Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 279

Aria's POV

I was dying of curiosity about where Aiden planned to take me. This was the first time he'd ever suggested taking me out somewhere just for fun.

Before we left, I'd asked him about our destination, but he just gave me that mysterious smile of his and said, "You'll find out soon enough."

I didn't press further, but my anticipation built with every mile we drove. Twenty minutes later, the car rolled to a stop. I unbuckled my seatbelt and followed Aiden out of the vehicle.

My eyebrows shot up when I realized we were at an auction house. "Why are we at an auction?" I asked, surprise evident in my voice.

Aiden's warm hand enveloped mine as he guided me through the entrance. "There's a jewelry auction tonight," he explained, his deep voice casual as if buying expensive jewelry was something people did on random weeknights.

I nodded, still confused. "Ohh, okay."

It wasn't until we took our seats that I understood his intention. He handed me the catalog of items being auctioned and placed a bidding paddle in my hand.

"See if there's anything you like," he murmured close to my ear, his breath warm against my skin. "Whatever catches your eye, we'll bid on it."

I felt my cheeks flush. "I don't need more jewelry, Aiden."

He turned to look at me, his gaze intense enough to make my heart skip. "Several valuable pieces are being offered tonight. You gave me a gift, and I believe in reciprocity, Aria."

I flipped through the catalog, and damn, he wasn't kidding. The pieces were stunning—and priced accordingly. Their value was precisely why I hesitated to bid.

As the auction began, I leaned toward him, my body naturally gravitating to his. "But you always bring me gifts when you travel," I whispered, my lips nearly brushing his cheek.

God, he smelled incredible—that blend of expensive cologne and something uniquely him that always made my pulse quicken. I was close enough to feel the heat radiating from his skin.

Aiden's eyebrow arched slightly as he squeezed my hand. "Consider this me buying accessories for my wife, then."

"But..." I started to protest, my eyes widening at the prices being called out.

This wasn't some charity auction—these were serious collectors' items. The current piece, a bracelet, proved my point perfectly.

The bracelet had been designed by Rolla, a legendary jewelry designer, just before her death thirty years ago. Only 77 were ever made, symbolizing double luck. When first released, it cost $300,000. After Rolla's death, the value skyrocketed. One had recently sold for over a million in the States. Tonight's bidding started at $1.2 million, with $100,000 increments.

I'd never considered myself poor until this moment. Flipping through that catalog where every piece cost hundreds of thousands—if not millions—suddenly made me feel like my bank account was laughably inadequate.

When Aiden said I could bid on whatever I wanted, my stomach knotted. These pieces were so expensive I'd be afraid to wear them out of the house.

"What's wrong?" he asked, noticing my hesitation.

I bit my lip, glancing at him. "It's too expensive."

Aiden just smiled, completely unfazed. "It's not. I can afford it." He nodded toward the front. "Do you like that bracelet?"

I shook my head quickly. "I honestly don't. It's not my style." The truth was, my taste didn't always align with high fashion, and the designer-focused bracelet just didn't appeal to me.

"Noted," he replied simply, making no move to bid. His lips curved into a smile. "There are better pieces coming up."

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