Chapter 235
Aria’s POV:
I ran toward Aiden as he approached, my footsteps slowing only when I reached him.
“What are you doing over here?” I asked, breathless. I knew he typically avoided crowded places like this beach.
Aiden reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear that the sea breeze had dislodged. “Because my wife is here,” he replied simply.
Someone in the crowd groaned loudly, “Ugh, I’m just passing by. Why am I being force-fed dog food?” The American slang for public displays of affection made my cheeks burn.
My face flushed crimson. I wasn’t trying to flaunt our relationship—I just couldn’t help gravitating toward Aiden whenever I saw him.
The six o’clock sun cast everything in a gentle, warm glow. Its soft orange rays seemed to carve out a private space just for us among the crowd.
I caught several people staring, their attention diverted from the professional racers they’d come to see.
Aiden and I apparently existed in a different dimension from everyone else—at least according to their whispers.
People had originally gathered to get autographs and photos with contestants, but now many were openly gawking at us instead.
While my racing suit downplayed my appearance somewhat, Aiden was impossible to ignore. His tall frame and long legs were showcased in black trousers that fit him perfectly.
His loose button-down softened his usual coolness, giving him a relaxed, aristocratic air-like he was modeling expensive clothing for some high-end campaign.
“Are they filming some TV show?” someone whispered loudly. “God, with leads this gorgeous, I’d tolerate even the stupidest plot p>
“I noticed that hot guy earlier!” another voice exclaimed. “Before his girlfriend arrived, he stood there like some untouchable snow-capped mountain. I couldn’t even look directly at him! But the moment she showed up, his eyes just melted. So devoted! Mom, I’m watching a real-life romance drama p>
“Am I the only one who realizes the woman is JJ, the multi-year champion?” someone else chimed in. “JJ is gorgeous! I finally understand why she wears that mask during competitions. With a face like that, her opponents would lose focus!” The chatter continued around us as Alice watched Aiden fixing my hair. Her face twisted like she’d bitten into something sour. “What’s the big deal?” she muttered loud enough for everyone to hear. “She’s not that pretty. I’ve seen much better- looking women p>
Charlie, who hadn’t spoken until then, couldn’t hold back. “It’s not exaggerated. JJ’s looks would stand out even among Hollywood actresses. She’s genuinely beautiful. If she competed without that mask, I honestly couldn’t guarantee I wouldn’t get distracted p>
Rachael, the rookie who’d just won the championship, added timidly, “I think JJ is stunning too. If I had to race against her, I probably wouldn’t have won p>
Alice, cornered and irritated, snapped, “Fine, she’s pretty. So what? Beauty doesn’t pay the bills p>
“At JJ’s level of beauty,” Charlie retorted with a click of his tongue, “it actually could.” Speechless and fuming, Alice stormed off the platform.
On stage, several male racers watched Aiden and visibly deflated. We truly looked like a matching pair-both in looks and presence. They’d assumed I was making excuses when I mentioned being married, but the evidence stood right before them. Many regretted not being more persistent, not asking for my contact information when they had the chance.
The surrounding commentary made my ears burn hot as boiled lobster. I looked at Aiden uncomfortably. “Let’s head back to the hotel?” I suggested.
Aiden studied my face for a moment. “Don’t you want to watch the sunset p>
I glanced westward briefly. “Not anymore. I’m getting hungry p>
The truth was, if we stayed any longer, we’d become the main attraction instead of the sunset.
Instinctively, I tugged at Aiden’s sleeve—a small, unconscious gesture of affection I didn’t even realize I was making.
Aiden looked down at my hand on his sleeve, something softening in his expression. It was as if I had a string tied directly to his heart the slightest tug from me, and he would follow anywhere.
“Alright,” he conceded. “Let’s go back to the hotel p>
If it wouldn’t have drawn even more attention, I would have put my racing helmet back on just to hide my face. As we walked away, we continued to attract stares from all directions.
Lillian and Nora stood within the crowd. After overhearing all the comments, Lillian couldn’t help remarking, “This is straight out of a damn romance novel p>
Nora, witnessing this scene for the first time, nodded. “I was thinking the same thing p>
Just as we were leaving the beach, a familiar voice shouted, “Darling p>
Claire’s voice was so loud it caused
nearby pedestrians to turn and
stare. Before I could react, she threw
herself at me in a embrace
crushing
“I’m somad! I arrived too late!
missed your race! Oh my god, you
were amazing, Aria baby p>
Completely confused by this sudden attack of affection, I could only manage, p>
I glanced at Claire, who was hugging me so tightly I could barely breathe. “Um,
Claire, could you maybe loosen your grip a bit? I can’t really breathe p>
Aiden frowned and grabbed the hood of Claire’s sun protection jacket. “You’re crushing her,” he said firmly.
Claire winced in pain but quickly released me. “Sorry! I’m just so excited! I rushed straight here from the airport, but I still missed it p>
I blinked at Claire’s enthusiastic face. “You mean you came all this way to watch my race p>
“Of course! I’ve watched every single one of your races before! This is the only one I’ve missed, and I’m so upset about it! It wasn’t intentional, darling! I swear p>
Her repeated use of “darling” made my face flush hot again. “It’s really not a big deal. I didn’t even perform that well today p>
“Are you kidding? You were brilliant! I couldn’t see you in person, but my friend recorded the whole thing! Clare exclaimed then suddenly thrust her phone into Aiden’s hands.
“Mr. Carter, would you mind taking a
photo of us p>
I certainly wasn’t going to refuse her. I glanced at Aiden, my eyes silently pleading.
Aiden sighed in resignation and took the phone to snap their picture.
Claire had an endless repertoire of photo poses and even persuaded me to make heart shapes with our hands. Though slightly embarrassed, I found it rather amusing.
As Aiden was taking our third photo, I felt a sudden warmth on my cheek that made me freeze completely.
Aiden immediately lowered the phone. “Ms. Bennett, what are you doing?” His voice had dropped several degrees.
Claire looked up with innocent eyes. “Posing for the picture! Did you get it? Hurry and capture this moment—I just kissed my idol! I need to post this on m p>
Aiden tossed the phone back to Claire. “I got it,” he said curtly. He took my hand and pulled me close. “She’s exhausted today. Stop bothering her.” With that, he led me toward the hotel, his fingers intertwined firmly with mine, leaving Claire and her enthusiastic fandom behind us.