Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 71

Aria's POV

"What's inappropriate about it? You are my wife."

My heart fluttered hearing those words. *My wife*. Not just a contract or a business arrangement anymore.

The possessive tone in Aiden's voice made my heart flutter in ways I hadn't experienced before. I found myself staring at his lips, wondering what it would be like to—

"Your assistant is looking for you."

I snapped back to reality, quickly turning to see Summer waving frantically outside the car window.

"I should go," I said, reluctantly moving to exit. "Thanks for... you know."

"Of course," he replied, his voice a smooth rumble.

As I stepped out, Aiden followed, unfolding his tall frame from the car in one fluid motion. The afternoon sun highlighted the sharp angles of his face as he came to stand beside me.

Summer rushed over, her face beaming with excitement.

"Aria! Elena just called and insisted you absolutely mustn't leave! She's personally coming out to apologize - says the whole thing is completely their fault!"

I opened my mouth to respond when Summer turned to Aiden. "Thank you so much, Mr. Carter! If not for your help, my poor Aria would've had to swallow this injustice! Can you believe it?

She's the special guest performer with the closing piece, and they just kicked her out like that! Who could possibly stand for such treatment?"

I blinked in confusion. "Summer—"

"This may not be my doing," Aiden interjected smoothly. "This is Aria's own capability at work."

Summer missed his meaning entirely, assuming he was being modest. "Oh, Aria is absolutely incredible, but she's just too low-key for her own good!

Sometimes being too humble invites bullies. Every random nobody thinks they can walk all over her!"

I winced slightly. Summer had always been protective, but her unfiltered commentary in front of Aiden made me uncomfortable.

"Summer," I tried again, but she was on a roll.

She caught herself mid-rant and looked at Aiden apologetically. "Mr. Carter, am I talking too much? I don't mean anything bad, I just care about Aria."

"I also care deeply about my wife," Aiden replied, his voice calm but firm. "Ms. Summer, in the future, if you encounter similar situations, feel free to contact my secretary directly to handle them."

Summer's eyes widened. "Really? Wouldn't that be imposing on you?"

"Not at all."

Before I could process what was happening, Aiden had produced a business card and handed it to Summer. "This is my secretary's card."

Summer accepted it with reverence, shooting me a triumphant look. "This time I can't follow your lead, Aria. I won't let you keep getting pushed around!"

I remained silent, watching my assistant practically glowing with gratitude toward my husband. There seemed little point in explaining now that I'd already set my own plan in motion.

I stole a glance at Aiden, remembering his words in the car. *Tables turned*. My heart rate inexplicably accelerated.

Did he actually intend to have Diana removed from the program? Was that something I even wanted?

"Mrs. Carter," he said softly, interrupting my thoughts, "you don't need to take these things lying down anymore."

I felt heat rise to my cheeks. "I wasn't exactly taking it lying down..."

Aiden gave me a knowing look, his lips curving slightly. "I believe your event organizer is approaching."

Following his gaze, I spotted Elena striding toward us, flanked by her staff. A little pride fluttered in my chest - my plan had worked perfectly. Just as I was about to point this out, Aiden spoke again.

"You don't need to handle this alone."

Before I could respond, Elena had reached us, her expression anxious and apologetic.

"Ms. Jones, I'm so terribly sorry! I just found out what happened in the dressing room. It was completely my fault for poor organization, causing you to—"

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