Aiden came out holding a limited edition, high-end white dress shirt. The shirt's fancy buttons sparkled under the light, clearly marking it as a top-tier luxury item.
He handed the shirt to Nova, whose eyes widened in surprise and delight. She took the shirt, feeling an overwhelming sense of exclusivity, like she had suddenly become the cherished heroine of a story.
But Aiden wasn't done. Like a magician, he pulled out a pair of custom-made, elegant women's slippers from behind his back, their golden sheen glinting in the light.
Nova could hardly believe her eyes. The massive mansion before her stood like a palace.
The three-story building was grand and luxurious, yet there were hardly any servants in sight. The entire space was quiet, with only her and Aiden's breathing echoing through the halls.
She instinctively followed closely behind Aiden, afraid of getting lost in the maze-like mansion.
Aiden's steps were steady and strong, and Nova quickened her pace to match his.
They walked down a long corridor and stopped at the bathroom door on the second floor.
Aiden turned to look at Nova, a barely noticeable softness in his deep eyes.
He gently pushed open the bathroom door. "Go ahead and take a shower."
Aiden's voice was low and magnetic, making Nova nod involuntarily.
She stepped into the bathroom and looked around. The facilities were complete, exuding an air of elegance and luxury. The large bathtub was surrounded by fragrant bath products.
Nova couldn't help but take a deep breath, feeling her fatigue melt away.
She undressed and stood under the shower, letting the hot water cascade over her. Her thoughts drifted back to the awkward moment in the car, regretting that she had kissed Aiden, who was her elder. She silently vowed to quit drinking.
At that moment, she decided to put the pain of her recent breakup behind her and focus on her work.
After her shower, Nova realized there were no towels, only a bathrobe. She reluctantly used the bathrobe to dry off, then shyly put on her underwear and the oversized white shirt, marveling at its high-quality fabric and perfect drape, which accentuated her youthful shyness.
She dried her hair and looked in the mirror, wondering if Blair had ever been here, given her close relationship with Aiden.
Opening the bathroom door, Nova stepped out with her dirty clothes, hearing Aiden behind her say, "All done? The washing machine is in the laundry room at the corner of the first floor."
She turned to see him standing tall and elegant, quickly heading downstairs. Aiden glanced at her in the shirt, a slight smile playing on his lips, finding her adorable.
In the laundry room, Nova calmly operated the washing machine, which had a drying function, ensuring her clothes would be ready by morning. Once done, she took a deep breath to steady herself and walked to the living room.
From the second floor came the sound of light footsteps. Nova instinctively looked up to see Aiden emerging from his shower, dressed in gray pajamas. The soft material clung to his chest, paired with matching pants, giving him a casual yet stylish look.
His hair was no longer neatly combed as it had been during the day, with a few strands falling loosely over his forehead. He looked less imposing and more approachable, almost ten years younger.
Nova's heart raced, her cheeks heating up as she recalled the passionate kiss in the car, a mix of shyness and confusion overwhelming her.
Aiden walked over, a sweater draped over his arm. He leaned in slightly, handing the sweater to Nova, who hurriedly took it and draped it over her shoulders.
Then, Aiden turned to the coffee table, picking up a prepared glass of warm water and handing it to her. "Drink some water to warm your stomach," he said softly.
Nova held the cup, feeling warmth spread from her hands to her entire body, filled with gratitude.
Aiden sat on the couch, casually picking up a book. The quiet rustle of pages broke the surrounding silence, causing ripples in Nova's heart.
She recalled her drunken behavior earlier, feeling a wave of embarrassment.
Aiden looked up, his deep gaze meeting Nova's, exuding an undeniable authority. She instinctively nodded in agreement.
Aiden's eyes showed a mix of emotions—concern and helplessness.
His next action made Nova puff out her cheeks in frustration and self-pity.
Aiden's eyes narrowed slightly, a probing look in his gaze. She instinctively looked up, surprised.
Then, Aiden's stern expression softened, his eyes locking onto Nova with warmth. He spoke gently, "What's wrong, Nova? Why the face?"
She froze, her mind blank, wondering if Aiden had misunderstood her intentions, torn about whether to explain.
Her movements were clumsy and uncertain.
Aiden's lips pressed into a thin line, his brows furrowed. He pointed to the third room on the left on the second floor, his tone gentle. "Go rest in the guest room."
Nova stood up to go upstairs, noticing Aiden also rising. She paused at the stairs, waiting.
Aiden walked over, urging her, "Go on, what are you waiting for?"
Nova felt uneasy, mustering the courage to say, "Maybe you should have a bodyguard take me home. I feel like I'm intruding here."
In her mind, Aiden was imposing and authoritative at work, but in private, he was deep and unpredictable, giving off a strong sense of pressure. She thought going home would make her feel more at ease.
Aiden turned back, a fleeting look of disappointment in his eyes. "The bodyguards are off duty. They can't take you."
Nova was still reluctant, running to catch up. As she reached the foyer, Aiden suddenly stopped and turned, causing them to collide.
Nova stumbled backward, the stairs behind her posing a dangerous threat.
In her panic, she reached out blindly. Aiden reacted quickly, his eyes narrowing as he extended his arm, grabbing her wrist and pulling her into his embrace, shielding her head with his hand. He scolded her with a mix of anger and concern, "Why are you running so fast?"
Startled, she instinctively clung to his waist, her heart racing, a mix of relief and fear coursing through her.
Aiden's scolding was sharp, but his voice betrayed his worry.
She looked up in shock, realizing how close they were. His breath brushed her forehead, making her breathing erratic. Nova was flustered, her mind a chaotic mess, unable to form words.
Their embrace was incredibly intimate. Aiden's gaze deepened as he looked at her parted lips, his throat tightening.
Nova was equally tense, wondering why he was holding her so tightly. Just as she was about to look up at him, she met his intense gaze.
Nova's breath hitched, her mind exploding. She started to say, "Mr...." but Aiden, not wanting to hear the formal address, leaned in and gently kissed her, silencing her words.
Before she could react, Aiden pulled back, whispering in her ear, "Nova, I like you. I like you as a man likes a woman."
Nova felt as if she had been struck by lightning, her heart trembling. She pushed him away in a panic, running to the guest room, slamming the door behind her, and leaning against it, breathing heavily, her mind in turmoil.
She couldn't believe it. The man she had always seen as an elder had just confessed his feelings. And he wasn't just anyone; his status was extraordinary. It all felt like a dream, yet it was undeniably real.
It was too surreal. She wondered if she was hallucinating from the alcohol.
Shaking her head vigorously, her heart felt like it was being gnawed by thousands of ants, chaotic and confused. Her mind was a foggy mess, unable to clear for a long time.
In her mind, Aiden's whispered confession echoed repeatedly.