Chapter 107
Aria’s POV
Julian’s questions left me slightly puzzled, but I didn’t dwell on them; I just wanted to get away as fast as I could.
I pulled my phone out of my pocket, feeling Julian’s eyes on me as I waved it slightly. “Yeah, we’re close. I need to go now. Message me if you have any questions p>
I quickly pushed through the half-height barriers surrounding our booth and made my exit. Knowing Aiden was waiting in the parking lot made me hurry a man who makes millions of dollars per second isn’t someone I could keep waiting!
Contract signed, I practically sprinted toward the parking garage, my sandals slapping against the polished floor. My mind was fixed on one goal: don’t waste Aiden’s precious time.
I was so focused on rushing that I didn’t notice someone approaching until a strong arm caught me around the waist. That familiar woody cologne hit my senses, and I stopped dead in my tracks. Looking up in surprise, I found Aiden standing there.
“What are you doing here?” I blurted out.
The moment the words left my mouth, I realized how strange that sounded-like he was forbidden from being in this part of the building or something.
“I mean,” I quickly corrected myself, “why did you come up? I was heading down to you.
Aiden looked absolutely devastating in his casual black outfit. Those impossibly long legs and that effortlessly elegant demeanor were drawing stares from every direction.
“Oh my god, which boy band is he from? He’s so hot! Those legs! That face! I’d pay for his fan club membership right now!” I heard a girl whisper-shriek to her friend.
“Are they filming some TV show? The leads are gorgeous! I haven’t seen such attractive actors in ages!” another woman commented.
“Selfie opportunity! Can’t believe I’m seeing this kind of eye candy just shopping today!” someone else squealed.
I could feel my face heating up as I heard every single comment.
Like, hello ladies? I can literally hear every word you’re saying! Could you maybe respect the actual people standing right in front of you?
As the crowd of onlookers grew, so did my embarrassment. “Can we go now?” I whispered desperately.
I suddenly realized that when Aiden had caught me, I’d practically fallen against his chest. Our bodies were so close that I could feel his warmth radiating through my dress. No wonder these strangers thought we were filming some romantic drama.
Who actually stands this intimately in the middle of a mall hallway outside a coffee shop?
Hearing a girl behind me giggle about our position, I finally registered just how compromising our stance was. That explained why I suddenly felt so hot all over!
Mortified, I quickly sidestepped away from his chest.
“The female lead is blushing! So cute! Even her ears are red!” someone cooed.
I wanted to die right there.
Aiden’s eyes met mine. “Did you sign the contract p>
“Yes, yes! Can we please go home now? I’m exhausted and really need that nap!” I tilted my face up toward his, my eyes practically screaming “rescue me from this public spectacle p>
“Of course,” he replied simply, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.
His eyes suddenly darted to the side,then in one smooth motion, he reached down and wrapped his fingers around my hand.
The sudden skin-to-skin contact sent a jolt through me, and I stared at our joined hands in confusion.
“A-Aiden?” I stammered, barely able to form words.
Why was he suddenly holding my hand?
“Isn’t hand-holding normal between husband and wife?” he asked lazily, his voice smooth as silk.
Well, when he put it that way… I instinctively interlaced our fingers, creating a more intimate grip.
As our hands locked together, I caught the satisfied smile that spread across Aiden’s lips. Something about that smile made my stomach flip in a way that had nothing to do with hunger
I had the strangest feeling he wasn’t just holding my hand for show, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on why.
As we walked toward the elevator, I sensed someone watching us.
I wanted to glance over my shoulder, wondering if anyone was watching us. Aiden noticed and gently steered me forward, murmuring, “Eyes on the path, Aria. Don’t trip p>
Yeah,he’s right.
Author’s POV
Watching Aria rush to leave, Julian raised an eyebrow and turned to Summer. “Does Miss Summer know how Mrs. Carter and Mr. Carter met p>
Summer, who knew absolutely nothing about their relationship, hesitated. “She… she hasn’t really mentioned it p>
How would she know? She’d found out about Aria and Aiden’s marriage the same way everyone else did through social media gossip!
“Has Mr. Carter ever attended her performances before p>
Summer felt cornered by Julian’s strange questions. She gave an awkward smile. “I wouldn’t know that either it’s not like köan watch the audience while I’m working, right p>
This Julian guy was acting very oddly.
“I see p>
Julian clicked his tongue, seemingly wanting to ask more, but Mark cleared his throat in warning.
Julian reluctantly backed off. “Nothing important. Just curious. We should get going too. Please feel free to leave, Miss Summer p>
“Oh, um, sure p>
Julian nodded once, adjusted his cap and mask, and left with Mark.
Once outside the private booth, Mark glared at him. “Since when did you become such a gossip p>
Julian looked at him nonchalantly. “I’m just curious. Is that not allowed p>
Mark glared at him again. “Stop playing games! She’s married now. Whatever thoughts you’re having, you need to let them go p>
“What if I can’t let them go p>
He shrugged with feigned helplessness, making Mark’s face turn red with frustration.
Then Julian spotted Aria and Aiden. Aiden saw him too, and immediately reached for Aria’s hand. Aria
naturally interlaced their fingers net
Julian felt a knot form in his stomach p particularly when he caught Aiden’s challenging look.
Julian watched the couple walk away hand-in-hand, his eyes darkening behind his
sunglasses.
That damn Aiden Carter!
Mark noticed Julian’s stillness and grew concerned. “What are you doing? Aren’t you
worried about being recognized p>
Julian finally tore his gaze away and strode out of the coffee shop.
He remained silent, clearly upset.
Mark frowned, finding this behavior strange.
What had gotten into this spoiled celebrity all of a sudden?