Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 140

Aria's POV

I froze, my mind racing and my face burning with embarrassment. How could he bring up that mortifying incident at a time like this? But instead of stammering like an idiot, I forced myself to appear composed.

"Isn't that perfectly normal?" I shot back, lifting my chin slightly. "I mean, men do the same thing, don't they? Getting excited looking at pictures of beautiful women... you know."

Aiden moved closer, his voice dropping to barely above a whisper. "I only use yours now."

"What?" I wasn't sure I'd heard him correctly.

He straightened up, his expression becoming more guarded. "I said, from now on you should only call me by my name. I am your husband, after all."

"Alright, I still have work to handle. You should get some sleep."

Before I could respond, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving me standing there in shock.

The moment the door closed, I leaned against it, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. Had he really said what I thought he said? He only used my photos? And that demand about calling him by his name from now on... did it have deeper meaning? Did he actually have feelings for me?

When I finally came to my senses, I realized I was standing there like an idiot, leaning against the bedroom door.

God, I was actually happy that he only used my photos to masturbate. How ridiculous was that?

I tried to tell myself to calm down, but my heartbeat was still out of control, and my mind kept replaying the way he'd spoken those words to me. This feeling was so strange—even more exciting than after our passionate lovemaking.

My phone kept lighting up with notifications. After staring at it blankly for a while, I finally controlled my spiraling thoughts enough to check my messages.

Lillian: Didn't you say your husband was on a business trip?

Lillian: Don't tell me he flew back just to spend Valentine's Day with you!

Lillian: Why aren't you replying?

Lillian: ...I get it! I won't gossip, ignore me!

Me: ...

Besides Lillian, Claire had also sent me messages, but with a completely different tone.

Claire: Baby, is this all Aiden got you?

Claire: No offense, but isn't this a bit... bland?

Now I had calmed down. After all, we were married in name only. His demands of me might not be because of love—just male possessiveness.

At this possibility, I felt a bit deflated.

Claire: Well, I guess this makes him barely acceptable! [Come here baby let me take care of you.jpg]

Even though I knew Claire's feelings for me were purely friendship, seeing that emoji still made me a bit uncomfortable.

Below Claire's message was one from my father: "Aria, Happy Valentine's Day."

Seeing Dad's message, I quickly replied with well wishes.

As for my social media post, it had exploded beyond description.

Just as I was about to put my phone down to shower, Lillian sent another message: "You and Mr. Carter—are you two going to turn this fake marriage into something real? [eating popcorn.jpg]"

Honestly, I didn't seem opposed to that idea. But... my relationship with Aiden wasn't exactly clear. Love was a two-way street. If only I was willing, it didn't seem very useful.

"You're overthinking it. He came back to provide content for my social media posts."

Lillian clearly didn't understand: "? What do you mean?"

Me: "Exactly what it sounds like."

This thought cleared my head considerably. All of Aiden's actions were just to maintain the image of us being a loving couple in public.

Our relationship had been defined from the beginning. Whose fault was this? Obviously mine.

Lillian: Really? If he just wanted you to post photos, he could have sent gifts without coming back. Why travel so far?

Me: I thought the same thing, but he reminded me to post on social media.

If he hadn't said "Aren't you going to post?" I might still be dreaming.

Lillian: Ah, that does seem very calculated.

I looked down, my smile fading.

I didn't want to continue this conversation, but Lillian sent another message: "But what if Aiden genuinely just wants to show off your relationship?"

Me: "Do you think that's possible?"

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