Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 181

Aria's POV

I watched Michael's eyebrows lift slightly. "Didn't say much. Just told her some facts."

Ryan snorted. "Like she'd listen to reason!"

Michael just shrugged, neither confirming nor denying.

While they talked, the door to our private dining room swung open. Aiden and I had barely settled in when Claire and Thomas arrived. Claire looked utterly composed being led in by Thomas, practically glowing like she'd won some secret prize.

Ryan watched them with an expression like he'd just bitten into a lemon. I caught the brief flicker of regret on his face—probably rethinking his decision to invite Thomas, who was now practically radiating couple energy.

I grabbed the menu, trying to focus on the food options while my face still burned from what had happened in the parking lot. Who knew Aiden could be so... impulsive? One minute we were walking to dinner, the next he'd tilted my chin up and kissed me right there between the cars.

Anyone could have walked by! I'd been so nervous about being spotted that my heart nearly exploded.

"Not hungry?"

Aiden's voice startled me as he leaned closer, his cologne—that distinctive woody scent—making my face heat up again. "No, I am. I've decided," I said quickly.

I pointed to a couple of signature dishes on the menu. "These two look good."

"Alright." Aiden took the menu from my hands, his eyes lingering on my face. "Still water or juice?"

"Just water, please."

He tapped the table once, then asked unexpectedly: "The fruit wine here is excellent. Want to try some?"

God, alcohol was the last thing I needed right now! "Water's fine," I managed, feeling awkward.

Aiden gave me that look—half-smile, half-smirk—and ordered my water.

Since tomorrow was Sunday and everyone had survived a brutal workweek, Ryan suggested extending the evening with poker after dinner. Aiden shut that down immediately with a flat "No."

"Why not?" Ryan looked genuinely confused. "It's Sunday tomorrow. We can stay out late, sleep in—right, Aria?" He turned to me, clearly hoping for backup.

I froze, caught between them. Great. Why drag me into their bro-argument?

Before I could stumble through a response, Aiden answered for me: "She needs to practice piano tonight."

It was such a reasonable excuse that even Ryan, with his notorious persistence, couldn't push back.

"My bad, completely forgot," he conceded, lifting his water glass in mock surrender.

I glanced at Aiden, only to find him already watching me. His lips curved slightly. "Ready to go?"

My eyes widened. "We don't have to rush..."

He checked his watch. "It's seven. We should head back."

Just like that, he made our excuses to the group and guided me out of the private room. As we walked away, I couldn't help glancing back.

"Something wrong?" Aiden asked.

I turned back to him. "No, just thinking Ryan's pretty easy to handle."

*Easy to fool*, I meant, but didn't say.

Aiden looked at me sideways, his dark eyes dancing with amusement as his lips curled into a smile.

When we reached the car, he opened the passenger door for me, his hand hovering protectively above my head so I wouldn't bump it. I slid in and had barely clicked my seatbelt when he asked, "Want to see a movie?"

Wait, what happened to rushing home for piano practice?

"Hmm?" I hesitated.

He made a small humming sound at my silence.

"Sure," I finally said, clearing my throat. "Aiden, can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"Do you always mislead your friends like that?"

He started the engine, answering casually, "Not usually."

"Then why—"

"I didn't want company tonight."

I immediately understood, my cheeks warming. So I was the reason. I turned to look out the window, discreetly touching my hot face.

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