Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 108

Aria's POV

I noticed we entered the elevator still holding hands. My palm was sweating, and I had no idea how to ask Aiden to let go without making it awkward.

"Everything okay?" he asked, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine despite my discomfort.

"Just a little hot," I mumbled, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment.

He immediately released my hand. The moment his strong grip left mine, my sweaty palm felt instantly cooler. Relief washed over me, though part of me oddly missed the contact.

The elevator stopped at the first floor, and about half the people stepped out, creating more space in the cramped compartment. I seized the opportunity to move slightly away from Aiden, making a conscious effort not to brush against him.

He noticed my subtle movement and gave me a questioning look.

"It's just warm in here," I explained, feeling awkward. I didn't want him to think I was repulsed by him or anything.

"Mmm," he responded noncommittally as the elevator doors opened again. I breathed a sigh of relief.

Once in the car, I dutifully fastened my seatbelt, trying not to think about how close we'd been standing just moments ago.

Suddenly, Aiden's phone rang. He glanced at it briefly, brow furrowed, and answered, "What is it?"

I couldn't hear the person on the other end, but Aiden's response was curt: "Not available." Then, after a short pause, he added, "Afternoon tea."

The call ended almost immediately.

Aiden turned to me. "That was Ryan. He wants us to join them for afternoon tea."

Meeting his friends? I looked down at my casual outfit, suddenly self-conscious. Before I could even voice my concern, Aiden continued.

"He doesn't believe we're actually married. He thinks this is all for show."

That immediately lit a fire in me. "Let's go then! I'll show them how real this is."

"Aren't you tired?" he asked, his tone revealing genuine concern.

"I'm fine, not that tired," I insisted, only for my body to betray me with a massive yawn right afterward.

"..."

Well, that was embarrassing.

Aiden's expression softened slightly. "We'll just have tea and head back."

"Okay, whatever you think is best!" I agreed eagerly, determined to prove our marriage was legitimate to his doubtful friends.

"Don't mind anything they say. They're just jealous assholes who love to stir trouble."

I had initially thought Aiden's friends might be difficult, but hearing him describe them that way, I suddenly felt sympathetic toward Ryan. They were clearly engaged in some sort of mutual antagonism.

"You can rest for a while. It's about twenty minutes to get there," Aiden offered.

I hesitated briefly, but decided not to play coy. Better to be rested and alert when meeting his friends. "I'll take a quick nap then."

"Is the air conditioning too cold?" he asked unexpectedly.

"A little," I admitted. Now that he mentioned it, the car did feel quite chilly.

"I'll adjust it," he said, turning it up a few degrees.

"Thank you. You're really kind, Aiden."

"Am I?" he asked, sounding genuinely surprised.

I adjusted my position, getting comfortable as drowsiness overtook me. "Yes, you really are," I murmured.

Aiden fell silent, and the car became peaceful. Within seconds, sleep began pulling me under.

As consciousness faded, I remember mumbling, "Mmm, you're truly so good to me..."

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