#Chapter 12: Dream

Carol’s POV Aiden loosens his scarf and wraps it around the both of us. Instead of being greeted by blinding camera flashes, I find myself hidden away in the warmth of Aiden’s arms. Aiden gently takes my shoulder and guides me. I can just barely hear the reporter’s questions through Aiden’s thick scarf. “Mr. Cruz! Is your team prepared for the upcoming training match?” “Is your coach confident you’ll be able to beat the Cougars”?“ Aiden gives polite but short responses as he escorts me toward our car. He opens the passenger door and helps me into my seat. It isn’t until we’re on the road that I finally take the scarf off of my face. “I never realized the hardships of a public figure,” I joke. “I’m going to have to invest in my own scarves.” When I look at Aiden, he has a tense expression on his face. “I’m sorry,” he says. “I know you want normal life… My lifestyle might make you very uncomfortable.” I reach out to gently rub his shoulder. “It wasn’t as bad as I imagined,” I