The CEO's Regret: His Lost Wife's Secret Twins novel Chapter 206

Chapter 206

“I am her husband,’ I said, stepping closer to Matthew. “You’re the one with no right here. You can’t stop me from speaking to my wife

alone.”

‘I didn’t bring up our marriage before because Aria clearly wanted to leave that part of her life behind,” I added, watching Aria’s face for any reaction. “But I’m done playing by her rules.”

The tension between Matthew and me escalated until we were practically nose to nose. I could see him weighing his options, considering whether to physically remove me from the store.

*Matthew, enough, Aria’s voice cut through our standoff. “I’ll talk to him.”

“Aria, no way- Matthew protested. “He’s out of control right now.”

“I can handle myself,” she interrupted. “I’m a big girl. What’s he gonna do, kill me in broad daylight?”

Her words were flippant, but they drove a spike through my heart. Is that what she thought of me? That I’d harm her?

“Take William and Aurora home,” she continued. “Please. I need to know they’re safe.”

Matthew hesitated, clearly torn.

“I’ll be fine,” Aria assured him. “Just go.”

Matthew reluctantly agreed, gathering the children. William gave me one last warning look before they left, and I could read the message in his eyes as clearly as if he’d spoken it: Hurt my mother, and I’ll make you pay.

Aurora waved goodbye, calling out, “Uncle, be nice to Mommy! Don’t be all grumpy!”

“I promise,” I said automatically, though what I was thinking was far more complex. I wouldn’t be ‘grumpy” with Aria-I’d be furious, devastated, and completely unrestrained.

The door closed behind them, leaving Aria and me alone in the bridal shop.

“Well?” Aria crossed her arms. ‘What do you want to say to me?”

The sunlight streaming through the windows caught her hair, making it glow against the white of her wedding dress. For a moment, I was

struck by how beautiful she looked-and how wrong it was that she was wearing that dress for another man.

Without a word, I strode forward and scooped her up into my arms.

“What the hell are you doing?” she gasped, struggling against my hold. “Put me down!”

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Chapter 206

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I ignored her protests, carrying her down the stairs and out to my waiting car. The store employees stared in shock as I placed her in the passenger seat and closed the door firmly before she could escape.

“We’re going somewhere we can talk properly,” I said as I started the engine.

“This is kidnapping!” Aria hissed, fumbling with her seatbelt.

“It’s a husband taking his wife home, I corrected, pulling away from the curb.

The drive to the Hampton estate passed in tense silence. When we arrived, Martha and the other staff stared wide-eyed as I carried Aria through the front door, still in her wedding dress.

“Sir, is everything- Martha began.

“We need privacy,” I cut her off, heading for the master bedroom.

Once inside, I set Aria down, backing her against the wall before she could run. Her wedding dress rustled against the expensive

wallpaper, the sound grating on my nerves.

Is this your idea of talking?” she demanded, trying to push me away.

I pressed closer, trapping her between my body and the wall. “Take off that dress.”

“Excuse me?’ Her eyes widened in outrage.

“Cancel your wedding to Matthew. Take off this damn dress. Stop pretending you’re going to marry him when you’re already married to me. My control was slipping with every word. “And stop planning to take my children away from me!”

Aria tried to knee me in the groin, but I blocked her, grabbing both her wrists and pinning them against the wall. The fight in her only

fueled my anger.

“Let me go!” she demanded.

I crashed my lips down on hers, pouring years of frustration and longing into the kiss. She struggled against me, turning her head away.

“Stop, she gasped. ‘Don’t do this.”

I reached for the delicate fabric of her wedding dress, ready to tear it off her body.

A tear slipped down her cheek, and she bit my lip hard enough to draw blood. The pain brought me back to my senses, and I pulled back,

tasting copper on my tongue.

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