Chapter 138
Aria’s POV
I didn’t expect things to get even more awkward after Lillian left, but boy, was I wrong. As soon as she got out of the car, I closed my eyes and pretended to be asleep for the entire ride. Only when we entered the gated community did I finally “wake up p>
Julian’s friend glanced over at me with a raised eyebrow. “We’ve arrived, Miss Aria p>
“Oh, we’re here already?” I faked a yawn, putting on my best just-woke-up face. “Sorry, I guess I dozed off p>
He gave me this knowing half-smile that said he wasn’t buying my act for a second. “See you at the concert p>
“Yes, see you then p>
Recognizing my familiar doorstep, I practically lunged for the door handle. “Thanks for the ride tonight! I’d better get inside. Drive safely p>
I was about to slam the door shut when Julian suddenly called out, “Wait p>
“Hmm p>
Did I forget something? I checked quickly – purse, phone, everything seemed accounted for.
While I was doing my mental inventory, Julian somehow produced a single rose from nowhere. “Happy Valentine’s Day p>
I froze, staring at the flower. “Happy Valentine’s Day to you too, but I really can’t accept that. Thanks anyway p>
“Won’t you be sad receiving no flowers on Valentine’s Day?” Julian asked.
His words hit a nerve. I immediately thought of Aiden, who couldn’t even be bothered to send a simple “Happy Valentine’s Day” text. My heart squeezed painfully, but my principles remained intact.
“My husband already gave me flowers, but thank you,” I lied, maintaining my professional boundaries. After Claire’s mix-up, I wasn’t about to misinterpret Julian’s gesture as anything more than friendly.
Julian’s smile widened. “Oh right, I forgot you’re married. My apologies for overstepping p>
You *forgot*? Really?
I looked at his smiling face, not quite believing the innocent act. “If there’s nothing else, I should head in p>
Seeing my expression change, Julian’s playful smile faded. “I’m sorry if I offended you. I just noticed you seemed down and wanted to cheer you up p>
Whether he was being honest or not, he looked sincere enough that I couldn’t stay annoyed. “It’s fine. You’re right that I’m not in the best mood today p>
I didn’t want to elaborate further. Waving goodbye, I turned to leave when suddenly the front door swung open.
And there stood Aiden – who was supposed to be hundreds of miles away – looking straight at me. “Is Mrs. Carter not planning to come inside p>
Under the streetlight, he stood there in his perfectly tailored suit, his expression completely unreadable.
My heart dropped. I immediately forgot about Julian and rushed over to Aiden. “You… you’re home p>
Despite our earlier awkward incident, seeing him made my heart leap with happiness.
Aiden looked down at me, his dark eyes cold. “Perhaps I shouldn’t have come back p>
“How can you say that? This is your home!” I protested.
“So it’s not your home too?” he replied sharply.
I could feel the anger radiating off him. And honestly, he had every right to be upset. Here I was on Valentine’s Day, getting dropped off by Julian of all people. If anyone had photographed us, it would have been a disaster.
I bit my lip. “I’m sorry. I was wrong p>
Sincerity is always the best strategy. I’d explain everything else later.
Aiden glanced at the black SUV still idling at the curb, then reached out and took my hand. “Good. At least you recognize that p>
I stared at our joined hands, my heart racing wildly.
Was he really that easy to appease?
My heart sank a little at the sudden absence of his touch, and I couldn’t help but look up at him.
He was already staring at me, those dark eyes impossible to read. “I thought you said you weren’t going to see handsome men tonight p>
I felt a rush of relief—at least he was asking about Julian rather than… well.
“We weren’t there to see handsome men,” I answered honestly.
He raised an eyebrow. “So Julian isn’t handsome p>
“I mean, I guess he is, but p>
“So you did go to see handsome men p>
It wasn’t a question, but a statement. Wait, what? How did we get here? Just because Julian happened to be good looking and happened to run into him doesn’t
mean I went there specifically to see him.
But somehow, I couldn’t find the logical hole in Aiden’s argument.
“Fine, I guess technically I did see a handsome man,” I admitted with a sigh.
“So you lied to me?” His tone was deceptively casual.
How the hell did we jump from me going out with Claire to me deliberately lying to
him? This was ridiculous!
“I didn’t lie protested. “I barely
even looked at Julian-I’m not interested in him at all! Claire is the one who’s obsessed with him was just there because she dragged me along p>
Aiden studied me for a moment, then suddenly his expression softened into a smile. “Come with me,” he said, motioning with his hand before heading upstairs.
He walked slowly, clearly waiting for me. When I hesitated, he stopped at the stairs and looked back. “Coming p>
I hurried after him, wondering where we were going. We walked toward the music room, which confused me. Was he upset and wanted me to play something to cheer him up?
When he pushed open the door, I gasped. Next to the white grand piano was the most massive bouquet of roses I’d ever seen-bright red and absolutely stunning!
“What… what is this?” I stammered.
“Valentine’s Day gift,” he said simply, walking to the piano and picking up an elegantly wrapped box that I hadn’t even noticed.
I stared at the gift he was holding out to me, completely shocked. “This… is this really appropriate p>
Even as I questioned it, my hand was already reaching for the box. Who doesn’t want a Valentine’s gift, after all?
“See if you like it,” he said.
I glanced at him uncertainly. “This is really for me p>
“Do you see anyone else here?” he replied.
Feeling awkward, I pulled at the ribbon and opened the packaging to reveal a jewelry box inside. When I opened it, I was nearly blinded by the diamonds on the bracelet nestled within.
One thing was immediately obvious—it was expensive. Really expensive.
“Thank you,” I said sincerely. “I love it p>
“Good.” Aiden nodded, then looked toward the roses. “Don’t you like the flowers p>
“No, I love them!” I quickly went over and tried to pick up the massive bouquet.
This was my first time receiving 999 roses-and damn, they were heavy! My first attempt nearly sent me tumbling to the floor. On the second try, managed to lift them by using allmy strength.
Were there really 999 roses here? I was about to start counting when Aiden
surprised me with an unexpected question:
“Aren’t you going to post this on social media p>