Chapter 217
Aria’s POV
I woke up completely exhausted after our intense lovemaking.
The bedroom was dimly lit when I opened my eyes, and Aiden was no longer beside
me.
I reached out to touch his side of the bed-still warm.
He must have gotten up just moments ago.
I smiled to myself, sat up slowly, and took a moment to gather my strength before grabbing my phone and heading downstairs.
The housekeeper had prepared afternoon tea and smiled when she saw me coming down the stairs. “Would you like something to eat, Mrs. Carter p>
It was already past three, and the pasta we’d eaten more than two hours ago had long been digested.
“Yes, please,” I nodded.
“I’ll serve you right away, ma’am p>
“No rush,” I assured her.
I’d barely taken a sip of water when Nanny returned with a slice of cake and a cup of tea.
“Thank you p>
I didn’t start eating immediately. Despite being awake for nearly ten minutes, there was still no sign of Aiden.
September in New York was still scorchingly hot, especially at this time of day.
Could he be at the pool in this heat?
With that thought, I took a bite of cake and made my way toward the pool area, plate in hand.
Brilliant sunlight reflected off the water’s surface, making it shimmer, but there was no one in sight. The cabana was empty too.
I raised an eyebrow but didn’t bother searching further. Aiden was always busy; he was probably handling work matters.
Meanwhile, in the study, Aiden sat before his computer reviewing files that Christopher had just sent over. These weren’t company documents but information on Paul Garcia-the man who had blocked my car yesterday evening.
After finishing his review, he closed the laptop and headed toward our bedroom.
I had just finished my cake and was climbing the stairs, intending to practice piano
in the music room, when I ran into Aiden face-to-face.
“All done with work?” I asked.
His eyes met mine as he nodded. “Going to play piano p>
“Mmhmm. Nanny made afternoon tea. Would you like some cake or pizza p>
Aiden shook his head. “I’ll join you for a bit p>
“I’d love that!” I couldn’t hide my excitement, my voice lifting with pleasure.
That happy? Aiden clicked his tongue softly, about to speak when his phone suddenly rang.
I caught a glimpse of the caller ID-Christopher. “Handle your call,” I said tactfully. “I’ll be in the music room p>
Just as I entered the music room, my own phone started ringing.
Seeing who was calling, I froze momentarily.
I glanced nervously toward the door, making sure Aiden wasn’t nearby before answering. “Hello p>
“Are you certain you won’t participate in the competition?” the voice asked.
I bit my lip. “Maybe next year p>
The person on the other end
sounded disappointed. “Won’t you reconsider? We really hope you’ll join this competitiont We’ve already contacted the media you’ll become
famous overnight!” ‘
That was exactly what worried me most. I didn’t want sudden fame.
Though hesitant, I declined firmly. “I can’t participate this year. My leg injury just healed p>
Hearing my insistence, the caller sighed. “Alright. If you change your mind, contact me anytime. I’ll keep your spot reserved. Sorry to disturb you p>
“Thank you. Goodbye p>
After hanging up, I stared at the piano before me, but my desire to practice had vanished.
Elena’s words suddenly flooded my
mind. I pursed my lips, pushing
down the unpleasant feelings rising
within me Taking a deep Breath
cleared my thoughts and began to
play.
I was so focused that I didn’t notice Aiden entering the room. Only when I finished
the piece and heard his voice behind me did I realize he was there.
I turned my head, looking up at him. “When did you come in p>
“Not long ago p>
At that moment, my phone, sitting on the piano, lit up.
His dark eyes glanced at it briefly before asking, “Dinner p>
I nodded, picking up my phone and instinctively pressing the power button. The
screen illuminated, showing an unread message from Lillian.
Remembering Aiden had glanced at my phone, I felt relieved that Lillian hadn’t sent anything inappropriate.
“Sure,” I replied.
Just then, Nanny’s voice called out: “Sir, madam, dinner is ready p>
Aiden looked at me, and I responded with a simple “Oh,” walking to his side and taking his arm. “Let’s eat, let’s eat p>
I realized I was actually quite hungry.
Aiden had rushed back home, leaving behind a pile of work in Boston. The next morning, just after seven, I was stift half asleep when, heard him getting up.
Seeing I was awake, he leaned down and kissed me gently. “It’s still early. Go back
to sleep p>
Still groggy from sleep, I barely registered the kiss. “Do you have an early meeting today?” I mumbled.
“Yes p>
Aiden’s hand brushed lightly across my face. “Sleep a bit longer p>
I was truly not fully awake yet and murmured an agreement before closing my eyes and drifting back to sleep.
Aiden watched me fall back asleep, his lips curving into a slight smile before he left the room.
As the door closed and the room returned to silence, I didn’t sleep much longer. Suddenly, belatedly realizing Aiden had kissed me, I jolted awake.
My eyes flew open, staring at the ceiling as I raised my hand to touch my lips. My face grew hot.
Now fully awake, I got out of bed.
By the time I’d finished getting ready and came downstairs, Aiden was about to leave. Seeing me desce
nding the stairs, he paused in the entryway, waiting instead of continuing toward the
door.