No Second Chances Ex-husband (Lauren and Ethan) novel Chapter 223

**TITLE: He Chased 223**

**ROMAN’S POV**

“Anyway, to unwind from all the stress Aria put me through today, I treated myself to some delicious steak and Italian rice. And guess what? I didn’t just get it for myself; I got some for you all too,” Tessa announced, her voice slow and measured. She carefully extracted a small plate from the takeout bags, placing it on the coffee table with deliberate precision, as if she wanted everyone to appreciate the effort she had put into this little gesture.

“Nah, we’re fine. We’ve got a lovely dinner planned tonight, and I don’t want to spoil my appetite before then,” Lauren replied, her tone calm and collected. She shook her head gently, a serene smile gracing her lips. Her polite refusal left no room for further discussion, a clear boundary set.

Tessa, however, was not easily deterred. “Oh, come on! It’s a special dinner, right? I mean, everyone has dinner at home every day,” she quipped, her voice laced with sarcasm. A playful smirk danced on her lips as she leaned back against the couch, clearly enjoying the banter.

“Of course it’s special! My twin sister, the one I mentioned over the phone yesterday, is coming,” Lauren replied. There was a flicker of excitement in her eyes that belied her composed exterior, her calm demeanor cracking just a little.

“Really? In that case, I absolutely have to join! If the dinner is special, I can’t miss the chance to meet your twin and indulge in another fantastic meal from your amazing chefs,” Tessa exclaimed, practically bouncing on her heels. The thrill of the evening ahead was infectious, and she was clearly eager to be a part of it.

I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling a sharp pang of irritation settle in my chest as Tessa’s suggestion sank in. Who was I trying to fool? Did I really expect Lauren to recognize that this dinner was meant to be an intimate affair? That she would gently decline Tessa’s enthusiasm? That she would somehow prioritize the closeness of the evening over her friend’s relentless desire to be included?

“Of course you can come! It’ll make the whole evening even more lively,” Lauren said, her smile widening just a fraction, clearly pleased with the idea of a more vibrant gathering.

A small, defeated sigh escaped my lips, barely audible yet heavy with frustration.

But I reminded myself that regardless of how many people ended up being there, regardless of how chaotic the evening might become, I was still going to go through with the proposal. I had waited far too long for this moment; nothing, not even Tessa’s unyielding excitement, would deter me.

Before I could dwell on my mounting frustration, I had a smaller, more pressing mission to focus on.

Just then, Aria finally noticed me sitting beside Lauren. It was a testament to how deeply she adored her mother. Every single day, upon returning from school, she would spend at least ten to fifteen precious minutes just sitting with Lauren, sharing snippets of her day, before even acknowledging anyone else in the room. In her eyes, the world revolved around Lauren, at least in those first few golden moments.

With a burst of energy, Aria leaped off the couch and enveloped me in a small, tentative hug. Her arms wrapped around me for just a brief moment, and the soft warmth of her embrace sent a rush of emotion through me, a gentle reminder of why I was here and just how much this moment meant.

“I have something special to share with you today,” I said softly to Aria, my voice barely above a whisper as I affectionately ruffled her hair, smoothing down the strands that had fallen across her face.

“Really?” she asked, her eyes widening with curiosity as she tilted her head. Excitement sparkled in her gaze, illuminating her features.

“Absolutely! But first, I have a little gift for you,” I replied, ensuring I had her full attention.

In a burst of happiness that couldn’t be contained, she jumped on me again, wrapping her little arms around my neck in a tight embrace. I held her close, feeling her warmth and energy fill the room, a moment of pure bliss.

“Thank you, Uncle,” she said, her voice soft yet earnest, brimming with affection and gratitude.

I cleared my throat, trying to regain my composure, and said, “You’re welcome. Now, I want us to talk about something important.”

Sensing the gravity of my tone and the need for privacy, Tessa immediately stood up and quietly exited the living room, granting the three of us a much-needed space. Her departure was respectful and unobtrusive, yet unmistakable.

My gaze met Lauren’s, and I offered her a small nod. She returned it, leaning in slightly closer, her presence reassuring, steadying me for the moment that lay ahead.

“What we’re about to share with you might be difficult to digest, so we understand if you have a strong reaction,” I said carefully, ensuring each word landed softly, with patience and compassion.

Lauren shifted closer to Aria, gently rubbing her hand over her daughter’s, grounding her in comfort and love.

“Aria,” Lauren began softly, “I know that throughout your entire life, it’s just been me and you. I understand you’re still quite young, but I also recognize that you’ve sometimes wondered about having a daddy.”