The CEO's Regret: His Lost Wife's Secret Twins novel Chapter 69

Chapter 69

ARIA

I pitched forward, my body tilting dangerously. Pure instinct took over-my arms wrapped around my stomach, protecting the tiny life

inside me. The ground rushed up to meet me.

Blake’s arm caught me around the waist, yanking me back against his chest. My heart hammered against my ribs.

Oh God. The baby. Our baby almost-

“Oh my God!” Emma’s voice pierced through the ringing in my ears. “Aria, are you okay? I’m so sorry! My heel got stuck in the grass and 1

lost my balance completely!”

I jerked away from Blake’s hold, my whole body trembling. That push. That deliberate, calculated push.

Emma gasped, hand flying to her mouth. “I’m so sorry! Blake! Did you see? My heel just-it caught and I couldn’t stop myself!”

I couldn’t look at either of them. My arms were still locked around my stomach. Another second and I would have fallen face-first onto the concrete path. Another second and-

“I’m done.” I turned on my heel, needing distance before I did something stupid. “I’m so fucking done with both of you.”

EMMA

Blake started after her. I grabbed his sleeve, making my voice shake just right.

“Blake, please!” I let tears pool in my eyes. “I didn’t mean to! You have to believe me! My heel got stuck and I just-I reached out and she

was there and-

He spun around. The ice in his eyes made my stomach flip-not from fear. From excitement. Finally, real emotion from Blake.

“Your heel got stuck?’ His voice went deadly quiet. “And you just happened to fall forward with enough force to nearly knock her down?’

“I was trying to catch myself! I didn’t know she’d moved there-

“What?”

“I wanted to help with the umbrella,” I whispered, sniffling. I saw you walking away and I panicked. These stupid heels-I should have worn flats but I wanted to look nice for the picnic and-”

“You’re wearing stilettos to a park picnic.”

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I know! I’m an idiot!” I let my voice crack. “But how could you think I’d hurt someone on purpose? After everything we’ve been through?

I played my ace card, the one that always worked. ‘Have you forgotten I saved you from that fire? If I wanted to harm Aria, I wouldn t have saved you-we’d just met, we were complete strangers back then.

His expression shifted. Good. Remember, Blake. Remember who saved your life.

“I still have nightmares about that night, I continued, touching the faint scar on my wrist. “The smoke. The heat. Thinking I might lose

you…

“I would never hurt anyone, Blake. You know that. You know me. I stepped closer, looking up at him with wide, wounded eyes. “I’m the person who risked everything to save you. How could you think I’d push someone?”

“Emma…” The ice melted slightly.

“I know you’re worried about Aria. But it was an accident. A stupid accident because I wore the wrong shoes.”

Blake’s jaw worked silently. Then he closed his eyes, dragging a hand through his hair. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at

you.”

And there it was. Blake Morgan, apologizing to me. God, men were so easy.

“It’s okay,” I murmured, letting a few tears spill over. “I know you were just worried. You’ve always been protective.”

Just… be more careful, okay? This grass is uneven.”

“Of course.” I nodded, the picture of contrition. “I’m so sorry for scaring everyone. Is Aria okay?”

I’ll check on her.”

‘Blake?” I caught his arm again as he turned. “Thank you. For understanding.”

He gave me a short nod and walked away, probably to chase after his contract wife like a loyal dog.

I waited until he was out of sight before allowing myself a small smile. Two tears. That’s all it took. Two tears and a reminder of our history, and Blake Morgan folded completely.

ARIA

The Grants were wrestling with a tent on the far side of the lawn. Perfect. Something to do that didn’t involve Blake or Emma.

“Need help?” I called, heading over.

Elaine’s face lit up. “Aria! Thank God. Richard thinks he knows what he’s doing, but…”

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Chapter 69

I’ve got this, Mr. Grant insisted, jamming a pole into the wrong slot.

I grabbed the instructions. ‘Let me take a look.”

We worked together easily-Mr. Grant holding poles while I guided them into place, Mrs. Grant cracking jokes about their camping disasters. Fifteen minutes later, we had a tent.

‘Teamwork!” Mrs. Grant high-fived me and pulled me into a hug.

A couple walking their dog stopped to watch. “What a lovely family activity,” the woman said. “You three work great together!”

My chest tightened. Family. They thought we were family.

“Actually, we’re-‘ I started.

“We do make a good team,” Mrs. Grant cut in, squeezing me tighter.

The woman’s husband nodded toward the park’s other side. “We just saw another couple setting up over there. The young woman kept

wiping the man’s forehead. Young love, right?”

They left with their dog. I stayed frozen in Mrs. Grant’s embrace.

Blake and Emma. Of course.

“Richard, Mrs. Grant said quietly, “maybe you should tell Blake we’re ready to eat.”

“No.” The word came out sharp. “Let Blake stay with Emma where he belongs.”

The Grants exchanged a look-pity? concern?-that made my eyes burn.

“What a stupid woman.”

I didn’t need to turn around to recognize that voice.

‘Matthew?” Mrs. Grant sounded surprised. ‘What are you doing here?”

I turned. Matthew Redwood stood there in dark jeans and a black henley, looking dangerous in the morning light.

Mrs. Grant stepped protectively in front of me. We invited Aria to relax today. Whatever you need to say, be civil.”

“I’m always civil.” Matthew’s eyes found mine. “Aren’t I, Ms. Taylor? Or are you letting her think I’m some kind of threat?”

He was enjoying this.

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It’s okay, I told Mrs. Grant. Matthew and I aren’t enemies anymore.’

Not since he saved me from that wine cellar. Not since learning his mother had terrorized me without his knowledge.

Matthew half-smiled. ‘Not enemies. How generous.”

“Want to join us for lunch? The words escaped before I could stop them. “We have plenty.”

Mr. Grant gestured to a chair. “Please, join us.”

“Since Richard asked so nicely.” Matthew sat down gracefully. “Don’t think I stayed for you.”

“Where’s my drink?” he asked immediately.

“Excuse me?”

“My drink. When you invite guests, you offer refreshments. Basic hospitality.”

I stood, biting back several responses. “What would you like?”

“Champagne. The good stuff.”

I found Mrs. Grant’s champagne, popped the cork, and poured him a glass.

“The napkin?” He raised an eyebrow when I set it down.

“The napkin,” I repeated.

“A proper hostess provides napkins.”

I found a cloth napkin and practically threw it at him.

‘Cutlery?”

เรย

I arranged the plastic utensils properly-fork left, knife and spoon right-just like those awful etiquette classes we’d endured as kids.

“Better,’ he said, sipping champagne. “Though the presentation needs work.”

I was so focused on not strangling Matthew that I almost missed Blake’s approach. Almost. But my body recognized him first-his walk,

his cologne.

I looked up from smoothing Matthew’s napkin to find Blake watching, his eyes fixed on my hands.