At this moment, Nova was already up in her third-floor bedroom, organizing the dozen or so books she had brought back from abroad, preparing to move them to the third-floor study.
She knew Gregory loved reading, so she had brought them back specifically for him.
As she was passing through the hallway with the books in her arms, Aiden suddenly appeared, startling her and causing the books to scatter all over the floor.
Aiden was momentarily stunned but then smiled and greeted her, "Hey Nova, long time no see."
He crouched down to pick up the books, and Nova quickly followed suit. They both reached for the same book at the same time, their fingers brushing against each other.
Nova pulled her hand back, feeling a bit awkward.
Aiden gave an embarrassed smile, and they both stood up simultaneously.
"Are these books new?" Aiden asked.
"No, I brought them back from abroad. I was thinking of putting them in the study," Nova replied.
Aiden offered to help and then led the way to the study.
When they arrived, Nova noticed that most of the bookshelves were already filled, leaving only the higher shelves available for the remaining books.
She placed the books on the desk, skillfully retrieved a small ladder hidden in the corner, set it up, and prepared to climb. Aiden gently reminded her from behind, "Be careful."
Nova waved the book in her hand confidently, "Don't worry, I climb ladders all the time. I'll be fine."
Aiden gave a faint smile. Nova's carefree nature often led to bumps and bruises, requiring his help with ointments.
Unexpectedly, as Nova was placing the books on the shelf, she disturbed a mouse that suddenly darted out, leaping towards her face.
Instinctively, Nova leaned back, forgetting she was on the ladder. The ladder wobbled, and she tumbled off.
Aiden was ready and caught her in his arms as she fell, with Nova landing directly in his embrace.
Nova's face turned pale with fright. She took a moment to calm down and quickly extricated herself from Aiden's arms, only to feel something pressing against her back.
She turned around to see Aiden's face partially in the shadow of the bookshelf, with sunlight casting a golden outline on his handsome features.
His deep gaze was fixed on Nova's flushed cheeks.
Nova swallowed nervously, "Aiden."
Aiden released her and gently patted her back, "Don't be scared, I've got you."
His deep, gentle voice had a calming effect.
Nova regained her composure and remembered the mouse. She tentatively suggested, "I read that having a cat can scare away mice. How about borrowing a cat from you, Aiden?"
Her playful suggestion made Aiden laugh. He tapped her forehead lightly, "You little rascal, trying to scare me with a cat."
Nova rubbed her forehead in mock indignation, "Aiden, you're acting like a child."
"Borrow a cat from me?"
"When are you going to find a girlfriend, Aiden?" Aiden squinted, "You little rascal, mind your own business."
After that, Aiden took the books from Nova and placed them on the shelf himself, keeping one for himself. He asked Nova, "I'm quite interested in this one. Mind if I borrow it?"
Nova happily agreed, "Of course, Aiden. I'd be honored if you read it."
Aiden soon went downstairs, hearing laughter coming from the kitchen. He sat in the living room, turned on the TV, and a servant quickly brought him a freshly brewed cup of tea before discreetly leaving.
Nova entered the dining room with a freshly prepared dish, her gaze drifting to Aiden on the sofa. She smiled and then returned to the kitchen, whispering to Indigo, "Hey Indigo, does Aiden have a girlfriend?"
Indigo couldn't help but complain, "The whole family is worried about his marriage, but he always uses work as an excuse to brush everyone off."
"Maybe he's just not in a hurry," Nova speculated.
Indigo sighed, "Aiden is too outstanding, so his standards are naturally high."
Nova agreed. Aiden's high status and decisive nature made ordinary girls hesitant to approach him.
Even just reading with him earlier had put a lot of pressure on her.
As she finished cooking the last dish, Gregory returned from outside, and it was time to eat.
Nova, like a younger family member, called out to Aiden, "Aiden, dinner's ready!"
Aiden turned off the TV and came to the dining room.
Gregory took out a bottle of fine wine, intending to share a drink with Aiden, but Aiden waved it off, "I have work to do later. Maybe next time."
Gregory didn't insist, opening the bottle and pouring himself a glass while the others had juice.
"This wine was brought back from Thalassia years ago. I've been saving it for a special occasion. Let's all have a taste today."
At the table, Indigo enthusiastically served Nova a piece of salmon, smiling, "Nova, try this salmon. It's been a while since I cooked. See if you still like it."
Nova took a bite, her eyes lighting up as she praised, "Indigo, it still tastes just the way I love it. It's delicious!"
Indigo beamed with joy at the compliment.
Nova then offered a piece to Aiden, reminding him, "Aiden, you need to eat regularly even if you're busy with work."
Gregory then mentioned, "Nova, your birthday is coming up. We should throw a proper party."
Nova waved it off, preferring a simple celebration, "Gregory, no need for anything fancy. Just a happy family meal is enough. I don't want to trouble everyone."
Suddenly, Indigo asked, "Nova, do you have a boyfriend?"
Nova's face turned red, and she shyly bit her utensils, "Yes... I have someone I like."
At this, Aiden's gaze instantly focused on her, his eyes darkening slightly.
Indigo eagerly inquired, "What kind of person is he?"
Nova openly shared, "He's a local, my classmate. He's coming back tomorrow. He's a good person and treats me well."
Gregory was happy for her, looking like a father eager to see his daughter get married, "That's great, as long as you like him."
At this point, Aiden interrupted by asking Gregory, "Gregory, is there any more wine?"
Gregory quickly got up to pour him a glass, while Indigo was surprised, "Didn't you say you had work and wouldn't drink?"
Aiden picked up the glass, saying, "A little wine helps me sleep." He then downed half the glass in one go.