Aiden"The number you've dialed is unreachable at the moment; please try again later," the robotic voice repeats for the umpteenth time I've been trying to call Hermione. It's an hour past the time she promised to arrive for today's event, and a tinge of disappointment sweeps through me as the night wears on. Raymond notices my mood and approaches me. "Your girl still hasn't arrived?" he asks.I set my phone down and run a hand through my hair, exhaling frustration. "I can't reach her," I say. I try to rationalize why she might not have shown up or returned my calls. Perhaps she's occupied or dealing with a personal issue. I recall the last time I thought she'd snubbed me – the hospital had been swarmed with emergencies. Or maybe she's going through another mood swing and has decided she wants to keep me at a distance. My thoughts echo this possibility, and I shake my head.The background music plays on, a retro tune that clashes with my somber mood. The strobe lights in the ceili
Aiden The rendezvous is set at a private guesthouse with enclosed quarters. I am led inside by a waiting attendant through a narrow hallway lined with rooms featuring doors adorned in traditional Asian styles. As I follow my guide, I take in the decor, appreciating the serene atmosphere. The sound of birds chirping from the garden outside fills the air, and I catch glimpses of the lush greenery flanking the house through an open window, which frames a verdant garden teeming with colorful flowers and creatures.The attendant stops at a door on the right side of the lengthy hall, glances at me, and opens it. He bows politely and excuses himself, leaving me to proceed on my own. I step through the double wooden-framed doors into a spacious, well-ventilated room. A long table surrounded by sturdy chairs sits at the center, bathed in sunlight streaming through the large windows. Artworks adorn the walls, and the air is crisp with the scent of flowers and the gentle lull of the breeze.A
Hermione Aiden's car pulls to a stop in front of the hospital, and I reach for the door handle. "Hey," Aiden grumbles as I attempt to unlock the door. I turn to face him, sensing he's deliberately blocking my exit. He taps his cheek, a mischievous smile spreading across his lips. "Don't I get a kiss?" His eyes sparkle with expectation. "In your dreams," I retort. "Unlock the door, Aiden."Aiden sighs, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thanks for honoring my invitation today, Hermione." "You forced my hand," I remind him. "But you had fun, didn't you?" He throws back, his grin unwavering. I scrunch up my nose, looking away. I'm enjoying his company, but I won't admit it easily. It's a defense mechanism, protecting myself from falling deeper under his spell."Let me out," I say firmly. Aiden leans his elbow on the seat's edge, his other hand resting on the steering wheel. "It's only a week until our wedding," he says, his eyes locked on mine. "Will you still keep this up?" He
Aiden Hermione assures the manager that their menu was not the cause of Lovette's earlier episode. The couple's unawareness of her allergy to caviar was the culprit. Jason had argued that they had eaten seafood before, but he acknowledged that the caviar dish was a new experience for his wife, given her vegetarian upbringing.I'm surprised Hermione returns to me after the ambulance leaves and didn't use Lovette's situation as an excuse to leave. "What?" she demands curtly. "My fiancée is a hero. You saved her life," I say with a smile, feeling a surge of pride. Witnessing Hermione in action, her determination to save lives, fills me with admiration, and my attraction to her grows exponentially.Hermione rolls her eyes, clearly accustomed to situations like Lovette's. The manager extends his heartfelt gratitude to Hermione for saving the day, and she politely dismisses herself with a shrug. "It's my job. No big deal," she says. However, the manager understands the significance o
Hermione A seafood restaurant. I scrunch my nose. Aiden notices my expression. "They serve the best caviar recipes here," he says, his enthusiasm evident. "You're going to love it." I roll my eyes. "I doubt I'll love anything you do. We're complete opposites." "That's not true," Aiden counters. "I love myself, and you love me too – which means you inherently appreciate my taste, including this restaurant." I lift the edge of my mouth in disdain and let out a dismissive tsk.Aiden swerves the car into the driveway of the Mediterranean-themed restaurant, where a security guard directs him to park. He halts the car in one of the empty spaces marked by white lines. The parking lot is filled with exotic cars, reflecting the restaurant's upscale clientele. Aiden steps out of the car and hands his key to a waiting valet. He waits for me to reach his side, then offers me his arm. I slip my arm through his, and we enter the lavish interior together.The walls shine with a mix of radianc
Aiden When I arrive at the hospital later in the day, I send Hermione a text to let her know I'm outside. She responds that she'll join me shortly. I reply with a simple "Okay," trying to suppress a smile.As I wait, I drum my fingers on the steering wheel, the engine turned off. A few minutes later, Hermione emerges from the hospital's lobby, looking radiant. The wind blows her dark hair across her face as she steps out of the sliding doors. She brushes it away, her eyes scanning the parking area until she spots my car, parked nearby. She makes her way over, her rose-pink floral dress fluttering in the breeze.The dress is a perfect fit for her, its light color complementing her complexion. The hem dances across her knees as she moves, and the modest yet luxurious design speaks to her impeccable taste. As she approaches, I step out of the car and greet her with a playful grin. "Hey, babe," I say, anticipating her reaction to the endearment.Hermione scowls, just as I expected, a