Chapter 212
Aria’s POV
Delayed for half an hour, I finally arrived home just after ten.
While taking off my shoes, I video-called Aiden.
He answered almost instantly. “Home safe p>
“Just now,” I replied, walking over to the counter to pour myself a glass of water. I took small sips, the cool liquid soothing my parched throat.
Through the screen, I could feel Aiden’s gaze following my lips where they touched the rim of the glass. His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly. “Something happen on your way back p>
I glanced up at his face on my phone screen. “It’s just… a minor thing p>
I didn’t want to tell him what had happened earlier.
I didn’t want Aiden to worry too much.
My eyes darted away quickly.
The corner of Aiden’s mouth lifted into a meaningful smile. “What ‘minor thing p>
Even through the screen, I couldn’t withstand that sharp gaze.
So I chose to tell the truth. “On my way home, I came across someone who suddenly fell ill p>
“Playing the good Samaritan again p>
I flinched, letting out a soft, muffled “Mhm p>
I guess so?
“What’s wrong with my wife helping others that you couldn’t even tell me?” He paused meaningfully. “Or was the person you sent to the hospital… Liam p>
It had been so long since I’d heard that name. The implication that I’d been with my
ex made my blood boil. “Absolutely not! A stranger flagged me down saying his friend urgently needed to get to the hospital p>
“So you’re saying someone forced you to pull over p>
His voice suddenly filled with anger.
“Aria?” His low tone from the other end of the call made my hand tremble slightly around the glass.
I bit my lip, my voice growing quieter. “It happened on Maple Avenue. I was afraid I might hit him, so I slowed down. Then I had to stop p>
I am a law-abiding citizen, after all!
Aiden lowered his head and stayed silent. In those few brief seconds of quiet, my eyes began to sting.
It felt like an eternity passed before I couldn’t take it anymore. “Please don’t be angry,” I nearly sobbed.
He wasn’t home-how could I comfort him if he was upset?
Aiden looked up and immediately noticed my reddened eyes.
A strange flicker passed over his face. He raised a hand as if to touch my cheek, then remembered we were on a video call.
“I’m not angry p>
Hearing his words, I finally relaxed, the burning sensation in my eyes fading.
“Are you crying p>
I choked back a sob, wanting to deny it, but tears welled up anyway. “Would you
believe me if I said no p>
I was just… anxious and unsettled!
“If anything like this happens again, call me right away, Aria p>
Aiden’s voice was deep and gentle, full of affection rather than scolding.
Hearing his tone made me even more embarrassed. I nodded meekly. “I will p>
“It’s late. Go take a shower and get some proper rest p>
“Mhm,” I nodded, already starting to yawn.
“Hang up now p>
I stared at the screen for a moment, reluctant to end the call, before finally hanging
up and heading to the wardrobe for my pajamas.
Just as I stepped into the bathroom, my phone rang again.
Holding my clothes, I hurried back and grabbed the phone. Seeing
billion’s name, it suddenly hit
me÷1
hadn’t told her I was home yet!
“I’m home safe!” I answered quickly.
I felt embarrassed again. “I forgot to text you. I was on a video call with Aiden p>
“Oh, great, rubbing salt in my wound this late! I’m hanging up now p>
“Goodnight, sweetie p>
“Goodnight p>
Lillian really is my best friend.
By the time I finished showering, it
was already.eleven. quickly sennet
Aiden a
goodnight text but fell
asleep before seeing his reply.
Without Aiden beside me, I slept fitfully. Having gone to bed late, I couldn’t seem to
open my eyes when the phone rang in the morning.
Half-asleep, I fumbled for my phone, immediately muted it, and drifted off again.
When I finally stirred, I heard voices outside the bedroom.
Still drowsy, I assumed it was the housekeeper. “Ma’am, is it time for lunch?” I called
out, my voice hoarse from sleep.
There was no response. Frowning, I sat up.
Did I imagine it?
Just as the thought crossed my mind, footsteps approached the bedroom.
Instinctively, I looked up and found myself staring into a pair of familiar eyes, while breathing in that unique dalwood scent I’d recognize ywhere.. Śwnovel