Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 81

Aria's POV

I woke up the next morning with the contract still sitting on my bedside table.

Groggy and still half-asleep, I stared at it for a long moment, remembering the way Aiden had silently placed it there before leaving for work.

"This is ridiculous," I muttered, reaching for my phone.

I dialed Aiden's number, determined to refuse this extravagant "gift." My fingers trembled slightly as I waited for him to pick up.

"Good morning, Aria," his deep voice answered, somehow even more attractive over the phone. "Did you sleep well?"

"I can't accept this contract," I said, getting straight to the point. "It's too much, Aiden. That transfer agreement is worth millions."

He sighed on the other end. "It's just money, Aria. And it's something I want to do for you."

"But I don't need it. I don't want someone to think I married you for your money."

"Nobody who knows you would ever think that," he replied softly.

We argued back and forth for nearly twenty minutes. I was surprised by how stubborn he could be, but I refused to back down.

Finally, after explaining that I valued our relationship more than any financial gain, he relented.

"Fine," he said, his voice a mixture of exasperation and admiration. "But this conversation isn't over. I still want to provide for you."

"You already do," I assured him. "More than you know."

"I'll see you tonight," he said, and I could hear the smile in his voice before he hung up.

After a quick shower, I made my way to the music room. Playing always helped clear my head, and after yesterday's drama, I needed some clarity.

My fingers moved over the keys, coaxing out a melody that started tentatively but grew more confident with each note.

I lost myself in the music, letting everything else fade away. Time disappeared as my hands danced across the keyboard, pouring all my emotions into the song.

When I finally finished, I was startled by the buzzing of my phone. Looking at the screen, I saw my father's name.

"Dad?" I answered quickly.

"I just heard about the performance," he said, concern evident in his voice. "Are you okay, sweetie? Did something happen?"

"I'm fine, really. It wasn't a big deal," I assured him. "Everything's been resolved already."

"It was Aiden who helped, wasn't it?" Dad asked, sounding relieved but also something else—proud, maybe? "He's looking out for you. That's good. You should appreciate him, Aria. When someone treats you well, you need to return the kindness."

My face heated instantly as memories of last night with Aiden flashed through my mind—his hands on my body, his lips against my skin, the way he'd whispered my name...

"I-I know, Dad," I stammered, desperate to change the subject before my embarrassment became obvious even over the phone. "How's your back feeling lately? Still giving you trouble?"

"Same as always," he chuckled. "That's what happens when you get old. Don't worry about me, I'm fine. You should bring Aiden over for dinner sometime soon."

"We will," I promised. "Please take care of yourself, Dad. Remember to eat on time."

"Yes, yes, I know," he laughed. "I'll hang up now."

"Bye, Dad."

"Bye."

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