The CEO's Regret: His Lost Wife's Secret Twins novel Chapter 149

Chapter 149

ARIA

Aurora spun around in her sparkly dance costume, her eyes wide with excitement.

“Mommy, are you really gonna take off your mask when I dance? For real?” she squealed.

“Just do your best today, sweetie. I’m already super proud of you,” I said, kneeling to her level. Grandpa and Grandma couldn’t make it because they’re traveling overseas, but we’ll record everything to show them later.”

Aurora nodded firmly, her little chin jutting out with determination. “I’m gonna dance super duper good for them too!”

“That’s my girl,” I said, giving her a quick hug. The flowery scent of her shampoo filled my nose, momentarily calming my nerves. These small moments with my children were everything to me.

When we arrived at the competition venue, I was grateful for my disguise. The lobby was packed with children in elaborate costumes and parents fussing over them. So many people, so many opportunities to be recognized if I wasn’t careful. Almost every kid had a full entourage – both parents, grandparents, sometimes even private coaches giving last-minute instructions. Aurora’s grip on my hand tightened as she surveyed the competition.

“There’s sooooo many people,” she whispered, suddenly sounding unsure.

“Don’t worry about them,” I squeezed her hand, adjusting my mask with my free hand. “Just remember what your teacher taught you. Focus on your own dance.”

Near the check-in area, I spotted a little girl in an elaborate Lolita-style cake dress surrounded by what looked like a professional team- someone fixing her hair, another adjusting her makeup, a third steaming her costume, plus several others hovering nearby. Her parents stood off to the side with expensive camera equipment.

“That’s our little Broadway star,” the father announced loudly to everyone within earshot. “Sophie’s gonna blow everyone away today!”

Two mothers standing nearby didn’t bother lowering their voices as they gossiped.

“That’s Sophie Wilson – she worked with Emma on that Christmas TV special last year.”

“I heard first place is already a done deal. Emma’s the head judge, and Sophie’s been her little pet project since she was two.”

“What’s even the point of showing up? It’s all about who you know, not what you can do.”

“The rest of us just threw away money on costumes and entry fees.”

My jaw clenched behind my mask. Emma as head judge? That wasn’t good news. William and Ethan appeared beside us, ready to take

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Chapter 149

Aurora backstage.

‘Good luck, Aurora!’ William took his sister’s hand. ‘Me and Ethan will take you to check in.”

“Remember to point your toes,” I called after them. Aurora gave me a thumbs up before disappearing into the crowd with the boys.

After they left, Olivia pulled me aside, away from the crowd.

“Did you hear that? Emma’s the head judge. This is total BS!”

“My old dance teacher Mrs. Levine is on the panel too,” I said, my voice slightly muffled by the mask. “She always valued fairness above

everything.”

“Who cares? Emma’s the one calling the shots,” Olivia snapped. “Her technique is mediocre at best. She shouldn’t even be judging a school talent show! They obviously just wanted her celebrity name to attract attention.”

I nodded, pulling my hat lower. “I’m glad I kept my disguise on. There’s no way I can take it off now.”

“That’s the least of our problems, Olivia said, then suddenly froze mid-sentence. “Oh crap. Blake.”

That name hit me hard. I turned slowly, following her gaze across the lobby, instinctively adjusting my mask and sunglasses.

There he was. Three years since I’d last seen him. He looked the same – tall, commanding, with that cold stare that made people move out of his way. His suit fit perfectly, maybe a few more lines around his eyes, but otherwise unchanged.

My heart pounded. I ducked my head down, grateful for the disguise hiding my face. I wanted to run, to hide, to disappear. Anything to avoid being in the same room as him.

Emma floated toward him in a flowing white dress, her smile possessive and triumphant. “Blake! You made it!” Her voice carried across the lobby. “Remember my first dance competition? You were more excited than me. You literally lifted me right off the stage when I won!”

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