Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 118

Aria's POV

I couldn't believe how quickly Aiden got home. I was only halfway through my makeup when I heard a knock at the door. My hand jerked in surprise, and I completely messed up the false eyelash I was trying to apply.

With a sigh, I tossed the ruined eyelash aside and went to open the door.

Unsurprisingly, Aiden stood there, looking impossibly handsome in his work clothes. He handed me a shopping bag like he was completing a mission.

"Claire's birthday gift," he announced flatly.

I took the bag, genuinely impressed. "Wow! You're amazing, Aiden!"

"Lucas prepared it," he corrected me.

I paused for a split second before doubling down on my praise. "Well then, having such an amazing secretary makes you even more amazing!"

I could tell he was secretly pleased with my compliment, even though his expression barely changed. Those dark eyes softened just a fraction.

"Continue getting ready. Let me know when you're finished," he said.

"Yes, yes, I'll be quick!" I nodded enthusiastically.

I'd just skip the false eyelashes altogether. Just need to set my makeup and apply lipstick, and I'd be good to go!

I was about to turn back to my room when his voice stopped me. "Wait."

"What is it?" I asked, wondering if there was something wrong with the gift.

"There's something on your eye."

Before I could react, I felt warmth against my eyelid. When I focused again, I saw a piece of false eyelash between his fingers.

"..."

Talk about awkward!

Aiden's brow furrowed in confusion. "Is this... a false eyelash?"

He looked genuinely puzzled, like this was some shocking revelation about women's beauty routines.

I felt my face burning as I snatched the offending lash from his fingers. "No, it's just dirt! I'm going to change now. Give me five—no, ten minutes!"

I practically slammed the door shut behind me, looking down at the fake eyelash pinched between my fingers. My face felt even hotter.

I never wanted to wear false eyelashes again!

After that embarrassing little episode, I lost all motivation to fuss with my makeup further. It wasn't a formal event anyway; basic makeup would do.

I finished setting my makeup, slipped into the dress I'd picked out earlier, added pearl earrings, and did one final check in the mirror before grabbing Claire's gift and heading downstairs.

When I reached the bottom of the stairs, Aiden was on the phone. I stood quietly nearby, waiting for him to finish.

Aiden stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, taking his call as the sunset bathed him in orange light. The warm glow softened the sharp angles of his profile, drawing my attention to his perfectly straight nose.

I'd always been distracted by his eyes and lips before, but how had I missed how stunning his nose was too? Every part of him seemed crafted to perfection, like he'd been designed rather than born.

He must have felt me staring because he turned his head to look at me.

"That's all for now. Goodbye," he said abruptly into the phone.

He hung up and walked toward me, his eyes traveling from my neckline to my bare shoulders, darkening as they went.

"The dress... looks beautiful on you," he said, his voice dropping to a lower register that sent shivers down my spine." Still, I suspect you'd look even better out of it."

I felt my face flush as I glared at him. "You're being inappropriate," I whispered, though my body betrayed me with a pleasant tingle.

Soon after, our car pulled up in front of the hotel. Claire had rented two entire floors for her birthday celebration—the perks of being an heiress!

I stepped out of the car with the gift in hand and took Aiden's arm as we walked inside together.

We had barely made it a few steps inside when Claire came rushing over in a champagne-colored gown. "Mrs. Carter, you made it!" she exclaimed excitedly, completely ignoring Aiden's presence.

Aiden cleared his throat, clearly annoyed. "Miss Bennett, this is my wife."

When Claire finally noticed Aiden was there too, her face fell visibly. "Why is he here too?" she muttered, not quite under her breath.

Then Aiden pulled me closer to him, effectively blocking Claire's attempt to hug me.

I was taken aback by Claire's enthusiasm. Were all heiresses this affectionate with people they barely knew?

Apparently not, judging by how she was glaring at Aiden.

I wasn't exactly thrilled about this situation either. I'd previously joked about Claire having ulterior motives, but now I was genuinely beginning to wonder if she might actually be interested in me.

"I'm here accompanying my wife," Aiden said coldly.

Hearing the tension in his voice, I quickly handed Claire her gift, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere. "Happy birthday, Miss Bennett! I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I just picked up something small."

My face felt warm from all the praise, though I tried to keep my expression neutral. Inside, I was secretly delighted.

I didn't want to encourage her, but she called me impressive!

Even if Claire really was trying to flirt with me, I couldn't help but be flattered!

Claire's personality was much warmer than I'd expected. She seemed cold on the surface but was actually quite sweet once you got talking to her.

We chatted about my outfit the entire way into the ballroom, with Aiden being completely ignored beside us.

When we finally entered the main hall, some of Claire's friends approached, and she reluctantly let me go. "Sweetheart, go enjoy yourself with your husband for now. I'll come find you later!"

My face burned at the pet name. "Okay."

As Claire walked away, Aiden leaned down. "I thought you said you didn't want to talk to her?"

I felt embarrassed. "I didn't, but she kept complimenting me and called me sweetheart..."

Who could resist that? Could you, Mr. CEO?

Aiden's eyes darkened when I mentioned the endearment. "So you're saying that even if she genuinely has feelings for you, you wouldn't mind?"

"I respect people's sexual orientation," I shrugged.

It's not like I'd reciprocate anyway.

"And what about me?" Aiden asked, looking both amused and irritated. "Where do I fit in this equation?"

I blinked, answering instinctively, "You're my husband!"

Wasn't that common knowledge?

"Oh, so Mrs. Carter does remember I'm her husband after all."

Wait, was I imagining things, or did Aiden sound a little... jealous?

Thinking back, I realized I'd spent the entire walk in focused on Claire, completely ignoring Aiden beside me.

Feeling guilty, I moved closer to him and rose up on my tiptoes to whisper in his ear, words only he could hear: "I'm sorry for ignoring you. You're the only man who makes my heart race."

And then, to my utter surprise, Aiden did something I never saw coming.