LOGINAria's POVI'd barely had time to process how many people were fawning over our relationship online when I noticed Aiden emerge from the bathroom, his hair still damp from the shower."The bath should be ready in about five minutes," he announced, voice deep and smooth.I nodded, trying to act casual. "Thanks."My thoughts drifted to his social media post—the one that had sent the internet into a frenzy.I wanted to ask him about it, but couldn't quite find the courage. Instead, I chewed my lower lip and said, "I've been scrolling through social media. It's pretty wild out there tonight."Aiden gave me a knowing look, his blue eyes twinkling. "Is that so? What's happening?""You know, just stuff about today's competition," I deflected."Let me see," he said, reaching for his phone.My cheeks warmed. "I'm going to grab my clothes for the bath!" I announced, practically jumping to my feet.Aiden shot me an amu
Aria's POVI saw Lillian's random message and instinctively sent back a "?" before I could think about it.Just as I sent it, Aiden walked over and took my suitcase from my hand. "I'll get that," he said.I nodded, looking down at my hand where his had just touched mine. I couldn't help smiling as I subtly tightened my grip when our fingers intertwined.The elevator was pretty crowded at this hour."Should we get in?" I asked Aiden, eyeing the packed elevator where people were already making room for us.He nodded. "Let's go. It's busy right now - the next one will probably be just as crowded."I murmured an agreement and followed him in.With so many people inside, Aiden released my hand but wrapped his arm around my shoulders instead, pulling me against his chest and creating a barrier between me and everyone else.We stood so close that when I moved, my head brushed against his chin. My face grew warm as I watched the
Aria's POVI felt a rush of satisfaction after sending that text to Sophia. Looking at my phone with a smirk, I thought how criminal it would be not to share this moment of triumph with Lillian.Without hesitation, I took a screenshot and sent it to her."Lil, check out what I just sent to Sophia!" I typed, attaching the image.Lillian must have just gotten back to her hotel room when my message came through. I could practically hear her cackling through her reply."HAHAHAHA! Has she responded yet? This must be absolutely killing her! I bet Sophia's going to be depressed all day! HAHAHA!"She followed up immediately: "Aria, when did you get so clever? That comeback was perfect!"I grinned, typing back: "I was just scrolling through Twitter when I remembered her text. Figured I should reply – I'm a polite person after all, and ignoring messages is rude, right?"I was still basking in the knowledge that Sophia was probably
Aria's POVI snatched Aiden's phone with fumbling hands, nearly dropping it in my rush."I wasn't done! What's wrong with taking a few more pictures? So stingy!"I complained, but remembering what he'd said about Aria being tired, I decided not to chase after them.Opening the gallery, I discovered that jerk had only taken two photos—and completely missed capturing the kiss I tried to plant on Aria's cheek! Ugh!Aiden Carter, that absolute dog of a man!I was genuinely fuming when I spotted Lillian and Nanna nearby. Lillian and I had met a few times before, and she definitely knew about my fangirl obsession with Aria."Claire? Why do you look so upset?" Lillian asked, clearly concerned by my expression."That jerk Aiden just made me so mad! I asked him to take pictures of me with my precious Aria, but he only took two shots! He completely missed capturing me kissing her and then lied about taking it!"L
Aria's POV:I ran toward Aiden as he approached, my footsteps slowing only when I reached him."What are you doing over here?" I asked, breathless. I knew he typically avoided crowded places like this beach.Aiden reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear that the sea breeze had dislodged. "Because my wife is here," he replied simply.Someone in the crowd groaned loudly, "Ugh, I'm just passing by. Why am I being force-fed dog food?" The American slang for public displays of affection made my cheeks burn.My face flushed crimson. I wasn't trying to flaunt our relationship—I just couldn't help gravitating toward Aiden whenever I saw him.The six o'clock sun cast everything in a gentle, warm glow. Its soft orange rays seemed to carve out a private space just for us among the crowd.I caught several people staring, their attention diverted from the professional racers they'd come to see.Aiden and I appa
Aria's POVAiden watched me with an amused smile but said nothing.I blinked, my mind suddenly flooded with Elena's words from earlier."You know, Aria, you're nothing like Aiden's first love.""You're sweet and gentle, but his first love was this badass girl. She was amazing at jet skiing, actually.""This woman was Aiden's first love. I thought you might be curious enough to come see her."Was Elena just talking nonsense? Aiden and I definitely hadn't met before all this.How could I possibly be his first love?"Hey, Aiden, did you ever have a first love?" I asked, my voice softer than intended.What I really wanted to ask was if I was his first love, but that seemed way too narcissistic.The question twisted around in my mouth several times before I managed to get even this much out."What do you think?" he countered, tossing the question right back at me.I grimaced, embarrassed, but before I cou







