Chapter 83
Aria’s POV
Elena invited me to be the spokesperson for “Heartwaves” – their charity focused on hearing disabilities. No payment, of course, but public figures like me benefit from these arrangements too.
Charities need visibility to attract attention, and celebrities need these opportunities to boost their image. For many stars, being an ambassador is considered quite the honor.
Not that I consider myself a celebrity, exactly. Even though my profile has risen considerably after that whole incident with Diana Hayes, I’ve always preferred letting my talent speak for itself.
When you rely on genuine skill, you don’t need all the superficial gloss and shine to impress people.
So in this partnership, Elena definitely needs me more than I need her. I’m not oblivious to the politics at play here. During the charity concert a few days ago, Elena chose me over Diana right in front of my face. Aiden’s influence likely factored into that decision, but it was clearly part of her “spokesperson” strategy.
Elena gave me plenty of face that day, and afterward, the Heartwaves organization even endured days of abuse in their comment section from Diana’s rabid fans.
I already owe her a favor. Refusing would be too harsh.
But I had my own little scheme ready. “Ms. Brooks,” I said smoothly, “I may need to discuss this with my husband first. Being married now, these spokesperson positions could potentially affect him as well p>
Elena didn’t pressure me, just agreed pleasantly, and we ended our call on good terms.
I sat holding my phone, debating whether to text Aiden about this. My excuse wasn’t entirely fabrication.
Aiden left on business two days ago, with his schedule indicating he’d return today.
I hate discussing important matters through a screen, so I set my phone aside, deciding to wait for his return. Instead, I lifted my hands and returned to practicing the piano.
It was around eleven at night when Aiden finally came home. I was in the middle of a heated gaming session with Lily.
With Aiden away these past couple days, I’d been freely lounging in the living room, recently obsessed with this mobile battle game.Lillian and I – both terrible players – would battle away until midnight before reluctantly signing off.
When I heard noises at the entryway during a crucial team fight, my reaction slowed for just a second. That split-second hesitation was enough for the enemy assassin to destroy me completely.
Next to my character, Lily’s tank got spun around by the enemy and collapsed alongside my mage in glorious defeat.
“Another loss!” she groaned.
But I couldn’t respond. My eyes were fixed on the front door, my legs suddenly feeling like jelly as I contemplated running upstairs to hide.
Wait, how could a burglar possibly break into this high-security mansion in the middle of the night?
“Aria? You still there? Did you disconnect?” Lillian’s voice came through my phone speaker.
“No, I think someone’s breaking into my house p>
The words had barely left my mouth when the door opened and a familiar figure stepped inside. I clutched my phone awkwardly, feeling my toes curl in embarrassment.
Of course, at that exact moment, Lillian’s voice blared from my speaker: “Hide! I’m calling the police! What’s your address again? Quick, exit the game and text me instead! Don’t use voice chat or the burglar will find you – that’s basically handing yourself over on a silver platter p>
Great advice. Let’s never do this again.
Lillian hung up, and I stared at Aiden standing in the doorway, forcing an awkward smile. “Aiden, you’re back p>
He raised an eyebrow.
“Didn’t you know I was coming home tonight?” His tone implied that I should have expected him tonight.
I pressed my palm nervously, avoiding his gaze. “It’s so late, I thought you weren’t coming until tomorrow p>
The truth was, I’d been having so much fun these past nights that I’d completely forgotten Aiden was returning today.
Aiden gave me a searching look. “Why are you still up at this hour p>
I couldn’t meet his eyes. My lying skills weren’t nearly good enough to withstand those penetrating dark eyes that seemed to see straight my soul.
inth
He unbuttoned his collar, revealing his defined collarbone, and glanced at me. “Why’s that p>
“Maybe because you were away? This mansion feels too big when I’m alone p>
Even I didn’t believe that excuse.
Just then, a loud “DEFEATED” announcement blared from my phone, as the crystal base on screen exploded.
Aiden looked over. “You lost your game p>
I felt my face heat up, like a student caught playing games past bedtime.
“It’s fine,” I said with a brave smile. “Games are just for fun anyway p>
In reality, I was mentally calculating whether I’d ever manage to climb out of eternal diamond rank.
Aiden gave me a sidelong glance, then suddenly beckoned with his hand. “Come here p>
I blinked, then obediently walked over.
As the distance between us closed, that familiar cedar scent enveloped me, bringing an unconscious sense of comfort.
Standing before him, I tilted my head up slightly, my eyes full of questions. “Aiden p>
Aiden reached into his suit Ethanet pocket and pulled something out. “A gift from my
trip p>
“This I was genuinely surprised he’d thought to bring me anything.
“Too cheap?” he asked, misinterpreting my hesitation.
“That’s not it! I just wasn’t expecting anything. We’ve only just made things official between us, you know p>
Aiden handed it over and moved
past me toward the stairs. “You
should dook at it first. Besides, if Lucas buys gifts for his girlfriend while traveling, how could, his boss, do any less? Sweetheart p>
My face flushed at the endearment. “Thank you p>
“Mm p>
He seemed exhausted, pressing his fingers against his temple before taking long strides up the stairs.
Looking down, I discovered Aiden had brought me a box of candy.
Mango-flavored candy, specifically.
No wonder he’d asked if I thought it was too cheap.
I unwrapped one and popped it into
my mouth. It was actually quite delicious Picking up my phone fram sofa, I planned to head upstairs
the
to sleep.
But at that moment, a series of loud, urgent knocks thundered against the front door.
Oh shit. I completely forgot about Lillian calling the police!