Chapter 292
Aria’s POV
I couldn’t believe Claire remembered that incident from five years ago. It felt like such a distant memory, almost entirely faded from my mind.
That day, after the competition and award ceremony, I was supposed to make a quick exit. But the organizers had insisted we record performance videos. As the reigning champion, I went first, eager to be done. I was in a hurry to leave, truly— didn’t want anyone to discover the true identity behind my masked persona.
Nana wanted to film me doing a short segment, so I took a jet ski to the calmer, more secluded side of the shore. Just as I finished recording, shouts pierced the twilight air from the main beach. It was sunset already, and I couldn’t see clearly from that distance. But following everyone’s frantic gaze, I spotted someone standing precariously on a cluster of rocks, already being swallowed by the ocean. The tide was rising fast, a relentless force, and those rocks would soon be completely submerged. Without a second thought, driven by instinct, I steered my jet ski toward them. I’d planned to bring the person safely back to shore, but they lost their footing and fell into the churning water just as I approached.
Honestly, if I hadn’t been wearing protective gear and riding a powerful jet ski that day, I wouldn’t have dared attempt a rescue. Everything aligned perfectly-Claire hadn’t been in the water long, and her layered dress had miraculously trapped enough air to keep her from sinking immediately.
I grabbed onto my jet ski with one hand, bracing myself against the waves, and reached for her with the other. When I first pulled her close, the sudden shift in weight almost sent both of us under.
Looking back now, five years later, the whole thing still feels surreal, almost like a dream. After rescuing her, I left immediately-partly to keep my identity a secret, and partly because I honestly didn’t think it was a big deal. The person was safe; that’s all that mattered to me.
“I thought you’d stop looking after two years,” I admitted, a warm flush creeping up my cheeks, embarrassed by the memory.
Claire laughed, a bright, genuine sound. “How could I? You’re my lifesaver, Aria p>
Just as she finished speaking, Aiden walked up, his presence immediately commanding. He’d clearly seen Claire kiss my cheek, and now, with a possessive grace, he gently pulled me closer to him, creating a subtle but undeniable distance between Claire and me.
“What are you two talking about?” he asked, leaning down until his nose was almost touching my forehead, his breath warm against my skin.
With so many people around and Claire standing right there, my face grew even hotter at his blatant closeness. I glanced up at him, met his intense gaze for a second, and subtly pulled back, an almost imperceptible movement. “Claire was just talking about how I saved her life p>
“When was this?” he asked, his brow furrowed slightly, a hint of surprise in his voice.
“Five years ago p>
Claire, clearly enjoying the dynamic, raised an eyebrow and tugged playfully at my other hand. “Aria, my parents have always wanted to thank you in person. They’re here today—would you mind meeting them with me?” She glanced pointedly at Aiden. “Mr. Carter, shouldn’t you be helping host your father’s birthday guests? I’ll take care of Aria-you go do your duty p>
“I’ll be fine with Claire,” I added, trying to defuse the subtle tension. “You really should go help p>
Aiden gave Claire a cool, assessing look, noting her challenging gaze before dismissing it with a barely perceptible shake of his head. When he turned back to me, his expression softened considerably, a tender warmth replacing the earlier coolness. “Ryan has things completely under control. If you want to spend time with Miss Bennett, I’ll catch up with you later p>
The way he said it made it sound like I was trying to get rid of him. I felt a twinge of guilt watching his broad shoulders retreat into the crowd.
“He’s such an actor!” Claire muttered under her breath, a playful exasperation in her tone.
“What did you say?” I hadn’t caught her words clearly.
“Nothing,” she replied, obviously not wanting me to focus on Aiden anymore. “Come on! Let’s go meet my parents! They’ll be so thrilled to see you p>
1.n
I didn’t object. The fact that Claire had remembered such a fleeting incident from five years ago, and still carried such genuine gratitude, spoke volumes about her character. Parents who raised such a grateful daughter must be decent people. Besides, since she’d mentioned it, might as well meet them today and fulfill their wish.
“Alright,” I smiled, allowing her to lead me through the throng.
As we walked through the party, I
noticed many subtle, jealous glances directed our way. The Bennett family had been close with the Carter family for over twenty
years, so it was only natural that Claire’s parents were attending Thomas’s milestone birthday celebration.
After circling the perimeter of the opulent venue, we finally found her parents.
“Dad, Mom, why are you hiding over here? I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” Claire exclaimed, her voice light with affection.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennett were chatting animatedly with acquaintances, who, sensing a private family moment, tactfully excused themselves when Claire approached.
Mr. Bennett grinned at his daughter, a warm, paternal pride in his eyes. “What did you need us for, sweetheart p>
“You always said you wanted to meet the person who saved my life, right? Well, I’ve brought her!” Clairez turned to me, her face beaming “Aria, these are my amazing parents. Mom Dad, this is Aria, the incredible woman who saved me five years ago-and also Aiden’s wife now.” She seemed to pause, almost reluctantly, before adding that last, slightly complicated part.
Looking at me, Mrs. Bennett’s eyes sparkled with genuine appreciation and warmth.
“Aria, you don’t mind if I call you that, do you, dear p>
I sensed no ill intentions from her, only heartfelt sincerity, and smiled. “Not at all, Mrs. Bennett p>
“Oh, don’t call me Mrs. Bennett! Just call me Auntie, darling! You saved our Claire, and my husband and I have been wanting to thank you personally for years. We finally have the chance p>
“Aria, thank you so, so much for what you did five years ago,” Mr. Bennett added, his sincerity unmistakable, his eyes holding deep gratitude.
I quickly responded, a slight flush of embarrassment on my cheeks. “It was nothing, really. Anyone would have done the same in that situation p>
Mr. Bennett jumped in, shaking his head. “Claire told us how truly dangerous it was that night. The tide was rising so fast-by rescuing her, you put yourself in danger too. Not everyone would have jumped in to save her, Aria, not everyone p>
“I’m a strong swimmer, and I had a jet ski with me. It wasn’t that dangerous,” I insisted, trying to downplay my involvement.
“Regardless, we’re incredibly grateful for saving Claire’s life,” Mr. Bennett said earnestly, his hand resting gently on my arm. “If you ever need anything—anything at all—please don’t hesitate to ask. Our door is always open.” “You’re both too kind, Mr. Bennett. Claire has already thanked me many times, and that’s more than enough for me.” When I saved her, I never expected anything in return, and their overwhelming gratitude felt almost undeserved.