Chapter 304
The day after Christmas, at the Grant Manor, Aaron came to visi after Declan’s lunch break to play chess with him.
When Aaron entered the hall, he found that only his teacher, Delan Grant, was around–who was also Diana’s father. Declan, a law professor, was a son–in–law by marriage, while his wife, Diana’s mother, came from one of the wealthiest families in the area.
Diana’s mother was an only child, and the couple had a great relationship. Despite the wealth and influence of her family. they had never insisted on changing the children’s last names.
Even the manor still carried Declan’s surname, a fact that had been a well–known and often talked–about story in high society for years.
Declan greeted Aaron warmly and invited him to sit at the antique tea table, setting up a chessboard.
Aaron chatted with Declan, and not even a single game was finished before Diana, still in her pajamas, went down the stairs. Seeing Aaron, she quickly turned and headed back upstairs.
A few minutes later, Diana returned, fully dressed and looking impeccable.
“When did you get here, Aaron?” Diana asked, sitting at the tea table and toying with the black pieces in the chess set.
Aaron glanced at her and made his move on the board. “Just several minutes ago.”
“You made the wrong move. You should have played the corner first, not started with the edge,” Diana said, reaching for the black piece Aaron had just placed.
Before she could touch the piece, Aaron grabbed her wrist, stopping her. “Keep quiet while watching the game.”
Declan shook his head, feeling amused. “Only you, Aaron, would have the patience to put up with her.”
Diana chuckled and pulled her hand back. “What are you talking about, Dad? It’s me putting up with him, not the other way around. You two can keep playing your boring game. I’m going to get something to eat.” She stood up and left.
Aaron tightened his grip on the black piece in his hand, staring blankly at the chessboard.
He was thinking if Harold hadn’t passed away, Ellie might have been like Diana, cozying up to her father, playfully helping him with his chores, teasing him while handing him the broom to sweep the yard.
Just then, a scream echoed from the kitchen, breaking his thoughts. Aaron stood up immediately.
“Are you okay?” Aaron asked, rushing into the kitchen. The countertop was a mess. A fruit knife was lying on the floor, and Diana was holding her hand, sobbing and wincing in pain.
Aaron glanced at Diana’s fingertip, where a small cut from the knife formed. He frowned and said, “Go find a band–aid and wrap it up. I’ll take care of the rest here.”
Diana ran off, returning with a small first–aid kit. “Help me with,” she said, placing the kit in front of him,
The two of them locked eyes for a moment, and Aaron spoke seriously, “Honestly, that little cut will heal on its own in a few minutes. No need to bandage it.”
Diana extended her finger toward him. “If you know it’ll be fine in a minute, why aren’t you just wrapping it up now?”
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Chapter 304
Aaron sighed,
Aaron carefully disinfected Diana’s finger before applying the band–aid. Diana leaned against the countertop, watching Aaron’s sharp features with a teasing smile. “Aaron, what would you think if I asked you to date me?”
Aaron froze for a moment and replied coolly, “Please don’t joke around, Ms. Grant!”
Diana leaned in closer with a playful smile. “Aren’t you interested
Aaron quickly finished what he was doing, packing up the first–aid kit and turning to clear the counter. Diana, not ready to give up, followed him. “Aaron, are you still holding onto Haley?”
“Ms. Grant, we’re not suited for discussing topics like this,” Aaron said, his expression more stern than usual.
Diana pouted. “Fine, I won’t bring it up. No need to snap at me, she teased, picking up the first–aid kit and walking out of the kitchen. Aaron followed her out, but by the time he left the kitchen, Diana was already upstairs.
Aaron wasn’t staying long, but Declan said that since the rest of the family was out, he needed someone to drink with him. Reluctantly, Aaron agreed to stay for dinner and drink with Declan.
By the time–dinner ended, Diana hadn’t come downstairs once.
As Aaron was getting ready to leave, Declan stopped him. “Wait, I’ll have Diana drive you back.”
Aaron refused repeatedly, but Declan insisted, and soon enough, one of the servants was calling for Diana.
When Diana found out Aaron was too drunk to drive, she didn’t make a fuss about it. She simply agreed to drive him home. The entire ride was quiet, with neither of them saying anything.
More than half an hour later, Diana parked the car by the curb. “I won’t come in. You can walk the rest of the way,” she said.
Aaron unfastened his seatbelt and turned his head to look at Diana. “For the record, I’m not holding onto Haley, and please, don’t joke about things like that.”
Diana, looking out the window, huffed in a playful but proud way. “Oh? What else do you want to say?”
Aaron sighed, his tone softening. “Sorry, that was rude of me. I didn’t mean to snap at you.”
Diana tilted her head, smirking mischievously. “If you weren’t mad at me, why are you apologizing?”
Aaron was left speechless. Diana chuckled and unbuckled her seatbelt, pushing him out of the car. “Take it slow, okay?” Aaron said before he left.
Diana glanced back through the rearview mirror and saw Aaron standing there, looking at her with a concerned expression. She muttered with a smile, “What a nerd!”
A few days later, Diana invited Ellie and Lacey out for lunch. Ellie was the last to arrive. As soon as she sat down, Diana leaned over with a grin. “Come on, tell me everything about your brother and Haley!
Ellie glanced at Lacey, who sat across from her, then turned back to Diana.
Diana leaned in closer. “So, how far did things go between Aaron and Haley before they broke up?”
Before Ellie could answer, Lacey raised her hand, “I know! Haley was planning to introduce Aaron to her parents while
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Chapter 304
seeing Alex privately.”
Diana’s eyes narrowed, and she shot back, “No. I mean, did they you know… have sex?”
“Absolutely not!” Ellie quickly interjected, feeling sure about it. She knew this because she had overheard a heated argument between Aaron and Haley about it.
Ellie continued, “Aaron liked Haley, but he also knew they were from completely different worlds. He was afraid their relationship wouldn’t survive under the pressure. That’s why he always kept his boundaries in check.”
Diana sighed in relief, patting her chest. “Oh, thank goodness.”
Ellie and Lacey exchanged a glance, and Lacey raised an eyebrow. “Diana, why do you even care about that?”
Diana smirked. “What do you think? I’m planning to pursue him.
Ellie and Lacey both stared at her, wide–eyed.
Ellie wasn’t paying attention to the conversation between Diana and Lacey after that, but one thing was certain in her mind -Aaron would never go for it.
Although Aaron had always reassured her that everything would get better, Ellie knew that things wouldn’t just magically improve.
And while she had repeatedly told Aaron that he would find a non–materialistic girl someday, she also understood that even the best relationships need material security. Without that, everything would fall apart in the end.
Right now, neither she nor Aaron were in a position to talk about love or marriage.
“I also have some big news for you!” Lacey spoke up, her voice full of gossip. “Did you hear it? Alex is getting married!”
Diana raised an eyebrow. “Is that true?!”
Ellie just sat there, quietly.
Lacey said, “Why would I lie? Layton told me that Mr. Carlos Warren was in critical condition and in the hospital. He wants to see Alex get married and settle down as soon as possible.
“Mrs.
