Chapter 181
Chapter 181:
“But I don’t like her.” Aiden’s eyes locked onto Janice, carrying an unmistakable warning beneath their surface.
Janice met his gaze without flinching. “Nina, given Aiden’s objections, perhaps Sierra and I should seek accommodation elsewhere.”
Aiden frowned, his eyes growing even colder. “You’re planning to move out? Have you forgotten about—”
“Aiden, could it be you’re worried about falling for Sierra’s charms? Or perhaps that she might set her sights on you?” Janice interrupted him. “Or is it that you doubt the loyalty of your own wife?”
Her words were layered with meaning.
Janice understood Aiden’s reluctance to have Sierra stay was due to the current tense situation. He couldn’t be sure of Sierra’s intentions—whether she was genuinely seeking shelter or sent by someone to gather intelligence. Her words had been deliberate, meant to assure Aiden that Sierra posed no threat to their carefully guarded plans.
Nina, catching the tension crackling between them, spoke up anxiously. “Aiden, Sierra is genuine to her core. She won’t cause any trouble. And Janice’s loyalty to you is absolute. Please don’t doubt that.”
Janice moved towards Aiden, bending down in front of him, and gently grasped his hand. Her eyes shimmered with earnestness as she looked at him.
“Aiden, you’re on board with this, right?”
Aiden felt overwhelmed by Janice’s presence, reminiscent of a captivating siren. Her tender gaze and soothing voice made it nearly impossible for him to object.
“Braylen, please take me back to my room.”
“Certainly.”
Although Aiden didn’t explicitly consent, his compliance was evident through his actions.
I∆†€$† ¢♄₳þŧëяŞ ¡η gałnøνεlŞ.cø₥
“Janice, I’m always impressed by how tactful you are,” Nina exclaimed, her voice laden with respect. “Aiden has always been stubborn. Once his mind is set, it seems nothing can sway him, yet you’ve managed to make him rethink. No question about it — you’re absolutely perfect for him.”
Janice offered no response, merely smiling as she observed Aiden walking away.
“Nina, why not give Sierra a tour of the home? I need to see how Aiden is doing.”
“Of course.”
Ascending the stairs, Janice opened the door and found Aiden perched near the expansive window, his gaze lost to the serene garden outside.
“Is there anything on your mind that you want to talk about?” she asked.
“Janice, how often have we found ourselves in this kind of situation?” Aiden’s tone was icy, stripping the air of any warmth. “Do you truly see yourself as my real wife?”
“Aren’t I?” Janice strolled towards him with deliberate slowness. “After all, we are married by law. It’s only natural for me to have a few requests, right?”
Aiden turned, his face a tapestry of conflicting emotions. His previous statements had been sharp, yet now he struggled to find words even harsher or more cutting.
Janice positioned herself across from him, her chin propped on her hand, a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she gazed at him. “Aiden, our marriage might be a mere contract, but that doesn’t prevent me from being a genuine wife, does it? Or do you feel I’m getting too caught up in this role?”
Aiden parted his lips to speak, yet no words emerged.
.
.
.