Touched (The Untouched Trilogy #2)(101)
The short walk from the elevator to the awaiting cab outside seemed like an eternity. I reached for the door and turned to take one final look at the RPH building before settling inside the cab.
“Your destination ma’am?” asked the driver.
“Boston International Airport,” I replied.
“Yes ma’am,” he replied, and we were off. I turned, looking over my shoulder at the building until it was out of sight and the dam of tears I’d been struggling to hold finally spilled over.
“Are you okay ma’am?” asked the driver, looking at me in his rear-view mirror.
“Yes, I’m fine. I just now said goodbye to someone and it was more difficult than I’d anticipated.”
“Maybe that means you shouldn’t say good-bye,” he casually tossed out, and returned his focus to the busy street.
If only it had been that simple. I thought back to the discussion I’d had with Aiden’s mother.
“You’re a very intelligent, accomplished and beautiful woman, Aria … but you are not suited for Aiden.”
I recoiled at her statement. We’d been getting along so much better; I was actually starting to think that I could tolerate her. Where had this this come from? Had Nadia been whispering things in her ear?
“Excuse me?” I asked.
“I don’t wish to offend you. This is not a personal attack on you, but more of what you represent and quite frankly, this is not the time for Aiden to be involved to this degree.”
“What exactly do you think I represent?” I asked.
“A disruption to his priorities.”
“Are you serious? Do you actually think Aiden is incapable of working and having a relationship?”
“It depends on the nature of the relationship and what he has with you is more than he needs at this point in his life.”
“Aiden should be the judge of that, not you. Aiden feels that I’m exactly what he needs and for you to think any less is rather presumptuous and demeaning to both Aiden and me.”
“It’s not that at all Aria, I assure you. To be honest, I envy you. Your strength and resilience are quite remarkable and you’re a brilliant business woman. I never had the aptitude for business or any type of career. This is what I knew I would be, the person who stood quietly by her strong man. Being present, but not interfering with what he needed to accomplish. But you, you’re very different; you will not be that quiet woman who sits back and allows her man to take on the world. That’s not a bad thing though, Aria. As I said, you’re an exceptional woman.”
“And you’d prefer Aiden have someone who isn’t as exceptional?” I asked.
“It’s not that dear ... I’m sorry … Aria. Aiden has a huge responsibility to this family, to Raine Industries and to ultimately millions of employees, consumers and the economy.”
“I’m not sure what that has to do with me,” I said. Sloan’s conversation about the person that Aiden’s parents wanted at his side tinkered in the background. She was right. They hadn’t approved of me and they never would.
“You’re too much of a distraction for him. Since meeting you, he’s changed … he’s lost his focus and I’m concerned about what this could mean for the future of the family and, of course, Raine Industries.”
I can’t believe a person, a mother, could be this f*cking selfish and unconcerned about her son’s happiness. This was unbelievable.
“And Aiden’s father, does he agree?” I asked. I was sure he was the ring leader but I had a sliver of hope.
“He adores you Aria, that’s obvious … but why would he not? Look at you. As I’ve said, you’re a remarkable young lady. However, he needs Aiden’s focus primarily on Raine Industries and that will never be the case if the two of you continue this relationship. You may be what Aiden thinks he wants but you’re simply not what he needs. You’re not the type that fits for someone at the helm of a company such as ours … with a family such as ours.”
“And Nadia, where does she fit in all of this?”
“Nadia and Aiden have a lengthy and rather complex relationship.” That was the umpteenth f*cking time I’d heard that relationship described as complex or complicated. What the f*ck did that mean? Was there more than what Aiden had told me?
“Forget I asked that, I will take that up with Aiden.”
“Aria, this is not only what’s best for Aiden. It’s best for you also. I’m sure you have dreams of marriage and family. Aiden is not to that point in his life and it’s quite possible that he won’t be for several years to come, if at all.”
“Marriage and family never entered my mind, but it’s pretty unsettling to know that Aiden’s parents are willing to sacrifice his happiness.”
“We aren’t sacrificing his happiness, we’re ensuring it,” Sienna replied. It was obvious that she really did believe the truth in her words.
“It’s sad that you see it that way Sienna and I’m sorry you feel this way. I’d hoped we would all get along. We obviously won’t but ultimately the decision of a relationship lies with Aiden and me.”
“I understand that Aria which is why I’m hoping to appeal to your sense of understanding and allow Aiden to follow the plan that has been laid out for him for years.”