No Second Chances Ex-husband (Lauren and Ethan) novel Chapter 160

CHAPTER 0160

LAUREN’S POV

“Seeing you like this, in this dress, I know I have to consider going into the fashion industry, because why not? Look how beautiful this dress looks on you, how beautiful you’re looking right now,” Tessa said, her voice filled with that dramatic admiration only she could pull off.

—

A smile tugged at my lips as I turned slowly in front of the mirror. The fabric swayed with me, smooth and light, flowing like a soft stream of water. The gown shimmered faintly under the room’s lighting a long, laced, free blue gown that hugged my shoulders but fell freely to my ankles. It was elegant, not too revealing, not too plain, the kind of dress that could make anyone feel important.

Tessa had helped me buy it yesterday after Roman suddenly suggested that I join him to attend the auction event and represent Hale Industries. The moment he said “represent,” my heart nearly stopped. I knew what that meant, it wasn’t just about showing up, it was about being seen.

And that was the problem.

I didn’t feel ready.

Sure, money wasn’t the issue anymore. The gown itself was ridiculously expensive, the kind of price that used to make my heart skip a beat but now, I tried not to think about it. I told myself this was part of the transformation, part of stepping into a new world that Roman was dragging me into. If I was going to represent Hale Industries, I had to look like someone who owned the company, a billionaire businesswoman. Someone who could stand beside Roman and not look out of place.

I let my fingers trace along the soft fabric of the gown. “Maybe I’ll actually pull this off,” I murmured under my breath.

Tessa laughed. “And from your expression, I’m sure you also like the dress.”

“Of course I do,” I admitted, turning again, watching how the lace caught the light.

“I can’t remember the last time I wore something that feels this much alive. It brings me back to my old days when I was a child, spinning in front of the mirror with mom’s oversized scarf pretending it was a ball gown. And… maybe even when I worked that part–time job as a waiter.”

Tessa blinked. “Waiter?”

I laughed softly. “Yeah, weird right? That’s basically the last time I wore something this flowy, we had to wear long skirts for that event job. I hated it then. But now…” I let my words trail off, smiling faintly. “Now it feels different.”

Maybe it wasn’t the gown that felt alive. Maybe it was me.

“A black market auction, huh,” Tessa muttered, breaking my little bubble of nostalgia. Her brows furrowed in that serious way she got when her curiosity turned into worry. “Are you guys going with security? Because that place doesn’t sound safe at all. And how has no one ever heard of it before? I’ve searched it up on the internet and there’s literally nothing about it.”

I sighed, adjusting the strap of my bra beneath the dress. “Well, according to Roman, only the richest billionaires who are known get an invite. Anyone who doesn’t get invited doesn’t even know it exists, let alone where it’s happening.”

Tessa shook her head, still unconvinced. “You’re sure you’re going to be able to manage down there?”

“Honestly?” I turned to face her, my reflection now staring straight into mine. “I’m not sure what ‘down there‘ even looks like. But Roman is going with me, and he’s been there several times. So, yeah… I’ll be okay.”

Even as I said it, I wasn’t sure if I was trying to convince her or myself.

I picked up my purse from the dresser and glanced toward the clock. Roman had texted me a few minutes ago that he was close to my place, which meant I had only a few more minutes left to collect myself before stepping into whatever awaited us.

4/2

CHAPTER 0160

+25 BONUS

I took one last deep breath. “Alright,” I muttered, straightening my posture. “I’m finally ready.”

Now it was just to grab my things and say goodbye to Aria. That part was always the hardest.

Tessa already knew how to take care of her when I wasn’t around, this wasn’t the first time I’d left Aria in her care. Still, every time I walked out that door, a piece of me stayed behind.

The sound of the doorbell suddenly rang through the house, crisp and familiar. I didn’t need to guess who it was.

“Should he come in?” Tessa asked, raising an eyebrow.

“That’s a bad idea,” I said immediately, shaking my head.

Tessa grinned. “Because of Aria?”

“Exactly,” I replied, rolling my eyes but smiling anyway.

“Ever since Roman got her that game console, he became her favorite person in the world. She literally told me I was her second favorite person now just because I’m stricter than he is.”

Tessa laughed, clutching her stomach. “Second favorite? Harsh.”

“Yeah,” I sighed dramatically, pretending to be offended. “Apparently, discipline doesn’t rank higher than gifts.”

I glanced at the mirror again, giving my reflection one final inspection. My makeup was subtle yet sharp, my hair sleek, and the sapphire–blue dress hugged me just right. It was strange, I actually looked like the type of woman who could walk into a billion-

dollar event and not flinch.

“Alright,” I said, picking up my purse and sliding my sunglasses over my head. I rarely wore sunglasses, they always felt too flashy for me but today, I decided to force it. Roman always said presentation mattered.

I turned back to Tessa. “Take care of Aria for me, okay?”

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