Chapter 212

Aria’s POV

Delayed for half an hour, I finally arrived home just after ten.

While taking off my shoes, I video-called Aiden.

He answered almost instantly. “Home safe p>

“Just now,” I replied, walking over to the counter to pour myself a glass of water. I took small sips, the cool liquid soothing my parched throat.

Through the screen, I could feel Aiden’s gaze following my lips where they touched the rim of the glass. His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly. “Something happen on your way back p>

I glanced up at his face on my phone screen. “It’s just… a minor thing p>

I didn’t want to tell him what had happened earlier.

I didn’t want Aiden to worry too much.

My eyes darted away quickly.

The corner of Aiden’s mouth lifted into a meaningful smile. “What ‘minor thing p>

Even through the screen, I couldn’t withstand that sharp gaze.

So I chose to tell the truth. “On my way home, I came across someone who suddenly fell ill p>

“Playing the good Samaritan again p>

I flinched, letting out a soft, muffled “Mhm p>

I guess so?

“What’s wrong with my wife helping others that you couldn’t even tell me?” He paused meaningfully. “Or was the person you sent to the hospital… Liam p>

It had been so long since I’d heard that name. The implication that I’d been with my

ex made my blood boil. “Absolutely not! A stranger flagged me down saying his friend urgently needed to get to the hospital p>

“So you’re saying someone forced you to pull over p>

His voice suddenly filled with anger.

“Aria?” His low tone from the other end of the call made my hand tremble slightly around the glass.

I bit my lip, my voice growing quieter. “It happened on Maple Avenue. I was afraid I might hit him, so I slowed down. Then I had to stop p>

I am a law-abiding citizen, after all!

Aiden lowered his head and stayed silent. In those few brief seconds of quiet, my eyes began to sting.

It felt like an eternity passed before I couldn’t take it anymore. “Please don’t be angry,” I nearly sobbed.

He wasn’t home-how could I comfort him if he was upset?

Aiden looked up and immediately noticed my reddened eyes.

A strange flicker passed over his face. He raised a hand as if to touch my cheek, then remembered we were on a video call.

“I’m not angry p>

Hearing his words, I finally relaxed, the burning sensation in my eyes fading.

“Are you crying p>

I choked back a sob, wanting to deny it, but tears welled up anyway. “Would you

believe me if I said no p>

I was just… anxious and unsettled!

“If anything like this happens again, call me right away, Aria p>

Aiden’s voice was deep and gentle, full of affection rather than scolding.

Hearing his tone made me even more embarrassed. I nodded meekly. “I will p>

“It’s late. Go take a shower and get some proper rest p>

“Mhm,” I nodded, already starting to yawn.

“Hang up now p>

I stared at the screen for a moment, reluctant to end the call, before finally hanging

up and heading to the wardrobe for my pajamas.

Just as I stepped into the bathroom, my phone rang again.

Holding my clothes, I hurried back and grabbed the phone. Seeing

billion’s name, it suddenly hit

me÷1

hadn’t told her I was home yet!

“I’m home safe!” I answered quickly.

I felt embarrassed again. “I forgot to text you. I was on a video call with Aiden p>

“Oh, great, rubbing salt in my wound this late! I’m hanging up now p>

“Goodnight, sweetie p>

“Goodnight p>

Lillian really is my best friend.

By the time I finished showering, it

was already.eleven. quickly sennet

Aiden a

goodnight text but fell

asleep before seeing his reply.

Without Aiden beside me, I slept fitfully. Having gone to bed late, I couldn’t seem to

open my eyes when the phone rang in the morning.

Half-asleep, I fumbled for my phone, immediately muted it, and drifted off again.

When I finally stirred, I heard voices outside the bedroom.

Still drowsy, I assumed it was the housekeeper. “Ma’am, is it time for lunch?” I called

out, my voice hoarse from sleep.

There was no response. Frowning, I sat up.

Did I imagine it?

Just as the thought crossed my mind, footsteps approached the bedroom.

Instinctively, I looked up and found myself staring into a pair of familiar eyes, while breathing in that unique dalwood scent I’d recognize ywhere.. Śwnovel