Chapter 251
Aria’s POV
I watched with satisfaction as Elena stormed off, her face twisted with obvious disappointment. Beating a romantic rival gives me a better rush than any nightclub ever could.
“Want to hit the shops?” Lillian suggested with a mischievous gleam in her eye.
“Absolutely!” The word tumbled out of my mouth as excitement bubbled through me.
We rode the escalator down from the sixth floor, heading toward the women’s section in the west wing. As we passed the fifth floor, the gleaming displays of men’s designer wear caught my attention. My steps faltered automatically as a realization hit me—Aiden always brings me gifts when he travels for business, but in all our time together, I’ve never once reciprocated.
The thought stopped me dead in my tracks.
Lillian reached the bottom of the escalator before noticing I wasn’t beside her. “Aria?” Her voice carried back to me, confusion evident in her tone.
She jogged back up to where I stood transfixed, following my gaze to the upscale men’s boutique. “What’s up? Shopping for men’s clothes now p>
I nodded, feeling a twinge of guilt dance across my conscience. “I just realized I’ve never bought Aiden a gift. It’s always him giving things to me p>
The corners of Lillian’s mouth curved upward. “Well, as your best friend, I’ll happily help you shop for your man—even though I’m painfully single.” She dramatically placed her hand over her heart, making me laugh.
Truth be told, I had little experience buying gifts for men. Getting something for my dad was always easy-he wasn’t particularly picky about his appearance, and he’d genuinely appreciate anything I chose.
As for Liam… I only put real effort into gifts twice during our relationship. Once, I bought him a collector’s watch, and another time I prepared something handmade. But Liam never truly treasured either. Even his anniversary gifts to me felt like afterthoughts, which eventually led me to stop trying.
But Aiden is different!
“Honey, what do you think I should get him?” I asked, twisting a strand of my hair nervously around my finger.
Lillian clicked her tongue. “Babe, you’re asking the wrong person! Think about it— what could a man like Aiden possibly need? Or to put it differently, the things he’d actually want, you probably can’t afford p>
I winced, feeling my enthusiasm deflate slightly. Lillian’s words might sting, but they carried truth. Everything Aiden wore was custom-tailored. He hardly needed me buying him clothes.
Plus, I didn’t even know his exact measurements.
Purchasing clothing suddenly seemed like a terrible idea. Looking at the displays in front of me, nothing appeared worthy of him anyway.
Lillian tapped her chin thoughtfully. “What about something practical that he uses regularly-something within your budget p>
I bit my lower lip, my teeth grazing the soft flesh as I considered options. A thought suddenly sparked. “What about a tie clip? Think that would work p>
“Perfect!” Lillian clapped her hands together in approval.
“Tie clip it is then!” I felt my excitement return, already imagining how it might look against one of his crisp shirts.
We browsed several stores before I finally found a tie clip sophisticated enough for Aiden. The sleek silver design with subtle detailing felt right—understated elegance that matched his style.
I purchased it without hesitation, watching with satisfaction as the salesperson wrapped it carefully in premium packaging.
Stepping out of the store, I felt a sudden urge to rush home and show Aiden my gift immediately. But I restrained myself—I couldn’t abandon Lillian after she’d spent the afternoon helping me.
While browsing the new arrivals section, I spotted a dress that screamed Lillian’s style and bought it for her.
She gasped when I handed her the bag. “Oh my God, Aria, I love you!” She threw her arms around me in a fierce hug that nearly knocked me off balance.
“We’ve been shopping all day, and now I’ve got this amazing gift—I’m over the moon!” She squeezed my arm gently. “You should head home and spend time with your man. You’ve been so busy with the competition lately, always rushing out early and coming home late. You guys haven’t had proper quality time in weeks p>
I hesitated, feeling slightly guilty. “It’s still early. Don’t you want to shop a little more?” “No way!” She laughed, patting her purse. “My wallet’s practically crying already!” “If you’re sure I conceded.
We exited the mall, and Lillian called a rideshare while I phoned Aiden.
Traffic was heavier than usual. Aiden told me he’d need another thirty minutes to reach me and suggested I continue browsing until then.
After hanging up, Lillian raised a perfectly groomed eyebrow. “He can’t get here quickly, can he p>
I nodded, tucking my phone back into my purse. “About half an hour, he said.” “Want to grab some bubble tea while we wait?” she suggested, eyeing the colorful shop nearby.
I considered it for a moment. “Sure, beats standing around doing nothing p>
The crowd was massive today, with a line stretching from the bubble tea shop entrance. I ordered a fruit tea smoothie and grimaced when I saw my number— seventeen people ahead of me.
Fortunately, the staff worked efficiently, and within ten minutes, only seven orders remained before mine.
Lillian anxiously checked her rideshare app, initially worried she might miss her drink. But her driver got stuck about half a mile away in the same traffic snarl affecting everyone.
After fifteen minutes of waiting, we finally received our drinks.
Just then, Lillian’s car pulled up from the congested area. She jabbed her straw through the lid without even taking a sip. “Aria, my ride’s here! Gotta run! Text me when you get home, okay p>
I’d been mid-sip of my fruit tea when she spoke, and by the time I looked up, Lillian was already dashing toward the mall entrance steps.
The driver waited for her near the steps, and I walked in that direction, watching as Lillian hopped into the vehicle.
Just as her car pulled away, my phone vibrated in my purse.
Balancing my drink in one hand, I awkwardly fished my phone out with the other.
Seeing Aiden’s name on the screen, I immediately answered. “Hey p>
The background noise on his end was chaotic mostly car horns and traffic sounds. Through the cacophony, his deep voice came through like a cool breeze on summer day: “Traffic’s still bad. I’ll
ае
be there in about ten minutes p>
His voice instantly calmed the restlessness building inside me. “Oh, that’s fine! I just
got a fruit tea anyway p>
I heard what sounded like a soft chuckle. “Is it good p>
That small laugh sent a flutter through my chest, and I caught myself biting my lip again before answering. “It’s delicious. You can have a taste when you get here p>
“Looking forward to it. Gotta go now p>
“Okay, see you soon p>
After hanging up, I found a less crowded spot to wait. I’d barely stood there for a few minutes when my phone vibrated again.
I instinctively checked it and saw Lillian had sent me a message with a photo attached.
Curious, I opened it immediately.
The image showed a crowd of people, and I couldn’t understand why she’d sent it. I
was about to reply with a question mark when another message from her popped
up:
*Aria, check out the second person from the left in the photo. Isn’t that Sophia p>
I hadn’t heard that name in so long I’d nearly forgotten she existed.
I reopened the photo and examined
the second person from the left more carefully The picture was blurry-Lillian had obviously taken it hastily from her moving car capturing only a partial side profile.
After studying it for a moment, I typed back: *Looks similar, but I can’t be 100%
sure p>
Lillian replied quickly: *Didn’t she take a bunch of Liam’s money and leave town
three months ago? I swear she’s back here plotting something p>
I pressed my lips together, feeling a
twinge of unease: *She’s always been competitive and obsessed with saving face. After getting roasted so badly on social media, she
couldn’t handle the comments if she’s back now, I bet she comings
disappeared sudden he
after me somehow p>
I took another sip of my tea before adding: *Let’s see what game she’s playing this
time p>