No Second Chances Ex-husband (Lauren and Ethan) novel Chapter 96

CHAPTER 096

LAUREN’S POV

Huh. To think that the dress Tessa picked out would fit me this perfectly. I tilted my head slightly as I examined my reflection in the tall mirror, running my eyes over every curve and every fold of fabric. The material really hugged my waistline with just enough firmness to show its narrowness, while the slit running up my thigh

– tasteful but undeniably bold. I turned slightly to the side, pressing my revealed just the right amount of skin palm against my hip, testing how the light caught the sheen of the material. It did exactly what a dress was supposed to do: it highlighted me. It carried my figure.

“You like it, huh?”

I blinked, realizing I had gotten lost in admiring myself. Tessa’s voice rang from the doorway. She leaned casually against the frame, arms folded, lips curved into a knowing smile. Clearly, she had been standing there for a while, watching me drink myself in like I was the finest piece of art on display.

“Well…” I dragged the word out slowly, my eyes flicking back to the mirror as I adjusted one of the thin straps on my shoulder. “This is the first time I’m saying this, but you actually picked an amazing dress for me today.” I allowed my gaze to meet hers in the reflection, lifting a brow ever so slightly.

Her smile widened like she had just won a silent competition. “Of course I did. I always do. You just never gave me credit before. Instead, you called them – what was the word? Oh, yes…slut dresses. But now…” She gestured at me, a sweep of her hand as though presenting me to an invisible audience. “Now you like it.”

—

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t keep the small smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. “You don’t need to give yourself that much credit, Tessa. Anyone could pick out a dress like this, put it on, and still look horrible. The true beauty of the dress doesn’t come from the fabric. It comes from the figure wearing it. And in this case…” I turned, this time facing her directly, my hand resting on my hip with deliberate poise. “It comes from me. So many people still find it hard to believe that I’ve given birth twice and yet I still look like this.” My tone dripped with pride, unashamed and firm.

Her lips twisted into a teasing grin. “Mhmm, look who’s giving herself too much credit now.”

“Confidence isn’t credit,” I shot back smoothly. “It’s simply acknowledging reality.”

The clock on the dresser caught my eye, and I straightened my back. The event was starting in thirty minutes. Time was slipping by, but not too quickly, just enough to allow me to settle a few things before leaving. More importantly, there was Aria to consider. I never left the house without making sure she would be properly taken

care of.

“Alright,” I said briskly, breaking the moment. “Let’s head to the kitchen.”

I stepped out of the bedroom and Tessa followed me like a shadow.

Once in the kitchen, I moved with the practiced rhythm of someone who had done this routine countless times before. “Okay, listen carefully. Aria usually likes to eat noodles in the evening. If she eats something heavy for dinner, it’ll disturb her stomach later in the night. That’s why I always give her something light. So tonight, just noodles.” I pulled out a jug of juice from the fridge and set it on the counter with a soft thud. “And here’s some fresh orange juice I squeezed earlier this morning. Give her a glass with dinner. Finally…” my tone sharpened as I turned toward her “no matter how much she begs or cries, absolutely no Tiktok and no sweets. Understood?”

Tessa leaned against the shelf, her head tilted. “What does TikTok have to do with this?”

A short laugh escaped me, half amusement, half exasperation. “It’s a long story. You know how kids are nowadays they try almost everything they see online. And Aria… well, let’s just say she’s bold enough to attempt things I’d rather she didn’t.” I slipped my feet into my heels, fastening the strap quickly.

She nodded, her expression softening. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.”

“I know you do.” I rose from my seat, smoothing down the hem of my dress. “Wish me luck.”

“You don’t need luck.” Tessa stepped forward, wrapping her arms briefly around me. “You have the talent.”

I allowed myself a small smile at her words before pulling away. “Alright. I’ll see you when I get back.”

I moved toward the door quietly, careful not to make a sound. The last thing I wanted was for Aria to see me leaving, her hands clutching at me as if I were disappearing for days instead of hours. That heartbreak was a scene I couldn’t bear tonight.

The cab ride was uneventful. When we finally pulled up to the venue, I blinked out of my daze. The event was being held in a large art gala, its grand façade glowing under the flood of lights. From the outside, it already looked alive – voices, laughter, and the constant flash of cameras filling the air like a restless heartbeat.

I glanced at my phone, frowning slightly. The event had already started. I could have sworn it was meant to begin in ten more minutes. The time blinked back at me mockingly, proving I was wrong. Of course. Just my luck.

The media swarmed the entrance, their cameras like weapons pointed at anyone who stepped out of a car. They captured every gown, every handshake, every pose. I hated being photographed, especially without my consent. There was something invasive about those flashes, like they weren’t capturing an image but rather stealing a piece of me.

But as uncomfortable as that was, it wasn’t what truly unsettled me. No, what caught my attention, what made my heart dip was the sight of the women walking into the gala. Their outfits.

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