Chapter 252

Aria’s POV

I quickly checked my phone after texting Lillian. A message from Aiden popped up on my screen.

“I’m here p>

My head snapped up instantly, scanning the street. The black Bentley was parked at the curb just a few yards away. I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of it.

I shoved my phone into my pocket and jogged over to the car, shopping bags swinging from my wrist. The summer heat made sweat bead across my forehead by the time I reached the vehicle.

Aiden leaned across to open my door, then took the shopping bags from my hand as I slid into the cool leather seat. He carefully placed them in the back before returning to the driver’s seat.

“Why the rush? I wasn’t going anywhere,” he said, his voice carrying that hint of amusement I’d grown to love.

I fumbled with my seatbelt, feeling slightly embarrassed. “This area’s notorious for parking tickets p>

His lips curled into that half-smile that always made my stomach flip. “A ticket for Mrs. Carter wouldn’t be the end of the world p>

Something about the way he said “Mrs. Carter” sent a warm flutter through my chest. Even after all this time, hearing him call me that still gave me butterflies.

“Let’s head home,” I suggested, settling into my seat.

“Sure p>

As Aiden started the car, his eyes drifted to the fruit tea I was cradling between my palms. We inched forward into the weekend traffic, moving a few feet before stopping again.

“What did you buy today?” he asked casually.

My cheeks suddenly felt warm as I thought about the tie clip I’d purchased for him. “Something nice,” I replied evasively.

He raised an eyebrow, curiosity evident in his expression. “What kind of nice?” His gaze shifted to my drink. “And didn’t you say I should try that p>

“Oh!” I’d completely forgotten I’d mentioned that to him earlier. “Do you want a taste p>

“I’d love to p>

I held the cup out toward him. “Here you go p>

“I’m driving,” he reminded me with a playful look. “Would Mrs. Carter mind bringing it to my lips p>

My heart skipped. I scooted closer and carefully guided the straw to his mouth, watching as he took a sip of the sweet-tart beverage.

The traffic ahead started moving again, and Aiden smoothly accelerated to follow.

“Well?” I asked eagerly, my eyes searching his face for a reaction. “Do you like it?” “It’s delicious p>

“Really p>

He laughed softly. “When have I ever lied to you p>

I thought about it and couldn’t come up with anything. My smile widened. “I’ll buy you your own next time p>

“I’d like that p>

The traffic remained awful. Our Bentley crawled along the congested road, stopping and starting for what felt like an eternity. It took nearly ten minutes to clear just a few blocks.

I gazed out the window, amazed at how many people were out enjoying their weekend. As my eyes scanned the crowds, I caught a glimpse of someone familiar. I instinctively pressed closer to the window, trying to get another look.

“Something wrong?” Aiden asked, noticing my sudden movement.

“I think I just saw Sophia,” I said, squinting to see through the crowds.

“Sophia?” He sounded confused. “Who p>

I turned back to him. “Sophia Clarke. The woman who caused that online drama with me a while back p>

Recognition dawned in his eyes. “Didn’t she leave the city p>

“That’s what I thought.” I frowned, settling back in my seat. “Maybe it wasn’t her. Just someone who looked similar p>

Aiden glanced at me, his expression softening. “Don’t worry. I’m not that fool Liam p>

I knew he’d misunderstood my concern, but his words wrapped around me like a warm blanket anyway. Something about his unwavering loyalty made my heart ache in the best possible way.

I bit my lower lip, looking down at my fruit tea. “Would you like another sip p>

The traffic light ahead turned red, and Aiden brought the car to a gentle stop. “Yes, please p>

This time, I didn’t wait for him to ask. I leaned over and guided the straw to his lips again.

“I wasn’t actually worried about her stealing you away,” I explained as he drank. “I just know Sophia well enough after all these years. If that really was her, she’s probably back to cause trouble for me p>

I shrugged, trying to seem casual. “Not that she could really do anything. She always tried to come between Liam and me, but she never actually succeeded in doing any real damage p>

I paused, thinking back. “In a way, I should thank her. She helped me see who Liam really was p>

The memories flooded back – all

those times Liam had failed to stand

up for me, always finding excuses for Sophia’s behavior. “Liam was too indecisive. If we’d stayed together, it wouldn’t have just been Sophia there would have been others he’d prioritize over me p>

I sighed softly. “He could show endless compassion and care for everyone else, but

when it came to me – the person who should have mattered most – he always

expected me to be the one to compromise p>

My father had raised me to know my own worth’d been the golden girl since I was, sixteen, admired and cherished. “I have my pride. Maybe some women could tolerate someone of like Liam, but I’m definitely not one of them. And I don’t think I

should have to be.”.

I glanced out the window again. “I was just surprised to see someone who looked

like her. If it really is Sophia, she’s got some nerve coming back p>

Aiden’s lips curved into a smile. “My wife doesn’t need to fear anyone p>

Something playful sparked inside me. “Actually, there is someone I fear p>

“Who p>

“My father,” I replied, then covered my mouth to stifle a laugh.

Aiden laughed too, his features softening in a way few people ever got to see. His

smile was like sunshine breaking through winter clouds.

My heart raced as I looked at him. God, I wanted to kiss him so badly.

But he was driving.

I reluctantly turned my attention back to the road. “Green light,” I pointed out as the

signal changed.

Aiden nodded and eased the car forward.

The cabin fell quiet. I snuck a glance at him as he focused on driving. The sunlight streaming through the window caught his perfect jawline, highlighting the sculpture-like angles of his face. The play of light and shadow only enhanced his features.

Some people really did win the genetic lottery, and Aiden Carter was definitely one

of them.