Chapter 324
Aria’s POV
I blinked in surprise, my coffee cup halfway to my lips. “Wait, you know Owen Duncan p>
“Are you kidding?” Lillian practically hissed across the table, eyes wide. “He’s like THE golden bachelor of New York-of course I know him! Though clearly,” she added with a hint of disappointment, glancing in his direction, “he doesn’t know me p>
“Oh,” I murmured, watching as she slowly processed the connection. Her eyes grew even wider as realization dawned.
“Aria, that was the guy you helped that day?” When I nodded, she slapped her hand against the table. “Your luck is unbelievable! If you weren’t already married to Aiden, this would’ve been such a perfect meet-cute p>
She stopped suddenly, her expression shifting as though she’d just remembered something unpleasant. “Actually, scratch that! That man is a total player. Rumor is he went through two girlfriends in a month p>
I nearly choked on my water. “And how exactly do you know these intimate details p>
Lillian tossed her hair back with a confident smirk. “Please, everyone at my company knows about Owen Duncan’s revolving door of girlfriends p>
I couldn’t help but smile, honestly not that interested in Owen’s dating history. “With his looks and money, I’m not surprised he has women lining up p>
Unlike Aiden, who somehow managed to avoid the spotlight despite being equally eligible. The thought of Aiden’s intense focus-how his eyes never wandered when we were together-sent an unexpected wave of warmth through me.
Eager to change the subject, I asked, “So, Lill, are you still going to be busy with work p>
Lillian seemed to tense slightly, taking a slow sip of her tea before answering. “Not really. Things should be quiet until year-end probably p>
“Why? Need me for something?” she added, looking relieved at the topic change.
I smiled softly. “Just thinking you’ve been working too hard lately p>
“It’s fine,” she said quickly-too quickly.
Before I could press further, she pivoted. “What about your dad’s situation? Did you find anything out p>
My mood instantly deflated. “Nothing. The caller used a burner number that even Aiden’s people couldn’t trace. And they haven’t called again recently.” I sighed, pushing my food around my plate. “The hardest part is that my dad is still keeping everything from me p>
“That’s concerning,” Lillian frowned. “Maybe you should talk to him directly? The doctor said his condition could worsen if he’s not careful. This is like a ticking time bomb, Aria p>
I bit my lip, considering her words. “I’ve thought about it. But he’s never been this secretive before. I’m afraid even if I ask, he still won’t tell me p>
That was what hurt the most-the distance growing between us. Dad and I had always been close, especially after mom died. This wall between us felt foreign and frightening.
“Your dad can be stubborn when he wants to be,” Lillian agreed with a sympathetic grimace.
We chatted about lighter topics as we ate, catching up on everything we’d missed. Halfway through the meal, Lillian suddenly looked at me with mischief dancing in her eyes.
“So, no performances or competitions this year… are you and Aiden trying for a baby p>
I inhaled sharply, nearly choking on my food as heat rushed to my face. “No! God, no p>
Lillian cackled at my reaction. “Since when did you get so shy talking about these things p>
I mumbled something incoherent and desperately steered the conversation elsewhere.
When we finished eating, I waved for the check, but the server approached with confusion written across his face.
“Your table has already been settled, ma’am p>
I frowned, genuinely puzzled. “But… I didn’t pay p>
The waiter hesitated, clearly worried he’d made a mistake. “Let me double-check. One moment p>
As he hurried away, Lillian leaned forward with a knowing smirk. “Ten bucks says Owen Duncan picked up our tab p>
“That’s ridiculous,” I protested, feeling uncomfortable at the suggestion. If anything, I technically owed him a favor from that day, not the other way around.
Lillian’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Is it? He deliberately came over to say hello. Maybe he’s interested in you, Aria p>
My hand jerked so violently I nearly knocked over my water glass. “Don’t even joke about that!” I hissed, glancing around to make sure no one heard her.
“Why not? You’re beautiful and kind. I’d be interested if I were him!” she teased. “Besides, he’s notorious for chasing beautiful women, and he only recently returned from abroad. He might not even know you’re married p>
Before I could argue further, the waiter returned. “Yes, your bill has been paid by a Mr. Duncan p>
Lillian raised her eyebrows in triumph while I sat there, stunned and increasingly uncomfortable. I had no choice but to accept it with a quiet Thank you,” but inside I was seething. How dare he? We barely knew each other we were hardly” more than acquaintances.
Once the waiter left, Lillian’s expression turned serious. “What are you going to do now p>
I sighed, rubbing my temple where a headache was forming. “I’ll have to tell Aiden p>
I’d dealt with admirers before, but never as a married woman. This was definitely not
a complication I needed.
Lillian looked like she wanted to
d like
argue, then thought better of it. I could read her mind telling Aiden might cause problems, but keeping secrets would definitely cause worse ones. With my terrible poker face, lying wasn’t an option anyway.
We left the restaurant and caught a movie, trying to put the awkward incident behind
us. By the time it ended, it was already late afternoon.
“You should head home and have dinner with your husband,” Lillian said, giving me a gentle nudge.
My cheeks warmed at her suggestive tone. “I can drive you home first p>
“Don’t be silly! Traffic’s already horrible. That would take you over an hour round-
trip.” Before I could protest, she was already waving from the theater entrance. “I’ll grab a taxi. You go home p>
I watched her figure disappear into the crowd, chewing my lip anxiously as I headed down to the parking garage How exactly, was I supposed to tell Aiden that another man had bought me lunch? Especially a man like Owen Duncan?