Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 106

Aria's POV

I glanced at the door and quickly bent down to pick up my phone, feeling oddly guilty.

"Aunt said lunch is ready," Aiden said, leaning against my doorframe.

"Oh! Perfect timing. I just finished practicing," I replied, awkwardly hiding my phone behind my back like a teenager caught doing something naughty.

Aiden's dark eyes flicked to my hidden hands, a knowing look crossing his face. "Ready to eat then?"

"Yes, definitely."

I got up and carefully closed the piano lid before following him downstairs, hyper-aware of his presence just steps ahead of me.

After washing my hands, I checked my phone and found Julian had sent over the sheet music for the two songs. I'd completely forgotten about it this morning—too distracted by Aiden's perfect abs when I'd walked in on him.

Lucy finished bringing out all the dishes as we sat down. I glanced across the table at Aiden and decided to bring up my new gig.

"So, I accepted a side job," I said, watching his reaction.

He looked up from his plate, his expression encouraging me to continue.

"Julian's starting his concert tour next month. First stop is here in the city. He's asked me to be a guest pianist for two songs during the show."

"Is the pay good?" Aiden asked, his voice neutral.

I thought about the three hundred thousand dollars and couldn't help smiling. "Well, it's not bad. I mean, I'm only playing piano for about ten minutes and getting $300,000. Pretty easy money, right?"

Realizing how money-hungry I sounded, I quickly added, "Of course, it's not just about the money. I really want to experience the concert atmosphere!"

Yeah, that's it. I just want to be part of a concert!

Aiden carefully picked the bones from his fish and placed the meat in my bowl. "You're right, it's not much."

"...Thank you," I mumbled.

Rich people really do have a different concept of money!

"Do you need money?" he asked, his eyes studying me.

"No, not at all."

"Hmm." Aiden gave me a long look. "If you ever need money, just tell me. I can—give it to you."

The slight pause in his sentence made my stomach flutter.

"It's not the same," I insisted. "I prefer earning money through my own work."

With the job now reported to my "husband," the next step was signing the contract with Julian. His manager had already discussed terms with Summer, and right after lunch, Summer called to let me know I needed to come sign the paperwork.

"This quickly?" I asked, surprised.

"Julian's company is pushing for it," Summer explained.

"Oh, okay!" I agreed without much thought.

I'd been planning to take a nap, but now I'd have to get dressed and go sign the contract instead.

With the temperature hovering around ninety degrees outside, I automatically chose a long, flowy dress and flat sandals. I wasn't planning to stay out long—just sign and return—so I kept it casual, braiding my hair to one side and applying only sunscreen and lipstick.

I grabbed my purse and headed downstairs, bumping into Aiden coming up from his office.

"I'm going to sign that contract," I informed him.

Aiden gave me a quick once-over. "I'll drive you."

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