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

The ruthless woman.

—

Rose watched the heavy snowfall paint

delight

pockets of her down

lining, her gaze distant.

to

months at a jewelry counter, all to afford

platinum bracelet.

for Morrison’s birthday. A man wearing a bracelet

some—a cumbersome accessory, typically feminine.

the more conventional choice for a

suited the bracelet perfectly. His hands were elegant,

artfully slender. A ring would look amazing on him,

to gift him

hands, born to luxury, were

and far beyond her means. Even a

watch Morrison would

to give him something meaningful, something earned with her

money.

use some sarcastic words at that

to her anyway. Over time, she had also become accustomed to

relationship looked like mutual disdain,

They supported each

Their dynamic was odd, but as

any form would

scoff at the bracelet, might not treat her kindly, but that didn’t mean

wouldn’t wear it.

months of night shifts and

nonstop, she

the day before his

when she arrived at the party,

nowhere to be found.

had given her the address himself and invited

she got there, she was informed the party had

want to believe it was a cruel joke on

of person. Yet,

attempts, Mona picked up.

venue last minute for a new club

coming? I’ll text you

snow began to fall heavier as she took a cab to

Morrison’s phone went unanswered.

whole night, and the heavy snow almost

velvet box

night became a day she

her memory no matter how hard

before leaving

and the university

the new school year unfolded, the chill in the air

glacial. From barbed

a

not even warranting a single spoken word. She

opportunity to close

they drifted apart, each going their

she’d never had the chance to give

undelivered.

through

her shiver. Shaking off the chill, Rose blinked and looked down,

hands out of

purple, rectangular velvet box. She

lights gleamed

inside.

snowflake danced through the air and landed gracefully upon

all the rage