Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 341

Aria's POV

I felt Owen Duncan's eyes on me as soon as we walked in. He was sitting alone on his side of the table, leaning back with a relaxed confidence that screamed arrogance. The unbalanced seating arrangement instantly set me on edge.

A server placed a soup tureen directly in front of him. Of course.

Owen reached for the ladle while extending his other hand toward me, palm up with fingers slightly spread. "Miss Jones, allow me to serve you," he offered with a perfect smile that never reached his eyes.

I froze, soup bowl awkwardly suspended in my hands. Accept his offer and risk Aiden's reaction? Refuse and create an uncomfortable scene?

Before I could decide, Aiden smoothly took control of the situation, his hand already closing over the ladle's handle.

"Don't trouble yourself, Duncan." His voice was casual but carried unmistakable weight. "Aria's particular about her soup temperature. I'll handle it."

Owen's eyebrow twitched slightly as he served himself first before sliding the ladle across. I practically shoved my bowl into Aiden's hands, our fingers brushing during the exchange. His skin felt cool against mine, yet somehow the contact burned straight through me.

The rest of the meal arrived in perfect sequence—scallops, duck breast, truffle risotto—each dish a work of art that I barely tasted. An uncomfortable silence hung over us, broken only by silverware clinking against fine china.

Aiden was putting on a show, barely acknowledging Owen while focusing entirely on me. More wine? Is the food to your liking? Too cold? His attention was so deliberate, so performative, it was like Owen wasn't even in the room.

"I have to say, Carter, I'm genuinely surprised you and Aria know each other," Owen finally said, his casual tone barely hiding the calculation underneath.

Aiden glanced up, his gaze winter-cold. "I could say the same about you and my wife, Duncan."

I nearly choked on my wine. Wife. He just dropped that word like it was nothing!

Owen's reaction was brief—a micro-hesitation I'd have missed if I hadn't been watching closely. Then he smiled, and this time with genuine interest.

"Your wife?" He savored the words like fine wine. "Fascinating. When did this happen?"

"Recently." Under the table, Aiden's hand found mine. His grip was steady, his thumb tracing slow circles against my palm—silently telling me: Don't panic. I'm here.

Owen studied us both carefully. "And how did you two meet? I don't recall ever seeing a woman by your side at business functions, Carter. Makes one curious."

It hit me then—Owen had been abroad too long. He'd missed the announcement. He knew Aiden only as a business rival with no clue about his personal life.

Aiden glanced at me briefly. "It was some time ago. The details are rather fuzzy now."

I almost spat out my soup. Some time ago? Three months is some time ago?! I looked up to find him watching me, his expression perfectly composed—like he was reporting quarterly earnings, not spinning outrageous lies.

He calmly handed me a napkin. "Careful, darling. No need to rush."

My face burned as I dabbed at my mouth. The man lied with terrifying ease—smoothly, effortlessly, without missing a beat.

"So you've known each other a long time, then?" Owen pressed.

"Yes." Aiden's reply was clipped.

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