The CEO's Regret: His Lost Wife's Secret Twins novel Chapter 213

Chapter 213

ARIA

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I sat perfectly still as the makeup artist dabbed at my face. The Hampton seaside castle buzzed with activity-wedding planners darting around, decorators fussing with flowers, and staff prepping for the arrival of New York’s elite.

“That fifty-four-carat blue diamond necklace is absolutely killer on you, Ms. Taylor,” the stylist said, stepping back. “Though I wonder if

there’s something that might work even better for a bride as gorgeous as you…”

I couldn’t help remembering Blake’s words, how he wanted me to wear our butterfly necklace on my wedding day. God, that memory still

stung.

‘I think my sister already looks freaking amazing,” Olivia cut in, giving the stylist a death stare. “This is exactly right as it is.”

The stylist backpedaled fast. “Oh my god, I didn’t mean-Ms. Taylor looks stunning! Too much bling would just distract from her natural

beauty.”

“Don’t worry about it,” I mumbled, forcing a smile. The mirror showed a woman I barely recognized-the makeup artist had nailed it, highlighting my mixed features perfectly. But those eyes staring back at me looked hollow.

There was a commotion outside. I moved to the balcony, hauling up the ridiculous designer wedding dress. When I pulled back the

curtain, my heart stopped.

Blake stood in the courtyard in a tailored suit. He was holding a teddy bear-the same one from years ago. My heart pounded as guests whispered and pointed phones at him. Everyone gossiped about an ex-husband showing up at his former wife’s wedding.

Behind him, staff unloaded what looked half of Tiffany’s inventory-dozens of blue boxes and custom gifts. The display was so over-the- top that guests were already posting it all over Instagram.

I couldn’t move, couldn’t look away. When Blake glanced up, our eyes locked. Even from this distance, I could see something flash across his face-pain, regret, something raw. I yanked the curtain closed, my hands shaking.

‘Let’s just finish this makeup,” I said, my voice wobbling.

A sharp knock interrupted us. The stylist opened the door and practically choked.

“Mr. Morgan?!”

Blake stood there, holding a chocolate cake. His blue eyes zeroed in on me immediately, and my chest tightened.

“Brought something for the bride,” he said, his voice controlled but warm. “Heard she skipped breakfast. The ceremony’s gonna drag on forever… she should eat something so she doesn’t pass out at the altar.”

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Chapter 213

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He set the cake in front of me, moving carefully with measured steps. I kept my eyes down, suddenly fascinated by the floor pattern.

‘Mr. Morgan, the stylist squeaked, ‘we need to get the veil on soon. She probably shouldn’t eat-

Blake’s icy glare made the stylist step back. Olivia jumped in.

“Why rush with the veil? Aria definitely needs to eat.” She herded the makeup team next door, leaving Blake and me alone.

“Aria, please eat something, Blake said quietly. “I’ll help with the veil after.”

“You shouldn’t be in here,” I whispered.

“I know. You’re worried about the gossip if people find out I came to see you…”

“No,” I cut him off. “Your injury. Doesn’t it hurt when you’re around me?”

Blake’s face softened. “My pain doesn’t matter. How could I feel anything but amazed seeing you this beautiful?”

He knelt down, looking up at me in my wedding dress. “Aria, you’re breathtaking in white. Makes me realize what a complete jerk I was six years ago, robbing you of a real wedding.”

I tried to swallow the lump in my throat, grabbing the cake to hide the tears welling up. Blake watched me, his own eyes getting watery.

When I finished eating, he reached for the veil on the table. I pulled back instinctively.

“Please, Aria,” he whispered. “Let me do this one thing for you before you marry him.”

I couldn’t speak, so I just nodded. Blake carefully lifted the white veil and positioned it on my head. His fingers brushed against my hair,

sending shivers down my spine.

I caught him wincing, his face going pale as his left hand trembled.

Wedding coordinators knocked, saying it was time. I stood up, gathering my dress.

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