Chapter 212

Aria's POV Delayed for half an hour, I finally arrived home just after ten. While taking off my shoes, I video-called Aiden. He answered almost instantly. “Home safe?” “Just now,” I replied, walking over to the counter to pour myself a glass of water. I took small sips, the cool liquid soothing my parched throat. Through the screen, I could feel Aiden’s gaze following my lips where they touched the rim of the glass. His Adam's apple bobbed slightly. “Something happen on your way back?” I glanced up at his face on my phone screen. “It’s just… a minor thing.” I didn’t want to tell him what had happened earlier. I didn’t want Aiden to worry too much. My eyes darted away quickly. The corner of Aiden’s mouth lifted into a meaningful smile. “What ‘minor thing’?” Even through the screen, I couldn’t withstand that sharp gaze. So I chose to tell the truth. “On my way home, I came across someone who suddenly fell ill…” “Playing the good Samaritan again?” I flinched, letting out a soft, muffled “