MTLNOVEL Chapter 664: She was doomed.
Arwen had just opened the door to leave when both her step and gaze paused —finding Aiden right outside.
She blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting to see him. "Husband, you are here?" she asked, her eyes sweeping over his figure before darting behind him instinctively.
Dressed in his usual sharp, fitted suit with Emyr following closely behind, he didn't look like he had come for her. Instead, he seemed every bit the powerful CEO heading to a business meeting.
Could his meeting be scheduled at the same restaurant?
What a coincidence!
If she had known, she might have discussed it with him beforehand. The thought barely crossed her mind before a realization struck her —and her pupils dilated slightly.
She hadn't told Aiden that she was meeting Ryan today.
And now, here she was —caught red-handed.
It wasn't that she intended to hide it. It was just that the truth she was out to find was something he was keeping secret from her.
In that case, what should she tell him? How should she explain her meeting?
And hence, she didn't tell him.
But who would have imagined she would bump into him here? Had she known, she would have done anything to avoid this situation.
Unfortunately, it was too late to undo anything now.
The best she could do was try to explain. She opened her mouth, ready to speak. "Aiden, I —"
But her voice faltered when she noticed his eyes —not on her —but past her.
She didn't need to look back to know who he was staring at.
There was only one person in the room. The answer was obvious.
Arwen hadn't lied, and yet, the situation had spiralled into something worse. Could she blame herself for it?
She doesn't know.
Aiden was kin. Gentle. Incredibly caring. But he was also possessive. Very possessive … just like her.
And if the roles were reversed —if she had seen him in a room with a woman from his past —she wouldn't have taken it well either.
God! I am doomed.
She closed her eyes for a second, pitying herself, just as Emyr's voice broke the silence from behind. His tone was soft, almost fearful, as though hoping to avoid inciting an explosion.
"Sir, Director Thompson is here."
Arwen glanced at Emyr —and then noticed a middle-aged man approaching from the corridor. His face was lined with age, but cheerful, and his eyes were fixed on Aiden … even from a distance.
"President Winslow! There you are. We have been waiting for you." Director Thompson said brightly
But Aiden didn't look his way. His gaze remained locked on Arwen —as though silently demanding something … an explanation.
Mr. Thompson waited, his hand extended politely for a handshake. But when Aiden didn't even glance his direction, his expression faltered, and his gaze shifted towards Emyr in confusion.
Caught in an impossible spot, Emyr hesitated. Then, helplessly, he turned to Arwen —his eyes silently begging her to intervene and spare them all from the hell that seemed ready to befall them any moment.
Seeing his look, Arwen sighed internally.
She stepped forward, into the frame, and met Aiden's eyes directly.
Since she was already caught, she couldn't possibly back away.
"You didn't answer me," she said softly. "What are you doing here?"
Mr. Thompson lowered his hand discreetly, curiosity flickering in his eyes as he observed the woman standing before the ever-elusive Aiden Winslow.
After all, this was the first time he had seen a woman beside him.
Aiden didn't answer immediately —but he didn't make her wait for long, either. After a beat, he finally responded, "I am here for a meeting." His voice was cool and composed.
Arwen nodded slowly, having composed herself by now. "Oh, so you are busy," she murmured. Then she offered a small shrug. "It's fine. Go ahead and complete it. I will wait for you in the car."
By the time he would return, she would think of a way to explain everything to him.
Relieved that she had found a graceful exit, she took a step back. But just then, Mr. Thompson spoke up from the side.
"May I have the honour of being introduced to the lady?"
Arwen turned at his voice and found him smiling with genuine politeness.
He extended a hand toward her. "I am Gary Thompson, Director of Thompson Group. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. …"
"Mrs. Winslow," Arwen answered with a warm smile, confidently taking his hand while taking her position beside Aiden. "Arwen Winslow."
Mr. Thompson's brows lifted slightly in surprise. Before his smile widened. "Well, it's a true honour to finally meet you, Mrs. Winslow." He had heard the news but couldn't bring himself to believe it. But now, meeting the lady in person, he could no longer refuse to believe.
Arwen smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Thompson." Then retracting her hand, she looked back at Aiden before saying, "Since you are here for a meeting, I wouldn't disturb you. Please go ahead. I will wait for you in the car."
And with that, she was about to turn and leave. But Aiden held her arm. When she looked back at him, she saw his brows knitted slightly. "Hmm?"
"Did you have your lunch?"
She was about to nod and say yes, but as if he saw her answer right in her eyes, he glanced back into the room she had exited.
Arwen followed his gaze and realised she couldn't possibly lie there. He had seen the table still full of untouched dishes.
"I had some titbits and I am not hungry." Just as she said, her stomach grumbled. And she screamed internally.
Traitor!
Aiden stared at her, and she closed her eyes to hide her embarrassment.
Mr. Thompson couldn't help but cheerfully offer from the side. "It would be a pleasure if Mrs. Winslow joined us as well."
Arwen was about to refuse; however, Aiden already intertwined their fingers and nodded in response on her behalf.
In the end, she just smiled and followed.
Mr. Thompson looked delighted. He quickly gestured. "This way please." And then they walked.
Emyr finally sighed in relief and closely followed behind.
While they all left, no one noticed the expression on Ryan's face. He had been staring out all this time, his eyes fixed on Aiden, not daring to look away.
"It was him." he muttered under his breath as the past incident resurfaced from his memory once again.