Chapter 192
Aria’s POV
I woke up as sunlight streamed through the curtains, stretching my limbs across the empty bed. Aiden had already gone, even though I’d fallen asleep before he finished his shower last night. Funny how I went to bed first but still woke up later.
“God, I’m such a sleepyhead,” I muttered, rubbing my face in embarrassment. Tomorrow, I swore to myself, I’d start being a proper morning person.
After breakfast, I walked Aiden to the door before his early meeting. The morning breeze played with my hair as he stood at the doorway, his hand resting lightly on my waist.
“I’m heading to the office now,” he said, his voice deep and smooth. “We’re having dinner at my uncle’s tonight p>
“Mmm-hmm,” I nodded, looking up at him. “Drive safely p>
His hand lingered on my waist, making no move to leave. I raised an eyebrow.
“Don’t you have that meeting?” I asked, confused. “Won’t you be late p>
“Yes,” he acknowledged softly, a playful gleam in his eyes. “But isn’t Mrs. Carter forgetting something p>
I blinked up at him, completely puzzled. “I… don’t think so p>
“Tsk.” Aiden clicked his tongue in mock disapproval before leaning down to press a kiss against my lips. “Next time, don’t forget, Mrs. Carter p>
My heart fluttered as he stroked my hair once more before turning to leave. I stood there in the doorway, watching his car pull away, feeling warmth spread through my chest.
Clearly, I still needed to adjust to being Aiden’s actual wife-goodbye-kiss protocol and all.
Later that morning, I was deep into researching “appropriate gifts for meeting husband’s relatives” when my phone buzzed with a text from Aiden: “No need to bring anything tonight. I’ve arranged the gifts. Don’t worry-my uncle and aunt always respect my choices p>
I cringed, immediately sending back a flustered emoji before typing: “You already knew what I was doing p>
His reply came surprisingly fast: “In these matters, I have more experience than you p>
“Experience?” I typed back, confused.
“Mrs. Carter doesn’t think I was nervous meeting her father p>
My cheeks flushed. I was about to send another emoji when I remembered he was supposed to be in a meeting. “Aren’t you in a meeting right now?” I texted.
“Yes. One of the department heads is presenting. Boring p>
“Pay attention to your meeting!” I chided him. “Do your employees know their CEO texts during presentations p>
I put my phone down, smiling to myself despite the scolding.
Aiden returned at 5:30 that evening. I’d just finished practicing piano for two hours, my fingers still sore as I massaged them while walking into the hallway. When I heard footsteps on the stairs, I rushed to the landing.
There he stood in his perfectly tailored suit, making my heart skip like it always did.
“You’re home!” I exclaimed, practically launching myself into his arms.
“How long did you practice?” he asked, holding me close.
“About two hours,” I admitted, nuzzling against his chest. “What time are we leaving p>
“No rush. We’ll head over at six p>
“It’s already 5:30! I need to put on makeup!” I pulled back, suddenly panicked.
“You look perfect without it,” he said, one arm still curved around my waist while his other hand gently massaged my sore fingers.
“I need to look my best!” I insisted, wiggling out of his embrace. “I’m going to get ready p>
Before he could respond, I’d already dashed toward our bedroom, my floral dress swishing behind me.
With time ticking away, I kept my makeup light-just enough BB cream, slightly darkened eyebrows for a more alert look, and a swipe of Dior 001 lipstick for a natural enhancement. I’d picked out an ivory pencil dress earlier, which I paired with gold sandals. The outfit struck that perfect balance of sweet yet sophisticated-ideal for meeting family.
By the time we arrived at his uncle’s house, it was already 6:30, and my fingers felt cold with nervousness.
Aiden squeezed my hand reassuringly. “Don’t be anxious. My uncle isn’t intimidating p>
“I googled him this afternoon,” I admitted sheepishly. While he might not eat people alive, the articles suggested he commanded respect.
Before Aiden could respond, the front door swung open, revealing a young woman with a ponytail. “You’re here!” she exclaimed.
Anna Duncan
Aiden’s
nineteen-year-old cousin who was
studying broadcasting at A
University as a junior, had specially
taken leave to come home when she
heard Aiden was bringing me for
dinner.
It was immediately clear that Anna wasn’t the least bit intimidated by Aiden. Their comfortable rapport spoke volumes about their close relationship.
“Oh my god, you’re even prettier in person than in photos!” Anna gushed. “The picture Mom took the other day? Ugh, I can’t even talk about it—it did you no justice p>
Her broadcasting training was evident in her animated personality and well-spoken manner. My cheeks flushed under her effusive compliments.
“That’s enough, Anna,” Aiden finally intervened. “She’s shy p>
Anna stuck her tongue out at him playfully before bending down to offer me a pair of slippers.
“I can do it myself,” I said quickly, reaching for them.
“Your voice is even sweeter than I imagined,” Anna continued, undeterred.
I changed into the slippers, embarrassment warming my face as we followed Aiden into the house.
His aunt and uncle were still in the kitchen as Anna poured tea for us. “Here you go,” she said, handing me a cup.
“Thanks,” I murmured, taking a small sip.
Footsteps sounded on the stairs as a young man about Anna’s age came down.
“Aiden! You’re here!” His eyes lit up at the sight of his cousin.
Anna smacked his arm. “Didn’t you notice Aria is here too p>
Suddenly self-conscious, Clayton Duncan straightened his posture like a model student. “Hi, Aria, I’m Clayton, Anna’s brother p>
“Clayton, have some respect! I’m your big sister!” Anna smacked him again.
“Anna, are you even a girl anymore?” he wailed dramatically. “You’re so rough—who would ever date you? Look at how sweet Aria is p>
I froze mid-sip, wishing I could disappear as they dragged me into their sibling
rivalry.
The two continued bickering until a voice called from the dining area: “What’s all this noise about? Don’t scare Aria away p>
Aiden’s aunt appeared with a dishtowel in one hand and a spring onion in the other.
I blinked nervously before offering a polite smile. “Hello, Mrs. Duncan.” “Make yourself at home, dear. My husband and I are just finishing the last dish. Won’t be long!” She turned and swatted the spring onion at Clayton. “And you— quiet down p>
Clayton looked suitably chastened as his mother returned to the kitchen.
The siblings settled down after that. Clayton grabbed the TV remote and offered it to me. “Would you like to watch something p>
“Thank you,” I said, but hesitated to take it.
Aiden noticed my discomfort and gently placed the remote in my hand. “Relax,” he whispered. “Just be yourself p>
While Aiden chatted with Clayton, Anna scooted closer to me and lowered her voice. “Can I ask you something a bit personal p>
I glanced at her mischievous expression and smiled. “Go ahead p>
“How did my cousin manage to snag someone like you? You know he’s not as innocent as he appears, right? He’s actually quite calculating. The man could sell you your own shoes
and have you thanking him for it p>
I couldn’t help glancing at Aiden beside me. Was he really that devious?
Well, maybe a little. But then again, was the one who had proposed our marriage arrangement i in the first place. If anyone had outmaneuvered someone, it might have been me.
Feeling a twinge of guilt, I turned back to Anna. “Actually,” I confessed, “I was the
one who pursued him p>