Chapter 313
Chapter 313:
Aiden’s expression remained unyielding, as cold and impassive as ever.
His lack of response only deepened Tess’s unease. “I apologize for troubling you. But I remembered something crucial—something that might help you uncover the truth about what happened back then.”
“Go on,” Aiden said, his voice measured.
“Huh?” Tess blinked, caught off guard by his response, then glanced around nervously. “Here? Now?”
“It’s just us. Worried someone might eavesdrop? Also, given your credentials, isn’t this area a bit too modest for someone like you?” Aiden replied calmly.
Tess’s eyes flickered with unease. “You don’t understand. Sure, I have a good job at Auburn Hospital, and the salary’s decent, but I didn’t grow up with a silver spoon in my mouth. I’ve worked tooth and nail for everything I have. I live frugally because I can’t afford to take my success for granted. It could all vanish in the blink of an eye. This place? The rent’s dirt cheap, that’s all.”
Her explanation was practical, even sensible. But Aiden’s unflinching composure made her stomach knot.
Tess searched his face for any hint of emotion, but his expression remained a fortress—impenetrable and unreadable. The lack of reaction left her feeling adrift, unsure how to proceed with what she needed to say.
“Dr. Newman, you certainly know how to live within your means. But I’m short on time. Let’s get to the point. What did you remember?”
Tess bit her lip, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “Are you always this detached? I took a huge risk to help you, but all you care about is the information. Don’t you think I deserve a little compassion? I’m only human, you know. Even friends should show some concern when one of them is in distress.”
Aiden let out a long sigh, settling back in his wheelchair. His languid posture gave the impression he had all the time in the world. Tess shifted uncomfortably under his steady gaze but clung to her determination.
“Why not come over to my place for a bit? I can’t seem to be at peace here.”
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Her final words were tinged with unmistakable grievance, her eyes silently pleading for agreement.
Aiden leaned his head back slightly, his lids dropping halfway as he mulled it over. After a moment’s thought, he responded flatly, “Sorry, I’m pressed for time. If you’re not here to talk, I’ll have to leave.”
“Alright!” Tess’s voice rose with urgency, a flicker of panic crossing her face. “Am I really so unworthy in your eyes? Not even good enough to call a friend? After all, I did save your life. You can’t just brush me off like this!”
Aiden’s hands hovered over the rims of his wheelchair, pausing. He turned his gaze back to Tess, sharp and unyielding. “I’ve told you before, I’m grateful for what you did. I’ll make sure to repay your kindness. But it seems to me you’re not looking for gratitude. What you really want is to marry me.”
With that, he laid bare the emotions Tess had so carefully tried to veil.
Tess’s face turned ashen. She hadn’t anticipated Aiden’s bluntness. But now that things had reached this point, there was no reason to hide her intentions any longer.
“Yes, I want you to repay me with yourself,” Tess said, her voice low, teeth clenched in determination. “I don’t want anything else. I only want you.”
Aiden’s lips curled into a smirk, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Isn’t that a bit contradictory? You claimed before that saving me was simply part of your duty as a doctor, with no expectation of anything in return. And now… you’re asking for quite a lot. Were you pretending back then? Is this the real you?”
Tess’s face flushed with embarrassment, then drained of color again. In that instant, it felt as though all her dignity had been stripped away.
She never imagined Aiden had seen through her act from the start, while she had foolishly tried to play it cool. But now, she had nothing to lose. What did she have to fear? If she could be with Aiden, she would have a life of luxury. Why would she need to stay a doctor?
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