Chapter 23
**Aria’s POV p>
The soft rays of sunlight filtered through my curtains, rousing me from a deep slumber. I stretched languidly, feeling the warmth of the morning wrap around me like a comforting blanket. After a brisk shower that invigorated my senses, I decided against changing into anything more presentable. Instead, I slipped into my favorite silk pajamas, a flowing navy blue set that draped effortlessly over my frame. With my mind still hazy from sleep, I made my way downstairs, the scent of breakfast wafting through the air, promising a delightful start to the day.
As I stepped into the dining room, my heart skipped a beat, and I froze in my tracks. My father sat at the table, but he was not alone. Across from him, casually sipping coffee and looking undeniably handsome in a perfectly tailored suit, was Aiden.
A rush of heat crept up my cheeks as I took in the sight of him. Here I stood, clad in thin silk pajamas that left little to the imagination, while he looked as if he had just walked off the cover of a high-end business magazine.
When his gaze landed on me, I felt it like a physical touch—his eyes darkened momentarily, traveling down my body before snapping back to meet my own.
“Good morning,” he greeted, his voice deeper than I remembered, sending an unexpected shiver down my spine.
I felt the heat intensify on my face as I instinctively crossed my arms over my chest, trying to shield myself from his gaze. “I didn’t… I’ll be right back,” I stammered, my words tumbling out in a rush as I fled back upstairs, embarrassment flooding my
senses.
Once in the sanctuary of my room, I threw open my closet doors, rifling through my clothes until I found a simple cream-colored dress. I quickly changed, taking a moment to apply a touch of makeup and tame my unruly hair. After a few deep breaths to calm my racing heart, I made my way back downstairs, hoping that neither of them would bring up my earlier state of undress.
As I slid back into my seat, I noticed they were still engrossed in conversation, Aiden’s voice smooth and confident.
“Coffee?” my father offered, pushing the carafe toward me with a slight smile, though his eyes remained focused on Aiden.
I nodded gratefully, pouring myself a steaming cup while reaching for a croissant from the basket at the center of the table. I ate quickly, my mind racing, desperately hoping to avoid being dragged into their discussion.
“As I was saying,” Aiden continued, his gaze flickering briefly to me, “Aria will be moving into my penthouse tomorrow. The security there is more comprehensive, and after recent events, I believe it’s the safest option p>
My heart plummeted as I nearly choked on my coffee. We had talked about this, of course, but hearing him announce it so casually to my father made it feel all too real, as if the ground beneath me had shifted.
Just as my father opened his mouth, a loud voice bellowed from outside, shattering the tense atmosphere.
“Aria! Come down and see me! ARIA p>
Recognition hit me like a punch to the gut. It was Liam, standing outside my father’s house at 8 AM, shouting like a madman.
My father’s expression turned icy, every trace of warmth vanishing from his features. “Martha!” he called sharply, his voice laced with authority.
Our housekeeper rushed up the stairs, clearly having heard the commotion. “Yes, sir p>
“Tell that man if he continues shouting, we’ll be calling the police,” Father said, his tone dangerously calm, a stark contrast to the storm brewing in his eyes.
“Right away, sir!” Martha hurried back downstairs, her footsteps echoing in the tense silence.
I had never seen my father this furious. His hands trembled as he slammed his coffee cup down on the table, the liquid sloshing over the rim, a clear indication of his barely contained rage.
We could hear Martha delivering the message, followed by Liam’s defiant voice: “Then call the police! I’m not leaving until I see Aria p>
In a fit of anger, my father slammed his antique teacup onto the table, causing it to shatter into pieces. “The audacity! THE AUDACITY!” His face turned an alarming shade of crimson. “I want to hear what garbage that White boy thinks he can spew on my property p>
I quickly moved to his side, placing a calming hand on his back. “Dad, please calm down. I’ll go talk to him p>
Aiden stood up beside me, his voice steady but his eyes flashing with an intensity that sent a thrill through me. “We’ll go together p>
There was an unmistakable possessiveness in his stance as he positioned himself next to me, his hand resting firmly at the small of my back.
When we stepped outside, Liam was still arguing with Martha. His face lit up upon seeing me, but it darkened quickly when he noticed Aiden right behind me, his hand now protectively on my waist.
“What the hell is he doing here?” Liam spat, taking a menacing step toward us.
“None of your business,” Aiden replied coolly, his voice smooth yet laced with an undercurrent of danger. “The better question is, what are you doing here, causing a scene at this hour p>
“I need to speak with Aria. Alone.” Liam’s eyes darted between us, his jaw tightening in frustration.
“Whatever you have to say, you can say it in front of my husband,” I interjected, a strange sense of satisfaction washing over me at the way Liam flinched at the word ‘husband p>
Liam’s face twisted with ugly jealousy. “So it’s true then? You’ve already spread your legs for him? That was quick, even for you p>
The sharp crack of my palm connecting with his cheek rang out in the morning air, the sting radiating through my hand.
“Having loved you is my greatest shame,” I hissed, my voice trembling with a mixture of fury and indignation.
“Aria, I didn’t mean—” Liam began, but I cut him off.
“We’re legally married,” I declared, lifting my chin defiantly. “What happens in our bedroom is none of your business p>
The color drained from Liam’s face before rushing back in a furious red. “You fucking whore,” he hissed, his voice low and venomous. “You’ve already spread your legs for him? That was quick p>
He never completed his sentence. Aiden’s fist connected with Liam’s jaw with a force that sent him stumbling backward, nearly losing his balance.
“Watch your fucking mouth,” Aiden growled, his voice dangerously low, sending a shiver down my spine—one that was not born of fear, but something else entirely. Something that made my heart race and my breath hitch.
Liam staggered back, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth as he looked from me to Aiden, realization dawning on him.
“This isn’t over,” he muttered, backing away toward his car, his bravado faltering. “Yes, it is,” Aiden replied coldly, wrapping his arm more firmly around my waist, a protective shield against the chaos. “Try it and see what happens p>
As we watched him drive away, I felt Aiden’s hand slide around my waist, warm and steady. “Are you okay?” he asked quietly, concern etched in his features.
I nodded, suddenly very aware of how close we were standing, the warmth radiating from him. “Thanks for defending me p>
“It’s a husband’s duty,” he replied, his breath warm against my ear, sending another shiver down my spine.
“But we have a contract marriage. You don’t have to—” I started, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks at his proximity, my heart racing.
“Aria,” he interrupted, his voice dropping to an intimate rumble as he turned me to face him. “Having a contract doesn’t mean we have to be strangers p>
I wanted to argue that he had made me feel distant, cold—like this was merely a business arrangement. But now, with his arm still around me, the heat of his body seeping through my dress, the air between us crackled with electricity, especially under the intensity of his gaze.
Flustered, I gently pushed him away, avoiding his eyes, my heart pounding. “I should go grab something from upstairs,” I mumbled, hurrying inside, desperate to escape the charged atmosphere.
Back in my room, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and almost didn’t recognize the woman staring back at me. My cheeks were flushed a deep pink, my eyes wide and bright, my breathing unsteady. I looked… affected. I looked like a woman who was falling for someone she shouldn’t.
The realization hit me with the force of a bucket of cold water. I couldn’t allow myself to fall for Aiden Carter. Our marriage was temporary, a mere business arrangement. Allowing myself to become emotionally involved would only lead to heartbreak-I had already learned that painful lesson the hard way with Liam.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself against the whirlwind of emotions. I needed boundaries, distance. I couldn’t let myself be drawn into whatever this was becoming between us.
With renewed determination, I gathered the gift I had prepared for his grandmother and headed back downstairs, my resolve firmly in place.