Chapter 153
Aria’s POV
The online storm had finally settled, but Lillian’s words had cast a spell on my mind.
Every time I saw Aiden these past few days, her question would echo in my head on a loop: *”Don’t you think Aiden might actually be flirting with you p>
It had gotten to the point where I was seeing him through a bizarre filter, like some kind of creep analyzing his micro-expressions.
And of course, karma came for me.
It was a clear weekend morning, and the ever-disciplined Mr. Carter had just finished his morning swim. As I came downstairs, he was drying his hair, the collar of his robe falling open just enough to reveal a hint of those abs you couldn’t look away from. By the time I realized I’d been staring too long, it was too late.
When I heard that “Like what you see?”, my sleep-deprived brain short-circuited, and Lillian’s haunting question tumbled out of my mouth: “Mr. Carter, are you trying to seduce me p>
Aiden looked at me, the corner of his lips quirking up, fine lights shimmering in his dark eyes. “What do you think p>
What did *I* think p>
It was a difficult question to answer.
Maybe he was implying I was overthinking things?
Enough. I never should have asked something like that.
“Sorry, I wasn’t fully awake—just talking nonsense,” I stammered.
Just then, our housekeeper appeared like an angel. “Sir, Ma’am, breakfast is ready p>
The housekeeper! A beautiful angel!
I clutched at this lifeline. “I’ll—I’ll go eat!” Before I’d even finished speaking, I was already floating toward the dining room.
Aiden watched my flustered retreat, gave a soft *tsk*, and turned to head upstairs.
The housekeeper looked puzzled. “Is Ma’am that hungry p>
The heat hadn’t faded from my cheeks. “A little p>
“I’ll bring it right out p>
“Thank you!” From the bottom of my heart!
To avoid the awkwardness of facing Aiden over the meal, I wolfed down my breakfast before he even came back downstairs.
The housekeeper, watching me eat twice as fast as usual, remarked, “You really were starving p>
On my way back up, I ran into Aiden at the top of the stairs.
“Finished already p>
“Mm p>
He stopped, so I had to stop too.
Our eyes met, and my heart skipped a beat. “Mr. Carter, I really was talking nonsense earlier. Please don’t take it seriously p>
Aiden let out a soft sigh and said evenly, “I know. You weren’t awake p>
“Right! I wasn’t awake!” I said it, but a pang of disappointment tugged inside.
I still really wanted to know-did he actually like me? Was he trying to get to me?
But I didn’t have the courage to ask him directly.
I was such a mess.
To most people, this question probably seemed simple.
But I already knew for sure that I had feelings for him.
And given my past experiences p>
Well, I was just terrified of hearing him reject me. It would absolutely shatter me.
The way things were now, at least I wasn’t completely hurt.
But letting this drag on wasn’t good for anyone.
After wrestling with myself, I wanted to ask him again how he felt about me.
But before I could get the words out p>
He spoke first.
“Go practice the piano. But I’d suggest you let your food settle first, or your stomach will p>
.” His gaze dropped to my abdomen and paused.
I instinctively sucked in my stomach and straightened my posture, emotions
churning inside all over again.
I didn’t know what his real intention was, telling me to go practice.
But in that first second I heard it, all I felt was that he was pushing me away, that he
didn’t want to spend time with me.
I always defaulted to assuming the worst.
“Okay p>
I hurried back to the bedroom and firmly closed the door.
After calming down a bit, I told Lillian about it, only to be met with merciless laughter.
Me: What are you laughing at p>
Lillian: «Sorry, I just didn’t expect you to be such a chicken p>
Me: «Our friendship ends here p>
This fake friendship wasn’t worth keeping.
Once Lillian had laughed her fill, she finally got serious: «So Mr. Carter just said that? Nothing else p>
I really didn’t want to continue this topic: «Nothing. What, did you want him to say something that would make me die of shame on the spot p>
Lillian: «Not that, but don’t you think his attitude is kind of ambiguous p>
I refused to fall for it again: «Maybe he’s just being a gentleman, trying not to hurt
my feelings directly p>
I couldn’t exactly take his politeness as an invitation, could I?
I didn’t know if it was my imagination, but ever since I asked Aiden if he was
seducing me, his clothes had become infuriatingly proper.
Not that he was ever undignified before, but now it was like he was trying to wrap himself up like a mummy in front of me.
He used to undo the top button of his shirt as soon as he got home, and the second
one while pouring water.
Vel
Now? Nothing. Not even after swimming. Those occasional, breathtaking glimpses—what I privately called “accidental. perks had completely vanishe
Realizing this genuinely upset me. had nightmares for two nights straight dreaming of Aiden staring at me expressionlessly, telling me not to flatter myself.
I felt completely wilted, without even enough energy to practice the piano.
When Aiden came home from work, I didn’t try to make conversation like I used to.
Even sitting at the dinner table, I just stared at the bottom of my bowl.
This went on for four or five days. Today was Friday, and Aiden had after-work engagements. The housekeeper had made chicken soup, but I had no appetite.
I mechanically finished my rice, cleaned up the dishes, and hid in my room.
Lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling, my chest felt tight and heavy.
Lillian texted, asking if I wanted to hang out tomorrow. On a normal day, I’d have replied instantly, excitedly asking where.
Today, I didn’t even have the energy to answer.
It felt like a breakup.
No-we were never even together.
Just a one-sided heartache, and I didn’t know what to do.
Lillian noticed something was off. When I didn’t reply, she called directly. Fumbling, I
tried to hang up, but ended up hitting answer.
Perfect. Even my phone was against me.
“Aviya p>
“It’s me p>
My best friend of over a decade immediately picked up on it. “What’s wrong? You
sound so down p>
“It’s nothing. Just tired p>
“Cut the crap. I know you too well. What happened? Don’t tell me you confessed
and got rejected p>
That’s it. This friendship is over. I’ve decided unilaterally.
Hearing my silence, Lillian ventured, “Wait, did I actually guess right p>
I couldn’t bring myself to say it. < >
After hanging up, I summarized the past few days for Lillian: It’s really nothing.
I’m just a little sad p>
Lillian: I was joking before, I didn’t mean to make you sad. But I really never thought Aiden Carter would be so… unmoved p>
Lillian: <
you feel better, but with your face? Any man with decent taste would have fallen for you long ago you’re gorgeous and sweet, gentle but fierce… God, if I were a man,d have married you already p>
I felt slightly comforted: < >
Because Lillian wasn’t a man.
Lillian sighed: «There are plenty of fish in the sea. If Aiden Carter doesn’t like you,
we’ll find someone else to like p>
Me: < >
Lillian: << You know what I mean! So, will the beauty grace me with her company
tomorrow p>
I thought about it. Going out with Lillian to clear my head was better than staying
home overthinking. «Granted p>
Chatting with Lillian for a while lifted my spirits slightly.
The disappointment was still there, but isn’t life all about overcoming one obstacle
after another?
I had to look on the bright side. There was still time. Maybe, just maybe p>
Right?