The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 45

**Dust Writes New Stories by Rei Holt Wilder**
**Chapter 45**

**Aria’s POV**

Blue Sapphire stood as a beacon of exclusivity in the heart of New York, a nightclub reserved for the crème de la crème of society. The velvet ropes were a mere formality; the security personnel greeted Ethan with a nod that spoke volumes of his status as a regular patron. I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension as we stepped inside, the atmosphere enveloping us like a warm embrace.

The interior was a lavish spectacle, adorned with modern décor that exuded opulence. Soft blue lighting danced off the walls, while crystal chandeliers hung like stars suspended in the night sky, casting a dreamlike glow over everything. The air pulsed with the rhythm of music, and I could see fashion elites swaying to the beat near the DJ booth, their designer outfits glimmering under the lights. Ethan expertly navigated through the throng of bodies, leading me to a semi-private alcove where a group of impeccably dressed men and women raised their glasses, champagne bubbling over the rims.

“Look who’s graced us with their presence!” a blonde woman exclaimed, her voice cutting through the chatter. “Fashion’s most enviable couple in New York!”

Ethan’s friends erupted in cheers, toasting to our so-called “reconciliation.” I forced a smile, but my mind was already racing with potential excuses to make a swift exit.

In an unexpected moment, Ethan tapped his glass, the sound commanding immediate silence. All eyes turned toward us, the anticipation palpable.

“With everyone gathered here tonight, I want to make this moment official,” he announced, his voice brimming with pride as he produced a small blue box from his pocket.

My heart raced, surprise washing over me. This was not what I had anticipated. He opened the box to reveal a simple diamond ring. While it was elegantly crafted, it paled in comparison to the stunning blue sapphire ring I had chosen at Tiffany just the day before. So, he hadn’t even purchased the ring I selected. How utterly ridiculous.

As admiration echoed around the room, my gaze drifted to the entrance where a familiar figure stood—Scarlett. She wore a pure white dress that seemed to glow under the club’s lights, her demeanor radiating an unsettling vulnerability. The sight of her instantly froze Ethan’s smile, and I could sense the tension ripple through his friends.

Scarlett’s eyes met ours, and she feigned shock, covering her mouth in exaggerated surprise before quickly pivoting to leave. Ethan’s expression morphed into one of panic. “Excuse me, I… I need to use the restroom,” he stammered, urgency lacing his words.

I understood immediately what was happening. “Not a problem, I should touch up my makeup anyway,” I replied, masking my own unease.

As soon as we stepped outside the VIP section, I discreetly trailed Ethan, my heart pounding with a mix of curiosity and dread. Instead of heading toward the restroom, he veered toward the garden terrace, his pace quickening. I followed closely behind, careful to remain unnoticed.

The garden terrace was a serene oasis amidst the bustling club, with only a few couples whispering sweet nothings in the corners. Ethan approached Scarlett, who leaned against the railing, her white dress reflecting the moonlight like a beacon. I ducked behind a large planter, my phone poised to record the unfolding drama.

“What are you doing here?” Ethan’s voice was low, laced with irritation.

Scarlett pouted, her vulnerability morphing into seduction. “I don’t care about titles, Ethan. I just want to be with you. I missed you today, and when I heard you were coming, I thought I’d drop by.”

“This is too risky. If Aria finds out…” Ethan’s voice was tinged with anxiety as he scanned the area for prying eyes.

Scarlett stepped closer, wrapping her arms around his neck with a boldness that made my stomach churn. “She won’t find out. Besides, don’t you want to see me?”

I watched as Ethan’s resolve visibly crumbled, his hands instinctively finding their way to Scarlett’s waist. “Next time, don’t do this. We can have our fun privately, not out in the open. Everyone knows you’re mine, babe,” he murmured, his voice dripping with possessiveness.

“Aria! What a delightful surprise!” Christopher exclaimed, his enthusiasm a stark contrast to Devon’s indifference. “Join us!”

“Sorry for barging in,” I said, feeling awkward. “I was just looking for… the restroom.”

“Down the hall, turn left at the end,” Noah replied calmly, though curiosity flickered in his eyes regarding my unexpected appearance in this members-only enclave.

“Thank you, I… I should go,” I said, stepping back while feeling Devon’s eyes on me once more, his silence heavy and unyielding.

“Don’t be in such a hurry,” Christopher urged. “We’re discussing next week’s charity gala—perhaps you could lend us some marketing insights?”

“Maybe another time. I have prior commitments tonight,” I declined, eager to escape the weight of their scrutiny.

As I turned to leave, I caught sight of a blonde woman approaching the room—Caroline, the woman Devon’s mother had chosen for him. As we passed each other, she offered me a knowing look, her lips curving into a subtle smile that felt like a dagger in my side.

I hurried away, my emotions swirling in chaos. On one hand, I had successfully gathered damning evidence against Ethan and Scarlett; on the other, Devon’s cold indifference and Caroline’s presence left me feeling inexplicably wounded.

But this was the game I had chosen to play, wasn’t it? In this high society built on deception and intrigue, everyone played their part—and I, Aria Harper, was no exception.