Chapter 217

Aria's POV I woke up completely exhausted after our intense lovemaking. The bedroom was dimly lit when I opened my eyes, and Aiden was no longer beside me. I reached out to touch his side of the bed—still warm. He must have gotten up just moments ago. I smiled to myself, sat up slowly, and took a moment to gather my strength before grabbing my phone and heading downstairs. The housekeeper had prepared afternoon tea and smiled when she saw me coming down the stairs. "Would you like something to eat, Mrs. Carter?" It was already past three, and the pasta we'd eaten more than two hours ago had long been digested. "Yes, please," I nodded. "I'll serve you right away, ma'am." "No rush," I assured her. I'd barely taken a sip of water when Nanny returned with a slice of cake and a cup of tea. "Thank you." I didn't start eating immediately. Despite being awake for nearly ten minutes, there was still no sign of Aiden. September in New York was still scorchingly hot, especially at this time of da