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.

climbing the social ladder with a

The ruthless woman.

—

outside the hotel, Rose watched the heavy snowfall

to delight in the sudden

tucked into the pockets of her down

lining, her gaze distant.

mind wandered back to a snowy day

two months at a jewelry counter, all

platinum bracelet.

bracelet for Morrison’s birthday. A man wearing

to some—a cumbersome accessory, typically

more conventional choice

felt Morrison suited the bracelet perfectly. His hands were

ring would look amazing on him,

to gift him

hands, born to luxury, were well-formed, suited

was too commonplace, and far

a watch Morrison

wanted to give him something meaningful, something earned with her

money.

some sarcastic words

that to her anyway. Over time, she had also

like mutual

between them. They supported each

“friends.” Their dynamic was odd, but as long as there was

form would

at the bracelet, might not treat

wouldn’t wear it.

and bonuses, she was

working nonstop, she finally had enough

day before his

birthday, when she arrived at the party, all

nowhere to be found.

had given her the address himself and invited

she got there, she was informed the

it was a cruel joke

of person. Yet, he wouldn’t answer her

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

new club opening. Where are

still coming? I’ll

snow began to fall heavier as she took a

Morrison’s phone went unanswered.

that for a whole

into a snowman. The velvet box in her pocket turned

became a day she could never forget

her memory

was Morrison’s last birthday before

and the university

school year unfolded, the chill in the

barbed exchanges and frosty comments,

to a state of complete

not even

opportunity to close that

they drifted

never had the chance to give

undelivered.

of cold wind whistled through the

her shiver. Shaking off the chill, Rose blinked

her hands out

lay a purple, rectangular velvet

and the hotel’s lights gleamed off the

inside.

single snowflake danced through the air

had been all the rage back then, and