The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

“As for Morrison Witt’s birthday bash, it had no conflict with my press

conference. I mean, the Spotlight Beauty launch isn’t exactly a 24-hour

marathon, right? It’s practically wrapping up as we speak.”

The reporter piped up, “What about Witt’s ex-girlfriend? Her sudden return and

staying at the same hospital—why are both of them hospitalized at the same

time?”

“His ex just got back to town, and now Witt’s throwing this massive birthday

shindig. You sure she’s not a factor in this?”

Rose flashed a casual smile. “Just wanted to have a birthday celebration, you

know? Sometimes, there isn’t a hidden agenda. My husband and I are solid. I

Enter title…

wish folks wouldn’t read into things too much. Like my colleague just said,

today’s all about the new line from Spotlight Beauty. Let’s keep things

professional and focus on the product, shall we? Thanks for your support.”

Once these issues were on the table, there was no way the focus would shift

back to the company’s new products. For them, gossip was a far juicier story

than any product launch.

Handing the mic off to the host, Rose turned with a smile and headed

backstage. Only when she was out of sight did her smile fade.d2

A colleague, worried, followed her backstage where she was sipping water from

a thermos. “Mrs. Witt, you okay?” they asked.

Rose set down her cup and smiled, shaking her head. “I’m fine, really.”

“But are you and Mr. Witt really all good?”

The questions from the reporters weren’t baseless. Spotlight Beauty’s launch

and Witt’s birthday party were the talk of the town in R City. This couple, always

so private yet always the talk of the town, suddenly found their high-profile

events clashing head-on. It was hard not to pay attention.

Was everything between her and Morrison really okay? She didn’t know.

And as for what was happening at Morrison’s birthday party, she was in the

dark. From the reporters’ questions, it was clear Mona hadn’t shown up at the

party yet. If she had, the reporters’ reactions would have been far more intense.

The situation was already tense, but if Mona made an appearance, Rose would

be in the eye of the storm. The whispers, the sneers, and the vile comments

online would all be amplified by Mona’s presence at Morrison’s party. She’d

have to face the accusations she’d always tried to ignore, the ones she

pretended didn’t bother her:

The homewrecker.

schemer climbing the social ladder with a

The ruthless woman.

—

watched the

delight in

the pockets of her down jacket, she

lining, her gaze distant.

wandered back to a snowy day

had worked night shifts for two months at

platinum bracelet.

birthday. A man

to some—a cumbersome accessory, typically feminine.

the more conventional choice for

suited the bracelet perfectly. His hands were

artfully slender. A ring would look amazing

gift him

luxury, were

too commonplace, and far beyond her means. Even

watch

something meaningful, something

money.

definitely would use some sarcastic words

Over time, she had also become

like mutual disdain, but there was

them. They supported each

Their dynamic was odd, but as long

form

at the bracelet, might not treat her kindly,

wouldn’t wear it.

two months of night shifts and bonuses, she was still short on

and working nonstop, she

day before his

Morrison’s birthday, when she arrived at the party, all dressed up,

nowhere to be found.

her the address himself and invited her to come, albeit

there, she was

want to believe it was a cruel joke on her. She trusted

Yet, he

attempts, Mona picked up. “Sorry, Morrison decided to

venue last minute for a new club

you still coming? I’ll text you the

began to fall heavier as she took a cab to the new location.

Morrison’s phone went unanswered.

a whole night,

velvet box in

became a day she could never forget in her

memory no

before leaving

began, and the

the new school year unfolded, the chill

barbed exchanges and frosty comments,

to a state

not even warranting a

to close that growing

came, and they drifted apart,

never had the chance

undelivered.

of cold wind whistled through the trees,

the chill, Rose blinked and

out of her coat

palm lay a purple, rectangular velvet box. She opened

and the hotel’s lights gleamed off

inside.

snowflake danced through the air and

rage