Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 25

**Aria’s POV**

I found myself staring at Aiden, my thoughts a chaotic whirlwind in the aftermath of his unexpected promise. What could I possibly articulate in response? The sensations from moments ago still danced through my body, creating a delightful hum that left my mind scattered like autumn leaves caught in a tempest. Just as I felt the pressure of needing to respond, the car glided to a halt, offering me a reprieve.

“We’ve arrived at the estate, Mr. Carter,” the driver announced, his voice crackling through the intercom.

A wave of relief washed over me as I took a deep breath, smoothing the fabric of my dress and running my fingers through my tousled hair in a futile attempt to regain some composure. Aiden, however, seemed effortlessly poised, adjusting his attire with a grace that made me wonder how he maintained such a calm exterior. How did he manage to be so composed?

He stepped out first, extending a hand toward me. Without a second thought, I slipped my arm through his, seeking both stability and a semblance of decorum. The warmth radiating from his muscular arm beneath my fingers sent a rush of heat coursing through me, a vivid reminder of the intimacy we had just shared.

When I finally mustered the courage to look up, I was struck speechless. The Carter estate was not merely a house; it was a testament to generations of affluence. A grand Georgian mansion loomed at the end of the circular driveway, its limestone façade shimmering brilliantly in the golden afternoon light.

The gardens surrounding the estate were meticulously manicured, stretching endlessly in all directions, adorned with marble fountains and sculpted hedges that must have required an army of gardeners to maintain.

“This is where your grandmother lives?” I murmured, a sense of inadequacy washing over me as I glanced down at my simple dress.

“One of her homes,” Aiden replied nonchalantly, as if it were perfectly normal for everyone to have multiple mansions. “She favors this one because of the gardens.”

As we approached the imposing oak doors, they swung open on their own, revealing an impeccably dressed butler standing at attention.

“Welcome home, Mr. Carter,” he greeted us with a slight bow, his demeanor polished and professional. “Madam is awaiting you in the east sitting room.”

“Thank you, Edwards,” Aiden replied, guiding me through the entrance hall, which seemed to dwarf my entire apartment.

Crystal chandeliers sparkled from coffered ceilings, and priceless artwork adorned the walls, draped in luxurious silk damask. The marble floor glistened so brilliantly that I could almost see my own reflection staring back at me.

We passed rooms filled with antiques that would leave museum curators green with envy. With each step deeper into the mansion, I felt more overwhelmed by the evidence of old money—the kind of wealth that whispered rather than boasted, accumulated over centuries.

“Feeling nervous?” Aiden inquired, glancing down at me with a hint of concern.

“Terrified,” I confessed, gripping my gift bag a little tighter as if it could somehow anchor me in this overwhelming moment.

His hand enveloped mine where it rested on his arm, a comforting gesture that made me feel a tad less anxious. “Don’t be. She’ll adore you.”

As we stepped into the sitting room, my gaze landed on an elegant woman seated by the window. Despite being in her eighties, Evelyn Carter exuded an aura of dignity and grace that made her seem ageless. Her silver hair was styled in a flawless chignon, and her posture was impeccable as she turned to greet us.

“There you are,” she said, her voice clear and strong, instantly commanding attention. Her sharp blue eyes—so reminiscent of Aiden’s—assessed me with a discerning gaze. “And this must be your bride.”

Aiden stepped forward, his voice steady. “Grandmother, may I present my wife, Aria Carter.”

The formality of my new name caught me off guard, and I nearly stumbled over my own feet.

“Mrs. Carter,” I managed to say, extending my hand in greeting. “It’s an honor to meet you.”

To my surprise, she completely bypassed my hand and enveloped me in a warm embrace. “None of that ‘Mrs. Carter’ business. You’re family now. Call me Evelyn, or Grandmother if you prefer.”

Over her shoulder, I caught a glimpse of Aiden’s satisfied smile, and it filled me with a sense of belonging.

When she finally released me, I remembered the gift I had brought. “I brought you something,” I said, offering the bag with a flutter of nerves. “It’s not much, but—”

“Nonsense,” she interrupted, accepting it with grace. “Gifts from the heart are never ‘not much.'”

As she unwrapped the carefully packaged gift, a soft gasp escaped her lips when she beheld the vintage brooch I had chosen—a delicate butterfly with sapphire wings that had reminded me of Aiden’s striking eyes.

“It’s exquisite,” she breathed, pinning it immediately to her cashmere sweater with a flourish. “You have remarkable taste, my dear.”

“Ari has an eye for beauty,” Aiden remarked, his hand finding the small of my back, a gesture that sent a warm flutter through me.

Evelyn’s eyes sparkled with approval. “Indeed. Well, I have something for you as well.” She gestured toward a mahogany box resting on a side table. “Bring that here, Aiden.”

He retrieved it, a flicker of surprise crossing his features as he recognized its contents.

“These necklaces have been in the Carter family for five generations,” his grandmother explained, opening the box to reveal a stunning diamond and sapphire necklace that likely cost more than I could ever earn in a decade. “Each bride has worn them. Now they’re yours.”

“I… I couldn’t possibly—” I stammered, the weight of such an heirloom pressing down on me.

“Nonsense. You’re a Carter now.” She lifted the necklace from its velvet bed with a flourish. “Aiden, help your wife put it on.”

I looked at him with wide eyes, feeling suddenly overwhelmed, but he simply took the necklace from his grandmother’s hands. “Turn around, Aria,” he instructed softly.

“My dear, won’t you stay a while longer? It’s been so long since I’ve had company that wasn’t trying to sell me something or check my pulse.” Her eyes twinkled with mischief, but beneath that, I could sense her genuine loneliness.

“I—” I glanced at Aiden, uncertain of how to navigate this unexpected turn.

“Aria has plans this afternoon, Grandmother,” he began, but I found myself interrupting.

“I’d love to stay,” I said softly, my heart swelling at the joy that lit up Evelyn’s blue eyes, so reminiscent of Aiden’s. I couldn’t possibly regret my decision.

Aiden’s expression remained neutral, but I noticed the subtle tightening of his jaw. “In that case,” he said, “I’ll send the car back for you in a few hours.”

Before departing for his afternoon appointments, Aiden pulled me aside in the hallway, our bodies so close that anyone observing would think we were sharing an intimate moment. His lips brushed against my ear, but his words were all business.

“Remember our agreement,” he murmured, his voice low enough for only me to hear. “Nothing about our arrangement. Nothing about the circumstances of our marriage.”

“I’m not an idiot,” I whispered back, slightly offended. “I can handle a conversation with your grandmother without revealing state secrets.”

His eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of concern flashing across his face. “She’s sharper than she appears. Don’t let the sweet old lady act fool you.”

“Is that concern I hear, Mr. Carter?” I couldn’t resist teasing him, a playful smile tugging at my lips.

“Self-preservation,” he corrected, but the corner of his mouth twitched upward, betraying his amusement. “I’ll be back at five.” His fingers brushed against the necklace at my throat, a gesture that felt strangely intimate. “Don’t give us away.”

Then, for the sake of appearances, he pressed a brief kiss to my lips. The casual display of affection left me more flustered than I cared to admit, my heart racing.

Once Aiden departed, Evelyn suggested we take tea in the solarium. The glass-enclosed room offered breathtaking views of the sprawling garden while shielding us from the crisp autumn chill.

“Now,” she said, stirring honey into her cup with a practiced hand, “tell me how you two met. Aiden has been frustratingly vague about the whole affair.”

I took a sip of tea to buy myself a moment of thought.

My heart raced. Aiden and I had never discussed our cover story. What was I supposed to say? That I had proposed our marriage as a business transaction after his rival had abandoned me at the altar?

I felt a wave of panic wash over me. I was so dead.