The CEO's Rejected Wife And Secret Heir novel Chapter 105

Chapter 105: Chapter 105: The Birthday Party

Aria’s POV

The penthouse looked like a dinosaur had exploded inside it.

Green and orange streamers hung from every surface I could reach. Balloon dinosaurs bobbed against the ceiling, their strings tangling together. The "Dinosaurs with Volcanoes" banner stretched across the main living area, slightly crooked because Damien had insisted on hanging it himself. The T-Rex piñata dangled near the windows, swaying in the breeze from the terrace.

"Mama, look!" Noah pointed at the massive bouncy castle taking up half the terrace. His whole face lit up. "It’s so big!"

"It’s very big." I shot Damien a look over Noah’s head.

He shrugged, that boyish grin spreading across his face. "I may have underestimated the size on the website."

"You ordered a commercial-grade bouncy castle for eighteen four-year-olds."

"Is that bad?"

"It’s insane." But I was smiling, couldn’t help it. "They’re going to love it."

The elevator dinged. Olivia stepped out carrying an enormous cake box, her auburn curls fighting against the wind from the terrace. She was already breathing hard.

"Please tell me that’s the chocolate monstrosity Noah requested." I moved to help her, taking one side of the box.

"Chocolate cake, chocolate frosting, chocolate chips, and—because I’m extra—chocolate dinosaur decorations." We set the box on the counter together. The cardboard was warm under my hands. "This thing weighs more than Noah."

"You’re the best." I pulled her into a hug. She smelled like sugar and vanilla.

"I know." She pulled back, surveying the decorations. Her eyes went wide. "Damien went all out, didn’t he?"

"That’s one way to put it." I glanced at where Damien was testing the bounce castle with Noah, both of them laughing as they jumped. The plastic squeaked under their weight. "He’s been planning for weeks."

"It’s sweet." Olivia leaned against the counter, her hip pressing into the marble. "Seeing him try so hard."

"It is." I watched them together. Damien’s suit jacket was already off, sleeves rolled up. Noah was gripping his hand, bouncing higher. "I just hope nothing ruins it."

"Nothing will ruin it." She squeezed my arm, her fingers were warm. "Today is about Noah. Everything else can wait."

The next hour was chaos. Children arrived in waves, their parents lingering to admire the penthouse. I heard the whispers—couldn’t help but hear them. Voices carrying across the marble floors, echoing off the high ceilings.

"Is that really him?"

"Damien Blackwood hosting a birthday party?"

"I heard she disappeared for years..."

I smiled through introductions. Shook hands that felt limp and judgmental. Accepted their polite congratulations that didn’t reach their eyes and tried not to think about what they were really thinking. That I was the woman who’d trapped a billionaire with a baby. That I’d disappeared for years and come back for money. That I didn’t belong in this world of wealth and power.

"Stop it." Damien appeared at my elbow, his hand finding the small of my back. His palm was warm through my blouse. "Stop thinking whatever you’re thinking."

"I’m not"

"You’re doing that thing where you smile but your eyes go distant." His thumb traced circles on my spine, the pressure gentle but grounding. "They don’t matter, only Noah matters today."

"I know." I leaned into his touch without meaning to. "I just"

"Daddy!" Noah crashed into us, dragging another boy by the hand. Both their faces were flushed from jumping. "This is Tommy! He wants to see the dinosaur room!"

"There’s a dinosaur room?" Tommy’s eyes went wide as saucers.

"Of course there’s a dinosaur room." Damien crouched to their level, his knees cracking slightly. "Want me to show you?"

"Yes!" Both boys chorused, their voices high and excited.

"Go." I laughed, pushing him gently. "I’ll handle the other arrivals." 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

Damien stood, pressing a quick kiss to my forehead. His lips were soft, warm. "You’re amazing."

Then he was gone, leading a parade of children toward the room he’d spent the last week transforming. Their footsteps thundered down the hallway. I could hear excited chatter, questions tumbling over each other.

"That man is whipped." Olivia appeared with juice boxes, the plastic packages crinkling in her arms. "Like, embarrassingly whipped."

"He’s just trying to be a good father."

"He’s trying to win you back." She handed me a juice box. The box was cold, condensation already forming. "And honey, it’s working."

"It’s not"

"It was adorable." Lucas Hayes stepped onto the terrace, holding a wrapped present. His tie was loosened, jacket rumpled. "Sorry I’m late, work emergency."

Perfect timing.

"Lucas." I smiled, genuine this time. My plan from yesterday clicked into place. "You didn’t have to come."

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