Chapter 88
Aria’s POV
We walked to the sleek black car waiting curbside.
Aiden opened the door for me with that same effortless control that made my pulse quicken, his movements precise, almost ceremonial. I hesitated for a fraction of a second, then slid into the passenger seat.
He followed, closing the door with a soft click that somehow felt final, like shutting out the rest of the world. The car glided forward, city lights flickering past the windows.
I caught myself staring at Aiden’s profile as city lights danced across his sharp features. The play of light and shadow made his jawline look even more defined, like something carved from marble.
“That face,” I said before I could stop myself, “is absolutely wasted not being on the big screen p>
The words echoed in our otherwise silent car. I immediately wanted to die. The driver even glanced in the rearview mirror when we stopped at a red light.
Aiden, who had been resting with his eyes closed, slowly opened them and turned to look at me.
Oh my God. Did I actually say that out loud? My scalp prickled with embarrassment as heat flooded my cheeks. I couldn’t bear to look at him, so I stared down at the plum-sized diamond resting against my chest instead.
“Do you like the necklace?” his deep voice rumbled beside me.
I glanced up reflexively, then back at the diamond, and nodded. “I love it p>
I mean, who wouldn’t love a necklace worth over 55 million dollars?
“Hmm,” he acknowledged softly. Then, “Which do you find more attractive—the necklace or me p>
I nearly choked. So that’s what he was fishing for.
“How can you compare yourself to a necklace?” I hedged, carefully choosing my words. “But if I must choose, I’d pick you. Your bone structure and features are exceptional p>
Flattery works on everyone, right?
Aiden studied me thoughtfully for a moment. “I would choose Mrs. Carter too p>
The car fell silent again as the light turned green and we continued on. Soon enough, we pulled up to the hotel entrance. The driver brought us right to the front, where a doorman immediately rushed to open our door.
Before even stepping out, I spotted the red carpet stretching from the entrance and the elegantly dressed guests walking ahead of us. No wonder Aiden had given me this ridiculously expensive necklace-tonight’s event was clearly a big deal.
Aiden had already exited the car. I collected myself and placed my hand in his outstretched palm as I stepped out. His hand felt warm against my skin, and that brief touch of my fingertips against his palm left a lingering heat I couldn’t ignore. My ears burning, I took his arm as we walked gracefully toward the venue.
The event had started at eight, but we’d had dinner first, making us fashionably late. With Aiden’s status, though, no one would dare comment on his tardiness.
In his pristine white suit, exuding that cold elegance that was uniquely his, Aiden caused a stir the moment we entered.
This was our first public appearance as a “married couple”—me in white, him in white, unmistakably coordinated. I could practically feel the envy radiating from the socialites around us.
Everyone knew what kind of man Aiden Carter was. The type who might not even acknowledge you if you greeted him as “Mr. Carter.” Yet here he was, brought down from his pedestal by me, doing something as childish as wearing matching outfits. Who wouldn’t be jealous?
Suddenly, someone gasped loudly: “Is that ‘Beyond Compare’ that Aria’s wearing p>
That single exclamation drew everyone’s attention to my chest. The massive diamond caught the bright lights, sparkling so intensely it was almost blinding.
In that moment, I became the center of attention.
Liam’s POV
I swear under the bright lights of the ballroom, she looks different. More radiant.
More confident. More everything.
I can’t tear my eyes away from Aria as she glides through the crowd on Carter’s arm. I’ve known her for twelve years always knew she was beautiful but tonight-seeing her across this crowded room-brealize her beauty is far more striking than I ever acknowledged.
That white dress hugs her waist so perfectly it looks like one hand could span it. And right now, Carter’s hand is doing exactly that, slowly sliding around that delicate
curve.
My face darkens instantly, the veins in my hand bulging as I grip my champagne glass tighter. The man standing beside Aria should have been me!
She rarely attends events like this. Benjamin never much cared for these social gatherings, and neither did she. She came with me to a couple in recent years, but because the Jones family wasn’t particularly prominent, most people barely noticed her.
But tonight is different. Because of Carter, she’s become the center of attention. Those people—whether they’re admiring or jealous—can’t help but stare at her. Honestly, it’s quite satisfying watching everyone’s reaction to her. God, I’m so petty.
I watch Aria seemingly enjoying the attention when suddenly the arm she was holding slips away. She looks startled for a moment, glancing up at Carter.
The next second, I see her posture stiffen as Carter’s hand moves to her waist pulling her closer to his side. Even from here, I can see the blush creeping up her neck, her pale earlobes turning pink from the intimate gesture in such a public setting.
Carter tightens his grip slightly, drawing her even closer.
He murmured something to her, his words low enough that I couldn’t catch them,
and then his expression neutral while his eyes scan the crowd, stopping when they find mine.
Our eyes lock for just a moment before he coolly looks away, the gesture so subtle yet so clearly a challenge.
It’s pure provocation, but what can I do? I have absolutely no right to take Aria back
now.
A wave of hopeless frustration washes over me, draining the color from my face. I can’t stand being here any longer.
As I turn to leave, Madison blocks my path. “Mr. White p>
I frown slightly but nod in acknowledgment. “Miss Reynolds p>
She takes a sip of her wine, glancing toward Aria. “Mrs. Carter is certainly stealing
the spotlight tonight p>
I don’t respond, just drain my glass in one go.
Madison gives me a pointed look and adds, “A $55 million necklace-Miss Jones certainly has some remarkable talents p>
“What are you implying?” I ask sharply.
She laughs softly. “Nothing at all. Just making an observation. Miss Jones and Mr. Carter have only been married for what-two months? And he’s already giving her such extravagant gifts. She must be quite skilled at pleasing a man p>
I look at Madison, then raise my head to stare at Aria being held close by Carter across the room.
She’s right. What incredible skills indeed!
How did I never notice before how good Aria is at wrapping men around her finger?