The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 39

**Dust Writes New Stories by Rei Holt Wilder**
**Chapter 39**

**Aria’s POV**

“Yes,” I called out, striving to maintain a calm facade despite the turmoil within. “I’ll be out in just a moment.”

“Are you alright? You’ve been in there for quite a while,” came the concerned voice from the other side of the door.

Stealing a glance at Devon, I noticed a challenge glimmering in his eyes, a stark reminder of the tension that hung between us. “I’m perfectly fine. Just… adding a few finishing touches to my makeup,” I replied, trying to sound casual.

“Well, don’t take too long. Your father is starting to lose his patience,” he warned, his tone laced with an urgency that made my heart race.

“I’ll be right out,” I assured him, silently hoping he would take my words at face value and leave.

After a moment that felt like an eternity, I heard his footsteps retreating down the hallway. Devon’s hold on me loosened a fraction, but the intensity in his gaze remained unwavering.

“I don’t like the idea of you being with him,” he declared, his voice flat yet charged with emotion. “When you’re with me, I don’t want you tied up with other men.”

“We’re not tied up,” I shot back, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. “It’s just lunch.”

“Make sure it stays that way.” His tone brooked no dissent. “My place, eight o’clock tonight. Don’t be late.”

With that, he stepped back, adjusting his tie with an air of finality. “I’ll leave first. Wait three minutes before you follow.”

As he turned to exit, a thought struck me, and I seized his arm. “What about Caroline Hayes?”

A flicker of amusement crossed his features, a hint of something darker lurking beneath. “What about her?”

“Your mother wants you to marry her,” I said, unable to mask the accusation in my voice. “It’s all about some business merger.”

“My mother has many desires,” Devon replied enigmatically, his expression now inscrutable. “Eight o’clock, Aria. Don’t make me come looking for you.”

Once he was gone, I took a moment to gather myself, smoothing down my dress and scrutinizing my reflection in the mirror. My cheeks were flushed, and my lips bore the imprint of his kisses, a reminder of our heated exchange. I dabbed on fresh lipstick and inhaled deeply, steeling myself before stepping back into the dining room.

“There you are,” William said, his tone barely concealing impatience. “We were starting to worry about you.”

“Sorry,” I murmured, sliding back into my seat beside Ethan. “I ran into someone I know.”

Ethan’s hand found mine beneath the table, his touch warm and reassuring. “Everything okay?” he asked, concern etched on his face.

“Fine,” I replied, carefully pulling my hand away from his. “What did I miss?”

“We were just discussing your and Ethan’s engagement,” Marianne chimed in brightly, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “We think it’s time to make it official again, with an announcement in the Times.”

I froze mid-motion, my fork hovering in the air as shock washed over me. “Excuse me?”

“Both our families believe it’s in everyone’s best interests,” William stated firmly, his tone indicating that this was not a matter open for discussion. “The Blake-Harper merger relies on strong family connections.”

“You mean it relies on selling your daughter to secure a business deal,” I retorted, unable to suppress the anger bubbling within me.

“Aria,” William warned, his voice low and edged with irritation. “This isn’t the place for such outbursts—”

“I need some air,” I interrupted, my voice rising as I tossed my napkin onto the table and stood abruptly. “Excuse me.”

I made my way toward the exit, but William caught up with me in the hallway leading to the main dining room, seizing my arm to halt my progress.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he demanded, his voice a low hiss, barely containing his fury. “You’re embarrassing our family.”

William glanced toward the private dining room, then back at me, his expression hardening. “We should return. They’re waiting.”

I inhaled deeply, weighing my options. Open defiance would cost me the beach house and possibly my trust fund, which Stellar Impressions desperately needed. Continued resistance would only fortify William’s resolve.

Perhaps Elsa had been right earlier that morning. Sometimes, appearing to bend was the wisest course of action.

“Fine,” I finally said, my voice steady but my heart racing. “Let’s go back.”

William looked taken aback by my sudden compliance but nodded approvingly. As we walked back to the dining room, I carefully composed my features, crafting a mask of calm acceptance.

“Sorry about that,” I said as we rejoined Marianne and Ethan, forcing a smile. “I just needed a moment to process everything. It’s a lot to take in.”

Ethan’s face lit up with a glimmer of hope, while Marianne reached across the table to pat my hand reassuringly. “We understand, dear. This is a significant decision.”

“I’ll think about the engagement announcement,” I conceded, watching as my father’s expression shifted to one of satisfaction. “But I need some time.”

“Of course,” Marianne agreed readily, her enthusiasm unwavering. “We can discuss the details later.”

As the conversation shifted to wedding venues and dates, I nodded and smiled at the appropriate moments, all while plotting my next move. They thought they had triumphed, that I had surrendered to their plans for my life.

They couldn’t have been more mistaken.

By the time we finished lunch, my plan was taking shape. Ethan leaned in to kiss my cheek, his touch lingering, sending a shiver down my spine.

“I’ve missed you so much, Aria,” he whispered, his voice low and intimate. “Let me take you shopping on Fifth Avenue? Just like we used to?”

I offered him a noncommittal smile, my heart racing with uncertainty. “That sounds nice.”