Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 294

Aria's POV

I suddenly felt a hot breath on my neck as Aiden leaned in close, his lips barely brushing my ear. "I care for Aria too," he murmured, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine. "More than anyone could possibly imagine."

My ears were already tingling from Claire's open declaration, but Aiden's intimate confession made both my ears turn completely crimson. My face felt like it was on fire.

I'd grown a thicker skin since our marriage began, but him saying something so bold in such a public setting still left me breathless. I shot him a sideways glance. "Are you trying to make me spontaneously combust in front of everyone?" I whispered.

He chuckled softly, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Maybe. You're particularly beautiful when you blush."

Across the room, Thomas Carter had already taken the stage, but my attention was completely scattered. How could I focus on anything when Aiden was standing so close, his breath warm against my neck, sending tingles across my skin? My mind was filled with nothing but his words, replaying them over and over.

I was so distracted that I completely missed whatever Claire said to me before she left with her mother to find Mr. Bennett. I only snapped back to reality in time to weakly wave goodbye to her.

On stage, they had finished cutting the massive celebration cake. Eleanor and Thomas's son were busy distributing slices to the guests.

When I spotted Thomas's son walking toward us with two plates of cake, I instinctively glanced at Aiden, seeking his reaction.

"What are you looking at me for? Can't hold your own cake?" Thomas's son said with obvious disdain as he practically shoved a slice into my hands.

"Dad wants you home tonight," he said, his confidence faltering. Then he paused, shooting me a dismissive look. "Preferably without bringing this woman along."

Aiden stared at the cake in his hand, his previously warm expression turning unreadable and cold.

"Hey, don't shoot the messenger," Thomas's son said, lips pressing into a thin line. "Those were Dad's words, not mine!"

With that, he quickly scurried away, leaving us standing awkwardly with our unwanted cake slices.

I stood there feeling incredibly uncomfortable. Should I eat this cake? Pretend to enjoy it? Ignore it? Thomas Carter clearly despised me.

As if reading my thoughts, Aiden smoothly took the plate from my hands. Just then, a server with an empty tray walked by.

"Please dispose of these. Thank you," Aiden said calmly, placing both slices on the tray. Then he took my hand in his, intertwining our fingers. "Let's go home, Mrs. Carter."

I noticed Thomas watching us from across the room, despite appearing to be in conversation with Mr. Bennett.

As Aiden led me toward the exit, I couldn't help but worry. "Is it really okay for us to leave like this? Isn't it a bit rude?"

Aiden stopped walking and turned to me with a slight smile. "You're right, Aria. It would be impolite."

To my surprise, he changed direction, leading me straight toward Thomas who was standing by the stage.

Thomas's expression had slightly softened when he saw us approaching. Perhaps he thought Aiden was heeding his summons.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify