Chapter 156
Aria’s POV
I froze as Madison’s friend threw out her little barb. What was I supposed to say? That my so-called “husband” might actually be too busy for me? The worst part was, she might be right, and we all knew it.
“Oh,” I managed, accepting the invitation with as much dignity as I could muster. “Congratulations, Ms. Reynolds p>
Honestly, Madison was delusional to treasure a guy like Ryan Matthews. The man was about as reliable as a paper umbrella in a hurricane. Yet here she was, walking into this relationship with her eyes wide open.
Didn’t she worry he might run out on their wedding day too? I mean, history repeats itself, especially with men like that.
Lillian tugged at my sleeve, clearly wanting to escape this awkward encounter. “We should go, Aria. You mentioned you wanted to try on that dress at Louis Vuitton p>
“Right, we should get going,” I replied, glad for the excuse.
Madison smirked. “Don’t let us keep you. I’m sure Mr. Carter is waiting for your call p>
I bit my tongue. The petty side of me wanted to snap back that Aiden might be waiting for more than just a call, but I’d already given these two enough ammunition.
“Enjoy your shopping,” I said coolly, turning away.
As we walked toward Louis Vuitton, Lillian couldn’t contain herself. “God, I can’t stand that woman! Did you see how smug she looked? Like she’s won some prize with Ryan Matthews! He’s literally the male version of a red flag factory p>
“Let her have her delusions,” I sighed. “That engagement party is going to be a disaster anyway p>
Lillian’s eyes widened. “You’re not actually thinking of going, are you p>
I hadn’t decided yet. Part of me wanted to show up looking absolutely stunning with Aiden on my arm, just to shut them up. But another part of me knew that was exactly the kind of petty drama I should avoid.
“I don’t know,” I admitted. “Let’s focus on spending my husband’s money instead p>
We laughed and continued shopping, but I couldn’t shake the uncomfortable feeling Madison’s invitation had left me with.
After trying on several outfits, I emerged from the dressing room in a stunning Chanel ensemble that made even the saleswoman gasp.
“My God, you look incredible!” Lillian exclaimed, circling me like I was a museum exhibit. “This is giving rich trophy wife who definitely married for love and not money p>
I snorted at her description but couldn’t deny how good the outfit looked. The cream- colored suit with its delicate camellia detailing was elegant and sophisticated in a way that made me feel powerful.
The saleswoman nodded enthusiastically. “This camellia collection suits you perfectly, madam. The simplicity enhances your natural grace p>
I felt my cheeks warm at the compliments. Before I could overthink it, I nodded decisively. “I’ll take it p>
By the time we left the mall, I’d spent over $80,000. Looking at the receipts, I felt a twinge of shock despite myself.
“No more shopping,” I groaned, fanning myself with the receipt. “Let’s go back to your place and rest p>
Lillian nodded in agreement, clutching her own purchase—a handbag worth thousands-to her chest like she was afraid someone might snatch it away.
“My credit card is literally crying right now,” she whispered dramatically.
We took a cab back to Lillian’s apartment, both of us drained from the day’s shopping marathon. Usually, I’d only spend half a
The
out-the rest of my time was dedicated to piano practice. But
today I’d been out since 6.AM, and it
was now pushing 9 PM.
Lillian glanced at her watch nervously. “Aria, it’s 9 o’clock. Are you really not going home p>
I looked up at her. “Are you kicking me out p>
“Yes and no,” she hesitated. “I’m just reminding you that your relationship with Mr. Carter is a business arrangement. You know what I mean p>
I felt a stab of pain. Of course I knew. Everything between Aiden and me was written
in black and white on that contract—all business, no feelings allowed.
Just endure it until the contract expires, I told myself. Then we’ll go our separate ways.
After procrastinating until 9:30 PM, I finally decided it was time to head home. As I gathered my things, Lillian suddenly had a change of heart.
“Why don’t you just stay here tonight p>
The truth was wasn’t really angry was anymore. I’d spent the whole day cooling off, and looking at it
objectively, Aiden hadn’t actual/met
done anything wrong. We had & business arrangement, and he was just maintaining appropriate boundaries. It hurt, but he wasn’t at fault.
“Better not,” I sighed. “If I don’t go home tonight, tomorrow the tabloids will be reporting that my marriage is falling apart p>
The last thing I needed was more people laughing at me behind my back. These
rumors popped up frequently enough without me adding fuel to the fire.
Lillian pressed her lips together. “At least let me walk you downstairs p>
“Sure p>
After a full day of shopping, I was completely exhausted. My usual energy was completely drained.
Lillian, mistaking my fatigue for
sadness, tried to cheer me up in the elevator. “Want to hear a joke? A wolf was heartbroken after a
breakup. While hunting for food, he passed a wooden cabin and heard a
father scolding his crying son
you
don’t stop crying, I’ll throw you
outside to feed the wolf!’ The wolf waited all night, but nobody came out. At dawn, the dejected wolf muttered, ‘Men are such liars p>
I stared at her flatly. “That’s not funny at all p>
“It doesn’t matter if it’s funny,” she shrugged. “The point is, even wolves know men
are liars p>
Great. She wasn’t trying to cheer me up-she was calling me stupid for trusting
Aiden.
I let out an annoyed huff, and as I looked up, my heart nearly stopped. Aiden was walking straight toward us.
What the hell was he doing here? How did he even know where I was?
“Did you tell him?” I hissed at Lillian.