Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 342

Aria's POV

Before I could even respond to Owen's invitation, Aiden's arm snaked around my waist, pulling me closer to his side. The sudden possessive gesture sent warmth flooding through my body.

"I'm afraid my wife's schedule is completely booked for the next few months," he announced, his tone polite but leaving no room for argument. Then, with deliberate slowness, he reached for my hand, his thumb brushing over my wedding ring. The light caught the diamond perfectly—exactly as he intended. "Between her practice sessions and upcoming commitments, there simply isn't time."

Owen's gaze dropped to our matching rings, lingering there for a moment too long before looking back at me. "Is that true, Aria? No room at all for a charitable performance?"

I hesitated, torn between the unexpected opportunity and Aiden's obvious disapproval. "I... well..."

"Miss Summer has her booked solid," Aiden added smoothly. "Isn't that right, darling?"

Owen studied my face carefully, clearly searching for any hint that I might disagree with Aiden. I forced a smile, though part of me genuinely regretted missing the chance to perform.

"Maybe next time," I offered weakly.

Owen nodded, accepting defeat with surprising grace. "The invitation stands whenever you're available." He signaled for the check before either of us could protest. "This one's on me. Consider it a belated wedding gift."

After Owen left, I slumped back in my chair with an audible sigh. "That was actually a really good opportunity, you know."

Aiden's eyebrow arched slightly. "You wanted to perform for him?"

"Not for him specifically," I clarified, tracing the rim of my water glass. "But it's been ages since I've played for an audience. The foundation gala would have been perfect—prestigious enough to matter but not so high-pressure that I'd completely fall apart."

"You should have said something," Aiden replied, his voice softening slightly.

I laughed. "What, and ruin your whole jealous husband act? That was quite a performance itself."

The corner of his mouth twitched. "I wasn't acting."

My heart skipped a beat at his words, but I played it cool. "Besides, you were right about one thing—Summer would kill me if I added anything else to my calendar right now. I'd need weeks to prepare properly for a public performance."

Aiden studied me for a moment, something unreadable crossing his face. "Do you miss it? Performing?"

"Sometimes," I admitted. "There's nothing quite like the feeling when everything clicks—when you're so focused that the audience disappears and it's just you and the music." I stopped myself, embarrassed by my sudden earnestness. "Sorry, that probably sounds ridiculous."

"It doesn't," he said quietly. His eyes held mine for a beat longer than necessary before he suddenly shifted gears. "Would you like to go horseback riding this afternoon?"

The abrupt subject change caught me off guard. "Horseback riding?"

"November's perfect for it. Clear skies, cool air." He gestured toward the restaurant windows where golden autumn light streamed in. "Unless you'd rather go home?"

"No!" I answered too quickly, then laughed at my own eagerness. "I mean, yes, horseback riding sounds amazing."

His expression softened as he noticed my excitement. "Then let's go."

"Now? Like this?" I gestured to my outfit—definitely not riding appropriate.

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