JEALOUS BY ACCIDENT
705 Words
For the first time since their fake marriage began, Kiara felt safe.
Not because everything was fine — far from it.
But because when Daniel tried to drag her into the past… Aiden stepped in.
He didn’t have to. But he did.
And now, she couldn’t stop thinking about how tightly he held her hand. How his eyes burned with something that looked like… possession.
---
Back at the mansion, Kiara sat on the edge of the bed, deep in thought.
Aiden stood by the window, silent.
“Thank you,” she said softly. “For showing up.”
He turned. “You shouldn’t have gone alone.”
“I didn’t want to bother you.”
“You’re my—” He paused. “You’re under my care.”
There it was again. That wall. That careful phrasing.
Not my wife. Not someone I care about.
Just… a responsibility.
---
The next morning, Kiara’s phone buzzed again.
Daniel.
> “You looked good last night. Some things never change.”
She stared at the message, heart pounding.
She deleted it.
Then paused… and deleted his number too.
---
At breakfast, Kiara was quiet. Aiden noticed.
“Still thinking about him?” he asked bluntly.
She looked up, surprised. “No. I’m thinking about how I ended things badly. And how I’ve been carrying guilt for too long.”
He nodded slowly.
“I deleted his number,” she added.
Aiden raised an eyebrow. “Why are you telling me that?”
“I don’t know,” she admitted. “Maybe because… I want you to know this isn’t just pretend for me anymore.”
The silence was heavy.
Aiden stood. “I have a board meeting.”
Of course. Run, like always.
---
Later that day, Elise found Kiara in the garden.
“There’s a charity auction this Friday,” she said. “Big deal. Media will be there. Aiden wants you to come.”
Kiara sighed. “Another dress, another fake smile?”
Elise smiled. “This one’s different. He personally picked your dress.”
Kiara blinked. “He what?”
---
Friday night. The dress arrived — deep burgundy, satin, off-shoulder, with subtle gold details.
Kiara gasped when she saw it. It was perfect. Elegant. Fierce. Powerful.
He chose this? For her?
When she walked downstairs, Aiden was already waiting by the car.
His eyes flicked over her slowly, but he said nothing.
No compliment. No expression.
Just… silence.
But his clenched jaw and the way he opened the car door for her said enough.
---
At the event, cameras flashed, people whispered, and once again — Kiara played her role.
But this time, something had changed.
She wasn’t pretending anymore.
She was no longer the scared village girl playing rich man’s wife.
She was glowing. Confident. A mystery everyone wanted to know.
Aiden kept looking at her — long, hard stares. Like he was trying to read something written only on her skin.
---
Then, it happened.
A man approached Kiara while Aiden was pulled aside by a shareholder.
“Hi there,” the stranger smiled. “Don’t think I’ve seen you at these events before.”
Kiara smiled politely. “I’m Kiara. Aiden Laurent’s wife.”
“Really?” the man chuckled. “Didn’t think the Ice King believed in love.”
She laughed softly. “Neither did I.”
The man handed her his card. “If he forgets how lucky he is, call me.”
Before she could respond, a hand slipped around her waist.
Tight. Possessive.
Aiden.
“Is there a problem?” he asked the man, voice like steel.
The man raised his hands. “Just being friendly. No offense, Mr. Laurent.”
He walked off quickly.
Aiden turned to her. “What was that?”
“Nothing,” she said, heart racing. “He was just being—”
“Too close,” Aiden growled. “And you smiled.”
Kiara stared at him. “Are you jealous?”
“No,” he snapped. “I’m protecting what’s mine.”
She stepped closer. “You keep saying that. But am I really yours?”
Their eyes locked.
And for the first time… he had no answer.
- Writer
