The CEO's Regret: His Lost Wife's Secret Twins novel Chapter 14

Chapter 14

I’m thinking perfectly straight. For the first time in three years.

“Mr. Morgan?” The housekeeper appeared. “Miss Grant is here to see Mrs. Morgan.”

Everything about Blake changed. His posture. His expression. Actual concern flooded his face.

“Show her in.”

78

Emma glided into the room. Silk blouse, perfect hair, that practiced grace. Her eyes went wide when she saw

“Oh my God, Aria!” She rushed over. “I heard what happened. Are you okay?” She reached for my hands.

“Your poor fingers!”

I pulled back. “I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine.” She turned to Blake, voice soft with worry. “She looks terrible. Has she seen a doctor?”

“Last night.” Blake grabbed his briefcase. “I have a meeting. Emma, make sure she eats.”

He left. Just walked out. Left me alone with the woman he actually wanted.

Emma watched him go. When she turned back, her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“He’s so worried about you.”

Sure. So worried he ran the second you showed up.

“I should go.” I started to stand.

“Wait.” Her hand landed on my arm. “I wanted to talk to you. About yesterday.”

Everything in me went cold. “What about it?”

“Blake told me everything.” She sat in his chair. Comfortable. Belonging. “About the cellar. About you

1/3

11:27 Wed, Jun 10

Chapter 14

wanting to go to police.”

Of course he told her. He tells her everything.

78

“Look, I get it.” Her voice dripped false sympathy. “But Blake is thinking about what’s best for everyone. The

company, the family, you.”

“How is not reporting attempted murder best for me?”

“Aria.” She leaned forward. Serious. Concerned. Fake. “Do you really want to go through all that? The investigation? The questions? Everyone knowing you were locked in a wine cellar?”

The way she said it. The implication. Pathetic. Embarrassing. Victim.

“Blake and I talked about this all night.” She watched my face. “He was so torn up. But we both agreed-the kindest thing is to let it go. No scandal. No embarrassment. Just move forward.”

All night. They talked all night while I was upstairs alone.

“He called you?” My voice sounded hollow. Empty. “Last night?”

“Well, yes.” Her smile widened. Just a fraction. “He needed someone to talk to. We have coffee every morning anyway. He shares things with me. Important things. His plans for the future.”

The message was crystal clear. She was his confidant. His future. I was the contracted wife who needed to

shut up and disappear.

My life doesn’t matter. The company matters. Emma matters. I’m just a problem to manage.

“You should rest.” Emma stood. Smooth. Graceful. “You look exhausted. Maybe take a few days off? Stay home? Blake mentioned he’d prefer you keep a low profile for a while.”

Of course he did.

She paused at the door. “Oh, and Aria? I’m glad you’re okay. Blake would be devastated if anything happened to you. The merger really depends on maintaining stable appearances right now.”

Then she was gone.

2/3

11:27 Wed, Jun 10

Chapter 14

I sat there. Alone. Cold coffee. The tissue Blake had offered.

I picked it up. Crumpled it in my bandaged fist.

Stable appearances. That’s all I am.

Three years of this. Three years of hoping he’d see me as more than a contract obligation. Three years of

watching him drop everything for Emma while I came last on every list that mattered.

And now someone had tried to kill me. His first thought? Stock prices.

I’m done hoping.

The tissue fell onto the table.

78

I’m done waiting.

Blake wanted to prioritize his merger over my safety? Fine. I’d handle this myself. And I’d start planning too -plans that didn’t include being Mrs. Blake Morgan one second longer than necessary.

The contract had two years left. I’d find a way out sooner.

Because I finally got it. In Blake’s world, I’d always be worth less than a percentage point. Always

disposable. Always last.

Never again.

Comments

R Visitor

1 Comments >

Aria wakes up and tells Blake she wants to tell police. Emma randomly shows up and says they talked all night about it and going to police isnt what… More

7 days ago

3

<SHARE

3

3/3

11:27 Wed, Jun 10

The CEO’s Regret: His Lost Wife’s Secret Twins