Finding My Way

Chapter 1

ZOEY

Monday mornings are hectic for me as the secretary to the CEO of a large company. The CEO, Aiden, has also been my boyfriend for three years. He is ten years older, which puts him at thirty-five. Some may say that's a bit old for me. My friends might think it's unusual, but they never object when he lends me his credit card for dinners, drinks, or the occasional shopping spree. They speak very highly of him whenever he's generous. Indeed, Aiden is a man of substantial means.

Does your boyfriend hand you his credit card to use with your friends? Doubtful unless he is a millionaire. 

Aiden has me practically running around the office most of the time, and today is one of those days. I'm in high-heeled stilettos, so it's not exactly comfortable. My feet are killing me. Still, I'm trying to make phone calls, do paperwork, make coffee, and schedule meetings simultaneously.

 Easy, right?

"Zoey, have you called Mr. Gilbert yet? He's been incessantly calling my cell phone, and I've repeatedly informed him that I don't accept work calls on it," Aiden stated, exasperated, as he paused in the office doorway.

I already have the phone to my ear to call someone else. "I've called Mr. Gilbert once already and left a message. I'm calling Mrs. Eland right now and will call him back."

Aiden shook his head. "No, hang up and call him. When he answers, transfer him to my phone immediately. I have a meeting in an hour and don't have time for his incompetence." 

Aiden stormed out of the room, and I sighed—typical Aiden. 

Aiden and I were strictly professional at work. Sometimes, though, I don't think he realizes how he acts. His attitude could use some adjustment, but I try not to say anything to him.

Finally, twenty minutes later, Mr. Gilbert answered the phone, and I transferred him to Aiden. Then, I was able to take my fifteen-minute break. Eliana, my coworker, and I would always sit outside and chat on the bench.

"So, how's it going with Mr. Hotshot today?" Eliana asks when she sits down.

I sighed. "The same as always." I took my heels off and rubbed my feet, which were sore. "He's got me running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I've done so many things in the three hours I've been here I can't even remember what I had for breakfast."

Eliana laughs. "You had a bagel and some coffee. You probably need more coffee. And your feet! Why don't you start wearing flats, Zoey? You've got blisters, and your feet are so red."

"Aiden says that wearing heels makes me look more professional. He says I shouldn't wear flats unless I want to answer phone calls."

Eliana shakes her head. "And you're sure he's not like this at home?"

"Aiden has two different versions of himself. One where he would be sweet to me, bring flowers, and cook dinner. The other, he's a hotheaded jerk who wants everything done in that split second. It's a work-and-home personality."

"I think maybe you need a day off. I can take over for you, Zoey. You've told me the entire process of his brain. I think I know what to do." Eliana and I both laugh.

"You'd do that for me?" I asked. Eliana nodded, and I hugged her. "You're the best. This job has its perks, but I need a day off now and then. Living with your boss and working for him can drive you nuts."

After our break was over, Eliana and I went back upstairs. I finished the day and then asked if I could have tomorrow off. Since Aiden was leaving work, he became the Aiden I fell in love with—the sweet one.

"Of course, you can have tomorrow off. I know this job is a lot sometimes. I will see you at home in a bit. I love you, Zoey," Aiden said.

I smiled, and my cheeks turned pink. "I love you too." I grabbed my things and had Aiden's driver take me home.

When I arrived, I immediately changed into the comfiest clothes and laid on the couch to binge-watch some TV until Aiden came home.

An hour later, Aiden did come home. I knew he still had paperwork to do, so he was late. Nothing unusual there. 

"Hey, I brought you something," Aiden said. I turned around to see Aiden holding a bouquet of red roses. He did this about every week, and it still surprises me to this day. When we first started dating, I had flowers everywhere.

"Aw, they're beautiful. Thank you." Aiden kissed me on the cheek.

The rest of the night, we ordered takeout and watched movies. It felt weird to me knowing I didn't have to get up early in the morning to go to work. I couldn't remember the last time I had a day off without Aiden.

This morning, as I awoke, I noticed the left side of the bed was cold and unoccupied. Aiden habitually rises early for work, and upon glancing at the clock while rolling over, it is already nine. Astonishing—I must have been quite exhausted.

Today, I opted to go shopping and considered inviting my friends for lunch. Paisley, Emma, Liz, and Sara were all in their final year of college, pursuing their doctorates. I nearly followed in their footsteps until I met Aiden, fell in love with him, and accepted his job offer. My friends were supportive of my choice, and as a result, I avoided the substantial student loans they accumulated. Aiden's generous salary allowed me to pay off all my debts.

After showering and dressing, I reached for my purse to leave, only to find my wallet missing. I searched the house and then recalled leaving it locked in my desk drawer at work. It was occasionally used for the vending machines, and I had forgotten to bring it home.

With a sigh, I called Aiden's driver to pick me up, knowing that if I drove myself, I'd likely end up with a traffic ticket—I detested driving.

When the driver picked me up, he was a quarter-hour behind schedule. Upon reaching the office, I ascended to my floor, reached my desk, and collected my wallet. Hesitant to depart without checking on Aiden, I approached his room, given his unpredictable work schedule. The slightly open door invited curiosity and yielding to it, I pushed through the threshold, only to be met with a sight that stole my breath away.