Chapter 218
Aria’s POV
I blinked, jogging over to where Aiden stood.
My eyes fell to his collar before traveling downward. “Want me to help with your tie p>
Aiden arched an eyebrow, lifting the hand that held his tie. “Thank you, Mrs. Carter,” he said with that smile that still made my stomach flutter.
I felt my cheeks warm as I took the tie from his hand.
I’d always known Aiden was tall, but standing directly in front of him like this really drove the point home. At 5’6″, I wasn’t short by any means, but I still had to rise on my tiptoes to properly adjust his tie around his neck.
This was the second time I’d done this for him. The first time, my nerves had gotten the better of me-my hands had trembled so much that the knot ended up loose and crooked. I’d wanted to fix it, but the warmth of his cedar cologne had made my fingers uncooperative, and I’d given up in embarrassment.
Now, though we were much more comfortable with each other, I still felt that same flutter of shyness. But this time, I managed to tie it perfectly, even smoothing down his shirt collar when I finished.
As I pulled away, my fingertip accidentally brushed against his neck. I flinched, quickly withdrawing my hand.
“There,” I said, curling my fingers as heat bloomed across my face.
“Thank you, Mrs. Carter.” Aiden’s lips curled into that half-smile that always made me weak.
I shifted awkwardly. “You should get to work p>
He chuckled softly. “Indeed p>
With one last lingering look, he turned and walked out the front door. I unconsciously followed a few steps, stopping in the doorway to watch his tall figure disappear around the garden corner before turning back into our home.
I’d only taken a few steps when I noticed Nancy standing in the living room, watching me with a knowing smile.
“Ready for breakfast now, Mrs. Carter?” she asked.
I touched my still-warm cheek and nodded. “Yes, thank you, Nancy p>
“I’ll get your oatmeal ready,” she said, heading toward the kitchen.
With September in full swing, Aiden’s schedule had become even more demanding. I’d decided it was time for me to stop lounging around and asked Summer, my assistant, to line up some commercial appearances for me.
The motorboat competition in Lake Michigan that Elena had mentioned was less than two weeks away. I hadn’t been giving it much thought, but people kept reminding me about it.
I was discussing an overseas appearance with Summer for the end of the month when my phone buzzed with a text. At first, I almost swiped it away assuming it was spam, but my eye caught the name “Lucas” and I frowned.
I opened the message: *Ms. Jones, I heard Lucas purchased a Yamaha AR195 motorboat last month. If I’m not mistaken, it’s meant for his true love. You might want to keep an eye on upcoming news p>
Even without a signature, I knew exactly who had sent it. My lips tightened into a thin line as Summer’s voice faded into background noise.
She must have noticed my distraction because after talking for half a minute with no response from me, she paused. “Aria? Are you there p>
Her voice snapped me back to reality. “Sorry, I’m listening. I just got distracted by a text. Could you repeat that p>
Even through the phone, Summer sensed something was off. “Are you okay p>
I bit my lip. “I’m fine. Just some spam text that caught my attention p>
And wasn’t that what Elena’s message was? Just garbage meant to create problems between Aiden and me?
Hmph! Even if Aiden had bought a motorboat—which wasn’t confirmed it certainly wasn’t for Elena. Why was she acting so smug about it?
Lillian was right-Elena just wanted to drive a wedge between Aiden and me. Well, I wasn’t falling for it.
I pushed those thoughts aside and refocused on my conversation with Summer.
That evening, I’d just finished my shower and was sitting at the vanity when my phone lit up.
It was a message from Lillian: *Hey girl, has that home-wrecking witch been bothering you lately? [curious face emoji p>
Aiden was in his study dealing with
some urgent documents, so I was alone in the bedroom. ↑ picked up my phone and immediately sent back three question marks p>
Lillian, always quick with her responses, replied instantly: *I heard something, but I’m not sure if it’s true, so p>
It was unusual for Lillian to be so hesitant. I sent an emoji that said “Spill it p>
Lillian: *I heard Aiden bought a Yamaha AR195 p>
I stared at the screen. *Your sources are as good as Elena’s p>
Lillian: *So it’s true? OMG! First, I don’t mean anything by it, I’m just curious! Is it
possible he really does have someone he’s pining for p>
Probably afraid of hurting my feelings, she quickly added: *Actually, maybe it’s for you? That could be it, right p>
I rolled my eyes. *Do you honestly believe that p>
As if Aiden would buy me a motorboat! Ridiculous.
Lillian: *I mean… it’s not completely impossible p>
I frowned and sent her a screenshot of Elena’s text from earlier: [Image attached]
Lillian: That bitch! Trying to stir
trouble again! Listen, honey, no
1.ne%
matter what “true love” nonsense.
YOU
she’s talking about, you are the
legal Mrs. Carter p>
fo
I felt my mood darkening. *But what if there really is someone special to him p>
Lillian: p>
Before she could respond, I heard the bedroom door open. I quickly lowered my phone, hiding it between my thighs.
Aiden caught the movement, his eyes lingering on my phone for a beat before meeting my gaze. “Finished your shower?” he asked casually.
Caught off guard, I nodded then shook my head, then realized how stupid that looked. “Yes! All done p>
“Good. I’ll take mine now p>
He studied me for a moment longer than necessary before heading to the walk-in closet. When he emerged, he went straight to the bathroom and closed the door.
I exhaled, relieved yet
simultaneously feeling a heaviness
settle my chest. It was like
someone had dropped a
grain
sand into the smooth waters of my
mind, creating ripples of discomfort.
My phone lit up again with Lillian’s message: *Just remember, YOU’RE the one who
has a marriage certificate with Aiden Carter p>
I had no energy to reply. I turned off my screen and fell back onto our king-sized
bed.
True love, soul mate… what chance did I stand against that?