Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 185

Aria's POV

When I opened my eyes, I realized morning had already broken.

Aiden's side of the bed was empty. I touched my burning cheeks, letting out a small sigh of relief.

Thank God he wasn't here. I wouldn't know how to face him right now. Every time I thought of him, my mind flashed back to last night's dream—his naked body with that dog collar around his neck. Jesus.

I quickly slapped my cheeks, trying to snap myself back to reality. Just then, Aiden pushed open the door, his hair still damp from swimming, wearing nothing but a loose bathrobe.

His dark eyes landed on me, lingering on my face. "Good morning, Mrs. Carter," he said, his voice still morning-rough.

"Morning," I mumbled, feeling weirdly guilty.

"Why are you so flushed? Feeling unwell?" He crossed the room with casual grace, one arm easily slipping around my waist, pulling me against his chest. His other hand pressed against my forehead. "Temperature seems normal."

A knowing smile played on his lips. "Had a pleasant dream, Aria?"

My heart skipped. "I did not!" I protested, embarrassment turning to indignation. I slipped my feet into my slippers and scurried into the bathroom, making sure to lock the door behind me.

I could hear him chuckle from the other side.

When I emerged after washing up, Aiden sat waiting on the edge of the bed, a set of clothes draped over his arm. His eyes tracked me across the room.

"Did you need the bathroom?" I asked awkwardly.

"I thought perhaps you wanted me to change in here," he teased.

My face flamed again. "I did not!"

Though honestly, if he insisted on changing here, I wouldn't exactly object.

I sat at the vanity, patting toner onto my face. By the time I finished my skincare routine, Aiden had changed into a black silk casual shirt and lightweight trousers.

Without his usual suit and tie, he looked more relaxed, somehow more dangerous—his handsome features softened yet more alluring.

I stole a glance at him, then quickly looked away.

God, he was gorgeous.

And this gorgeous man was my husband.

The thought made my lips curve upward, joy bubbling inside me impossible to suppress.

Aiden caught my expression, his eyes warming. "After breakfast, let's go see Dad."

That single word—"Dad"—startled me so much I fumbled my phone, nearly dropping it.

Aiden's hand shot out, catching it before it hit the floor. "Butterfingers," he murmured.

"It slipped," I said lamely.

He smiled knowingly, taking my hand and leading me downstairs for breakfast.

After eating, we drove straight to Benjamin's estate. My father had just finished breakfast and was reading the paper, preparing to go fishing when he heard someone call "Dad."

He shook his head with a self-deprecating smile. "Getting old, hearing things now."

A moment later, the front door opened, and I waved from the car window. "Dad!"

Benjamin froze, taking a moment to process that his daughter had come to visit. Joy swept across his face, but seconds later, realization dawned—I was married now, a newlywed!

I'd only visited ten days ago. Coming again so soon made him jump to conclusions.

"Did you and Aiden have a fight?" he asked bluntly as I approached.

Just as the words left his mouth, another "Dad" sounded from behind me. Aiden, who'd just parked the car, had clearly overheard my father's question.

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