Chapter 185
Aria’s POV
When I opened my eyes, I realized morning had already broken.
Aiden’s side of the bed was empty. I touched my burning cheeks, letting out a small sigh of relief.
Thank God he wasn’t here. I wouldn’t know how to face him right now. Every time I thought of him, my mind flashed back to last night’s dream-his naked body with that dog collar around his neck. Jesus.
I quickly slapped my cheeks, trying to snap myself back to reality. Just then, Aiden pushed open the door, his hair still damp from swimming, wearing nothing but a loose bathrobe.
His dark eyes landed on me, lingering on my face. “Good morning, Mrs. Carter,” he said, his voice still morning-rough.
“Morning,” I mumbled, feeling weirdly guilty.
“Why are you so flushed? Feeling unwell?” He crossed the room with casual grace, one arm easily slipping around my waist, pulling me against his chest. His other hand pressed against my forehead. “Temperature seems normal p>
A knowing smile played on his lips. “Had a pleasant dream, Aria p>
My heart skipped. “I did not!” I protested, embarrassment turning to indignation. I slipped my feet into my slippers and scurried into the bathroom, making sure to lock the door behind me.
I could hear him chuckle from the other side.
When I emerged after washing up, Aiden sat waiting on the edge of the bed, a set of clothes draped over his arm. His eyes tracked me across the room.
“Did you need the bathroom?” I asked awkwardly.
“I thought perhaps you wanted me to change in here,” he teased.
My face flamed again. “I did not p>
Though honestly, if he insisted on changing here, I wouldn’t exactly object.
I sat at the vanity, patting toner onto my face. By the time I finished my skincare routine, Aiden had changed into a black silk casual shirt and lightweight trousers.
Without his usual suit and tie, he looked more relaxed, somehow more dangerous— his handsome features softened yet more alluring.
I stole a glance at him, then quickly looked away.
God, he was gorgeous.
And this gorgeous man was my husband.
The thought made my lips curve upward, joy bubbling inside me impossible to suppress.
Aiden caught my expression, his eyes warming. “After breakfast, let’s go see Dad p>
That single word—”Dad”—startled me so much I fumbled my phone, nearly dropping it.
Aiden’s hand shot out, catching it before it hit the floor. “Butterfingers,” he murmured.
“It slipped,” I said lamely.
He smiled knowingly, taking my hand and leading me downstairs for breakfast.
After eating, we drove straight to Benjamin’s estate. My father had just finished breakfast and was reading the paper, preparing to go fishing when he heard someone call “Dad p>
He shook his head with a self-deprecating smile. “Getting old, hearing things now p>
A moment later, the front door opened, and I waved from the car window. “Dad p>
Benjamin froze, taking a moment to process that his daughter had come to visit. Joy swept across his face, but seconds later, realization dawned-I was married now, a newlywed!
I’d only visited ten days ago. Coming again so soon made him jump to conclusions.
“Did you and Aiden have a fight?” he asked bluntly as I approached.
Just as the words left his mouth, another “Dad” sounded from behind me. Aiden, who’d just parked the car, had clearly overheard my father’s question.
I glanced at my dad, then back at my husband, feeling the awkwardness thicken in the air.
Benjamin cleared his throat. “Don’t mind me, Aiden. I didn’t mean anything by it— just worried about you two p>
“I don’t mind at all, Benjamin. We had a free weekend and thought we’d visit you p>
My father’s face softened with emotion. “You young people should enjoy your rare weekends off! No need to waste time with an old man like me p>
I linked my arm through his. “Dad, you’re not just any old man you’re the interesting kind p>
I noticed the fishing gear in his hand. “Were we interrupting your fishing plans p>
Benjamin glanced at his rod and laughed. “Forget fishing! My daughter and son-in- law are here who needs fish p>
He set his gear aside. “Come in, come in p>
Our housekeeper and butler, seeing us arrive, brightened immediately. Without Benjamin even asking, tea appeared on trays.
“Miss, Mr. Carter,” they greeted us warmly.
Benjamin settled on the couch, and I sat beside him. “Dad, let me pour your tea p>
“You’re a grown woman and still acting like a little girl,” he said, though his eyes shone with affection.
“No matter how old I get, I’ll always be your daughter p>
“That’s certainly true p>
Benjamin studied my face, seemingly satisfied with my healthy appearance. He turned to Aiden. “Been busy lately p>
Everyone knew Aiden’s company had major moves underway. As CEO, he’d naturally been swamped.
“Manageable,” Aiden replied simply.
“Take care of yourself p>
This was only the third time my father had met my husband. Though Benjamin wasn’t naturally talkative, I helped bridge the conversation, and the three of us enjoyed a surprisingly pleasant chat.
After lunch, Benjamin insisted we not spend the entire weekend at his estate.
“I know you’re worried about me, but look-I’m perfectly fine! You young people have your own lives. Go on, enjoy your weekend together p>
My cheeks warmed at his implication. I glanced at Aiden, who smoothly took my hand. “We’ll do as you suggest, Benjamin. We’ll visit again soon p>
“Good, good. Drive safely p>
My father saw us off, then returned to feeding his koi fish, humming contentedly to himself.
In the car, I stared blankly ahead, sighing.
Aiden glanced at me. “Worried about your dad p>
I shifted my gaze to him and nodded. “I couldn’t get anything out of him p>
During lunch, Aiden had excused
himself to take a call, giving my
father and me about fifteen minutes.
alone I’d tried to casually ask about
his company’s situation, but
Benjamin insisted everything was
fine. sŵnovel
When I asked about his health, he immediately produced last week’s medical report.
Apart from his ongoing conditions, there were no new problems.
But Lillian wasn’t one to exaggerate. If she’d mentioned concerns to me, she must
have overheard something troubling.
The traffic light ahead turned red, and Aiden brought the car to a stop. One hand remained on the steering wheef white, the other reached for mine. Don’t worry. If your father truly encounters problems, he has me too p>
I turned to look at him, his sharp features softened in the afternoon light. Something
stirred in my chest. Before the light turned green, I leaned over and planted a quick
kiss on his cheek.
“Thank you for that,” I whispered.
God, having a husband like him was wonderful.