Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 138

Aria's POV

I didn't expect things to get even more awkward after Lillian left, but boy, was I wrong. As soon as she got out of the car, I closed my eyes and pretended to be asleep for the entire ride. Only when we entered the gated community did I finally "wake up."

Julian's friend glanced over at me with a raised eyebrow. "We've arrived, Miss Aria."

"Oh, we're here already?" I faked a yawn, putting on my best just-woke-up face. "Sorry, I guess I dozed off."

He gave me this knowing half-smile that said he wasn't buying my act for a second. "See you at the concert."

"Yes, see you then."

Recognizing my familiar doorstep, I practically lunged for the door handle. "Thanks for the ride tonight! I'd better get inside. Drive safely!"

I was about to slam the door shut when Julian suddenly called out, "Wait."

"Hmm?"

Did I forget something? I checked quickly - purse, phone, everything seemed accounted for.

While I was doing my mental inventory, Julian somehow produced a single rose from nowhere. "Happy Valentine's Day."

I froze, staring at the flower. "Happy Valentine's Day to you too, but I really can't accept that. Thanks anyway."

"Won't you be sad receiving no flowers on Valentine's Day?" Julian asked.

His words hit a nerve. I immediately thought of Aiden, who couldn't even be bothered to send a simple "Happy Valentine's Day" text. My heart squeezed painfully, but my principles remained intact.

"My husband already gave me flowers, but thank you," I lied, maintaining my professional boundaries. After Claire's mix-up, I wasn't about to misinterpret Julian's gesture as anything more than friendly.

Julian's smile widened. "Oh right, I forgot you're married. My apologies for overstepping."

You *forgot*? Really?

I looked at his smiling face, not quite believing the innocent act. "If there's nothing else, I should head in."

Seeing my expression change, Julian's playful smile faded. "I'm sorry if I offended you. I just noticed you seemed down and wanted to cheer you up."

Whether he was being honest or not, he looked sincere enough that I couldn't stay annoyed. "It's fine. You're right that I'm not in the best mood today."

I didn't want to elaborate further. Waving goodbye, I turned to leave when suddenly the front door swung open.

And there stood Aiden – who was supposed to be hundreds of miles away – looking straight at me. "Is Mrs. Carter not planning to come inside?"

Under the streetlight, he stood there in his perfectly tailored suit, his expression completely unreadable.

My heart dropped. I immediately forgot about Julian and rushed over to Aiden. "You... you're home?"

Despite our earlier awkward incident, seeing him made my heart leap with happiness.

Aiden looked down at me, his dark eyes cold. "Perhaps I shouldn't have come back."

"How can you say that? This is your home!" I protested.

"So it's not your home too?" he replied sharply.

I could feel the anger radiating off him. And honestly, he had every right to be upset. Here I was on Valentine's Day, getting dropped off by Julian of all people. If anyone had photographed us, it would have been a disaster.

I bit my lip. "I'm sorry. I was wrong."

Sincerity is always the best strategy. I'd explain everything else later.

Aiden glanced at the black SUV still idling at the curb, then reached out and took my hand. "Good. At least you recognize that."

I stared at our joined hands, my heart racing wildly.

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