The CEO's Regret: His Lost Wife's Secret Twins novel Chapter 151

Chapter 151

ARIA

When I went to find the children, I was told William had gone to the bathroom fifteen minutes ago. Where was he?

“William should be back by now,” I muttered, pacing backstage. Aurora sat quietly in her dance costume, practicing her moves.

William finally appeared, slightly out of breath.

“Sorry, Mom. Couldn’t find the bathroom. This place is huge.”

I exhaled sharply. “You were gone forever! I was worried.”

He shrugged. “Got lost. No big deal.”

Something felt off, but Aurora tugged my sleeve.

“Listen,” I said to William. “Olivia and Ethan will stay in the audience. We’ll stay backstage with Aurora.”

He nodded immediately. “Sure.”

His easy agreement surprised me. Usually he’d argue or want to sit with Olivia.

Aurora fidgeted nervously. “Mommy, I’m scared. What if I mess up?”

I knelt beside her. “You practiced so hard, sweetheart. Just do your best.”

“Can you kiss me for good luck? Without your mask?”

I glanced around quickly. The backstage area was mostly empty.

“Just for a second,” I whispered, removing my disguise.

I kissed her forehead. She smiled. “Your real face gives me power, Mommy.”

“What if I don’t win? Will you be sad?”

“Aurora, listen to me. I held her shoulders. “I will never be disappointed in you. Never. You understand?”

She nodded, and I put my disguise back on.

On stage, a girl finished her performance to enthusiastic applause.

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Chapter 151

‘That was absolutely exquisite, Sophia, Emma’s voice carried from the judges’ panel. “Your performance was both technically sound and

emotionally captivating.”

A staff member approached us. “Number twenty, Aurora Taylor? You’re up next.”

Aurora’s face went pale.

I squeezed her hand. “Remember what we practiced. Have fun up there.

William patted her head awkwardly. “You got this, kiddo.”

Aurora took a deep breath, made a little fist, and walked toward the stage with surprising confidence.

From the wings, I could see the judges whispering.

“Such presence for someone so young,” one commented.

‘Modern dance? That’s unusual for her age, another said.

Then I saw Emma. She was staring at Aurora with increasing intensity. Her expression shifted from interest to shock. Her gaze darted to the audience where Olivia sat recording.

Emma’s fingers tightened around her scoring sheet. Her eyes turned cold.

Aurora began her dance, moving with surprising grace and emotion for her age. The music swelled as she reached the climax of her performance. She was doing beautifully, exactly as we’d practiced.

Suddenly, Emma raised her hand. “Stop the music, please.”

The music cut off. Aurora froze, confused.

“Young lady,” Emma said coldly, “this dance style is inappropriate for your age. You should learn basic steps before attempting such complex movements.”

My heart dropped. That bitch recognized Aurora and was sabotaging her.

Olivia shot up from her seat. ‘Excuse me! What grounds do you have for stopping this performance? There were no errors or rule

violations.”

Emma’s lips thinned. “As head judge, I have the authority to-

“To reject performances that don’t fit your narrow vision?” Olivia challenged.

Aurora stood alone center stage, remarkably composed though her eyes showed confusion. She shook her head at Olivia, silently asking

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her not to argue.

Then Aurora stepped forward.

“Ms. Grant, she said in her clear voice. “I think you’re wrong.

:

The audience murmured in surprise.

“I made this dance myself. Nobody helped me, Aurora continued confidently. “I know how to do it best because it’s mine.”

Emma’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re saying you made this dance?”

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“Yes,” Aurora replied.

Emma smiled condescendingly. “Little girl, you don’t need to lie. The moves are too hard for a three-year-old to make up.”

Olivia was practically vibrating with anger. “Aurora is my relative’s daughter. She’s shown extraordinary intelligence and talent since she was born. Creating one dance routine or character is nothing to her-she could create ten routines with ease!”

“Ms. Redwood, Emma countered, “you’ve just admitted this child is related to you. It’s natural you’d want to defend her.”

Aurora’s eyes filled with tears, but her voice stayed steady. “Just because you couldn’t make dances when you were three doesn’t mean I can’t. Mommy says mean people blame others when they’re not good at things. Maybe you should think about yourself!”

The audience reacted with shock and some amusement.

Emma’s face twisted with rage. “Aurora, number twenty. You’re being rude and lying. You’re kicked out of the competition.”

She motioned to security. “Get her off the stage.”

Two guards moved toward Aurora. Olivia and Ethan jumped up but were too far away.

I tensed, ready to rush out and protect my daughter.

“Stop right there.’

That voice. I froze.

Blake strode confidently toward the stage, blocking the guards. “Rude? Lying? What if I can prove this dance really is Aurora’s?”

The auditorium fell silent. Aurora’s tearful eyes filled with hope.

Emma stared at Blake in disbelief. “Blake… why are you defending this child?”

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Blake ignored her, signaling his assistant. “Play the video.”

The large screen showed Aurora at home in her practice tutu.

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“Hi, Uncle Blake!” video-Aurora chirped. “Aurora will show you Aurora’s dance!

The video showed Aurora creating her routine, calling Blake ‘uncle’ and adjusting movements based on his suggestions. Even when she

fell, she didn’t cry but thoughtfully worked to improve.

My heart clenched as I watched. So the “uncle” from the park was Blake? When had Aurora and Blake become so close? And she was

secretly sending him practice videos?

The audience watched, captivated. Their expressions changed from doubt to admiration.

When the video ended, the audience burst into applause.

“Aurora, you’re amazing!” someone called out. “We’re sorry we didn’t believe you!”

Aurora smiled brightly. “It’s okay. Mommy says if you say sorry, you’re still good!”

Olivia rushed toward the stage, clearly wanting to get Aurora away from Blake. But Aurora wrapped her arms around Blake’s leg gratefully.

Blake lifted Aurora easily. “You proved yourself today, little one. You’re very talented.”

“You know,” Blake continued, his voice carrying through the silent auditorium, “I once knew another girl who could make dances like this. Just as talented, just as special.”

My heart stopped.

“That’s my mommy!” Aurora exclaimed innocently.

The reaction was immediate. Olivia nearly stumbled. Emma’s face went white as she gripped the table. My entire body went rigid.

William, standing beside me, noticed my reaction. His expression hardened as he stared at Blake.

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