Chapter 88
There was no mistaking it they were a clearly smitten couple.
Unlike those around them subtly showing off their affection, Valerie was genuinely nervous. She leaned in close to Aideri and whispered, “Are you scared?”
Aiden’s lips twitched with amusement, and he murmured, “Yeah.”
“Huh?” Valerie blinked in confusion.
Wasn’t he supposed to play the knight–in–shining–armor type, like Angelo over there, promising to protect her from anything?
But then Aiden added calmly, “It’s really dark in here.”
And suddenly, it clicked.
Of course. After what he’d been through as a child, it made perfect sense that he’d be afraid of the dark.
Valerie’s heart twinged with a pang of sympathy. She gently squeezed his hand. “Do you want to go back out?”
Aiden raised a brow. “You think you can turn around?”
She hadn’t realized how deep they’d wandered. The path ahead was pitch black, and behind them, a creeping draft blew in cold, eerie gusts.
Then suddenly–two glowing red dots lit up in the darkness. Before she could react, a flash of white lunged at them from the shadows.
Valerie shrieked, grabbing Aiden’s hand and bolting forward.
Aiden wasn’t fazed by the ghost–but Valerie’s scream nearly sent his own soul flying.
Her panicked cries drew more “ghosts” out of hiding, all groaning and moaning as they swarmed toward them in clouds of frosty breath.
Valerie’s face turned sheet–white with fear.
But even trembling, she didn’t let go of Aiden’s hand. “This way! There’s a light–it’s brighter over there. Let’s go!”
She tugged him toward a faint glimmer in the distance, thinking maybe, just maybe, that was the exit. But just as they approached, the small light flickered–then went out with a sudden snap.
Valerie’s heart dropped into her stomach. Darkness swallowed them whole, eerie silence pressing in from every side.
A chilling gust swept past her cheeks. Every nerve in her body tightened like a drawn bowstring. Desperate to keep calm, she clutched Aiden’s hand tighter and forced a smile. “Don’t–don’t be scared. It’s all fake. Just people in costumes, nothing real, no wild animals or anything. If we just keep walking forward, we’ll be out in no time. Yep. Definitely this way.”
Honestly, it sounded more like she was trying to convince herself than him.
Aiden couldn’t help but laugh under his breath. ‘Was she… trying to protect me?‘
Valerie, still trembling, shuffled forward with him. After what felt like an eternity, they spotted a small flickering light–just a single bulb ahead, casting weak, blinking glow.
Instead of relief, the sparse lighting made the place feel even creepier.
Valerie pressed herself against Aiden, arms now wrapped around his waist, her body shaking slightly.
Still, she forced her voice steady. “There, see? Light. Let’s go check it out.”
1/3
Chapter 88
Amused, Aiden slid an arm around her and murmured, “What’s there to be afraid of? It’s all fake”
Right, right, fake…” Valerie gulped. “I’m not scared. Nope. Totally fine. It’s all fake.”
She was saying it loud enough for the dead to hear. But just as they turned the cornet, a zomble leapt out of the shadows.
Valerie screamed. Her entire body shook as she flung herself into Aiden’s arms, panic written across her face. “Ahh! No, don’t–don’t come near mert
She clung to him like a lifeline, completely unaware of how compromising their position had become. Her legs wrapped around his, her soft body pressed tightly against him.
Aiden felt the full impact of her terrified embrace—and stifled a groan.
She was warm, soft, and so very close. He locked his arms around her, holding her steady, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed hard.
Then he looked up–and shot the “zombie” a death glare sharp enough to slice through steel. The actor froze.
As a staff member at the haunted house, the most fulfilling thing is scaring the timid visitors, watching them run around in panic–it’s incredibly entertaining for them..
The atmosphere in this haunted house is perfectly created, and it’s rare to find anyone who isn’t scared.
But now, it seemed like she’d met a tough one. Not only was this person not scared, but the look in his eyes felt like he was about to devour him. The warning in that gaze was so chilling that it sent a shiver down the spine.
The zombie was startled, recoiled slightly, and quickly rolled away.
Once it disappeared back into the darkness, it couldn’t help but mutter to itself: Who’s the real ghost here? How did I get scared by a visitor?
Valerie, terrified, didn’t even dare to open her eyes. She curled up in his arms, trembling, and pleaded, “Please don’t scare me, I’m really scared. Let us go, and we’ll offer paper money for you.”
Aiden chuckled softly, “It’s already gone.”
Valerie froze for a moment, cautiously raising her head.
Sure enough, the darkness ahead was empty.
No, it should be said–empty of ghosts.
Only then did Valerie exhale a sigh of relief, but as she relaxed, her legs felt like jelly, almost causing her to collapse.
Aiden’s strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her up gently and holding her close, letting her lean against him, while his legs pressed against hers.
Just like before.
Now that she regained her composure, Valerie became more acutely aware of Aiden’s intense presence, realizing just how intimate their position was.
Her face turned crimson. She wanted to push him away, but Aiden held her firmly in place. His voice was low, barely audible, with a slight rasp as he murmured, “Don’t move, I think something’s behind us.”
Valerie, scared, dared not move. Their heartbeats/synced, the rhythm of their lives pressing against each other, each pulse felt so distinctly.
Aiden’s large hand gently caressed her back, and he whispered in her ear, “Don’t be afraid, just hold on to me.”
Valerie’s heart settled for a moment, but then a different sensation filled her chest.
It was like a wind chime that had been silent for so long, now softly stirred by the wind, making a delicate and unfamiliar sound that was mesmerizing.
2/3
16:24 Tue, 10 Jun C
Chapter 88
Suddenly, a ghost popped out from nowhere, and Valerie’s heart lurched again. She clung tightly to Aiden.
Aiden, holding the softness of her body, gently supported her small back, eyes coldly watching the foolish little ghost in front,
Their gazes met. The little ghost froze for a moment and immediately fled,
Valerie shrank into his arms, feeling a sudden wave of guilt.
