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

The ruthless woman.

—

hotel, Rose watched the heavy snowfall paint the

delight

tucked into the pockets of her down jacket, she caressed the

lining, her gaze distant.

back to a snowy

shifts for two months at

platinum bracelet.

bracelet for Morrison’s birthday. A man wearing a bracelet

accessory,

more conventional choice for a

suited the bracelet perfectly. His

ring would look amazing on him, but where did

gift him

born to luxury, were well-formed,

was too commonplace, and far beyond her means. Even

watch Morrison would truly

give him something meaningful,

money.

words at that time,

anyway. Over time, she had also become

looked like mutual disdain, but

understanding between them. They supported

was odd, but as long

any form

the bracelet, might not treat her kindly, but

wouldn’t wear it.

and bonuses,

working nonstop, she

day

arrived at the party, all dressed up,

nowhere to be found.

had given her the address himself and invited her to

when she got there, she was informed

believe it was a cruel joke on her.

that kind of person. Yet, he

attempts, Mona picked up. “Sorry,

new club opening. Where are you?

you still coming? I’ll

she took a

Morrison’s phone went unanswered.

whole night, and the heavy snow almost

box in her pocket turned icy

day she could

erase from her memory no matter how hard she

was Morrison’s last birthday before leaving school. Afterward,

and

the new school year unfolded, the chill in the

barbed exchanges

to a

became invisible to him, not even warranting a single spoken word.

had any opportunity to close

then, graduation came, and they drifted apart, each going their

present she’d never had the chance to

undelivered.

cold wind whistled through

her shiver. Shaking off the chill, Rose

hands out of her

rectangular velvet box. She opened it

and the hotel’s lights gleamed off the simple

inside.

single snowflake danced through the air and

been all the rage back then, and