The CEO's Rejected Wife And Secret Heir novel Chapter 108

Chapter 108: Chapter 108: Marcus’s Threat

Aria’s point of view

"I know, sweetheart. I know," Olivia said through the phone, her voice crackling slightly. "But listen to me. You’re doing the right thing. You’re protecting Noah, That’s what matters."

I pressed the phone harder against my ear. My other hand gripped the edge of the kitchen counter, knuckles white. "What if he finds us anyway?"

"Then you’ll deal with it. Like you’ve dealt with everything else." Her voice was steady, firm. "You’re the strongest person I know, Aria. You survived Damien, you built an empire from nothing. I know you can survive this too."

"I don’t feel strong." My voice cracked. The words feeling hollow on my tongue.

"You never do, but you are," she said gently. She let out a breath, long and tired. "How long will you be gone?"

"I don’t know, maybe until Damien handles Marcus." I laughed, the sound bitter and sharp in the quiet kitchen. "However long that takes."

"Okay. Well, I’m here. Whatever you need, if you want me to fly out there"

"No. Stay safe and stay away from this mess." I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand. The skin came away wet.

"This mess is my best friend’s life," Olivia’s voice was firm, almost angry. "So I’m here. Always. Got it?"

"Got it." I wiped my eyes again, harder this time. "Thank you."

"That’s what I’m here for," she said warmly. She paused. "Now go pack. Keep Noah safe and Aria?"

"Yeah?"

"It’s okay to let Damien help. I know you are being careful but right now, you need him."

"I know." The admission hurt coming out.

"Good, call me when you get there. And text me every day or I’ll lose my mind."

"I will. I promise." I said sniffling slightly.

"Love you, babe."

"Love you too."

I hung up as I stared at the phone for a moment. The screen went black, reflecting my tired face back at me.

Damien appeared in the doorway. His footsteps had been silent on the hardwood floor. "Ready?"

"No." I pocketed my phone. The weight of it felt heavy against my thigh. "But let’s do it anyway."

Damien’s POV

I moved through the penthouse like a machine. Clothes. Toiletries. Noah’s toys, documents and cash. Everything fits into three suitcases and two backpacks. The sound of zippers filled the air, sharp and final.

Aria packed Noah’s things with shaking hands. I could hear her breathing, fast and shallow. She folded his dinosaur pajamas, the fabric soft and worn between her fingers. Tucked his favorite books into the side pocket of his backpack. The books made a soft thud against each other.

"We need to wake him," I said quietly, keeping my voice low.

"I know." She looked at the bedroom door. Her jaw was tight. "I hate this."

"I know." I stepped closer. The floor creaked under my weight.

We moved together into Noah’s room. The nightlight cast a soft blue glow across the walls. He slept on his back, mouth slightly open. His chest rose and fell with each breath.

"Baby." Aria sat on the edge of his bed. The mattress dipped under her. "Noah, sweetheart wake up."

"Mm?" He stirred, rubbing his eyes with small fists. "Mama?"

"Hey, baby. We need to go on a trip." She smoothed his hair back from his forehead as her hand trembled.

"Now?" He blinked at the window, squinting. "It’s dark."

"I know. But Daddy has a surprise for you. A special house with a big yard."

"Really?" He sat up, suddenly interested as the blanket pooled around his waist. "Can I bring my T-Rex?"

"Of course." I handed him the dinosaur. The plastic was warm from being near his bed. "And all your other toys. They’re already packed."

"Cool!" He scrambled out of bed, his bare feet hitting the floor with soft pats. "Are we flying?"

"Private plane." I lifted him onto my hip, he was warm and heavy with sleep. "How does that sound?"

"Awesome!" He wrapped his arms around my neck. His breath was hot against my collar.

"Portland," Aria said softly, wrapping her arms around him. "It’s far away. But it’ll be an adventure." 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

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