Chapter 290
Aria’s POV
Watching Aiden’s amused face as I shifted nervously beside him, my heart fluttered when he reached over and squeezed my hand.
“Don’t worry,” he said with that reassuring smile that always melted my insides. “If Thomas tries to kick you out, I’ll leave with you.” He paused, his thumb brushing across my knuckles. “Though I doubt he’ll try anything tonight p>
I bit my lip, unconvinced. “But what if he does? You can’t just walk out of your own uncle’s sixtieth birthday with all these important people watching. Wouldn’t that be mortifying p>
The guest list tonight was packed with New York’s elite. The thought of Aiden storming out with me in tow made my stomach clench.
“If anyone should be embarrassed, it won’t be us,” he replied with such easy confidence that I couldn’t help but believe him.
“Okay,” I nodded, drawing strength from his certainty.
Our car pulled through the hotel’s grand entrance. Thomas Carter had rented out the entire five-star establishment for his birthday celebration-typical Carter family extravagance. Sleek Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, and Maseratis lined the circular driveway, making me grip my clutch purse tighter. Even after months of being Mrs. Carter, these displays of wealth still overwhelmed me.
Aiden sensed my tension and squeezed my hand again. When the chauffeur opened the door, Aiden stepped out first, then extended his hand to me like we were arriving at a royal ball.
“Mr. and Mrs. Carter, we’ve arrived,” our driver announced.
I glanced at Aiden, forced a smile, and murmured, “Let’s do this p>
Taking his outstretched hand, I carefully stepped out of the car, mindful of my dress
as I emerged. The hotel lobby bustled with staff directing guests toward the second- floor ballroom with elegant signage pointing the way.
As we climbed the grand staircase, I spotted Eleanor Smith Aiden’s aunt-before we even reached the ballroom entrance. She wore a fitted evening gown that somehow made her look both sophisticated and cold at the same time.
“Does my dress look okay?” I whispered, suddenly self-conscious. I’d chosen a champagne-colored strapless gown with subtle rose embroidery across the bodice. The A-line skirt fell just above my ankles―elegant but practical. I’d selected it specifically to appeal to the older generation, hoping to win some approval points. Aiden’s eyes traveled over me appreciatively. “You look perfect p>
I took a deep breath, plastered on my most convincing smile, and said, “Then let’s head in p>
“Relax,” he murmured, his breath warm against my ear. “Nobody messes with Mrs. Carter while I’m around p>
“Right. Relaxing,” I nodded, but then instantly froze when I spotted Thomas and Eleanor staring directly at us, their expressions unreadable.
Aiden’s smile tightened almost imperceptibly as he guided me forward, his hand firm against my lower back.
The moment we entered, dozens of eyes swiveled in our direction. Thomas’s disapproval of me as his nephew’s wife wasn’t exactly a secret in their social circle. I could practically feel the anticipation crackling in the air-everyone waiting for the drama to unfold.
“Aria!” A familiar female voice cut through my anxiety.
Claire Bennett rushed toward us, champagne flute in hand, looking stunning in her designer gown. In another reality, she might have been the woman standing beside Aiden tonight. The Bennetts and Carters had been longtime family friends, and everyone had expected them to merge through marriage someday.
Yet Claire seemed genuinely happy to see me, which never ceased to amaze me.
“It’s been forever!” she exclaimed,
linking her arm through mine with such enthusiasm that I was practically pulled away from Aiden’s side. Laught his narrowed gaze directed at Claffer a silent warning that she completely ignored.
“I’ve missed you terribly!” Claire continued, tightening her grip on my arm. “I’ve been
in Europe for weeks and had no time to meet up p>
My face warmed at her affection. “It’s good to see you too p>
Claire had been surprisingly supportive of me since the beginning. During her last visit before leaving for Europe, she’d rushed to attend my piano recital but arrived st after it ended She insisted on buying me a designer bag as apology, and despite my protests, she chose a relatively modest one. The package arrived at our doorstep before she even returned to New York.
Since then, she occasionally sent me links to handbags and jewelry, usually at odd hours. By the time I’d see them the next morning and respond, she’d be busy again, and our conversations fizzled out.
A waiter passed by with a tray of drinks, and Claire snatched a glass of juice, pressing it into my hand. “Drink this, not champagne. You can’t handle alcohol, remember p>
I blushed, surprised she remembered that embarrassing detail from the one time I’d gotten tipsy at a gallery opening.
“Any upcoming performances?” she asked, completely ignoring Aiden as if he weren’t standing right there. “I’m still sorry I missed your last recital p>
I shook my head. “Nothing scheduled at the moment p>
Claire’s obvious friendship with me caused curious glances from around the room. Everyone knew she should have hated me for “stealing” her potential husband, but instead, she treated me like her best friend.
I could hear whispers from a group of women nearby.
“Did Aria save Claire’s life or something? She acts like Aria’s her personal savior every time they meet p>
“I heard there was that incident at the pool party where Claire fell in and Aria jumped
in to rescue her. Though some people say Claire jumped in on purpose p>
“Maybe Claire’s into women? Who knows p>
“Well, when you look that good, you can do whatever you want, right p>
The whispers continued, but I tried to ignore them. Their theories couldn’t be further from the truth-Claire and I had simply connected on a genuine level despite the awkward circumstances.
Claire steered me toward Thomas
ไวเ
and Eleanor, who were watching our approach with thinly veiled displeasure. Thomas had always treated Claire like the daughter he never had, making our current situation all the more
uncomfortable.
“Uncle Thomas! Happy birthday!” Claire beamed, her voice dripping with charm. “May you be blessed with health and happiness for many years to come p>
She nudged me gently, prompting me to speak.
My throat suddenly dry, I managed to say, “Happy birthday, Mr. Carter. Wishing you
good health, and all the happiness in the world p>
I clutched my glass so tightly I feared it might shatter, waiting for the cold reception I was certain would follow.