The Meeting!

Mina had a goofy smile on her face as Clay drove her to the hair salon. If Clay noticed he never said anything. At first, he had suggested taking her to Le'Boutique. It was the salon to go to if you were someone. Her mother had always taken her there when she was younger. Mina had always hated it.

Everything was always so overpriced and flamboyant. They acted like snobs and Mina had felt really out of place.

Luckily, Clay had conceded and taken her to a slightly cheaper salon she liked. Even though she had the money to spend, it didn't mean she had to spend it.

Beautiful wasn't as big or as well known as Le'Boutique but Mina had been going there for years. They were always friendly and fun, Clay instantly changed his tune. Mina laughed as he chatted and flirted with one of the male hairdressers. When I teased him about telling his boyfriend he had playfully swiped at me and said that his boyfriend doesn't mind a little flirting, he knows he loves him

After getting their hair done Clay took her to a local mall to do what he called retail therapy. Clay was ordered not to overdo it and he tried his hardest but it didn't work out too well. He piled the trolly up and Mina had to physically stop him. She tried them all on, Clay squealed in delight whenever she, as he put it, looked fierce.

Mina could see what Aiden meant about him being good for her. He was doing wonderful things to her self-esteem and confidence. He sulked when she refused to buy everything he picked but changed his tune when she picked a few things for him instead. She was surprised he was willing to trust her fashion sense, she never thought she had any.

She did buy several outfits as well as accessories. They walked out of the mall laded with bags. Clay had tried insisting he carry them all but Mina thought he was inwardly relieved when she insisted on helping.

They placed the bags in the boot of the car and decided to go and get something to eat before going for their massages and facials. They chatted happily over lunch and Mina was fully relaxed.

Halfway through their meal, Mina noticed a familiar woman walk into the small cafe. She couldn't quite place her at first until she started speaking.

'Tanya!' she thought as she listened to her speak rudely to the staff. Mina hated women like her, the ones that acted like they were entitled. She sat just one table over from Mina with a friend, which meant that Mina could overhear their conversation.

She was grateful that Tanya had no idea who she was. Otherwise, she may have made an even bigger spectacle here than she had at her home. Mina blushed and smiled at the word 'home'.

"Is everything ok?" Clay asked.

Mina nodded and leaned forward so she could speak softly.

"Yes, I'm fine. Do you see that woman in the tight red dress with long blonde hair?"

Clay nodded as he glanced briefly in the woman's direction before bringing his gaze back to her quizzically.

"That's Tanya," Mina said hoping he had been told everything.

Clay's eyes widened and his mouth hung open for several seconds before he collected himself.

"Shut up! So, that's the woman that almost got married to the boss?" he asked and Mina nodded.

They went silent when they heard Aiden's name coming from their table.

"Honestly, it's only a matter of time before Aiden comes around. As a man, he has to make a show of standing strong especially for his grandmother. I admit I may have gone a little crazy but can you blame me. I am marrying the most eligible and wealthy man around that's not old or ugly. So, I got a little carried away. It's not a hanging offence. Once he has cooled down he'll come crawling back. After all, I know his grandmother loves me and she is insistent that he marry within the year."

Mina and Clay smirked at each other, little did Tanya know that Aiden was no longer eligible.

"Why is his grandmother so insisted? Is she dying? That would be so tragic," the woman she was with asked.

"That old bat has got nine lives, she'll be around for a long time yet. No, she wants grandchildren so she has plenty of time to spoil them before she croaks," Tanya explained.

"Grandchildren! I can't imagine you as a mother," the other woman laughed.

Mina and Clay also couldn't picture this superficial looking woman as a mother either.

"I won't be, I would make sure of that. I would also make sure that he wouldn't be allowed to divorce me if I didn't give him any children. Sure, I'm willing to practically sell my body to him but not to do that. I will help him spend the money he earns and reward him for it by sleeping with him. Aiden is sexy as fuck and I don't mind wrestling between the sheets with him but I'll make sure to take the morning after pill each time."

Mina had heard enough, but Clay hadn't he wanted to stay. Mina wasn't sure he if would have stayed silent though. She had to practically drag him out of the cafe and towards the massage parlour.

They were allowed in the same room for their massages and Clay instantly started to bitch about Tanya.

"What a bitch! I mean she's just so full of herself! I'm so glad that you married him instead of her," he grumbled and Mina just chuckled.

"Easy Clay," she said trying to calm him down.

"I know! I know, but I can't believe she would do that. Is it really that big of an inconvenience to give your husband and his family something they want?" he asked. "I mean, come on! Who does she think he is? The Queen of Sheba?"

Mina decided to just chuckle before closing her eyes to enjoy the massage. Clay soon followed suit and tried his best to relax. Silence filled the room with the occasional moan from Clay, Mina felt more and more relaxed than she had ever been before.

They finished their day with a few hours to spare before Clay was due to take her to meet her new grandmother. She had a shower as Clay picked an appropriate outfit. He choose a pair of sleek flowing black trousers with a dark blue flower-patterned strap top. He finished the outfit with a small dark blue jacket and a pair of dark blue small heeled pumps.

Clay braided the front part of Mina's hair before joining it into a high ponytail at the back. He applied minimal makeup upon Mina's request. Once he was done he showed Mina to a floor-to-ceiling mirror.

Mina gasped when she saw her reflection. She looked like a brand new person and herself all in one. For the first time in her life, she looked and felt beautiful.

"Hey! no tears, you'll ruin your makeup," he teased with a smile.

"Thank you," she whispered quietly.

"Oh come on! I didn't do much, this is all you, honey! Come on, it's time," he told her as he handed her a small clutch bag.

He drove her to an address just on the outskirts of the city. When she asked him where they were, he had told her that the dinner was going to be at Aiden's grandmother's home. Mina's nerves kicked up another notch as Clay pulled up outside.

Aiden was waiting on the steps and walked towards her door. He opened the door and held a hand out for her to take.

"Good luck, chuck!" Clay called before she stepped out.

Aiden was awed. She normally looked stunning in just a pair of comfy jeans and an oversized top but right now she was breathtaking. He smiled widely down at her as he closed her door and took her hand.

"You look beautiful," he said before placing a small kiss on her lips.

Mina blushed as she ducked her head, trying to hide her blush. Aiden brought his hand up and placed his thumb and finger under her chin. He slowly lifted her head forcing her to look into his eyes.

"I mean it, Mina. You look stunning, even more than usual," he said and she blushed harder.

She pulled his hand away and playfully swatted his arm.

"Stop it you, I'm nervous enough as it is. I don't need you making it worse," she said with a laugh.

Aiden had an expression on his face that she couldn't quite place. Before she could ask he laughed it off and ushered her inside.

They walked through the house and out into the back garden. On the patio, a small table was set and an elegant looking older woman was sat on one of the chairs. She looked up at them as they approached and smiled.

"Finally Aiden, I was starting to think you had run off with her," she said with a chuckle.

She stood up as Aiden moved Mina forward slightly. Mina held out her hand and smiled softly at the older woman.

"Hello, Ms Danvers. My name is Amina Logan, but people call me Mina. It's truly a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine, Mina. Please sit," she said softly, never letting go of her hand.

Mina sat in between Aiden and his grandmother. Aiden had hold of her other hand whilst his grandmother still held the one she had offered. Elle Danvers seemed different to what Mina had been expecting. She told Mina stories of Aiden as a child much to Aiden's dismay. He was granted a reprieve when the food arrived. Mina looked at her hands and chuckled.

"I need my hands back," she told them.

Both Aiden and his grandmother laughed before releasing them. The trio ate and laughed and by the end of the evening, Mina was feeling far more ay ease than she had at the beginning. They moved into the living room and Aiden took a seat next to Mina whilst his grandmother sat across from them.

"Now that we have eaten I want to ask you some questions," she said and Mina's nerves kicked in a little again.

"Ok," Mina said as Aiden gripped her hand with a squeeze.

"I understand the circumstances that brought you two together and though it wasn't ideal I am fine with it. You were there to marry someone else, correct?"

Mina nodded.

"Yes I had been with my ex for several years. That day he said at first he would be late and then he wouldn't be coming at all. I had found out a few weeks earlier that he had a mistress," Mina balled her fists.

Aiden took her hand in his and she smiled at him. Mina wasn't as upset as she used to be but it still hurt that they thought they could play him like a fool.

"Do you still love him?" Elle Danvers asked.

Aiden held his breath, whilst Mina really thought about it. It was a question he had been worrying about since he first kissed her. When they first met he had been attracted to her, a blind could see she was beautiful.

From the background he had known she wasn't like other women. Even before she left her family she wasn't the typical wealthy debutante. She kept a low profile, only spent what she needed and she didn't seem to need much.

So, when she started doubting herself because of that fool Aiden had hated seeing her look down on herself. The only thing he could thing of to do was to kiss her. To show her how desirable she was.

"No! I can honestly say I don't. I lost it the minute I found out about his affair and how he wanted to use me. Any love I had for him was long gone."

Elle nodded satisfied with her answer. She did not fail to notice the small sigh of relief her grandson had done after her reply. She had never seen him like this before. It was almost like he was in love or at least will soon be.

"I understand Aiden gave you a credit card linked to our account?" She asked.

Mina nodded and fiddled slightly with her jacket. Worried that she had done the wrong thing by using it.

"I must say you are not what I was expecting. When I learned that you were from the Logan family I was worried that you were like that awful girl Tanya. When I learned you left your family and wealth to be with your boyfriend I was impressed. It takes a strong heart and mind to stand by someone like that. However, I was still concerned now that you have money again you might spend it as she did."

"I must say you have truly surprised me. First, I apologize for thinking you were like Tanya, and secondly, though I know you did go shopping today I am aware that you did not spend as much as I was expecting. Aiden has told me that you truly understand the value of money and you have not married him for his wealth. May I ask why did you agree to marry my grandson?"

Aiden beamed with pride next to Mina as Mina stiffened. He moved closer and wrapped an arm around her waist in support. An action that did not go unnoticed by his grandmother.

"Honestly, I'm not sure why I agreed. When he fist asked me I thought he was crazy. After all, we had only just met and we were both marrying other people."

Mina smirked at Aiden as he chuckled.

"I know it doesn't make sense to marry a man I just met, but at that moment what Aiden was offering was like a lifeline. He provided a way for me to leave my old life without giving up anything else. I promise you, Ms Danvers, I will do my best to be a good wife to Aiden and not be a burden on him or your family," Mina told her.

Aiden smiled at her with pride whilst she held her breath. Elle Danvers seemed to be scrutinizing her for a long time until she finally smiled. Mina let out the breath as Aiden gave her another squeeze.

"I am sure you won't be Mina. I have a good feeling about you and you can call me grandmother," she said with a laugh. "May I call you Amina. It's such a lovely name I don't want to shorten it."

Mina nodded and laughed. The rest of the evening was spent learning more about her new husband's antics as a child. By the end of the night, Mina felt more relaxed and at ease, almost like she had years before. She understood what Clay said about Elle Danvers reminding him of his Meemaw. Her actual grandmother wasn't quite as warm but she was close.

As they drove home Aiden still held onto her hand as she sleepily rested her head on his shoulder. Clay was in the passenger seat whilst Daniel was in the driver's seat. Mina didn't miss the looks the two were sending each other.

"Aiden," she whispered. "Are Daniel and Clay ..."

"Together? Yes for four years now. Clay started working for me four and a half years ago," Aiden chuckled.

Mina smiled with a soft sigh.

"Yes Mina, he came after me like a lion after an antelope. I had no choice but to submit to his animal magnetism," Clay called from the front seat with an exaggerated sigh. He sounded like a damsel from a old western movie.

Mina and Aiden chuckled whilst Daniel sent him a glare.

"Ok, ok! Actually, he saved me from my drunken abusive ex one night, and the rest, as they say, is history," Daniel smiled, gave him a wink, and returned his eyes to the road.

"Uh, oh!" Clay said as we pulled up outside the house.

We all looked to see Ben arguing with Max again. Mina was thankful that the windows of the car were tinted as Ben turned to look at the car, he wouldn't see Aiden or Daniel.

"Shall I come with you?" Aiden asked concern in his voice.

Mina shook her head before giving him a small kiss on his cheek.

"No, just Clay is fine. I'll be up in a minute," she said before she got out of the car followed closely by Clay.

The gate opened and Daniel drove inside as Mina and Clay approached Ben.

"Who's this?" Ben demanded ignoring the car and eyeing Clay.

"Hello, Mr Kramer. I am Clay we spoke on the phone earlier," he said smoothly holdng his hand out.

"You?" he asked ignoring his hand.

"Why are you here again?" Mina asked.

"Do I seriously need an excuse? Do I really need to make an appointment to see my fiance with your bloody assistant?" he demanded angirly.

"You know what Ben, yes you do. Things are different now, you can't just drop by when you feel like it," Mina shouted.

Ben was taken back slightly at Mina's outburst. Never before had she ever raised her voice to him. She was always so docile and compliant.

"Mina?" he asked softly, reaching out to grab her arm.

Mina pulled her arm away and shook her head. She wasn't in the mood for whatever attempt at winning her over he had planned. She was in a good mood before and now he was ruining it.

"Mina, I just wanted to see you. After all, it's been a while since we had a meal together. Why don't we go inside and have a late night snack like we used to do when we were first dating," he asked.

"Miss Mina, shall I get the car? I can take you to a late-night cafe or diner," Clay asked, inside his head, he chanted 'say no, say no'.

Mina shook her head and Clay smiked inwardly at the sour look on Ben's face. Ben moved forward and Mina stepped back.

"Mina, what's going on?" he asked warily.

"Nothing is going on Ben, I'm tired and all I want to do is get some sleep," she said with a sigh.

"I know, and I'm sorry. I know I have always made you fit into my timetable, it shouldn't be like that. Things have just been busy with the company and everything. How about this. Tomorrow let's go down to the courthouse and get married. I have had to pull some strings but there was a last-minute cancellation at four. They said to arrive half an hour before," He offered.

Mina stared at him. This was the Ben she remembered. The Ben that had pursued her and loved her. Her silence was worrying Clay but to Ben, it looked like a good sign.

"Are you sure you can make it this time? Are you sure you won't have a last-minute meeting?" she asked.

"For you, I can. I will clear my schedule. I will make sure nothing can stop us this time," he insisted.

"Ok, I will meet you at the courthouse at half three," she told him before walking inside with Clay hot on her heels.