Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 306

Aria's POV

I collapsed onto the plush sofa after lunch, my body finally betraying just how exquisitely exhausting last night's activities had been. My lower back ached with a dull, persistent throb, and my stomach felt oddly tight, a lingering warmth in my core. Even so, I'd stubbornly pushed through a solid hour at the piano, the music a temporary balm, before finally surrendering to the undeniable call for sleep.

"The glorious aftermath of passion," I muttered to myself, a wry smile playing on my lips as I crawled into bed, my eyelids already heavy, my limbs deliciously languid.

What was supposed to be a quick power nap turned into a full-blown hibernation. I slept straight from 2:30 until 6:30 PM, waking disoriented as the long evening shadows stretched across our bedroom. Feeling much more refreshed after my extended rest, I wandered onto the balcony, letting the gentle breeze clear the last vestiges of fog from my head before making my way to the music room.

Lucy appeared in the doorway as I was adjusting the piano bench, a steaming mug of milk in her hands, a thoughtful gesture.

"Mr. Carter returned to the office about thirty minutes ago," she informed me, setting down the mug on a nearby table. "He asked me to tell you he won't be able to join you for dinner tonight, Mrs. Carter."

"Oh... okay, I understand," I replied, trying my best to sound nonchalant, but a small knot of disappointment tightened in my chest.

When Lucy asked what I wanted for dinner, I just waved my hand dismissively. "Whatever you think is best, Lucy. I'm honestly not particularly hungry."

By eight o'clock, I was deep into practicing the intricate piece I needed to record in a few days, completely lost in the transcendent beauty of the music. The notes flowed through my fingers, my concentration so intense that I didn't notice anyone entering the room.

When I finally paused, my hand instinctively raised to massage my aching shoulders, only to feel a pair of strong, familiar hands beat me to it. I jumped slightly, a surprised gasp escaping my lips, turning to find Aiden standing directly behind me.

"When did you get back? I didn't even hear you come in," I said, genuinely startled.

His fingers worked expertly at the tense knots in my shoulders, applying just the right pressure, as he replied, "I got home at 8:10."

Glancing at my phone, I saw it was already past nine. "It's been an hour! Why didn't you say something? Or scare me with some ridiculously elaborate prank?"

He just smiled, deflecting with effortless charm. "You were completely engrossed. And besides, your shoulders feel incredibly tense. Does it hurt, my love?"

I couldn't help but shoot him a playful glare. Last night's... enthusiasm combined with hours hunched over the piano had left my body feeling like it might actually break in half.

His hands were pure magic though, applying just the right pressure in all the right places, melting away the tension with each stroke. I tried to sit properly at first, maintaining some semblance of dignity, but within minutes I was leaning back against him, my eyes fluttering closed as relief, warm and profound, spread through my aching muscles.

I nearly dozed off before jerking myself awake. "That's enough," I murmured, gently pulling his hands away, though I longed for them to stay. "Your hands will get tired too. Thank you."

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