Chapter 287

Aria's POV Aiden had already finished his shower, but Lillian still hadn't replied to my text. I reluctantly put down my phone and decided to ask the man himself. "Aiden," I called. He glanced at me, his deep voice sending a familiar shiver down my spine. "Yes?" "About your father's birthday celebration... it's this week, right?" I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, watching his expression carefully. "Friday," he confirmed, rubbing his hair with a towel. The damp, tousled strands gave him a boyish look that made my heart skip. I bit my lip. "Will you be going?" "That depends," he replied, his eyes fixed on me. "On what?" I pressed, genuinely curious. A smile played at the corners of his mouth as he continued toweling his hair. "On what Mrs. Carter wants." "Me?" I pointed at myself, surprised. "What do I have to do with it?" "If you want to go, we'll go. If you don't, we won't." His answer was so simple, so decisive. I grimaced. "I don't think your father particularly wants me there