Chapter 406
406
Hannah stared after them in disbelief . ‘ After everything Liam and I had been through , he’s really going to dump me just because Aria has saved him first ? Why ? Why should Aria get everything ? ”
Owen and Aria walked side by side toward the car , neither saying a word .
When they reached the parking spot , Owen hurried ahead and opened the passenger door for her .
“ Thanks . ”
Once they were both inside and buckled up , Owen tried to sound casual . “ So , that guy Diego – he and Liam are pretty close , huh ? ”
Aria glanced at him , surprised by the question . But she answered honestly , “ I think so . They worked on the pandemic together in Erenoland , went through a lot . They’re good friends . ”
“ Colleagues , too . I guess that makes them even closer . ”
“ Mhm . ” Aria’s voice was neutral , giving nothing away . “ You seem pretty interested in Diego ? ”
He’d never asked this much about someone before .
She arched an eyebrow , suddenly suspicious . ‘ Was he … jealous ? Just because Diego asked for her number ?
She turned , staring at him in silence .
Owen kept his eyes fixed on the road , started the car , and said lightly , “ It’s just I haven’t seen a foreigner in a long time . Got curious , that’s all . ”
Aria shifted in her seat , hiding a smile . “ Take the next left . ”
He didn’t react fast enough ; the car rolled right past the turn .
A moment of awkward silence .
Owen gripped the steering wheel tighter , cleared his throat , and muttered , “ Didn’t you want to get something for Lily to eat ? There’s a new place along this road , heard it’s pretty good . ”
She could see right through him , but played along , “ Oh ? ”
Actually , the street they’d just passed had more restaurants .
He’d clearly planned this detour . Aaron had mentioned this new shop , said it was all the rage with girls .
Soon , they pulled up outside . A long line had already formed . Owen said , “ I’ll go get it . Wait in the car . ”
Aria glanced at the scorching sun , shrugged , “ Alright ”
Owen got out and headed for the end of the line , umbrella
It was hot – the kind of heat that pressed down on him .
in
hand .
Under his umbrella , Owen looked impossibly fall , quiet , and a little lonely .
Behind him , a group of girls started whispering , “ Oh my god , check
“ He’s got such a nice face , too ! ”
that tall guy – he’s super handsome ! ”
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“ I can’t see ! Give me your glasses ! ”
One of them dared , “ Hey , you’re so pretty , why not ask for his number ? ”
Her friend rolled her eyes , “ Are you crazy ? Guys who line up in the sun for sweets are definitely getting it for their girlfriend or a girl they like . Guys like that aren’t single . ”
“ True . His girlfriend’s gotta be SO
“ Iknow , right ? So jealous .”
lucky ! ”
All this chatter drifted to Owen , who stood silent , expressionless , until he noticed a shadow fall across him .
He looked up to see Aria , her smile bright , eyes full of warmth .
“ I saw an umbrella in the car , figured I’d bring it over , ” she said gently .
Owen blinked , momentarily stunned , barely registering the voices around him .
“ Owen ? ” Aria’s voice was a notch louder .
He snapped back to himself , quickly took the umbrella , and adjusted it to shade her from the sun .
“ I can wait in line . You should head back to the car . ”
“ I’ll wait here with you , ” she replied .
He frowned slightly . “ You’ll get sweaty . It’s not good for your shoulder . I’ll handle this . ”
She relented , “ Alright .”
As Aria walked away , every eye on the street followed her .
After the car door closed , the crowd around Owen erupted again .
“ Wow , did you see that girl ? She’s gorgeous . ”
“ Just now , I was jealous of his girlfriend getting sweets . Now I’m jealous of the guy – imagine being with someone that beautiful . ”
“ I wanna date a girl like that ! Should’ve asked God for better genes in the womb ! ”
Owen nearly choked , coughing quietly as he lowered the umbrella , trying to hide his blushing face .
AD