The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 23

**Dust Writes New Stories**
by Rei Holt Wilder

“There’s something you’re not telling me about you and Kane,” Jessica pressed, her eyes narrowing slightly as if she could see right through me.

With a practiced roll of my eyes, I maintained a facade of calm. “As I mentioned, we merely signed a contract. That’s all there is to it.” My voice was steady, but inside, a storm of thoughts swirled, each wave crashing against the shore of my resolve.

As I made my way toward the elevator, the weight of the world pressed down on my shoulders. The contract loomed large in my mind, a reminder of the lengths I had gone to secure it. Devon’s icy dismissal during our poker game echoed in my thoughts, a bitter reminder of the cost of this deal. The money had been transferred, the signatures inked. Devon Kane had kept his promise, but the reality of my choices was beginning to seep in, heavy and suffocating.

I stepped into the elevator, grateful for the brief moment of solitude it offered. The doors slid shut, enclosing me in a small metal box, a temporary refuge from the outside world. As I descended to the lobby, I braced myself for the familiar chaos of New York’s social elite, who were gathering for some evening event that I had no desire to attend.

“Aria! You’re not leaving already?” A voice cut through the air, pulling me from my thoughts. I turned to see Jessica Chen, a fashion editor I had known since our college days, striding toward me on impossibly high stilettos, her excitement palpable.

“Headache,” I replied smoothly, tapping my temple as if to emphasize my discomfort. “And I have an early meeting tomorrow.” The lie rolled off my tongue with ease, though I could feel a twinge of guilt for deceiving her.

Jessica pouted, her lips forming a perfect ‘O’ of disappointment. “But Mason Delaney just arrived! He’s searching for fresh talent for his new project. I could introduce you.” Her enthusiasm was infectious, but I knew I couldn’t stay.

“Another time,” I said, giving her arm a gentle squeeze, a gesture meant to convey my sincerity. “I really need to go.”

Stepping to the curb, I raised my hand for a taxi, pointedly ignoring the valet who was clearly expecting me to request my car. The truth was, I couldn’t bear another moment of pretending that everything was fine—not after the whirlwind of the past twenty-four hours.

“Like a new woman,” Carmen replied, patting my hand with a warmth that made me smile. “The doctors say the procedure was a complete success. I’ll be dancing at your wedding before you know it.”

I couldn’t help but laugh, though the mention of a wedding sent a ripple of unease through me, reminding me of Ethan’s public proposal attempt—and how Devon had so deliberately interrupted it. “Let’s focus on getting you home first,” I suggested, trying to steer the conversation away from the uncomfortable topic.

As I glanced around the room, I took in the state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and the private nurse who was diligently checking charts in the corner. The premium suite had to cost a fortune, far beyond the expenses of the surgery itself. A flicker of guilt gnawed at me, but it eased slightly when I reminded myself that whatever I had done with Devon had made this possible.

“The doctors say I might be able to go home in a few days,” Carmen said, her eyes sparkling with happiness. “It’s like a miracle, Aria. One day I was being told to get my affairs in order, and the next…” She shook her head in disbelief, her joy infectious.

“You should have seen Mom giving the nurses orders about how to properly fold her hospital gown,” Sophia chimed in with a laugh, her voice brightening the somber atmosphere. “I think they’re eager to discharge her just to get some peace.”