Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 217

Aria's POV

I woke up completely exhausted after our intense lovemaking.

The bedroom was dimly lit when I opened my eyes, and Aiden was no longer beside me.

I reached out to touch his side of the bed—still warm.

He must have gotten up just moments ago.

I smiled to myself, sat up slowly, and took a moment to gather my strength before grabbing my phone and heading downstairs.

The housekeeper had prepared afternoon tea and smiled when she saw me coming down the stairs. "Would you like something to eat, Mrs. Carter?"

It was already past three, and the pasta we'd eaten more than two hours ago had long been digested.

"Yes, please," I nodded.

"I'll serve you right away, ma'am."

"No rush," I assured her.

I'd barely taken a sip of water when Nanny returned with a slice of cake and a cup of tea.

"Thank you."

I didn't start eating immediately. Despite being awake for nearly ten minutes, there was still no sign of Aiden.

September in New York was still scorchingly hot, especially at this time of day.

Could he be at the pool in this heat?

With that thought, I took a bite of cake and made my way toward the pool area, plate in hand.

Brilliant sunlight reflected off the water's surface, making it shimmer, but there was no one in sight. The cabana was empty too.

I raised an eyebrow but didn't bother searching further. Aiden was always busy; he was probably handling work matters.

Meanwhile, in the study, Aiden sat before his computer reviewing files that Christopher had just sent over. These weren't company documents but information on Paul Garcia—the man who had blocked my car yesterday evening.

After finishing his review, he closed the laptop and headed toward our bedroom.

I had just finished my cake and was climbing the stairs, intending to practice piano in the music room, when I ran into Aiden face-to-face.

"All done with work?" I asked.

His eyes met mine as he nodded. "Going to play piano?"

"Mmhmm. Nanny made afternoon tea. Would you like some cake or pizza?"

Aiden shook his head. "I'll join you for a bit."

"I'd love that!" I couldn't hide my excitement, my voice lifting with pleasure.

That happy? Aiden clicked his tongue softly, about to speak when his phone suddenly rang.

I caught a glimpse of the caller ID—Christopher. "Handle your call," I said tactfully. "I'll be in the music room!"

Just as I entered the music room, my own phone started ringing.

Seeing who was calling, I froze momentarily.

I glanced nervously toward the door, making sure Aiden wasn't nearby before answering. "Hello?"

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