Aria's POV
I found a strange comfort in the hospital's empty corridor where Samuel had left me. The soft patter of rain against the windows created a soothing rhythm that helped clear my thoughts.
Aiden appeared minutes later, his eyes scanning the area until they found me.
His shoulders visibly relaxed when he spotted me sitting alone on the bench. "There you are."
I raised an eyebrow, surprised to see him so soon. "That was quick. I thought you'd talk with Mr. Carter longer."
"We finished our conversation," he said simply, his tone closing the subject.
He crossed the distance between us and took my hand in his. My fingers were cold from sitting in this drafty corridor, and he immediately enclosed them in his warm grip.
"Samuel Carter found you?" he asked, rubbing m
