The CEO's Rejected Wife And Secret Heir novel Chapter 106

Chapter 106: Chapter 106: Picture taking

Aria pov

I smiled, the muscles in my face felt tight as the camera clicked.

"One more—now everyone look at Noah!"

We looked down. Noah beamed up at us, missing his two front teeth. Pure joy on his chocolate-smeared face. Click.

"Perfect," Olivia said softly.

Lucas appeared beside her, looking at the camera screen over her shoulder. "That’s a great shot."

"It is, isn’t it?" Olivia tilted the camera so he could see better. Their heads were close together, bent over the small screen.

I caught Damien’s eye. He’d noticed too as his lips quivered in amusement.

We stayed like that for a moment. Frozen. Damien’s arm around me felt right. "Cake time!" Someone called.

We moved to the main area where Olivia had set up the magnificent chocolate monstrosity. Four layers of dark chocolate cake covered in chocolate frosting. Chocolate chips pressed into every surface. Chocolate dinosaur decorations perched on top. Candles shaped like the number four blazed, wax already starting to drip.

"Make a wish, baby." I helped Noah closer, lifting him so he could reach.

He closed his eyes tight as his little face scrunched in concentration, nose wrinkling.

The room sang "Happy Birthday." Voices blended together, off-key and enthusiastic. Damien’s hand found mine under the table. Our fingers laced together, his grip was tight as we watched our son.

Noah opened his eyes and blew. The candles went out in one breath as smoke curled up toward the ceiling. Everyone cheered.

"What did you wish for?" Tommy shouted over the noise.

"Can’t tell!" Noah looked between me and Damien. His expression was too meaningful for a four-year-old. "Or it won’t come true."

But I saw it in his eyes, the wish. The same wish he’d probably made on every birthday before this. A family, both parents being together. My throat tightened but I couldn’t swallow.

Damien squeezed my hand. His thumb stroked my knuckles, the touch gentle. He’d seen it too.

The cake cutting became a mess. I noticed Olivia and Lucas working together to serve slices. She handed him plates. He distributed them to parents. They moved in sync, like they’d been doing this for years.

"Here—let me get that." Lucas reached for a plate at the same time Olivia did. Their hands touched as both froze for a second.

"Sorry." Olivia pulled back, her cheeks flushing.

"Don’t be." His voice was soft. "Here—you take this one. I’ll grab another."

I pretended not to watch but I was smiling.

"You’re terrible at being sneaky," Damien murmured in my ear. His breath was warm against my neck, raising goosebumps. "They can probably feel you watching."

"I’m not watching."

"You’re staring."

"I’m observing." I turned to him. "There’s a difference."

"Whatever you say." He was grinning now. "But for the record—I think it’s working."

It was. I could see it in the way Olivia relaxed around Lucas. The way he found excuses to stay near her. The way they both smiled—soft and hopeful.

"Thank you," Damien whispered. "For today, for all of this."

"It’s his birthday." But my voice was soft. "You should be here."

"I want to be here for all of them." His breath tickled my skin. "Every birthday, holiday, every ordinary day."

"Damien"

"I know." He pulled back slightly. His hand was still on my waist. "One day at a time, but Aria—this feels right. Doesn’t it? The three of us?"

It did. God help me, it did.

"Presents!" Noah announced, chocolate covering his face like war paint.

The present opening was controlled chaos. Noah tore through wrapping paper. The sound filled the room—ripping, crinkling. He exclaimed over each gift. Dinosaur toys. Books. Art supplies. Building sets. His thank-yous were automatic, rushed, eager to get to the next one.

Lucas had gotten him an expensive science kit. The box was heavy.

"This is amazing." Olivia leaned over to look at it. "Noah will love this."

"You think so?" Lucas looked pleased. "I wasn’t sure what four-year-olds are into these days."

"It’s perfect." She smiled up at him. "Very thoughtful."

Damien’s jaw tightened slightly, but he said nothing.

"And this one" I handed Noah the biggest box. My muscles strained. " is from Daddy."

Damien looked nervous as his fingers tapped against his thigh.Noah ripped the paper off. It came away in huge chunks. Inside was a medium-sized animatronic T-Rex. Not the twelve-foot monstrosity Damien had originally wanted, but impressive.

"It roars!" Noah pressed a button as the T-Rex let out a realistic roar that made several children jump. "It’s perfect!"

He launched himself at Damien. His small body hit hard enough to make Damien stumble back a step.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify