Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 129

Aria's POV

Aiden tore open the wrapper and popped the candy into his mouth.

He turned to look at me sitting beside him. "Not sweet enough. Bit sour."

"Oh?" I was caught off guard. "But it's clearly very sweet."

He didn't respond, instead fixing his gaze on the wine glass in my hand. "Not drinking?"

Following his line of sight, I realized I had only taken a small sip—the glass was still mostly full. His expression clearly conveyed the message: "If you don't drink it, I will."

I glanced at the two empty bottles beside him and quickly shook my head. "I am drinking." Without hesitation, I raised the glass and drained all the wine in one gulp.

After finishing, I couldn't help but let out a small hiccup. The rich aroma confirmed this was premium wine—such a waste to drink it so carelessly.

I turned the empty glass upside down. "All gone. Not a drop left."

Aiden looked away, swallowed the last bit of candy, then closed his eyes and leaned back against the wine rack in silence.

I sighed, convinced that something had deeply affected him today. Otherwise, why would such a proud man retreat here to drink alone? Aiden thrived in the business world—what could have wounded him so deeply?

A broken heart? Unlikely—I hadn't heard of any romantic developments in his life.

Betrayal by friends? That didn't seem right either; his friends all appeared trustworthy.

If it wasn't friendship or love, then perhaps it was family...

My thoughts drifted to recent events, when Thomas Carter had threatened me to divorce Aiden or he would strip Aiden of his CEO position. Thomas wouldn't actually do that, would he? Even the most vindictive father wouldn't destroy his own son's career, surely?

After pondering for a while, I still couldn't figure out what had put Aiden in this state. But then again, I knew almost nothing about this husband of mine on paper.

Turning my attention back to the man beside me, I wondered if he had fallen asleep. Even unconscious, Aiden was strikingly handsome.

I knew it was inappropriate to be attracted to him in his vulnerable state, but I couldn't help myself—he was truly beautiful.

"Mr. Carter?" I called softly.

No response. He must be asleep.

I turned to face him completely, hugging my knees and resting my chin on my hands, openly studying his features—his eyebrows, eyes, nose, those thin lips...

As I gazed at him, a bold impulse surged through me.

Before my brain could catch up with my impulse, I leaned forward and pressed my lips to his.

The contact was electric—his lips were even softer than I remembered from the last time I had kissed him.

My heart raced, but instead of pulling back, I deepened the kiss.

My hand moved to his shirt, fingers working at the top button.

Oh, stop!

What was I doing?

I was actually trying to seduce him while he was asleep.

And when he was vulnerable, no less.

I thought I should show him more respect.

Even though he was my husband.

I pulled away, my cheeks burning not with embarrassment but with desire.

As I tried to stand up, a strong hand suddenly gripped my wrist. Aiden opened his eyes, staring at me with dark intensity.

Fine, just one touch! After all, what I'd done earlier was already worse...

I tried to build up my courage mentally, but under his penetrating gaze, when my finger touched his lips, I couldn't help but tremble.

After just one brief contact, I jerked my hand back like I'd been electrocuted. "That's... that's how."

"That counts as losing control?" Aiden's eyes held obvious skepticism.

I almost wanted to cry, regretting my impulsive moment and the terrible lie I'd told. One lie required a thousand more to cover it up, and right now my mind was completely blank—I couldn't think of any excuse to appease him.

Maybe I should just run away?

Just as I was debating whether to get up and leave, Aiden suddenly spoke. "You're not scared, are you?"

A dangerous smile curved his lips. "Then let me teach you."

Before I could process what that meant, a force pressed against my back, pulling me into his embrace. That familiar woody scent immediately enveloped me.

Instinctively, I braced my hands against his solid chest. Just as I was about to look up, his thumb began gently caressing my cheek. The sensation was both ticklish and warm, like something lightly tracing across my heartstrings.

I stared at him in a daze, my body frozen as if under a spell. His hand slid from my face to the back of my neck, drawing a light line that was more teasing than caressing.

A tingling sensation shot up my spine, making me shiver all over. "A-Aiden!"

His hand continued downward, skillfully unbuttoning two buttons of my shirt. His large palm pressed against my skin, making my breathing instantly shallow and rapid.

"This is what 'losing control' means. Understand?" he whispered in my ear, his hot breath sending shivers through me.

I could feel his hardness pressing against my abdomen. Suddenly, memories of the tearing pain from our last intense encounter flooded back. That sensation of being split apart hadn't completely faded, and I instinctively pulled back.

"Wait, Aiden..."