Unresolved Hatred ( Hatred 2)

chapter 13

"It smells great" Ash commented as he took his seat at the kitchen island. It was dinner time in the Hurley's household and usually he would eat alone without the irritating presence of his son but on this particular night, he decided to not give a damn. The boy was already sitting when he arrived and wisely two seat away from his usual spot.

"Thank you. I made it exactly how you wanted" Gladys added as she placed a mouthwatering dish in front of him. His stomach growled with eagerness at the sight. The pinkness of the shrimp stood out from the rich and creamy state of the sauce. When he requested shrimp Alfredo for dinner, he knew without a doubt Gladys would deliver a restaurant quality meal. She placed a glass of white wine in front of him to compliment the dish.

Once he took a spoonful, he realized why he tolerated her judgmental looks. She was one of the best cook he had ever met. He hungrily dug in for more. The spoon making its way back into his mouth stopped midair when a plate of food was placed in front of Aiden who had remained oddly quiet by his side.

"Thank you" he uttered quietly to Gladys as she placed his own glass of juice in front of him. Abandoning his own plate, Ash continued to look at him as he twirled his spaghetti around his fork.

"Put that down" Ash's words halted the spoon making its way to his mouth. He turned his head to his father for the first time since he sat down. His confused gaze met Ash who not surprising wasn't pleased.

"What do you think you are doing?' Ash asked pointing to the food with his own fork.

"I wanted spaghetti and meatball" was Aiden simple response.

"You wanted spaghetti and meatball?" he repeated as he looked at his son incredulously, like he had grown horns the past two weeks he spent with his mother. His mother might have let him do whatever he wanted at her house but in his penthouse, he wasn't going to allow it. He had to remind the child again where he was.

"Who are you to tell her what you want to eat? So what I'm eating is not good enough for you, is that it?" He couldn't believe the audacity the boy had to make his own request like he contributed anything to the house.

"I can't eat that. I'm al..." Not allowing him to finish, Ash turned to the older woman standing uncomfortably in the corner. The more he listened to the boy talk, the more irritated he became.

"Ms. Gladys please take the plate in front of him and give him what I'm eating. If he doesn't want it, he can starve"

"Ash, listen..." Gladys tried to reason with him but Ash wasn't having none of it. It was his way or no way. His house therefore his rule. Whoever had a problem with it could hit the road for all he cared.

"Gladys, I respect you not only as an employee but family as well. But I need you to stay out of this. I would hate for our long professional relationship to end over some petty shit"

The last thing he wanted was to lose such a competent worker but if it boils down to it, he wouldn't hesitant letting her go. She was starting to let personal feeling get in the way of her job. It had started when Emily moved in with them. He had noticed it then but didn't complain since she still maintained her professional position despite how she felt.

Gladys timidly nodded then proceeded to so as instructed. Aiden remained quiet as a new plate of shrimp alfredo was placed in front of him.

Ash watched him as he stared at the food in disgust. His hand reached for his neck as he eyes willed with unshed tears. The sight instead provoked an intense anger in Ash.

"I'm this close to shoving that food down your throat!" he bit out harshly causing Aiden to jump slightly in his seat. Refusing to comment or look up, Aiden continued to stare at the food like it would suddenly disappear.