Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 235

Aria's POV：

I ran toward Aiden as he approached, my footsteps slowing only when I reached him.

"What are you doing over here?" I asked, breathless. I knew he typically avoided crowded places like this beach.

Aiden reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear that the sea breeze had dislodged. "Because my wife is here," he replied simply.

Someone in the crowd groaned loudly, "Ugh, I'm just passing by. Why am I being force-fed dog food?" The American slang for public displays of affection made my cheeks burn.

My face flushed crimson. I wasn't trying to flaunt our relationship—I just couldn't help gravitating toward Aiden whenever I saw him.

The six o'clock sun cast everything in a gentle, warm glow. Its soft orange rays seemed to carve out a private space just for us among the crowd.

I caught several people staring, their attention diverted from the professional racers they'd come to see.

Aiden and I apparently existed in a different dimension from everyone else—at least according to their whispers.

People had originally gathered to get autographs and photos with contestants, but now many were openly gawking at us instead.

While my racing suit downplayed my appearance somewhat, Aiden was impossible to ignore. His tall frame and long legs were showcased in black trousers that fit him perfectly.

His loose button-down softened his usual coolness, giving him a relaxed, aristocratic air—like he was modeling expensive clothing for some high-end campaign.

"Are they filming some TV show?" someone whispered loudly. "God, with leads this gorgeous, I'd tolerate even the stupidest plot!"

"I noticed that hot guy earlier!" another voice exclaimed. "Before his girlfriend arrived, he stood there like some untouchable snow-capped mountain. I couldn't even look directly at him! But the moment she showed up, his eyes just melted. So devoted! Mom, I'm watching a real-life romance drama!"

"Am I the only one who realizes the woman is JJ, the multi-year champion?" someone else chimed in. "JJ is gorgeous! I finally understand why she wears that mask during competitions. With a face like that, her opponents would lose focus!"

The chatter continued around us as Alice watched Aiden fixing my hair. Her face twisted like she'd bitten into something sour. "What's the big deal?" she muttered loud enough for everyone to hear. "She's not that pretty. I've seen much better-looking women."

Charlie, who hadn't spoken until then, couldn't hold back. "It's not exaggerated. JJ's looks would stand out even among Hollywood actresses. She's genuinely beautiful. If she competed without that mask, I honestly couldn't guarantee I wouldn't get distracted."

Rachael, the rookie who'd just won the championship, added timidly, "I think JJ is stunning too. If I had to race against her, I probably wouldn't have won."

Alice, cornered and irritated, snapped, "Fine, she's pretty. So what? Beauty doesn't pay the bills!"

"At JJ's level of beauty," Charlie retorted with a click of his tongue, "it actually could."

Speechless and fuming, Alice stormed off the platform.

On stage, several male racers watched Aiden and visibly deflated. We truly looked like a matching pair—both in looks and presence. They'd assumed I was making excuses when I mentioned being married, but the evidence stood right before them. Many regretted not being more persistent, not asking for my contact information when they had the chance.

The surrounding commentary made my ears burn hot as boiled lobster. I looked at Aiden uncomfortably. "Let's head back to the hotel?" I suggested.

Aiden studied my face for a moment. "Don't you want to watch the sunset?"

I glanced westward briefly. "Not anymore. I'm getting hungry."

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