Chapter 221
My phone buzzed with Elena Pierce’s name flashing on the screen. I swiped to
answer, wondering what she could possibly want.
“Hello?” I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.
Her light laugh trickled through the speaker. “Nothing important. I was just wondering if you’d be interested in attending the motorboat race in Lake City on the 17th? I have tickets, and if you’d like to go, I could have someone deliver a pair to you p>
The smugness in her voice made my skin crawl. She was practically gloating.
“Don’t trouble yourself, Elena,” I replied with a dismissive snort. “I already have tickets p>
“Oh, so you’ll be at the race then. I guess I’ll see you there in Lake City.” She paused deliberately before adding, “I hear JJ will finally remove her mask that day. I’m quite curious to see what she looks like the woman Lucas has been obsessing over for years p>
A laugh escaped my lips before I could stop it. If she only knew.
“Is something funny?” Elena asked, annoyance creeping into her voice.
I swallowed my laughter, imagining her face when JJ revealed herself as me. The mental image was too delicious.
“Nothing,” I cleared my throat. “Just saw something amusing. If there’s nothing else, I should go. See you in Lake City, Elena p>
“See you there, Aria p>
After hanging up, I stared at my phone, another laugh bubbling up as I pictured Elena’s shocked expression when she realized JJ and I were the same person. That moment would be priceless.
Meanwhile, across town, Aiden’s executive assistant Christopher was rushing into his office, tablet in hand. “Mr. Carter, you’re suddenly trending online p>
Aiden set down his pen and took the tablet, his dark eyes hardening as he read the headline. The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees as Christopher stood there, barely breathing.
After about thirty seconds of suffocating silence, Aiden finally spoke. “Get this taken down and find out who paid for it p>
“Right away, sir,” Christopher replied, quickly retreating with the tablet.
Aiden stared coldly ahead before reaching for his phone to call me. When I saw his name pop up for a video call, my heart skipped. I hesitated for a second before answering.
“Hello?” I said, wondering why he was calling during work hours.
Had he seen the trending topic too? Was he calling to discuss divorce so he could marry JJ? My mind spiraled with ridiculous scenarios until I forced myself to focus.
I’d missed whatever he’d said first, only catching the word “trending” at the end. “I saw it,” I admitted cautiously.
“And you believed it?” His voice was carefully neutral.
I wasn’t sure if he was testing me or if there was something deeper behind his question. After a moment’s hesitation, I replied, “I’d rather hear it from you directly p>
If he said it wasn’t true, I’d believe him. If he confirmed it… well, then it was true.
Aiden paused—unusual for him—and I heard his breathing through the phone. When he finally spoke, his voice had softened. “You’re my only Mrs. Carter. There will never be another p>
His deep voice sent warmth flooding through me. Though he hadn’t explicitly denied the rumors, his meaning couldn’t have been clearer.
I couldn’t stop the smile spreading across my face, my eyes crinkling at the corners. Happiness bubbled up inside me like champagne.
“Oh,” was all I managed to say, trying desperately to sound composed.
But God, I was happy. I covered my mouth to stop myself from giggling like a teenager.
“Have you eaten yet?” he asked.
My happiness screeched to a halt. “Um!” I’d completely forgotten about food since waking up.
“Not yet,” I admitted sheepishly.
“Are you planning to p>
My face burned. “Yes,” I answered quietly.
This was mortifying. He’d been up
since 7 AM working, while I’d jushet
rolled out of bed after 10 set
The
contrast made me wince,.net
“I should go make something,” I said quickly. “Talk later p>
He agreed, and I ended the call, my heart still racing.
Half an hour later, I checked my phone to find a barrage of messages from Lillian:
Lillian: I’m coming on the 17th too! Save me a ticket! I HAVE to see Elena’s face when she realizes you’re JJ!
Lillian: We should record her
reaction Next time she tries to mess with you just send her the video! [smug.jpg]
Lillian: What do you think?
Lillian: Where are you?
Lillian: Aria p>
Lillian: If you’ve been kidnapped, press 1!
Lillian: p>
Lillian: Did Aiden come home?
Lillian: Fine, I’ll stop embarrassing myself!
Lillian: Don’t forget my ticket!
I replied guiltily: Was getting lunch.
Lillian: It’s only 12:15. You’re eating this early?
I quickly changed the subject: You just need one ticket?
Lillian: Yeah, just one. Don’t forget! Crap, my boss is calling. Gotta run!
I sighed with relief. If she’d kept questioning me, I’d have had to explain.
It wasn’t a big deal-just a call from Aiden. But remembering his
vel
words-“You’re my only Mrs. Carter” sent another wave of warmth through me that had nothing to do with embarrassment and everything to do with something deeper that I wasn’t quite ready to name.