The CEO's Regret: His Lost Wife's Secret Twins novel Chapter 204

Chapter 204

ARIA

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The days flew by, and today was my wedding dress fitting appointment. I sat on the plush couch at the bridal boutique, flipping through design catalogs while thinking about William and Aurora’s outfits. My mind drifted to hat designs that would keep William’s face hidden from Blake. The crystal glass slipped from my fingers, crashing onto the marble floor.

“Damn it!” I jumped at the sound.

Matthew rushed over. “Don’t move, you’ll cut yourself. There’s glass everywhere.”

His harsh tone contradicted his protective actions as he knelt down, carefully picking up the larger shards.

“Stop! Your hands are too important. If you get hurt again because of me, I’ll never forgive myself!” I reached to stop him, eyeing the medical bandage still wrapping his right hand from when he’d saved me.

Matthew mumbled something that sounded like, ‘I’m not made of glass…” but he spoke so quietly I couldn’t catch it.

After the staff finished cleaning, I asked, “What did you say before?”

“Nothing, Matthew replied, studying my face. “Why were you so zoned out you dropped your glass?”

“I was thinking about William and Aurora’s outfits,” I admitted, tucking my hair back. “I want to design a hat for William that’ll keep Blake from seeing his face clearly.”

Matthew’s expression remained blank, but his eyes darkened slightly.

“This wedding is getting so complicated,” I sighed, feeling the pressure of all our secrets. “We have to be so careful… does that bother

you?”

“Bother me?’ Matthew raised his eyebrows. “This wedding is something I’ve wanted for ages. Why would I be bothered?”

He paused, a self-deprecating smile crossing his face. “If anyone should be bothered, it’s me with myself.”

My heart sank. “Is it because of your hand?” I gently touched his bandaged hand. “This is your battle scar from saving me. We can tweak your suit design to hide the bandage if you want.”

“Don’t worry about it, Matthew shook his head. “I’m fine. I was just talking.”

Matthew stood up suddenly. “I’m going to check on Aurora and William trying on their outfits.”

I started to stand too. ‘I’ll come with-

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Chapter 204

‘Ms. Taylor? The bridal consultant interrupted, appearing with a garment bag. “Your custom wedding dress is ready for your fitting.”

Matthew nodded at me. “You stay and try on your dress. I’ve got the kids.”

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I watched him walking away, his tall figure passing through the sunlight streaming from the windows. Even standing in New York’s bright

sunshine, he somehow seemed to belong in shadows.

The consultant led me to a private fitting room, helping me into the elaborate gown while my thoughts kept returning to Matthew.

Something was off with him. As our wedding got closer, he’d become more withdrawn, more distant. He was even dropping weight, his face becoming sharper, more angular. Pre-wedding jitters? Or something deeper?

I promised myself to keep a closer eye on him. Whatever was eating at him, I wanted to help.

“All set,” the consultant said, arranging the delicate veil on my head.

The wedding dress, custom-made by an internationally renowned designer a month ago, was breathtaking. Layers of ivory fabric cascaded down my figure, covered in intricate lace and pearls. The consultant guided me to the three-way mirror, and for a moment, I barely

recognized myself.

“It needs something, I murmured, touching my neck. “Maybe some jewelry? Is the designer around? I wanted to ask about borrowing

some accessories.”

I pulled aside the velvet curtain of the fitting room, surprised to find both the consultant and designer gone. The showroom was empty except for one person-Blake.

He stood there, his ice-blue eyes instantly darkening when they landed on me in my wedding dress. The tension between us was

immediate and overwhelming.

‘Blake?” His name escaped my lips before I could stop it.

‘What are you doing here?” Blake demanded, his voice sharp as a razor.

I stared back at him, surprised by the intensity in his gaze but refusing to back down. We’d reached a point of mutual civility, hadn’t we? I wasn’t worried he’d cross any lines.

“Trying on my wedding dress,’ I stated the obvious, keeping my voice steady. “What brings you here?”

Before I could react, Blake crossed the room in three long strides. He backed me against the fitting room’s white wall, gripping my wrist and pinning it behind my back.

“You look stunning in this wedding dress,” he said, voice dripping with sarcasm. “So excited to marry Matthew, right? All dressed up for your special day.”

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Chapter 204

“Let go of me,” I struggled against his grip. “We had an agreement about boundaries!”

Blake laughed, a cold sound without humor. “I spend every damn day regretting my mistakes. Beating myself up for what I thought I did wrong. His face came closer to mine. “But were you ever straight with me, Aria? Or have you been playing me this whole time?”

“What are you talking about?” I tried pushing him away.

“You’ve been making a fool out of me,” he hissed.

“I don’t understand what you’re accusing me of,” I said, trying to stay calm. “Matthew is here too. He’ll be back any minute. Let’s handle

this like adults.

At Matthew’s name, Blake’s expression darkened further. His grip on my wrist tightened painfully.

“Matthew,” he spat the name. “Always Matthew.”

“What about Aurora? Blake suddenly demanded. “What about our daughter?”

I froze, shock washing over me. “Aurora is not our daughter! I’m not her mother!”

“No?” Blake’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

“No! Aurora is Olivia’s goddaughter. I’m just her godmother too. Sometimes kids call their godmothers ‘mom’-*

Blake went quiet for a moment, then reached into his pocket with his free hand. He pulled out his phone, tapping the screen a few times

before turning it toward me.

His call history showed “Aurora’s Mommy.”

Blake hit call, still gripping my wrist. A ringtone came from the coffee table outside-my phone.

“Aria, Blake said quietly. “If you’re not Aurora’s mom, why does this number match yours?”

I couldn’t speak. My lips pressed together as words failed me. What could I possibly say? The evidence was right there.

My eyes burning with unshed tears, I renewed my struggle against his grip. “Let me go, Blake. Now.”

“You lied to me,” he said, his voice growing colder. “You don’t get to make demands.”

Despair washed over me. I couldn’t break free from Blake’s hold-physically or emotionally.

“Uncle!” A sweet voice called from the staircase. “What are you doing here?”

Aurora stood at the entrance, her little face confused as she looked between Blake and me, clearly not understanding what was

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happening.

G

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Matthew appeared behind her, William at his side. His eyes quickly took in the scene, narrowing dangerously.

The moment Blake heard Aurora’s voice, he released my wrist. He turned and moved toward Aurora with swift steps, scooping her up into

his arms.

Aurora hugged him back, her innocent smile brightening the room. “Uncle, long time no see! Did you come to get a suit too because Aurora told you about this place?”

As I rubbed my sore wrist, the truth hit me. Blake knew I was here because Aurora told him. She’d innocently mentioned our plans, not knowing what would happen. Now Blake knew the truth-or part of it. And everything was about to fall apart.

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