The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 35

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

**Chapter 35**

As I sat in the back seat of my father’s sleek black Bentley, the vehicle glided effortlessly through the bustling streets of Manhattan. The luxurious interior was a sanctuary of silence, broken only by the gentle hum of the air conditioning. Outside, the city unfolded like a familiar tapestry, each building and street corner a reminder of the life I had lived here. Yet, despite the comfort of the car, an unsettling feeling began to stir within me as I recognized the route we were taking.

“Dad,” I ventured, my voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of annoyance, “why are we heading to Mount Sinai Hospital?” The realization hit me like a cold wave, and I felt my irritation grow.

Without lifting his gaze from the glowing screen of his phone, William Harper replied with a nonchalant tone, “Today is Ethan’s discharge day. The Blakes and Harpers are having a small gathering to celebrate.”

“Really?” I couldn’t keep the incredulity from creeping into my voice. “And you didn’t think to mention this earlier?” I struggled to maintain a calm demeanor, but the frustration bubbled beneath the surface. “I have zero interest in seeing Ethan, especially after everything that’s happened. This seems utterly pointless.”

At last, my father turned his attention away from his device, his expression shifting to one of disapproval. “Pointless? Aria, you’re his fiancée. How many times have you visited him during his hospitalization? This isn’t just about the two of you; it’s about our families.”

“Ex-fiancée,” I interjected sharply, crossing my arms defensively over my chest. “And he’s perfectly fine. It was just a minor accident.”

“An accident caused by Devon Kane,” my father reminded me, his gaze piercing through the tension. “The very same man whose company you’re so eager to associate with. I find that connection rather troubling.”

I clenched my jaw, biting back a retort that threatened to escape. If only he knew the true nature of my “connection” with Devon, he would be far more than just concerned. The memory of his hands on my body sent an involuntary shiver down my spine, one I desperately tried to suppress.

“Aria,” my father continued, his tone softening just a fraction, “you’re an adult now. It’s time for you to learn how to navigate these relationships with maturity. The merger between Harper Group and Blake Fashion is too significant to jeopardize over a lovers’ quarrel.”

“Is that all I am to you? Just a business asset?” The words tumbled out before I could rein them in, laced with hurt and indignation.

His jaw tightened at my response, but before he could formulate an answer, the car came to a halt at the hospital entrance.

As we stepped out, I spotted Marianne Blake waiting for us in the lobby, her elegance unmistakable in a tailored navy suit that perfectly framed her silver-streaked hair. Her face lit up with warmth upon seeing me, and she hurried over, taking my hands in hers.

Before either of them could respond to my quiet rebellion, the elevator doors slid open. Marianne led us down the corridor to a private room, knocking gently before pushing the door open.

Inside, Ethan Blake sat on the edge of the hospital bed, dressed in a perfectly tailored light gray suit that I recognized as one of his own designs. The suit made his striking blue eyes stand out even more, though I noticed the sling supporting his arm and the fading bruise marring his left cheekbone. Despite his injuries, he exuded a composed charm that I found difficult to ignore.

His face brightened at the sight of me. “Aria, you came.” The smile he offered was reminiscent of the one that used to send my heart racing. Yet now, it only stirred a vague discomfort within me.

“Hello, Ethan,” I replied, my voice flat and devoid of warmth.

William stepped forward, extending a bouquet of lilies that I hadn’t noticed he was holding. “These are from Aria. She picked them out herself.”

The air in the room thickened with unspoken emotions, and I felt the weight of the moment pressing down on us all.