Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 344

Aria's POV

I arrived at the stables with Aiden a little before three. There's something special about being on horseback - a kind of freedom that's hard to find anywhere else. Snow moved beneath me with graceful steps while Aiden rode Chaser beside us, both horses' coats gleaming under the afternoon sun.

"These horses are absolutely stunning!" a little boy shouted from nearby, pointing at our pair. I couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm.

It wasn't just the kid either. Pretty much everyone at the riding center kept stealing glances our way. Snow and Chaser weren't just well-groomed; they were magnificent.

I ran my fingers through Snow's silky mane, feeling oddly proud. There's something about a perfectly cared-for horse that's like a person dressed in their finest - they simply stand out.

After Aiden and I finished a slow lap around the grounds, Lillian and Ryan showed up. They were riding horses randomly selected from the stable's rental options, and the contrast was even more apparent up close.

"Aria, have you guys been waiting long?" Lillian asked as she guided her horse next to mine.

"Not really. We've only been here about fifteen minutes," I replied, glancing over at Ryan who was oddly keeping his distance. "Why isn't Ryan coming over?"

Lillian remained suspiciously quiet. Aiden looked up, surveying the situation with those perceptive eyes of his.

"You two catch up," he said, his voice deep and smooth. "I'll go talk to Ryan."

"Great!" I responded, maybe a bit too enthusiastically. I'd been wanting to talk to Lillian about the whole Owen Duncan situation, but hadn't felt comfortable bringing it up with Aiden right there.

Aiden caught my eager expression and gave me a knowing half-smile. "Be careful," he warned, his protective side showing.

"I will, don't worry."

Before leaving, he threw Lillian a look that made her grip on her reins tighten. Unlike me, Aiden was far from oblivious - he'd definitely picked up on something between her and Ryan.

Once Aiden was out of earshot, I guided Snow beside Lillian's horse. "Lill, let's walk slowly and chat, okay?"

"Sure," she answered, though I could see a hint of nervousness in her expression.

We trotted away from the others, and when we were far enough, I finally brought up what had been on my mind. "Aiden and I had lunch with Owen Duncan today."

"Oh? Did Carter and Duncan get into it?" Seeing my reaction, Lillian nodded knowingly. "Owen Duncan is notorious for being a player. He obviously wanted to pursue you, but you're already married to Aiden, so he's out of luck."

I glanced over at Aiden, who was deep in conversation with Ryan. As if sensing my gaze, he looked up, our eyes meeting across the field. His dark eyes crinkled with a smile that made my heart skip.

"Oh my god, get a room!" Lillian teased. "I'm right here, Aria!"

I quickly looked away, changing the subject. "Do you have dinner with Ryan often?"

Her body tensed slightly. "Not really. Just when neither of us has anyone else to eat with."

"Didn't you say Ryan was going to introduce you to potential boyfriends? Any luck with that?"

Lillian looked relieved by my innocent question. "No, the guys in our circle are... complicated, you know?"

"What about outside the circle?"

"He claims they're all taken," she lied smoothly.

"Too bad."

"By the way, has Liam White tried contacting you recently?"

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