Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 132

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Aria's POV

I paused at Aiden's question, feeling my heart skip as he studied me across the breakfast table.

"Really?" he asked, methodically wiping his hands with a napkin, his eyes never leaving my face.

The intensity of those two simple words made my hand tremble slightly as I pushed food around my plate. "Yes, really," I managed, forcing a small laugh that sounded hollow even to my own ears. "You should head to work, Aiden. I just have these days sometimes when my appetite isn't great."

He watched me for another long moment, his expression unreadable. "Hmm."

He didn't press further, simply rising from his chair. After taking two steps, he stopped and turned back to me—I'd just started to breathe easier.

"Thank you for yesterday afternoon," he said quietly.

"No need to thank me." My voice came out softer than intended. If anything, I was the complicated one between us.

Aiden's gaze lingered on me briefly before he turned and headed upstairs. Minutes later, he came back down with his tie perfectly knotted, ready for work.

"Safe travels," I called out, waving halfheartedly. He glanced my way with a barely audible "Hmm" before walking out the door. Soon after, I heard the engine of his car roar to life and fade away down the driveway.

I pressed my lips together, turning to head upstairs to the music room. Julian's concert was next week, and I desperately needed to focus on memorizing all the pieces. I couldn't exactly bring sheet music on stage for such a major event, could I? How unprofessional would that look?

But my brain refused to cooperate. My eyes stared at the notes, but my mind wandered elsewhere. After messing up for the seventh time, I finally admitted defeat.

It was that damn phrase haunting me—"don't be delusional"—those dream words had too much power over me.

I closed the piano lid and rested my head on it for a moment, the heaviness in my chest refusing to lift. Eventually, I reached for my phone. In times like these, I needed to consult Lillian—perpetually single but somehow an expert on relationships.

Me: [Sending depressed-face emoji]

Lillian, who had just finished her work and was about to slack off, replied immediately: What's wrong, sweetie? That emoji doesn't match someone who should be basking in newlywed bliss.

I cringed, finding it hard to even type what I was thinking: I'm dealing with something really confusing right now.

Lillian: What's got you so twisted up? Tell me and I'll help sort it out!

I started typing about last night's dream, then deleted it. After hesitating, I went straight to the point: Lil, do you think I'm Aiden's type at all?

Lillian figured it out immediately: You've fallen for Aiden, haven't you?

I stared at her message. How did she read me so accurately?

Lillian: It's totally normal! I wouldn't be able to resist either! Why stress about having feelings? You two might have a fake marriage, but that certificate is real! As long as you're not divorced, you're Mrs. Carter! And Aiden doesn't seem interested in anyone else, so how do you know he wouldn't fall for you?

Lillian: Plus, you're smart, beautiful, talented, and adorable. Maybe Aiden can't resist either?

Lillian: If you like him, go after him! What's the big deal? You're literally living under the same roof—take advantage of this opportunity!

I read through Lillian's enthusiastic messages with growing dismay: ...In my dream last night, Aiden told me not to be delusional.

Lillian: It was just a dream! I frequently dream about winning twenty million in the lottery—has that happened? No!

I couldn't help but smile at her logic: I guess you have a point.

Lillian: Don't "guess"! Take action now!

I hesitated again: ...I don't know how to pursue someone.

Although I'd technically pursued Liam before, we'd grown up together, so I'd never really had to work at it.

Almost immediately after sending that message, Lillian bombarded me with links. I clicked through to find a collection of articles: "How to pursue a man," "How women can successfully chase men," "Techniques for women pursuing men," "How to win over a cold, distant man."