Chap 33: Back to square one

Noah's surprise was a luxurious apartment that he had just purchased.

" You bought it?" Aiden asked, shocked. " But you said you didn't like it."

" But you like it," Noah beamed. " ...And whatever you like, I like."

Aiden was shocked. " Are you...crazy?"

" Crazy for you."

" Did your parents pay for it?"

" Of course not!!" Noah was offended.

" Don't underestimate your boyfriend," Rob added. " He is an author of a best-selling book that has already sold a few million copies."

" Do you like the furniture?" Noah asked Aiden excitedly. " I've already bought your luggage and arranged it in our room."

" How can I stay here just like that?" Aiden asked. " I will pay you."

" What?" Noah looked hurt. " You are hurting my feelings."

" But..."

" No buts. I bought this house for us. It's yours as much as it's mine."

" But how can I...?" Aiden was still reluctant.

" Don't overthink. I spent all my savings on the house, so I am totally dependent on you now. You have to feed me," Noah pouted, and Aiden couldn't help but smile at his antics.

Noah was transfixed by Aiden's smile and kissed him on the lips.

" Get a room, guys, " Jay said, rolling his eyes, and Noah showed him the middle finger.

That night, they celebrated at Noah and Aiden's new home. They had beer and pizza and watched movies until they were knocked out.

The following day was spent shopping for groceries and other household stuff. Once their home was set, Aiden went to the University to get some documents and also officially rejected the job offer he had received from Hunt Industries. The college Dean was surprised that he denied such a good offer, but Aiden had made his decision.

Dylan was initially shocked when he heard about it, which eventually turned to anger. The next day, he decided to personally pay a visit to Aiden's home.

The next morning, Noah got ready to go for a fan signing event. Aiden had just prepared his breakfast and was waiting for Noah when he heard the doorbell ring.

Aiden opened the door and was stunned to see Dylan. " Y-You...? H-How?" He wanted to ask how he knew his address, but he was lost for words.

" Wouldn't you invite me in?" Dylan said, and before Aiden could reply, he had entered inside.

Dylan looked at the modern-looking apartment and seemed impressed. " Nice place. Suits your style, " he said without thinking, and Aiden was actually surprised because Dylan never compliments anyone or anything. According to him, the only best thing was he himself.

At that moment, Noah came out of his room holding a tie saying, " Can you help me wear the..." he suddenly paused when he saw another person standing in the living room.

" You are... the chief guest...?" To say that Noah was shocked is an understatement. He looked at Aiden, thinking he would be surprised too, but instead, he was fidgeting on his spot, looking at the floor.

Dylan smirked at their reactions and stared at Aiden. " You didn't tell your friend about me?"

" Tell what? Do you know him?" Noah asked Aiden.

" He is..." Aiden wasn't sure how to introduce Dylan.

" My parents adopted him," Dylan replied for Aiden, and Noah was even more shocked.

" What? Why didn't you ever tell me?' Noah looked at Aiden accusingly. Luckily for Aiden, Noah's phone rang, and he was asked to come soon for the scheduled event.

" Please make yourself comfortable, " Noah said to Dylan. " I have to rush now, so I will meet you some other time." He then faced Aiden and pointed at the tie. " Can you help me with this?"

Aiden glanced at Dylan and reluctantly approached Noah and helped him wear the tie.

When Dylan watched them being so close, he felt an unfamiliar feeling, which was certainly not good. He further clenched his fist in anger when he heard Aiden say to Noah, " I have prepared your breakfast. Please have it before leaving."

" But I am already late," Noah replied.

" At least the juice?" Aiden insisted and handed him the glass.

Noah hurriedly drank the juice and left carrying his bag and coat with him.

As soon as Noah was gone, Dylan gave a piercing look to Aiden and said in a harsh tone, "What's your relationship with him?" Dylan felt agitated when he saw Aiden taking care of someone else as he used to do for him years ago.

Aiden felt a chill run down his spine when he heard the familiar authoritative tone. " H-He is my f-friend," he stuttered. He didn't dare say that Noah was his boyfriend.

" You two seem to be very close."

" H-he was my roommate at the University," Aiden added.

" Why did you reject my job offer?" Dylan asked, suddenly changing the topic.

" I-I don't think that job is suitable for me. I have studied engineering..."

" Then I will offer you a position that suits you."

" But I don't want to..."

" What did you say?" Dylan asked in a chilling tone. " You don't want to work with me?"

" N-No, it's not that," Aiden said hurriedly.

" Then what is it?"

" I-I don't think I am qualified to be your Personal Assistant. I-I am not comfortable talking to people."

" As I said earlier, I will give you the work based on your profile." Dylan agreed with that as he knew Aiden was an introvert.

Aiden was in short of excuses now. He was racking his brain, thinking about what to say to avoid working with Dylan.

Dylan noticed his hesitance and gave an ultimatum. " Do you think I am asking you? I am here to tell you that you are joining my Company, and that's final."

" B-But I have already accepted the job offer from another company."

" That offer is not available anymore."

" Sorry?"

" You heard right. If you don't believe me, you can check your mail."

Aiden took out his phone to check his email and was shocked to see a mail from the Tech company stating they couldn't give him the job.

" You have no choice," Dylan sneered at Aiden. " No other company will give you a job except for mine."

Aiden didn't have to ask to know that Dylan had forced the Tech company to revoke the job offer. All his hard work for the past few years was ruined by Dylan, who still didn't seem to leave him alone.

" W-Why?" Aiden gathered the courage to ask. " Why do you want me to work with you?"

" Because that is what you are meant to do," Dylan said so casually as if Aiden was born to serve him. " My family adopted you so that you can benefit me."

" But I am an adult now."

" So what? Did you think you would be free of me only because you are an adult? It doesn't work like that."

" Then what do you want from me?" Aiden asked in frustration.

Dylan was taken aback by Aiden's retaliation. " You sure have grown a lot, Aiden," Dylan seethed and approached him. Aiden backed away in fear when he saw the fierce look in Dylan's eyes.

" So, now you are not willing to listen to me?" Dylan asked, gritting his teeth.

" I...I...It's been six years... I thought you would have forgotten me by now."

" Forgotten..?" Dylan gave a dry laugh. " Are you trying to imply that you have forgotten about me?"

" No...No...I didn't mean that."

" Then what do you mean?"

"Y-Your mother said I have nothing to do with the Hunt family anymore."

" Don't worry about my mother. I will handle her. Just stay low for now and don't come in front of my parents."

This was worse than Aiden had expected. In addition to dealing with Dylan's controlling nature, he had to hide from his scheming parents.

" I expect you to be at my office tomorrow morning," Dylan ordered.

" Wouldn't your parents be there?" Aiden asked in a last attempt to get out of the situation.

" My dad doesn't get much involved in the Business anymore. I am the CEO, and I take care of everything. As for my Mom, she was never interested in the Company; she's too busy with her parties and shopping."

Aiden opened his mouth to speak, but he had nothing left to say.

" So, any other excuses you have?" Dylan asked, raising his eyebrow.

Aiden was flustered as Dylan had seen through him.

" So now that it is decided, I will see you tomorrow. "

" O-Okay," Aiden said in defeat.

" What is that you are wearing?" Dylan said, looking at Aiden's old t-shirt. " Don't you have better clothes now?"

" I-I will go shopping," Aiden said, feeling embarrassed.

" Get ready. I will take you shopping."

" What?" Aiden asked, stunned. " Y-You don't have to..."

" You will be working at the Hunt Industries. I don't want others to think I don't pay my employees enough to buy decent clothes."

"Ummm..."

When Dylan glared at him, Aiden realized there was no point in arguing. "I-I will get ready," he stuttered and turned around to go to his room.

Dylan looked around the room and saw the breakfast on the dining table. " You are not a good host," he mocked Aiden.

Aiden suddenly stopped and looked at Dylan. " W-What do you mean?"

" You never asked me for breakfast."

" I-I am sorry," Aiden said and rushed towards the kitchen to cook.

Dylan was impressed seeing Aiden do his bidding. He felt like the old times. " When did you learn cooking?" he asked, staring at him working in the kitchen.

" While I was in college. I just know the basic things." Aiden had learned cooking from Noah's mother whenever he went to their house on weekends.

After serving Dylan, Aiden went to his room to get ready.

Dylan took a bite of the bacon and smiled. "Not bad. He's great at whatever he does."

After a long time, Dylan felt a sense of fulfillment, as if he was happy from within. " It's good to be me again."