Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 225

Aria's POV

Lillian tapped my shoulder, her gaze landing on my flushed face. "What were you dreaming about? You look pretty hot and bothered."

She handed me a tissue. I took it, dabbing at the thin layer of sweat on my forehead while my mind replayed fragments of the dream. Heat rushed to my cheeks.

I avoided answering her question, instead sitting up and staring blankly at the comforter covering me.

Lillian misinterpreted my silence, assuming I'd had a nightmare. She wrapped her arms around me. "Aria? Don't be scared. It was just a dream. You're awake now—whatever happened wasn't real!"

I pressed my lips together and glanced at her face, guilt washing over me. "Mmm," I managed weakly.

Gently pushing her away, I mumbled, "I need to wash my face."

"Sure," she said, releasing me.

I padded to the bathroom in my slippers and splashed cold water on my face. The mirror reflected my flushed complexion, and despite the cooling sensation against my skin, I couldn't help remembering the vivid scenes from my dream. I quickly lowered my head and splashed several more handfuls of water on my face.

Damn it! This was entirely Lillian's fault for always telling me about those steamy romance novels she reads!

After spending several minutes composing myself in the bathroom, I emerged to find Lillian watching me with concern etched across her features.

"You don't seem okay. Maybe we should call it a day?" she suggested.

I felt my face heat up again. "It's nothing, just... not a great dream."

I couldn't possibly tell her what I'd actually dreamed about—I'd never hear the end of it. Changing the subject quickly, I added, "Why don't you pack up? I'm heading over to practice."

"Wait! I need to use the bathroom first!" Lillian called out.

Seeing my determination, she dropped the subject.

I didn't practice for long that afternoon, wrapping up after only an hour and a half. My hands and lower back ached—I wasn't used to such intensive physical activity anymore.

Lillian hadn't napped during the day, so she fell asleep almost immediately when we got in the car to head back. After parking, I gently poked her sleeping form. "Lil?"

She just frowned in her sleep and didn't stir.

I resorted to more drastic measures. "Julian's trending on T*****r."

"What trend?" She snapped awake instantly.

I snorted. "Are we having dinner or what?"

Lillian rubbed her eyes, glancing out the window and finally realizing we were back in the city. She gave me a sheepish grin. "I was just tired, okay? I'm starving—let's go eat!"

"Speaking of which," she said as we got out of the car, "aren't you being a little inconsiderate not going home to have dinner with Aiden tonight?"

I instinctively checked my phone. All day, and Aiden hadn't sent a single message.

Was he upset? It was Saturday, and I'd left early in the morning. Now I wasn't even coming home for dinner.

That did seem a bit much.

Lillian studied my expression. "He hasn't messaged you all day. Maybe he's annoyed?"

Almost the second after she finished speaking, a text popped up on my screen: Has Mrs. Carter had dinner yet?

Lillian rolled her eyes.

Great. I should've kept my mouth shut.

Guilt washed over me as I replied: Not yet. About to grab something with Lillian.

Lillian, noticing my expression, offered, "You know what? Why don't you go have dinner with Aiden instead? I can eat by myself."

I flushed slightly. "Get out of the car, Lil. I'm hungry too."

She hummed approvingly. "Good, you're not ditching your friend for a man."

I barely registered her comment as I typed a response to Aiden.

Looking up, I glanced at Lillian. "Lil, maybe we should skip the seafood place tonight. The line's too long. I want to get home earlier."

Lillian stared at me in disbelief.

I had clearly just contradicted myself.

In the end, Lillian graciously sacrificed for the sake of my marriage. We chose a Mexican restaurant that wasn't as crowded instead.

After we'd finished eating, Lillian demonstrated her understanding nature. "Aria, I can just get a ride-share home. You don't need to drop me off."

I shook my head. "It's hard to get a car right now. I'll drive you."

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