder. I reach in and feel a stack of papers. I pull them out.

My heart stops.

"What is this?"

"What does it look like Aiden, she's gone, a lawyer dropped this off at our house. Jesse went to the apartment and half of her clothes are missing." I look at David in disbelief.

No! She didn't leave. She's at home right now making her favorite pasta dish.

"I tried calling her but she didn't pick up and she isn't responding to any texts." Jesse looks more worried than sad. "Aiden,..." I look at her defeated ", she left her purse in the penthouse. There wasn't any cash but her cards were all there." Now I understand. She has nothing to support her. I was supposed to support her.

I remember the papers in my hand. I sit down at my desk and quickly flip through them.

Nothing. She asked for nothing. How will she survive? I—We were her only family. I try to think back to anyone from her past a friend or... no she can't go back to a boyfriend! She did have a few before me but nothing serious.

I have to find her. I need to fix this. She's mine. She's my wife. If she thinks I would actually sign these then she is sorely mistaken. I will fight for her. But I have to find her first. Once I do, I'll never let her go.