The CEO's Rejected Wife And Secret Heir novel Chapter 93

Chapter 93: Chapter 93: The Gala

Aria pov

A few days later i stood in front of my closet, staring at the emerald green gown I’d bought specifically for tonight. The silk was cool under my fingertips when I touched it, it was stunning and elegant and showed just enough skin to be interesting without being scandalous. The kind of dress that made men look twice.

"Mama, you look like a princess!" Noah appeared in my doorway, his eyes wide. His hair was still messy from playing while he had a juice stain on his shirt.

"Thank you, baby." I smoothed down the silk, clinging to my curves. "You think so?"

"The prettiest princess." He nodded seriously. "Right, Daddy?"

I turned to find Damien standing behind Noah. His expression was frozen. His hands gripped the doorframe so tight his knuckles had gone white.

"You look" His voice was hoarse."You look beautiful."

"Thank you." I reached for my earrings, my hands trembled slightly as I fastened them.

"Lucas is a lucky man." The words sounded like they were being dragged from him.

"It’s just business." But my throat felt tight saying it.

"Right." He didn’t believe me, I could see it in his eyes. "Just business."

My phone buzzed against the dresser. The vibration loud in the sudden silence.

Outside, take your time.

"He’s here." I grabbed my clutch. The leather was soft and warm from sitting in the light. I checked my reflection one last time. Red lipstick, my hair curled and pinned up. The emerald dress catching every bit of light.

"Aria." Damien caught my arm as I moved past him. His fingers were hot against my skin. "If you need anything—anything at all—call me. I’ll be there in five minutes."

"I’ll be fine."

"I mean it." His grip tightened, i could feel each finger pressing into my skin. "If Marcus shows up, if anything feels wrong—"

"I’ll call." I softened. "I promise."

He released me slowly. His fingers dragged across my skin as he let go. I felt their absence immediately, the cold rush of air where his warmth had been.

"Have fun," he said, his jaw was clenched so tight I could see the muscle jumping.

"I will." I kissed Noah’s head."Be good for Daddy."

"Always am!" Noah grinned.

I left before I could change my mind. My heels clicked on the marble floor as each step echoed in the hallway. Lucas waited by his car. The night air was cool against my bare shoulders. I could hear traffic in the distance, the rustle of wind through trees. He looked impeccable in a tuxedo, his cologne hit me when I got closer—expensive but unfamiliar.

"Wow." He whistled low. "You’re going to break hearts tonight."

"Just one, hopefully," I muttered.

"What?"

"Nothing." I took his offered arm. "Let’s go."

As we drove away, I looked back at the penthouse. The leather seat was cold beneath my thighs. Damien stood at the window. Silhouetted by light. Watching us leave. Even from here, I could feel the intensity of his gaze.

My phone buzzed in my clutch, the vibration soft against my hip.

You look like everything I’ve ever wanted and can’t have.

I stared at the message. My heart was racing i could feel my pulse in my throat. In my fingertips where they gripped the phone.

Another text came through.

But I’m not giving up. I’ll wait as long as it takes.

And then a third.

Even if it kills me.

I turned off my phone as the screen went black. I settled back in my seat. The guilt twisted in my stomach.

"Are you okay?" Lucas glanced over. "You look tense."

"Fine." I forced a smile but my cheeks ached from holding it. "Just nervous about the event."

"Don’t be, you’re going to be the most stunning woman there. They won’t know what hit them."

The gala was being held at the Bellamy Hotel. One of the most exclusive venues in the city, we pulled up to valet parking. Camera flashes exploded like lightning. Bright and blinding as I blinked away the spots in my vision.

"Ms. Monroe! Over here!"

"Lucas! Who’s your date?"

"Are you two together?"

I smiled for the cameras, the flashes were hot on my face. Posing briefly before Lucas guided me inside.

The ballroom was magnificent, chandeliers threw rainbow prisms across white tablecloths. The air was thick with perfume and the sweet smell of roses. Hundreds of them. White and pink and cream. Their scent was almost overwhelming. The city’s elite mingled with champagne glasses. Their laughter filled the air, high and bright and fake.

"Shall we?" Lucas offered his arm.

We made our way through the crowd,the floor was marble. Slippery under my heels that I had to concentrate on each step. Lucas introduced me to everyone.

Instead, I kept thinking about Damien at home with Noah. About the look in his eyes when I’d left. Like I was taking something vital when I walked out that door. About his texts burning a hole in my clutch.

"Aria Monroe." A familiar voice made me turn.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify