Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 95

Aria's POV

"It suits you perfectly," Aiden said, his gaze intense as he continued holding out the necklace.

I stared at him in disbelief. "But... this necklace, it can't possibly be meant for everyday wear?"

$55 million hanging around my neck? I wouldn't dare walk around with that!

"Didn't you wear it beautifully tonight?" he countered, his voice dropping an octave.

I felt my cheeks warm. "Well yes, but tonight was a formal event. That's completely different. Besides—" I hesitated, swallowing hard, "it's far too valuable."

Aiden's expression didn't change. "Jewelry's value is determined by the person wearing it. No matter how expensive, it's meant to be worn. You enhance its worth, not the other way around."

"No, Aiden, this necklace is seriously too valuable for me to—"

He simply released his hand, letting the necklace drop fully into mine. "You're my wife. What, you want people thinking I'm stingy—like I won't even get you a proper necklace?"

"..."

The disparity between our worlds couldn't be more obvious.

$55 million didn't even register as significant to Aiden Carter, while I stood watching his retreating back, looking down at the necklace in my palm, feeling exactly like some gold-digger who'd scored big with a billionaire.

With Aiden already back in his room, I closed the door and returned to mine. The necklace felt like it was burning my hand—$55 million was too much responsibility. I frantically searched through drawers until I found a jewelry box to carefully place it in.

After securing the "$55 million" safely away, I grabbed my phone and texted Lillian: Lil, Aiden just said the "Incomparable" is mine to keep.

Lillian: WHAT?! Didn't you say he was just letting you wear it for the night?!

I was still trying to process it myself: He literally just came to my door with the necklace saying it's for me...

Lillian: ...I reasonably suspect you're just flexing on me now!

Me: No, I swear! I honestly had NO IDEA he would give me the necklace! $55 MILLION feels like it's burning a hole through my drawer. What do I even DO with this thing?!

Thankfully, Lillian came through with sensible advice: A $55 million necklace would make anyone nervous, but if he's insisting on giving it to you, you should probably accept it for now.

Me: I guess you're right.

After Aiden's unexpected gift, I didn't even have the energy to browse social media. I chatted with Lillian for a bit longer before deciding to call it a night.

Between skipping my afternoon nap, being "thoroughly occupied" by Aiden later, and then rescuing Claire from the pool, my body had reached its limit.

I collapsed onto the bed and was out within minutes.

My sleep wasn't entirely peaceful though. I woke up once to use the bathroom, then again from thirst. Half-asleep, I stumbled downstairs for water, thankful for the motion-sensor night lights guiding my way.

After gulping down nearly a full glass, I turned to head back upstairs. My eyes were so heavy I could barely keep them open, just managing a tiny slit to navigate by. Spotting light coming from under a door, I mindlessly walked toward it.

***

Aiden's POV

I'd just stepped in from the balcony when I saw Aria shuffling into my room, wearing those ridiculous star-patterned pajamas, her eyes nearly closed.

I froze, watching as she blindly made her way toward my bed.

She seemed confused by the size of the room, taking longer than usual to reach the bed's edge.

When her hand finally touched the soft comforter, she immediately collapsed onto it. I noticed her pause briefly at the scent of my cologne, but exhaustion won out and she was asleep within seconds.

Looking at her curled up on my bed, I felt something dark and possessive stir within me. My lips curved into a smile as I walked to the opposite side and slid in beside her.

You wandered right into my trap, little rabbit.

"You're in the wrong room, princess," I whispered, my hand sliding around her waist, pulling her sleeping form against my chest.

She stirred slightly, pressing back against me. The curve of her ass nestled perfectly against my groin, sending heat straight to my cock.

"Mmm," she mumbled in her sleep, completely unaware of the effect she was having on me.

My hand slipped under her pajama top, palm flattening against the soft skin of her stomach. She was so warm, so fucking soft. I brushed my lips against the nape of her neck, inhaling her scent.

"Feel what you do to me sweetheart," I murmured, pressing my hardening length against her.

She whimpered in her sleep, the sound making my dick throb painfully. I couldn't stop myself from sliding my hand higher, cupping one perfect breast, feeling her nipple harden under my touch.

"Aiden?" Her sleepy voice was barely audible as she started to wake.

"Yes, baby. You walked into my room," I explained, my thumb circling her nipple, making her gasp. "Did you want something from me?"

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