Chapter 316
Aria’s POV
I woke up early to a text from Julian about a voice recording gig he’d lined up for
me. The studio wasn’t far, but traffic in this city could be unpredictable. By the time I finished recording and made it back home, it was already past three in the afternoon.
“Three takes and they were satisfied,” I muttered to myself, still riding the high of easy money as I changed into fresh clothes and splashed some water on my face.
With a few hours to kill before dinner, I headed to the music room. The grand piano beckoned me, its polished surface gleaming under the soft afternoon light streaming through the windows. I lost myself in the music, my fingers dancing across the keys until my shoulders started to ache from sitting in one position for too long.
After two hours of practice, I made my way downstairs to find Lucy preparing dinner.
“Lucy, would it be possible to have that mushroom risotto tonight?” I asked, leaning against the kitchen counter.
She smiled warmly. “Of course, Mrs. Carter. I’ve already started the stock p>
“You’re amazing,” I said, genuinely appreciative of how she always seemed to anticipate our wants. “I’m going to hit the gym for a bit before dinner p>
The home gym was one of my favorite spaces in our house. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the pool and garden, making workouts feel less like a chore. October had chased away summer’s oppressive heat, but the late afternoon sun still cast a golden glow across the property.
After forty minutes on the treadmill, I stepped outside to check the pool temperature, dipping my toe into the water. The chill made me reconsider my swimming plans immediately.
As if summoned by my thoughts, I heard the front door open. Turning toward the sound, I saw Aiden striding in, briefcase in hand, looking impossibly handsome in his tailored suit despite the long day.
I instinctively ran toward him, arms outstretched, before skidding to a halt halfway there. I was still sweaty from my workout, hair pulled back in a messy ponytail, wearing nothing but leggings and a sports bra.
Aiden raised an eyebrow at my abrupt stop. “Problem p>
“I’m all gross from the gym,” I explained, gesturing to my sweaty self.
His lips curved into that smile that still made my heart flutter. He closed the distance between us, pulling me against his chest despite my protests.
“When has that ever bothered me?” he murmured before dropping a kiss on my lips.
I melted against him instantly, workout concerns forgotten.
“How was your gig today?” he asked, his hands resting comfortably at my waist.
“Amazing!” I couldn’t keep the excitement from my voice. “I nailed it in just three takes! Julian wasn’t exaggerating when he said it would be easy money p>
My eyes were probably sparkling with delight. “Seriously, I was in and out of the booth in under thirty minutes p>
Aiden’s expression softened with pride. “For anyone else, it wouldn’t be that simple. Your voice is special, Princess p>
Before I could respond, Lucy appeared from the dining room. “Mrs. Carter, Mr. Carter, dinner will be ready in ten minutes p>
I jumped away from Aiden. “I’ll—um-go shower first p>
“Take your time,” Aiden replied, amusement evident in his tone.
I practically sprinted upstairs, feeling his eyes on me the entire way. When I glanced back from the top of the stairs, the intensity in his gaze made my stomach flip.
The next morning, I woke up before my alarm, determined to get Dad checked out of the hospital early. After Aiden kissed me goodbye and left for work, I headed straight to the hospital.
“Ready to escape?” I asked, poking my head into Dad’s room where he was already dressed and sitting on the edge of his bed.
“I thought you’d never arrive!” he exclaimed dramatically. “I’ve been ready since dawn p>
The discharge process took longer than expected, but by noon, I was pulling into the driveway of my childhood home with Dad in the passenger seat.
“Home sweet home,” he sighed contentedly as Charles helped him inside.
I insisted on staying for lunch, wanting to make sure Dad was truly comfortable before leaving hir White Charles prepared a light meal in the kitchen, I settled on the couch beside my father.
“So,” I began carefully, “are you going to tell me what’s been bothering you lately? And don’t say ‘nothing’-I know you too well p>
Dad’s smile faltered slightly. “It’s just business matters, sweetie. Nothing for you to worry about p>
“Dad,” I pressed, “I’m not a child anymore. If something’s wrong p>
“How are things with you and Aiden?” he interrupted, clearly changing the subject. “You two seem happier than ever p>
I sighed, recognizing the deflection but deciding to let it go for now. “We’re good. Really good, actually p>
“He looks at you the way your mother looked at me,” Dad said softly, his eyes taking on that distant look they always did when he mentioned Mom. “Complete adoration p>
“I’m happy, Dad,” I admitted. “Happier than I thought possible after I trailed off, not wanting to mention Liam and spoil the moment.
Dad reached over to squeeze my hand. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you, sweetheart p>
Charles announced lunch was ready, and we moved to the dining room. Throughout the meal, Dad kept asking about Aiden-how his business was going, if we had any travel plans, even if we’d discussed children yết (which made me nearly choke on my soup p>
“He called me yesterday, you know,” Dad mentioned casually.
That surprised me. “He did? What about p>
“Asked if he could stop by next week to discuss some investment
opportunities. Said he had some ideas that might interest me.” Dad
S That husband of yourS
spoiled.
he’s a good man, Aria. The way he stepped up when I was in the hospital—organizing specialists, making sure you were taken care of—I couldn’t ask for a better son-in-law p>
My heart swelled with pride. “He respects you a lot p>
“And he loves you even more,” Dad replied. “That’s what matters most to me p>
After lunch, despite my protests that I should stay longer, Dad practically pushed me toward the door.
“Go home to your husband,” he insisted. “I’ve got Charles and a stack of fishing magazines to keep me company. I promise to behave and follow doctor’s orders p>
“Call me if you need anything,” I said firmly, kissing his cheek. “And I mean anything, Dad p>
“Yes, yes,” he waved dismissively. “Now go before Aiden thinks I’ve kidnapped his wife p>
As I drove away, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Dad was hiding something from
me.