Rhysand quickly went back to his usual serious face, but Ariel didn't know what to do.
Her face turned red, and she wasn't sure if she should pull her hand away or leave it there.
His hand was large and warm, which felt kind of nice, even though he seemed cold on the outside.
Just then, the annoying voice of the male salesperson interrupted them, crying out, "Miss Ocean, it's not my fault! Mr. Aimes told me to act this way. He said you blocked his number after a fight, and he wanted me to make sure you'd come find him."
Rhysand's expression didn't change, but he let go of her hand.
Ariel was stunned. She hadn't expected Callum Aimes, her ex, to be behind all this, trying to make her beg for his attention.
She looked at Rhysand, but he was already acting like nothing happened, as if he hadn't heard anything.
She tried to explain, "Rhysand, I did see Callum earlier, but it's not what you think…"
"Miss, I have work to do," Rhysand interrupted coldly. He took a step back and walked away, leaving her standing there.
Ariel felt bad.
Rhysand had clearly heard everything, and she hated being misunderstood.
Even though their marriage wasn't real love, it still hurt.
Suddenly, Rhysand turned back.
Ariel blinked, thinking she imagined it, but no, he was really walking toward her again.
Without saying a word, he took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
"It's raining. Go home first," he said, then walked away.
Ariel stood there, stunned.
Rhysand's jacket was heavy and warm, with a faint smell of mint and something else she couldn't quite name.
It made her feel safe.
Even though Rhysand didn't love her, and she had someone else on her mind, one thing was clear: she was done with Callum.
Just then, a voice called out, "Ariel, how long have you been waiting for me?" It was Jessica, her friend, running toward her.
"Steven came by to see my brother earlier, and I heard you were here. Why didn't you come inside?" Jessica asked, out of breath.
Ariel sighed, "I just got here."
Jessica handed her an envelope, "Here's some money, use it for now." Ariel took it, but her mind was still on the fact that Rhysand had just casually brushed off spending a huge amount earlier.
Jessica leaned in and grinned. "You know, I don't think Rhysand is as cold as people say."
Ariel looked at her, curious. "Why?"
"Well, when Hailey tried to act all cute in front of him earlier and tattled on you, Rhysand told her to 'shut up' if she couldn't talk properly!" Jessica laughed. "Hailey was so embarrassed, she nearly cried!"
Ariel felt warm inside. Rhysand had defended her, even if he didn't show it much.
Then Jessica nudged her. "How was last night, huh? Is your husband the 'silent but passionate' type?"
Ariel's face turned bright red. "He didn't even touch me!" she whispered, dragging Jessica aside. "He spent the night at my parents' graves, paying respects."
Jessica gasped. "So, he's the one who sent the white flowers to their graves? Wow, Rhysand is a rare gem!"
Ariel nodded. Despite everything, she knew Rhysand was kind in his own way.
He had done so much for her without saying a word.
"By the way," Jessica said, "I heard Hailey's been trying to get close to your husband. You better watch out."
Ariel's heart sank. She had noticed it too. Hailey and Rhysand worked together, and they had a history she couldn't compete with.
Jessica shook her head. "Have you found the guy who saved you from the river yet?"
Ariel sighed. "No. I've been looking for him for a year now, but there's no trace."
"That's such a shame," Jessica said, looking sad. "You said you'd marry him if you found him."
Ariel smiled faintly. That promise still lingered in her heart.