The CEO's Regret: His Lost Wife's Secret Twins novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Maybe it was the tears I’d just shed. Maybe it was the hope Jonathan had given me about Dad. Maybe it was

seeing Blake and Emma on that television screen, looking at each other with tenderness he’d never shown

Whatever it was, I was done.

I followed Blake out into the hallway.

“We need to talk.”

“About what?” He kept walking. “About your doctor friend? About how you can’t even pretend anymore?”

“I want a divorce.”

Blake stopped. The hallway went silent except for the distant beeping of monitors.

He turned around slowly. His expression shifted. Something flickered in his eyes before the coldness

returned.

“What did you just say?”

“You heard me. I want a divorce.”

“Because of him?” Blake took a step toward me. “Because of that doctor?”

“This has nothing to do with Jonathan.”

“Don’t lie to me, Aria. I just watched him comfort you. Saw you crying in his arms.”

“He was giving me good news about my father. That’s it.”

Blake laughed. The sound was bitter. Empty.

“Right. Because you’re so innocent. So pure.”

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Chapter 17

And you’re so faithful?” I shot back. “You were just on national television with Emma. In front of millions

of people. Calling her your priority.”

His jaw tightened. “That’s different.”

“How? How is it different?”

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“Because I’m not pretending to be something I’m not.” He moved closer. His voice dropped low. “You married

me knowing exactly what this was. A contract. A business arrangement.”

“You’re right. I did.” I met his gaze head on. “And now I’m done. You have Emma. You’ve made that crystal

clear. So let’s end this. Let’s both be free.”

“Free.” He repeated the word slowly. His eyes searched my face. “Is that what you want? To be free?”

“Yes.”

Something changed in his expression. The anger faded. What replaced it was worse. Indifference.

“Fine.”

He pulled out his phone and dialed.

“James? Blake. I need divorce papers drawn up. Yes, now. I don’t care what you’re doing. Drop it.”

I hadn’t expected this. Part of me thought he’d fight. Argue. Make it difficult.

But he was already done talking to his lawyer.

“Tomorrow. Two o’clock. James’s office downtown.” He put his phone away. “Don’t be late.”

“I won’t.”

“And Aria?” He leaned in close. His breath warm against my ear. “I hope he’s worth it.”

Then he walked away. Down that hospital corridor. Away from me.

My legs felt weak. I leaned against the wall for support.

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Chapter 17

It’s done. It’s finally over.

So why did my chest feel hollow? Why did my hands shake? Why did I want to call him back?

โร

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I pushed off the wall and headed back to the waiting area. Jonathan was gone. Probably called back to his

rounds.

I pulled out my phone. My fingers trembled as I typed.

“Dr. Mayer, I think it’s better if we keep our distance for a while. I don’t want to cause you any trouble.”

The reply came within seconds.

“Aria, is everything okay? Did Blake say something?”

I stared at the message. Jonathan was good. Kind. He didn’t deserve to be dragged into my mess.

“I’m getting divorced. Things will be complicated. Please understand.”

The three dots appeared. Disappeared. Appeared again.

“If you need anything, I’m here.”

I turned off my phone and shoved it in my bag.

I’m sorry, Jonathan. But I can’t let you get caught in the crossfire.

The TV was still on. A commercial now. But I could still hear Emma’s voice in my head. Still see Blake’s face

when he looked at her.

Tomorrow at two. The lawyer’s office. Then it would all be over.

I should have felt relieved. Victorious even. This was what I wanted.

But all I felt was empty.

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11:28 Wed, Jun 10

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