Semua Bab Too Late, Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now: Bab 81 - Bab 90

Aria's POVI woke up the next morning with the contract still sitting on my bedside table.Groggy and still half-asleep, I stared at it for a long moment, remembering the way Aiden had silently placed it there before leaving for work."This is ridiculous," I muttered, reaching for my phone.I dialed Aiden's number, determined to refuse this extravagant "gift." My fingers trembled slightly as I waited for him to pick up."Good morning, Aria," his deep voice answered, somehow even more attractive over the phone. "Did you sleep well?""I can't accept this contract," I said, getting straight to the point. "It's too much, Aiden. That transfer agreement is worth millions."He sighed on the other end. "It's just money, Aria. And it's something I want to do for you.""But I don't need it. I don't want someone to think I married you for your money.""Nobody who knows you would ever think that," he replied softly.We argued back and forth for nearly twenty minutes. I was surprised by how stubbo

Aria's POVElena 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" st

Aria's POVMy mind went completely blank as Aiden's lips pressed against mine. For a moment, I froze in shock, but then something primal took over. I found myself responding to his kiss, my lips parting instinctively as our tongues met in a heated dance.When he finally pulled away, his dark eyes were molten with desire. "That's your punishment," he said, voice husky and demanding, "for mistaking me for a thief and not coming to the airport to welcome me home."I blinked, still dazed from the kiss but quickly finding my voice. "Wait, that's not fair. You never told me to pick you up.""Should I need to tell you?" Aiden's eyebrow arched perfectly. "A good wife would have been eager to welcome her husband home.""You're being completely unreasonable," I shot back, crossing my arms. My body was still tingling from his kiss, but I wasn't about to let him win this argument.In one swift motion, Aiden reached out and pulled me onto his lap. I gasped as I felt his muscular thighs beneath me.

Aria's POVThe gala was scheduled for eight, but by four in the afternoon, I was already being whisked away to the club for preparations.From the moment I arrived at five, I was engulfed in a whirlwind of beauty treatments before moving on to hair and makeup. Never in my life had I experienced anything like this. Even for my wedding with Liam, I'd simply had a team come to the house.This exclusive club had everything imaginable, and for me—apparently their VIP guest—they'd closed to all other clients for the afternoon.I was surrounded by people rushing around, all I needed to do was lift a hand or foot when instructed. If I hadn't been so shy, they would've even dressed me themselves.The gown they selected was deceptively simple: a V-neck with delicate pleating that managed to be sensual without revealing too much, and small puff sleeves that added a touch of cool elegance.The white dress hugged my waist and hips perfectly, showcasing every curve of my body.Looking at myself in

Aria's POVI scan the glittering ballroom, trying not to let my anxiety show as all these wealthy socialites stare at me like I'm some exotic creature in a zoo.That's when I spot him—Liam, standing across the room with a champagne glass clutched in his hand, staring right at me and Aiden.Just my luck. The night was already overwhelming enough without my ex deciding to make an appearance.I quickly look away, muttering under my breath."What is it?" Aiden asks, his hand still possessively on my waist."Nothing important," I say, forcing a smile. "Just spotted someone I'd rather avoid."Aiden follows my gaze briefly, his jaw tightening almost imperceptibly when he sees Liam. Without a word, he guides me toward the bar, keeping his body slightly between me and Liam's line of sight. I can't help but appreciate the protective gesture."Drink?" he offers, handing me a glass of rich red wine.I almost take a sip of the red wine Aiden hands me before freezing mid-motion. God, what am I thin