Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 290

Aria's POV

Watching Aiden's amused face as I shifted nervously beside him, my heart fluttered when he reached over and squeezed my hand.

"Don't worry," he said with that reassuring smile that always melted my insides. "If Thomas tries to kick you out, I'll leave with you." He paused, his thumb brushing across my knuckles. "Though I doubt he'll try anything tonight."

I bit my lip, unconvinced. "But what if he does? You can't just walk out of your own uncle's sixtieth birthday with all these important people watching. Wouldn't that be mortifying?"

The guest list tonight was packed with New York's elite. The thought of Aiden storming out with me in tow made my stomach clench.

"If anyone should be embarrassed, it won't be us," he replied with such easy confidence that I couldn't help but believe him.

"Okay," I nodded, drawing strength from his certainty.

Our car pulled through the hotel's grand entrance. Thomas Carter had rented out the entire five-star establishment for his birthday celebration—typical Carter family extravagance. Sleek Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, and Maseratis lined the circular driveway, making me grip my clutch purse tighter. Even after months of being Mrs. Carter, these displays of wealth still overwhelmed me.

Aiden sensed my tension and squeezed my hand again. When the chauffeur opened the door, Aiden stepped out first, then extended his hand to me like we were arriving at a royal ball.

"Mr. and Mrs. Carter, we've arrived," our driver announced.

I glanced at Aiden, forced a smile, and murmured, "Let's do this."

Taking his outstretched hand, I carefully stepped out of the car, mindful of my dress as I emerged. The hotel lobby bustled with staff directing guests toward the second-floor ballroom with elegant signage pointing the way.

As we climbed the grand staircase, I spotted Eleanor Smith—Aiden's aunt—before we even reached the ballroom entrance. She wore a fitted evening gown that somehow made her look both sophisticated and cold at the same time.

"Does my dress look okay?" I whispered, suddenly self-conscious. I'd chosen a champagne-colored strapless gown with subtle rose embroidery across the bodice. The A-line skirt fell just above my ankles—elegant but practical. I'd selected it specifically to appeal to the older generation, hoping to win some approval points.

Aiden's eyes traveled over me appreciatively. "You look perfect."

I took a deep breath, plastered on my most convincing smile, and said, "Then let's head in."

"Relax," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear. "Nobody messes with Mrs. Carter while I'm around."

"Right. Relaxing," I nodded, but then instantly froze when I spotted Thomas and Eleanor staring directly at us, their expressions unreadable.

Aiden's smile tightened almost imperceptibly as he guided me forward, his hand firm against my lower back.

The moment we entered, dozens of eyes swiveled in our direction. Thomas's disapproval of me as his nephew's wife wasn't exactly a secret in their social circle. I could practically feel the anticipation crackling in the air—everyone waiting for the drama to unfold.

"Aria!" A familiar female voice cut through my anxiety.

Claire Bennett rushed toward us, champagne flute in hand, looking stunning in her designer gown. In another reality, she might have been the woman standing beside Aiden tonight. The Bennetts and Carters had been longtime family friends, and everyone had expected them to merge through marriage someday.

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