Breaking Free, Loving Again -The Flash Marriage with Mr. CEO
Chapter 607 - 607: Including Selene.

Selene's gaze followed Arwen's retreating figure until she disappeared from view. Only then did she turn back to look at Aiden.

But Aiden didn't wait.

He moved first, walking past her to take a seat on the other side of the room.

Selene's brows furrowed slightly at his blatant indifference, but she managed to smile and followed him anyway.

Just when she was about to close the distance and sit beside him, Aiden raised his hand slightly —halting her mid-step —and gestured to another seat.

"Sit comfortably," he said.

The implication behind his words was unmistakable. He didn't want her near.

But Selene chose to ignore it. Nodding politely, she sat down on the opposite side.

She smoothed her dress and then finally brought up what she had been wanting to say all along.

"She seems … quite possessive. I mean, protective of you," she said, letting out a short, awkward laugh. "I almost got scared when she grabbed my hand like that."

Aiden looked at her, his gaze narrowing just a bit.

"Didn't she tell you why she did that?"

Selene wanted to scoff. To save her effort —how ridiculous.

She would be a fool if she believed that lame reason.

Arwen had done it to keep her away from touching him. It had nothing to do with the effort. It was about territory. That was clear in the cold defiance of her gaze.

How dare she?

Recalling how she grabbed her hand still made Selene's jaw tick. Her fists clenched at her sides. But she took a slow, measured breath, forcing herself to stay composed.

"Aiden," she began again, voice softer but laced with restraint, "do you really believe that was her reason? It was clear she was being territorial. The way she glared at me —it wasn't at all subtle. She didn't like me around you. She was trying to mark her place."

"She is my one and only wife, Selene", Aiden interrupted her, his tone smooth and resolute.

Selen blinked. "Huh?"

But Aiden didn't pause to explain.

"She has every right to be possessive over me. And as for not liking you here—that's her choice. She is the hostess, and also the mistress of this house. She has every authority to decide who she welcomes, and who she doesn't."

Selene was stunned.

Her lips parted slightly, and her fingers curled tightly into her palms —so tightly that her nails nearly pierced the skin. A faint sting bloomed across her hand.

She had never been spoken to like that by Aiden —not at least when she sat in front of him.

"Aiden," she tried, her voice trembling with disbelief, "do you even realize what you are saying? You … you never liked being claimed like an object. You are your own person —independent, unbound. You didn't even let the Winslow family claim you as theirs. How could you let her —"

"Only she could," Aiden said before she could finish, his voice low but firm. "Only she has the ability. And only she has the authority. Like, I said, she is my wife—above everything and anything. Winslows couldn't compare to her, nor anyone else can."

His words struck like a blow.

Selene's chest tightened. Her breath hitched, and her throat felt like it was closing in on itself.

Aiden wasn't just defending Arwen.

He was choosing her over everything else. Loud and clear while drawing a line from the rest others.

Including Selene.

Although that stung the worst, she forced herself to smile.

"I see …" she murmured, her words came a little constricted. "Seems like I overreacted to nothing." She then faked a laugh and continued, "But you can't blame me. I was just concerned for you. I didn't know you with her, you have changed so much."

He didn't deny, and that only irked her further.

It became hard for her to keep her calm and composure.

And just when she was about to lose it, she heard footsteps approaching them. She turned to look and found the butler returning.

He bowed to Aiden before turning to Selene to say, "The bath has been prepared." He then gestured to a maid who was following him, "She would guide you and assist you if you need anything, Ms. Martin."

Although Mr. Jones was being polite to her, she could feel the difference in his attitude. It was not the same manner he held when addressing Arwen. And that difference only soured her mood.

She nodded to him. Then, standing up, she glanced back at Aiden and said, "I still don't know Arwen well. But given that she had changed you so much, it would be interesting to know her. And the dinner later is going to be a perfect icebreaker session for us. I am excited. I will freshen up soon and join you two back."

And with that said, she smiled at him before turning to the maid, gesturing for her to guide the way.

Just as she turned, the smile vanished from her face, and what remained was a dark expression that was cracking every facade she had been holding all this while.

Mr. Jones watched her from behind, and his aged gaze revealed subtle hints of suspicion.

"Mr. Jones," Aiden's voice made the butler turn. "The dinner shouldn't be delayed. Keep the tab on the time."

The butler understood. Nodding, he said, "The chefs are already there preparing it. As for the car, I will ask a driver to stay ready to drop Ms. Martin off once the dinner is over."

Aiden didn't say anything. Nodding simply, he turned and then walked to take the stairs to his room.

————

Meanwhile, on the other side, in Ryan's apartment —

Ryan exited the bathroom after getting fresh. Changing into comfortable wear, he walked out only to find Zenith in the kitchen.

His brows furrowed slightly, and he asked, "What are you doing in the kitchen? Didn't I ask you to leave the kitchen chores to the people appointed?" His voice made Zenith flinch.