Chapter 171 - Back to work

~ Los Angeles ~

After coming from Greece, Aiden and Sarah headed to Los Angeles.

Sarah's team was starting work on security enhancement for White corp. and she wanted to be there in person at least for few first days if not longer.

Aiden didn't forget the not-so-small detail about bodyguards. Sarah protested saying that Evalina probably is not in the area anymore, but Aiden made her choose between keeping bodyguards or not going to office.

Sarah spend morning in meetings with her team, discussing overall strategy and high-level design.

Lee is the most senior, he will be in charge of managing work when Sarah is not available. Lee, Harry, Marcus, Alexander, and Pierre each got their assignments. Sarah does not want to discuss details with the whole team, because specifics are secret. Jeff authorized only Sarah and Aiden to know details of the new system.

Afternoon Sarah spent with each of the team members individually. She found that everyone looks forward to working on this project, focusing on their respective areas. Only Alexander stood up by showing interest in helping others. He insisted more than once that he can handle his work and have free time to help others. Sarah likes his enthusiasm, but she didn't approve for him to work on anything other than areas that are previously assigned to him. He was displeased and gave up only when Sarah explained that separation of work is in place for security, and it's an order from abobe. While they talked about his project, Alexander asked Sarah about her relationship with Aiden. "Are you and Aiden White together?"

Sarah was surprised by him suddenly asking about it. "Where did you hear that?"

"Some people mentioned it.", he casually said.

Sarah smiled and didn't answer.

Alexander wanted to stay on the topic. "I heard that you come to work and leave with him. Do you live together?"

Sarah found that his questions are inappropriate and didn't answer. Maybe he is just young... or interested in her? Either way, she does not want to talk to him about her personal life. "Do you have any other questions about your work?"

Alexander frowned that Sarah didn't answer him, but quickly put on a smile. "Sorry boss, I hope I didn't go over the line. I was just curious... no more questions." He left her office shortly after that.

Sarah had a funny feeling about him. Why would he suddenly ask personal questions? What she didn't know is that Alexander would not drop the topic so easily. He can see that she is not willing to talk about it, and he knows that he can't ask Aiden. So, he decided to keep his eyes open. If needed he will follow her. He was determined to understand what kind of relationship Sarah and Aiden have.

…

Next day went peacefully.

Sarah met with Bridgette for an afternoon coffee, and two friends chatted happily. Most of the time Bridgette was talking about two bodyguards that shadowed Sarah, while Sarah admired Bridgette's persistence to shamelessly pursue handsome men.

No matter how much Sarah looked at the bodyguards, she could not see eye to eye with Bridgette on the visual appeal of those two men who followed her. But then… who can compare to her Greek God?

...

On Friday night Sarah and Aiden headed to Fairfield.

They don't have much time to relax, since on Monday morning Sarah has a scheduled checkup with JoAnna at Franciscan Medical Center in Seattle. They plan to stay few days there, because JoAnna wants to have Sarah for a checkup on Monday and to linger at least until Tuesday in case additional tests are needed.

Considering that they can't stay in Sarah's family home because Sarah and Edward didn't make up, Sophia offered that they stay in her apartment, it's empty and better than a hotel. JoAnna has a spare key that Sarah and Aiden can use. With that, it was all is settled.

Sarah wished that her schedule for next few days is not so packed. Since they came from Greece, they only rushed from one place to another with a lot of tasks to do, and there was not much time to relax and enjoy quality time with her Greek God. But she found comfort in thought that after her checkup in FMC, they can take it easy.

...

Stella found out from JoAnna about Sarah and Aiden coming, and went to the study to talk with Edward.

"How long are you going to keep this charade going on?", she sternly asked Edward.

Edward was confused. "What are you talking about?"

"About you not talking to Sarah.", Stella slightly frowned.

Edward didn't respond. There was no visible change in his expression.

"It's been long enough, don't you think? It's two months already. I want you to suck it up, admit that you are wrong and go and apologize to her. I want my family back!", Stella urged.

Edward frowned.

Stella observed that Edward is avoiding her gaze and thought that she is missing something. "Do you know something I don't?"

Edward was startled by this question, "What do you mean?"

Stella noticed slight change in Edward's behavior and scrutinized him while responding, "I mean that this is dragging too much. Is there something about that boy that makes you act like this?"

Edward hesitated for few seconds before shaking his head.

Stella believed him. He is a stubborn man after all, and she needs to coax him. Her voice softened, "She is coming back on Sunday, and they will stay at Sophia's apartment until Tuesday. If it's not for your stubbornness, I would see my baby girl here. But she is going to Sophia's place. It's beyond words how sad this makes me feel. And I know that you miss our baby girl also."

"What do you want me to do?", Edward felt the pressure. He also wanted to make up with Sarah but didn't know how to approach her.

Stella was relieved to see that Edward is looking for an advice. "Meet with her and talk. Admit that you miss her. You don't need to agree with her life choices, but you need to respect them. Unless you are blind, you can see that she can live without our support. There is no way that you can use as a leverage money or relationships. The only one hurting is us. I want her back."

Edward listened to Stella, and after some time nodded. "I will think about it."

Stella was able to see that he softened up, and she is sure that he will find a way to make up with Sarah.