Chapter 73 Where Do You Want to Take My Wife?
He reached out and poked her puffed-up cheek. "You really won't go to the hot spring resort?"
"No." Aria swatted his hand away.
"Alright then." Arthur sighed with exaggerated disappointment, "It's rare to get two days to relax."
As he spoke, he watched Aria's expression. "But since you're not going, forget it. Get some rest early, good night."
Aria was slightly stunned.
She thought he would push a bit more.
After Arthur left, Aria sat on the bed in a daze for a while.
She touched the cheek he had just poked, and an inexplicable sense of loss welled up inside her.
But soon, she shook her head, pushing away this emotion she shouldn't have.
What was she thinking? He was going to marry Sophie soon. He cared about her so much and had personally admitted he would definitely marry her.
So Aria found reasons for all his tenderness and attention these past days—it was just a passing fancy, or an act for his mother, or maybe he wanted her to willingly become his mistress after the divorce.
Just like Sophie was now.
She didn't want to be Sophie.
Aria took a deep breath and got up to wash up.
In the mirror, her cheeks were slightly flushed, and her eyes still held traces of embarrassment and annoyance.
She patted her face, telling herself, Wake up, Aria. Don't fall for it again.On Saturday morning, Summer drove over early.When she arrived, Elizabeth was holding a small watering can, watering flowers in the garden, while Arthur and Aria were still having breakfast.
Summer greeted Elizabeth first, then rolled her eyes at Arthur, and then excitedly said to Aria, "Aria, let me tell you, I met this really interesting friend recently. He owns a coffee shop, his name is Vincent Sterling, and he's so handsome! He's witty and has such gentlemanly manners."Aria scooped up a spoonful of milk and cereal, eating slowly. "Really? Vincent... I feel like I've heard that name somewhere?" She shook her head. "Can't remember. Maybe I'm mistaken."
Summer paused, then continued. "You must be mistaken. If you'd met him, you'd definitely remember him. Oh, by the way, he gave me the tickets for today's art exhibition. He said they're internal invitations that ordinary people can't get."
Aria smiled. "Then you should really thank him."
"Of course." Summer said, "Oh, and he said he'll be there today too. I'll introduce you guys. You both work in design, so you might have something in common."
Aria didn't pay much attention and casually replied. "Sure."
But Arthur, hearing this, unconsciously looked up at them several times, then lowered his eyes, his gaze deepening.
The weather was beautiful today, sunny and bright. Many cars were already parked outside the art gallery.
After getting out of the car, Summer immediately spotted Vincent standing at the entrance.
"Vincent!" She waved.
Vincent turned around, saw them, and showed a carefully crafted smile.
He wore a casual suit, his chestnut hair gleaming in the sunlight, and those blue eyes looked quite surprised when they saw Aria.
"Ms. Hall?" He walked forward, "What a coincidence, we meet again."
Aria blinked, looking a bit confused.
Vincent smiled lightly. "Is your leg injury better?"
Only then did Aria realize. "Oh, it's you! I remember now. I'm so sorry. I'm much better, thank you for your concern."
Summer looked at Vincent, then at Aria, in disbelief. "Oh my God, you already know each other! What a coincidence, saves me the introduction."
She then lightly bumped Aria with her shoulder, pretending to scold. "You! You know such a handsome guy and didn't tell me. Are you even my friend!"
Aria didn't know whether to laugh or cry, and briefly explained what happened at the coffee shop that day when she ran into Sophie.
After hearing this, Summer stomped her feet in anger. "That Sophie is so shameless! How dare she come and provoke you! Aria, next time she does this, tell me, and I'll deal with her for you!"
Vincent gently persuaded. "Miss Davis, don't be angry. Her temper tantrum is just jealousy. Doesn't that prove that Ms. Hall's life is much better than that lady's?"
Summer laughed. "You're good at calming people down."
The three of them walked into the art exhibition hall, chatting and laughing.
The gallery was large, designed with a modern feel yet elegant.
The white walls and soft lighting showcased the exhibits perfectly.
Vincent had completely taken on the role of tour guide. At each exhibit, he could explain it in a witty yet professional manner.
"I heard Ms. Hall is a floral garden designer?"
Standing in front of an oil painting depicting a garden, Vincent suddenly asked.
Aria nodded. "Yes, I do some courtyard design and floral arrangements."
"No wonder Ms. Hall has such an elegant temperament." Vincent smiled, "Speaking of flowers, I just remembered—the owner of the organization hosting this art exhibition has cultivated a rare seven-color tulip in his private greenhouse. I wonder if Ms. Hall would be interested in seeing it?"
Aria's eyes lit up. "Seven-color tulip? Does it really have seven colors?"
"Of course." Seeing her interest, Vincent's smile deepened, "Kyle Richardson, oh that's the host organization's owner, spent five whole years cultivating it. He never shows it to outsiders."
"However—"
He drew out his voice, deliberately building suspense.
Now not only Aria, but even Summer was curious. "However what? Tell us!"
"However, with a friend's introduction, you can still see it."
He pointed to his own nose. "Like me."
Summer was so excited she almost jumped. "Then what are we waiting for? Take us there!"
Vincent very gentlemanly extended his hand. "Ladies, this way please."
On the way, he handed Aria and Summer each a bottle of water.
After walking around all morning, Summer was thirsty too. She drank more than half the bottle in one go. Just a few steps after drinking, her face changed.
"Oh no... my... my stomach... You guys go ahead, I'll catch up after I take care of this."
Aria frowned. "I'll come with you. Can you manage alone?"
"Why wouldn't I? Do you think I'm three years old?" Summer waved her hand, "You go ahead, I'll find you in a bit."
With that, she hunched over, legs pressed together, and rushed toward the restroom.
A flash of amusement crossed Vincent's eyes, then quickly disappeared.
He led Aria deeper into the gallery.
After passing through several exhibition halls, there were gradually fewer people. Finally, they came to a door marked "Staff Only, No Entry."
Vincent pulled out an access card from his pocket and swiped it lightly. The lock clicked open.
"Ms. Hall, please." He pushed open the door. Behind it was a quiet corridor, completely separating them from the lively exhibition halls in front.
Seeing this corridor, a sense of unease flashed through Aria's mind.
"Mr. Sterling, how much further is it?" she asked.
"Just ahead, right around the corner." Vincent's voice was gentle.
As soon as he finished speaking, a low and familiar voice suddenly came from behind.
"Excuse me, sir, where exactly are you planning to take my wife?"