Valerie wasn’t Kelly. She was merely the Walker family’s daughter–in–law. The more composed she appeared in front of the elders, the more wall- mannered and inconspicuous she remained, the more likely she was to win their favor.
She reminded herself of this, adjusted her outfit and demeanor, and headed back inside.
Aiden was already in the bathroom washing up when he suddenly called out, “Clothes.”
Valerie, unfazed by his usual demands, walked over to the wardrobe, ready to pick out something for him to wear—only to pause at the sight before her.
The wardrobe was overflowing with women’s clothes.
Men’s outfits took up barely a third of the space.
Stunned, Valerie reached out and ran her fingers over the rows of neatly hung spring pieces–every item fashionable, elegant, and undoubtedly expensive.
There was no way these were from Vivian.
The Walker family had always been frugal. She would never indulge someone like this.
‘Could it be… Aiden?‘
Valerie felt something stir inside her. She turned to glance at the bathroom. The door was ajar, and Aiden was shaving, calm as ever.
Something about the casualness of it all–this silent but meticulous thoughtfulness–made her heart fill up.
Being remembered like this… it felt surprisingly good.
Even if there was no love between them, as long as she didn’t push her luck, Aiden treated her well enough.
Touched, Valerie quickly matched a casual outfit and was still comparing shirts when Aiden stepped out of the bathroom.
He spotted her holding up the clothes, lost in thought, and quietly walked up behind her.
Valerie didn’t hear him. She took a step back–and nearly jumped out of her skin.
Turning abruptly and seeing his face so close, she gasped. “You scared me to death!”
Aiden leaned against the wardrobe beside her and smirked. “Doing something guilty, were you?”
Still clutching two hangers, Valerie’s heart raced at his proximity. “Y–You saw everything. Shouldn’t you be getting dressed?”
“Mm.” He lowered his head, took her hand in his, and asked, “This set?”
“There’s another one on the bed, I just matched-” She didn’t finish.
Aiden leaned in, catching her completely off guard. Her eyes widened as he kissed her. There was the faint scent of aftershave, the taste of clean skin, and the overwhelming masculine energy that came crashing over her senses like a wave.
Outside, dusk was falling.
No lights were on in the room. The only illumination came from the floor–to–ceiling windows, casting their overlapping shadows long across the wooden
floor.
“Why aren’t you guys ready yet?” Kelly’s yoice rang from the hallway.
1/3
14:14 Mon 9 Jun of G M
Chapter 83
A moment later, the door flew open.
Kelly froze mid–step.
Valerie, startled by the sudden intrusion, blushed furiously and instinctively shoved Aiden away just as Kelly’s face turned crimson and she slammed the door shut, bolting like a rabbit.
Mortified, Valone shoved the clothes into Aiden’s arms and stomped her foot. “Hurry up!”
Aiden watched her retreat, lips curving into a slow, silent smile.
Meanwhile, Kelly had fled the scene like her life depended on it, but the image she’d witnessed kept playing on repeat in her mind.
‘Damn, that was intense. She never imagined that usually stoic Aiden could look that hot pinning someone against a closet like that…
She felt like she’d just discovered a whole new thing.
Back at the dinner table, four pairs of eyes turned to look at her.
“Where’s Aiden?” Vivian asked.
“With Valerie. Still in their room.” Kelly’s tone was laced with mischief, and her expression made everything perfectly clear.
David cleared his throat. “Did you knock?”
“They didn’t shut the door all the way, so I just walked in. How was I supposed to know I’d walk in on… that?”
Waylon snorted. “Where are your manners?”
Kelly huffed. “Exactly! I mean, it’s dinner time. What are they still doing in there? So improper.”
that?” Waylon let out a dry laugh. “I was talking about you barging into a married couple’s room without knocking. Who taught you
Caught off guard, Kelly pouted, “I didn’t mean to… I didn’t know…”
Ruth shook her head helplessly. “Just be more mindful next time, alright? Valerie’s young and easily embarrassed. Don’t tease her.”
Kelly grinned cheekily. “It was just a kiss. Modern couples kiss in the middle of the street! You guys are the ones being dramatic.”
Just as she finished, Valerie walked in, followed closely by Aiden.
Her face was flushed, eyes lowered, and she murmured, “Mom, Dad. Grandpa, Grandma.”
Aiden was dressed in a deep navy tracksuit, looking refreshed and, surprisingly, in good spirits. He casually tugged at the back of Valerie’s collar and guided her to the seat beside him.
The moment Valerie sat down, she could feel the weight of everyone’s gaze–curious, knowing, and far too amused, especially Kelly.
Sitting right across from her, Kelly’s eyes sparkled with open mischief, practically drilling into her face.
She ate cheerfully, grinning from ear to ear.
Valerie lowered her head, cheeks burning.
Unable to watch her suffer, Aiden reached out and gave the back of her neck a gentle tug, then shot a sharp glare at Kelly. “Eat or get out.”
Unbothered, Kelly happily kept munching away, clearly enjoying every bite.
Then she smirked, eyes twinkling. “So, Aiden… Valerie… when are you planning to have kids?”
2/3
Chapter 83
Valerie almost choked.
She coughed lightly, reaching for her drink, only to find a glass of juice already placed beside her.
She turned her head slightly–Aiden.
“Thanks,” she murmured, taking a sip.
He didn’t respond, just stared coldly at Kelly. “Is your mouth never full enough to stop talking?”
Kelly grinned impishly. “Oh come on, don’t be shy. You’re married. A loving couple. Isn’t having kids the next step? Right, Valerie?”
‘Loving couple? Blissful marriage?‘ Valerie nearly choked again. Were those phrases even remotely related to them?
“I think you’re getting ahead of yourself,” she said awkwardly. “I haven’t even graduated yet.”
Kelly blinked. “Wait–you’re that young? No way, I’ve been out of school for over a year…”
She paused, suddenly feeling ancient, then perked up again. “Well, that’s even better! If a pregnant woman takes her final exams, she gets bonus points for her coursework. Perks of being a student mom!”
AD
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