MasukAria's POV
My mind was filled with Lillian's words "that woman is obviously trying to steal your man," so much so that I didn't even notice the car had stopped when we got home.
Aiden called my name twice with no response, so he leaned over to help me unbuckle my seatbelt.
His familiar woody scent suddenly came close, and only then did I snap back to reality.
Looking at Aiden helping me with my seatbelt, Lillian's words echoed in my mind again. For some reason, I s
Author’s POVThree months later, the grounds of the Carter estate transformed into a fairytale wedding venue. White roses cascaded over elegant arches, crystal chandeliers suspended from the open-air pavilion caught the afternoon sunlight, and champagne flowed freely among New York's elite.Aria stood before the floor-length mirror in the bridal suite, her fingers trembling slightly as she adjusted her veil. The custom Vera Wang gown hugged her curves before flaring out in a dramatic train, making her look every bit the princess she never thought she'd become."You look stunning," Claire gushed, dabbing at her eyes. "Liam is going to eat his heart out when he sees what he lost."Summer nodded vigorously while fixing a strand of Aria's hair. "The press is going crazy outside. Everyone who's anyone in New York is here."The door cracked open, and Thomas Carter stepped in. The patriarch's usually stern face softened when his eyes landed on Aria."May I have a word with Aria?" he asked, h
Aria's POVThe rain had turned thin and gray—more mist than storm—and the whole city looked washed out and tired. Aiden drove in silence, one hand on the wheel, the other wrapped around mine. He didn't let go once.When we reached Thomas's floor, the atmosphere felt different from yesterday. Quieter. Tighter. Like everyone in the hall was holding their breath around bad news.Grace was standing outside the room. The moment she saw us, her eyes widened, and relief crashed over her face so openly that I almost pitied her."Aiden. Aria.""What happened?" I asked.Grace swallowed. "The doctors found another lesion this morning. They still want surgery, but now they're worried about the delay."Aiden's face hardened, but he didn't speak.Grace looked between us and lowered her voice. "He's asking for you."Aiden stared at the door.For one second, I thought he might turn around and walk away.Then he stepped forward.I went in with him.Thomas Carter looked older than he had even yesterday
Aria's POVHe backed me toward the bed, his movements unhurried but purposeful. When my legs hit the mattress, he gently lowered me down, his body following mine. The weight of him pressed me into the soft bedding, his hands continuing their exploration."Aiden," I breathed as he pushed my sweater up, exposing my skin to the cool air. His mouth replaced his hands, hot against my flesh, making me squirm beneath him.Our clothing disappeared piece by piece, his mouth never leaving my skin for long. When we were both naked, he paused to look down at me, his eyes taking in every inch. The intensity of his gaze made heat rush through me, pooling between my thighs."Beautiful," he murmured, his hand sliding down my stomach and between my legs. I gasped as his fingers found me wet and ready for him.He took his time, building my pleasure with skilled movements that had me clutching at his shoulders, my nails digging into his skin. Just when I was close to the edge, he positioned himself betw
Aria's POVI found a strange comfort in the hospital's empty corridor where Samuel had left me. The soft patter of rain against the windows created a soothing rhythm that helped clear my thoughts.Aiden appeared minutes later, his eyes scanning the area until they found me.His shoulders visibly relaxed when he spotted me sitting alone on the bench. "There you are."I raised an eyebrow, surprised to see him so soon. "That was quick. I thought you'd talk with Mr. Carter longer.""We finished our conversation," he said simply, his tone closing the subject.He crossed the distance between us and took my hand in his. My fingers were cold from sitting in this drafty corridor, and he immediately enclosed them in his warm grip."Samuel Carter found you?" he asked, rubbing my cold fingers between his palms.I tilted my head curiously. "Did he confess to you already?""I saw him on my way down. He looked guilty as hell." A hint of amusement touched his voice.I couldn't help but laugh at Samue
Author's POVAria slept soundly through the night, only waking when her alarm pierced the morning silence. She opened her eyes to a room still shrouded in darkness. Aiden's side of the bed was already empty—he always rose early.Knowing they needed to visit Thomas Carter at the hospital, she didn't linger under the warm covers. She quickly got dressed and headed to the bathroom to freshen up. Just as she finished her skincare routine, Aiden appeared in the doorway with a steaming cup of water.He raised an eyebrow when he saw her already seated at the vanity. "Up so early?""It's already seven-thirty," she replied, glancing toward the window. The sky remained overcast, rain still falling steadily. "Looks like another gloomy day.""Still raining," Aiden agreed, setting the hot water beside her. Aria reached for it but found it too hot to drink immediately and set it back down.After breakfast, they drove to the hospital. When they arrived, Thomas's room was already crowded with visitor
I barely touched my congee at the hospital cafeteria. My appetite had completely vanished after everything that happened with Thomas's collapse. While Aiden stared blankly at his untouched food, I pulled out my phone to text Lucy that we'd be home late."We should bring something for Grace and Samuel," I suggested, watching Aiden's face for any reaction. His expression remained unreadable, but he nodded slightly.When we returned to the hospital room with takeout containers in hand, the surprise on Samuel's face was impossible to miss. He clearly thought we'd left for good. For a moment, he just stared at us, mouth slightly open, before finally finding his voice."Aiden," he acknowledged stiffly.Aiden's eyes narrowed. "Is that all you see? Just me?"Grace immediately tapped Samuel's arm. "Mind your manners," she whispered, though we all heard it clearly.Samuel clenched his jaw, looking like he'd rather swallow glass than say what came next. "Aria," he finally muttered, the words pra
Aria's POVAidan and I had finally smoothed things over. He didn't let his serious side resurface, but our time together was cut short as he left for a business trip. As for Julian, I opted to avoid him entirely.There was no way I could ever develop feelings for him.Yet, so
Aria's POVAidan's sudden question caught me completely off guard, leaving me momentarily stunned.I was worried he would misunderstand my relationship with other men."There's nothing to assume," I retorted, shifting uncomfortably in my seat."There's absolutely nothi
Aria's POVI had reached the door, about to exit, when Sophia's voice rang through the store. "How dare you pull out some random photos and pretend they're yours! The sheer audacity!"Vivian surveyed me with an exaggerated smile. "I've never seen such nerve in my life."Lilli
Aria's POVI smirked to myself as Aiden took my hand, leading me to the garage where he opened the passenger door for me like a gentleman."Tha—" I started to say thank you, but caught his amused gaze and stopped mid-word, swallowing the rest. His eyes crinkled at the corners,







