Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 47

Aria's POV

I found myself enjoying dinner with Aiden at The Celestial more than I'd anticipated.

The panoramic view of the city lights created a dreamlike atmosphere that matched the delicious food and easy conversation between us.

"Try this," Aiden suggested, pouring a deep ruby liquid into my glass. "It's a rare vintage from a small French vineyard. I think you'll appreciate it."

I hesitated, knowing my low alcohol tolerance. "I should probably pass. I don't handle wine well."

"Just a sip," Aiden insisted with that commanding tone that somehow made me want to comply. "The flavor profile is exceptional."

One sip turned into several glasses as the evening progressed.

The wine was indeed exceptional, warming me from within and loosening the tension I hadn't realized I'd been carrying in my shoulders.

"Your cheeks are flushed," Aiden observed, his eyes lingering on my face with an intensity that made my pulse quicken.

"I told you I don't handle alcohol well," I replied, feeling my head growing lighter. "I need to visit the ladies' room. I'll be right back."

I made my way across the restaurant, grateful the bathroom was empty when I entered. Leaning against the marble counter, I splashed cold water on my face, careful not to ruin my makeup.

"Please don't let me make a fool of myself tonight," I whispered to my reflection. When drunk, I had an embarrassing habit of becoming affectionate—inappropriately so. The last thing I needed was to throw myself at Aiden Carter in public.

Taking a deep breath, I straightened my dress and headed for the door. Just as I stepped into the hallway, I nearly collided with Madison Reynolds.

Madison's eyes widened with recognition before narrowing with contempt. "Well, if it isn't Mrs. Carter," she said, her voice dripping with disdain.

I attempted to move past her without engaging, but Madison blocked my path.

"You know, Liam is devastated," Madison continued. "Twelve years together, and you couldn't even wait two months before jumping into bed with the richest bachelor in town. At least now everyone knows what you really wanted all along."

The alcohol in my system removed my usual restraint. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me," Madison smirked. "Poor Liam thought you were so different from other girls. But look at you now—married to Aiden Carter and his fortune. Was that your plan all along? Trading up to someone wealthier?"

Something snapped inside me. Without thinking, I raised my hand and slapped Madison across the face, the sound echoing in the empty hallway.

Madison gasped, her hand flying to her reddening cheek. "You bitch!" she hissed, raising her own hand to retaliate.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," I warned, surprising myself with my own boldness. "Do you really want to explain to everyone why you assaulted Aiden Carter's wife?"

"I—I didn't mean to," I stammered, hastily releasing him. "Let me fix it for you!"

My fingers fumbled with the button, trembling as I tried to fasten it. The button slipped from my grasp once, twice.

Each time my fingertips brushed against his chest, I felt him tense beneath my touch. The third time, my fingers lingered slightly longer than necessary, tracing an unintentional path across his skin.

The air between us grew thick with tension as my clumsy attempts continued. Something dangerous flickered in Aiden's eyes—something that made my breath catch in my throat.

Without warning, he seized my wrists, pulling my hands away from his collar.

"Enough," he growled, his voice lower than I'd ever heard it. "Leave it unbuttoned."

The command in his tone sent a shiver down my spine that had nothing to do with fear.

Our eyes locked, and for one breathless moment, I thought he might kiss me right there in the hallway.

Instead, he released one of my wrists to brush a strand of hair from my face, his touch lingering on my burning cheek.

"Let's go home," he said, his words carrying a weight that made my heart race. "Now."