Chapter 86
Chapter 86
Valerie was so mortified, it was almost adorable.
Aiden couldn’t hold back a low chuckle.
Flushed with embarrassment, Valerie shoved him with both hands. But the push knocked away the blanket, leaving her gorgeous figure complete exposed.
“Move!” she snapped, cheeks burning, somewhere between fury and shame.
Still smiling, Aiden obediently stepped aside, though the heat in his gaze never dimmed. Valerie seized the moment to scramble into her clothes,
She’d just managed to hook her bra when a strong arm suddenly wrapped around her waist.
Her brain short–circuited. “You…”
“Hmm?” Aiden lazily pinched her now–covered curves, his voice low and teasing. “Feels like they’ve gotten bigger.”
Valerie nearly combusted. Her voice was soft and a little nasal as she stammered, “Can you not…”
Alarmed by the crack in her voice, Aiden immediately let go and offered a helpless smile. “I’m just messing with you. Don’t cry.”
Red–eyed and red–faced, Valerie glared at him before angrily yanking on her skirt and storming out the door.
Aiden stood frozen, her glare lingering like a scratch over his heart. It made him feel… oddly itchy.
He recalled the feel of her in his hands and let out a small sigh of regret. ‘Should’ve held on longer…
Valerie stepped out to find Kelly munching on toast. The girl’s eyes immediately lit up with teasing mischief. “Morning, Valerie~”
Her tone was knowing, her grin wicked.
Valerie’s face, which had finally cooled off, instantly turned crimson again.
“Kelly,” Waylon called from behind his newspaper, “stop pestering Valerie.”
“I wasn’t!” Kelly huffed, pouting. “Grandpa, you always take her side. I’m a good person! The best person!”
Waylon chuckled.
Valerie glanced around at the cheerful atmosphere, and her tense nerves gradually unwound.
In her past life, if she so much as overslept, Kelly would glare and make passive–aggressive remarks about how being Aiden’s wife do whatever she pleased. Vivian would seize the opportunity to scold her too.
But now? Not a single reproach. Not even a hint of judgment.
Her anxious heart finally settled. She offered polite greetings and took her seat.
Ruth was sipping milk and looked up. “Did you sleep well last night?”
Valerie nodded–and caught Kelly shooting her a meaningful glance.
But this time, she didn’t flinch.
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mean she could
Chapter 86
Last night, nothing had happened.
They were a married couple, after all. Even if something had happened, it would’ve been perfectly normal. So why should she feel guilty.
A little flustered, Valerie replied, “It was quiet, and the air’s fresh. I slept great.”
Kelly beamed. “I was afraid you’d have trouble sleeping in a new place. I’m glad you rested well. Oh! It’s the weekend today. You’re not busy, are you
“Hm?” Valerie looked up. “Why?”
Kelly pulled four tickets from her pocket with a flourish. “I bought these a while ago. You, me, Aiden–arid my boyfriend. Let’s all go on a group datel
Valerie blinked. “A… group date?”
“Yup!” Kelly said excitedly, waving the tickets. “Double date! You two, me and my guy. It’ll be so fun.”
Fun was part of it, yes. But the truth was, Kelly knew her brother too well. Aiden, being perpetually busy and emotionally constipated, would never suggest a date on his own.
And how were they supposed to bond if they never went out? If they didn’t bond, how was she supposed to become an aunt ASAP?
As a good sister, it was her duty to support Aiden’s love life. Kelly practically glowed with pride at her genius idea. “The weather’s perfect, it’s the weekend… come on, Valerie, let’s go. Aiden never takes me anywhere–help me fulfill a lifelong dream?”
Valerie glanced at her sparkling eyes and sighed, defeated. “I mean, I’m okay with it, but I doubt Aiden will agree.”
Aiden? On a group date? That seemed impossible.
But Kelly grinned slyly. “Too late–he already said yes.”
Valerie stared. “He did?”
“Yep!” Kelly preened. “I told him I had a boyfriend and wanted him and you to come meet him–to help me judge if he’s good enough.”
Valerie’s brows pinched slightly.
In her previous life, Kelly had a younger boyfriend–handsome but broke. She fell hard, fast, got pregnant, and refused to give him up.
Then, after they got engaged, she caught him in bed with Renata. During the fight, he pushed her–hard. She fell. Miscarried.
The pregnancy had been too far along; it required induced labor. And the surgery left her unable to ever carry a child again.
‘Later, she found out he’d been in love with Renata all along–and had only dated Kelly to get closer to her.
Valerie frowned. “How long have you two been together?”
“Three months,” Kelly replied, starry–eyed. “He’s amazing–handsome, sweet, and so considerate. I really want Aiden’s opinion.”
Valerie remained skeptical. “And Aiden agreed to this?”
Kelly waved it off. “Doesn’t matter. If you go, he’ll definitely
come too.”
She turned, looking over Valerie’s shoulder. “Right, Aiden?”
Aiden strolled in casually, hands in his pockets, his whole presence relaxed and unbothered. At Kelly’s cue, he glanced at Valerie. “Do you want to go?”
“Please please please?” Kelly begged, eyes wide and pleading. “Valerie, he said if you go, he’ll go. Don’t deny me this once–in–a–lifetime sibling bonding
moment!”
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Chapter 86
Valerie looked at the tickets in her hand–amusement park admission.
She hadn’t been to one in ages. And honestly.. she was curious about the boy who had Kelly this smitten.
