Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 203

Aria's POV

Last night, Aiden surprised me with birthday fireworks. Someone captured it and posted it online, making me trend again briefly. My birthday celebration was spectacular—everyone in our social circle was green with envy.

But who could blame them? There's only one Aiden Carter, and only one me. Not everyone has my strange luck—getting left at the altar by Liam one day, then marrying Aiden the next.

The celebration made such a splash that even my dad Benjamin, who barely goes online, heard about it. As my father, he was naturally thrilled to see Aiden treating me so well.

When Aiden and I visited for dinner that evening, Dad insisted on cooking himself. He was in such a good mood that he opened a bottle of wine and poured me a small glass.

"Aria, just a little sip. It's fine," he encouraged.

Dad knew about my low alcohol tolerance, but with Aiden by my side, he figured a small glass wouldn't hurt. Not wanting to dampen his spirits, I drank it. Aiden, with his impressive tolerance, joined my father for a couple of glasses.

My poor alcohol tolerance clearly came from Dad. Despite years in the business world, he never developed much of a capacity for drinks. After just two glasses of red wine, he was struggling to stay composed.

I wasn't drunk, just flushed. When Dad started mentioning my late mother Patricia, I knew the alcohol had hit him.

"Richard," I called out embarrassed, "Dad's had too much to drink!"

Dad was happy but melancholic, thinking about my mother. Though not completely incoherent, he needed help getting upstairs. As Richard escorted him, Dad still remembered to remind us to be careful on our way home.

"We will, Dad!" I responded awkwardly, realizing my habit of rambling when tipsy probably came from him too.

With Dad and Richard gone upstairs, Aiden and I were left alone in the dining room. Under the soft lights, my cheeks glowed pink.

Aiden looked at me with amusement. "Drunk?"

"Not at all," I protested. It was just half a glass—I wasn't that lightweight.

"Ready to head home then?"

I nodded and slipped my hand into his. Aiden squeezed it gently, leading me outside.

Since he'd been drinking, Aiden called for a driver. While waiting by the car, the night breeze felt wonderful against my skin. I studied Aiden under the streetlight, noticing how his eyelashes cast shadows on his cheeks.

"Aiden," I tilted my head, "your eyelashes are so long." I ducked my head, smiling, and snuggled closer into his embrace. "Dad was really happy today."

I looked up again, my eyes bright in the lamplight. "Thank you, Aiden."

I knew exactly why Dad was so happy—because Aiden treated me well.

Maybe I was a little tipsy after all. I suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to hug him. So I did, wrapping my arms around his solid waist and resting my chin against his chest to look up at him.

"Tell me, how did you know about my birthday wish?"

He smiled. "You told me yourself."

I didn't believe that for a second!

I blinked, lowering my gaze to think about how to make him tell me his secret. After a moment, I looked back up with a shy but determined expression.

"If I give you a kiss, will you tell me?"

"Deal," he agreed immediately.

My face lit up as I stood on tiptoe and pressed my lips against his.

Right then, our driver pulled up on his scooter behind our car, looking embarrassed at having witnessed our moment.

I hadn't noticed him arrive. After the kiss, I clung to Aiden, swaying slightly. "I kissed you, now tell me!"

Aiden kept one arm around my waist while handing the car keys to the driver with his free hand.

"Aren't you?"

"No, I'm not."

He spoke with such conviction and certainty.

I set my glass down, gripping it with both hands as I stared at him, suddenly uncertain. "Really? You're not lying?"

"No." He smiled. "I would never lie to you, Aria."

"Hmph, a man's mouth speaks nothing but lies."

"Sounds like Aria has experience with many men."

"..."

I realized I could never win an argument with Aiden!

I pressed my lips together before asking again: "Did I really tell you myself?"

Without a hint of impatience, he repeated his answer earnestly: "Yes, you really told me yourself."

"...Did I say it in my sleep or something?"

Aiden just looked at me with an amused smile, saying nothing.

The question was driving me crazy. "Will you tell me?"

"Mrs. Carter seems to have a poor memory. Think harder."

I thought for a long time but still couldn't figure out when I could have possibly told him.