The CEO's Regret: His Lost Wife's Secret Twins novel Chapter 225

Chapter 225

ARIA

I woke up to beeping machines. For a moment, I felt peaceful, caught between sleep and waking. Maybe William was fine. Maybe the

wedding nightmare never happened.

Then I smelled the antiseptic. Saw the harsh lights and white walls.

Reality hit me hard. This wasn’t a dream.

“Aria? You’re awake?”

I turned my head, wincing at the sharp pain. Olivia sat beside my bed, wiping tears from her red eyes.

“William, I croaked. “Where’s William?”

Olivia handed me water with shaking hands. “He’s in intensive care. Unconscious but stable.”

My heart clenched. “I need to see him.”

“The doctors want to check you first. You hit your head hard.”

“Aria, I’m so sorry,” Olivia whispered. “Matthew’s gone. Disappeared. No one can find him.”

I wasn’t surprised. The signs were there-him flirting with patients, ignoring wedding plans, missing my dress fitting. How was I so blind?

“Don’t apologize,” I said, taking her hand. “We were both fooled.”

Olivia squeezed my fingers. “We’re looking for a bone marrow match. I promise we won’t stop-

A nurse burst in, face flushed. “Ms. Taylor! William is awake!”

I jumped up, ignoring the spinning room, and rushed past her.

William looked so small in that hospital bed. Tubes and wires connected his frail body to machines. His skin was pale as the sheets.

But his eyes were open.

“William,” I whispered, taking his hand carefully.

“Mom,” he said weakly.

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Chapter 225

My throat tightened. “Hey, baby. Does it hurt?”

William tried to smile. I’m okay, Mom. Don’t cry.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you felt sick? The doctors said you had symptoms for a month.”

Guilt crossed his face. “I didn’t want to worry you. You were so happy with Mr. Redwood…”

“Oh, William.” I brushed his thinning hair back. “You never have to protect me. That’s my job.”

“I’m sorry about the wedding,” he whispered. “I thought Matthew would be good for you.”

My son was apologizing while fighting for his life. It wasn’t fair.

“Listen,” I said firmly, cupping his face. “You did nothing wrong. You protected me. You’re my hero.”

His eyes filled with tears. “But now you’re alone again.”

“I’m not alone. I have you and Aurora. That’s enough.” I kissed his cheek. “We can’t depend on other people. Sometimes we only have each

other.

“When I get better,” William said, “let’s go back to Europe.”

I nodded, forcing a smile. “Exactly what we’ll do.”

William looked at his IV, then at the test results nearby. A shadow crossed his face, quickly hidden.

“You should rest, Mom. You look tired.”

‘I’m fine-

‘Please,’ he insisted. ‘I’m sleepy anyway.”

I kissed his forehead. “I’ll be outside talking to Dr. Hall. Call if you need anything.”

He nodded, eyes closing. I stepped into the hallway to find the attending physician for an update on William’s condition, when a familiar voice stopped me cold.

“Mommy!”

Aurora came running down the corridor, her small face streaked with tears. Behind her, Richard and Elaine walked slowly, holding Ethan’s

hand between them.

I knelt down, checking my daughter for injuries. “Sweetie, are you hurt anywhere? Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?”

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Aurora shook her head, bottom lip quivering. “Mommy, how’s Will now? Is something wrong with him?”

My heart shattered at her worried expression. How do you explain leukemia to a three-year-old?

“William is sick, baby,” I said gently. “He needs to stay in the hospital for a while so the doctors can make him better.”

“Can I see him? Please?”

I hesitated, looking at Richard and Elaine. They both looked ten years older, faces etched with worry.

“William’s sleeping right now,” I explained. “But you can peek in and see him if you’re very quiet.”

I lifted Aurora so she could see through the small window in the door. Her tiny hand pressed against the glass.

“Mommy, why does Will have so many tubes?”

“They’re helping him get better,” I said, struggling to keep my voice even.

Aurora’s shoulders slumped. “I should have noticed. Will said his tummy hurt sometimes, but he made me promise not to tell because you were busy with the wedding.” Her voice cracked. “I’m the worst sister ever.”

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The author really should have made the gap in years longer so the children would be just a bit older. They’re so precious, but totally precocious for… More

7 days ago

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