The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 48

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

I blinked rapidly, my mind swirling in confusion. Sunlight poured through the window of a room that was unmistakably not my own bedroom. As the memories of the previous night came crashing back—Devon, the excruciating pain, the sterile smell of the hospital—I felt a wave of discomfort wash over me.

“Sophia? What are you doing here? How did you—” I stammered, still trying to piece together the fragments of my disjointed thoughts.

“Kane Technologies has a stake in this private clinic,” she replied, her tone a mix of concern and authority as she handed me a cup of cool water. “When I couldn’t reach you this morning, I tracked your phone to this address. I was worried sick. Then I saw the name on the building and immediately called Christopher Quinn.”

I took a tentative sip of the water, the cool liquid soothing my dry throat as I processed her words. “Chris told you?”

“Don’t change the subject,” Sophia said gently, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Why didn’t you call me if you were having one of your episodes? You know how severe they can get.”

A heavy sigh escaped my lips. “It came on so suddenly. I didn’t have time to—”

My reply was abruptly cut off by the shrill ring of my phone. Sophia raised an eyebrow and handed it to me, her expression questioning.

Ethan’s name lit up the screen, and I hesitated, contemplating the option of ignoring the call. But I knew that would only lead to more probing questions from Sophia, and I wasn’t ready for that.

“Hello?” I answered, forcing my voice to sound steady and composed.

“Aria, darling, where are you? Did you forget? Our families are meeting at Le Bernardin in two hours to discuss the engagement announcement.” Ethan’s tone was cheerful, as if the chaos of the previous night with Scarlett had been nothing but a fleeting memory.

I closed my eyes, a dull headache beginning to throb at my temples. “I didn’t forget. I’ll be there.”

“Perfect! Just wear something elegant, but not too flashy—”

“I’ll handle it, Ethan,” I interjected, cutting him off before he could elaborate. “See you at the restaurant.”

I hung up, meeting Sophia’s inquisitive gaze, which was brimming with questions.

“Don’t,” I cautioned her before she could speak. “Not now. I need to get ready. Come with me, Sophie.”

Standing in the heart of the Fifth Avenue boutique, I was enveloped by the vibrant colors and textures of designer dresses. Sophia circled around me, her critical eye assessing the white lace dress I had just tried on.

“Turn around,” she commanded, twirling her finger in the air like a director signaling for a performance.

I complied, the delicate fabric swirling around my ankles as I spun slowly. The dress cascaded to the floor, adorned with intricate lace detailing across the bodice and sheer long sleeves. It was undeniably elegant and refined, but most importantly, it was nothing like my usual style. Typically, I gravitated toward sophisticated power dresses in bold hues, structured blazers, and sleek silhouettes. This ethereal white creation was the polar opposite: soft, innocent, and almost bridal in its appearance.

“What do you think?” I asked, smoothing my hands over the delicate fabric as I studied my reflection. “Is it too much?”

Sophia’s expression shifted, a blend of surprise and approval crossing her features. “It’s definitely not your usual style. You look like…”

“A perfect fiancée?” I suggested, a playful smile tugging at my lips as I admired my reflection. I had also had the salon stylist craft my chestnut hair into an elegant updo, leaving a few tendrils to frame my face. The overall effect was one of carefully curated innocence.

My father was the first to notice my entrance. His conversation with Ethan’s father faltered mid-sentence as I approached. William Harper’s expression was a curious blend of approval and calculation, likely assessing how my appearance would factor into his business merger.

“Aria,” he said, standing to greet me. “You look lovely.”

Before I could respond, I caught sight of Marianne. Ethan’s mother’s face had paled slightly, her eyes locked onto me with an unreadable expression. I knew what she was seeing—the ghost of my mother’s elegance intertwined with a deliberate echo of Scarlett’s style. The effect seemed to unsettle her deeply, which was precisely my intention.

“Mrs. Blake,” I greeted her warmly, extending my hand with a practiced smile. “It’s so wonderful to see you again.”

She recovered quickly, taking my hand in both of hers, her grip firm yet fraught with tension. “Aria, darling. You look… absolutely breathtaking. So much like your mother.”

A twinge of genuine emotion surged within me at the mention of my mother, but I quickly pushed it aside. “Thank you. That’s the greatest compliment I could receive.”

Victoria, my stepmother, observed our exchange with thinly veiled irritation. She was dressed in an expensive navy suit that screamed corporate power rather than family warmth—a stark contrast to my soft white lace.

“You’re late, Aria,” she noted, glancing at her diamond-encrusted watch with a disapproving frown. “We’ve been waiting for fifteen minutes.”

“I apologize for the delay,” I replied sweetly, forcing a smile. “I wanted to look perfect for such an important occasion. After all, we are discussing my future.”

Scarlett, who had been sulking silently beside Victoria, suddenly perked up. She wore a pale pink dress that complemented her blonde hair, but her smile didn’t reach her eyes as she approached me.

“Sister,” she exclaimed with exaggerated enthusiasm, air-kissing both my cheeks. “You look absolutely gorgeous today!”