The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Ever since he had confessed his feelings, he’d become a hermit of sorts,

spending most of his days tinkering in the kitchen, crafting all manner of comfort

food—from hearty meatloaf to creamy mashed potatoes—eager to please her

every craving.

If he wasn’t fussing over some recipe, he’d be pacing by her side, bombarding

her with questions about everything and nothing at all. The only time he ever

seemed to detach himself was to huddle in his home office, sifting through a pile

of paperwork from the company.

Nights were another story. They were tangled in sheets, his hands wandering,

as if he were trying to memorize every inch of her. And boy, did he run hot. In

Enter title…

the chill of winter, she would often wake in a sweat, overheated from his

furnace-like body.

It didn’t take long for Rose to feel smothered. He was just too clingy.

In response, she threw herself into a slew of activities. Swimming lessons,

which Morrison insisted on teaching himself, were a success, and within days

she was cutting through water with the ease of a natural. He followed her, albeit

reluctantly, to prenatal classes. They went through the motions every expectant

parent did—changing clothes, swapping diapers, bathing—a whole new world

for Morrison.

Initially, he felt embarrassed, but once he realized he was just one of many guys

there, he relaxed. Sometimes, he’d even puff his chest out in pride when he

mastered a task quicker than the others, much to Rose’s bemusement. She

never thought she’d see this side of Morrison, but despite sometimes feeling

overwhelmed by his attentiveness, she couldn’t help but be touched.d2

He was changing, all for her.

—

As her belly grew, so did the discomfort and mood swings. Morrison often found

himself on the receiving end of her unpredictable temper, subjected to the silent

treatment or an icy glare that seemed to come out of nowhere.

This passive-aggressive mastery was her weapon of choice.

Megan would swing by every so often, laden with nutritious treats for Rose and

a good-natured scolding for Morrison. According to her, he could do no right,

and Morrison, well, he just sucked it up and carried on.

One particular day, he made the mistake of leaving the bedroom window wide

open, and boy, did he hear about it.

“Ventilation’s all good and well,” Megan lectured, “but you’re practically

unhinging the window. What if Rose walks in and catches a cold from this draft?

Do you have any idea how dangerous that is for a pregnant woman? Do you

think they’re as robust as you, tumbling around like a bear?”

Rose glanced silently at Morrison, pursing her lips. A bear, really?

Morrison didn’t argue with Megan. Instead, he glanced at Rose and excused

himself, “I’ve got a pot roast in the oven. Better check on it.”

His expression was unreadable, perhaps a sign he’d grown accustomed to the

scolding.

Morrison left, Molly’s gaze towards him still carried a hint of pity.

his bed, now he

Rose company for a while, until Rose excused herself

returned, she

was busy tending to his culinary creation, having

pot. His cooking skills had surged in recent weeks.

mind to, he’d excel at it. As Rose

it was her. He held her hand for a moment before

her, their eyes meeting in a

are you here?” he

leaned in for a kiss, which he deepened, taking control.

released her, her cheeks flushed with

and asked her

been catching so much flak because of me,”

holding onto his shirt.

for me?” Morrison raised an

start taking it out on me one day,” she

nodded solemnly, “Well, I’m keeping a tally. Once you

to collect on every bit of

in

she possessed, caught

adam’s apple bobbed, and the hand on her waist

to kiss her again, his voice husky.

months. This is unbearable…”

pregnancy, he had been warned by the

not to overdo

doctor basically

deeply regretted not having acted sooner, and not taking

after their marriage. It would have

night and day,

words sent Rose’s heart pounding wildly. Her

heart skipping a beat at his words.

restless.”

else but you stirs me up?” he countered, his touch

stay away from you more, then you wouldn’t

about these things all the

her lip playfully, “I won’t allow it. Wherever you go, I

not even a

laughed softly, her hands

this

reach. Out of sight,

ensnared him completely, leaving him without a shred

front

the delightful aroma wafting from the

she asked,

love

nodded eagerly. “When will it be

wait.”

give it five more minutes,” he said, wrapping his arms

watching the pot

in realization. “Oh no. Megan and Molly,

they were still here.”

need to come out. We won’t disturb your lovey-dovey time.”

her voice tinged

see Megan and Molly standing

eyes fixed on

what brings

stand being cooped up upstairs any longer. You two

you don’t want an accident happening at a time

turned a

hear that? You rascal. Keep it

turned and gave Morrison a piece of

mind.

his lips together, feeling

feel like arguing with them now. Once they started, there

to it. He just hoped they would leave

satisfied with his compliant attitude,

by in the blink of an eye. You’ve made it through

can handle

missed a chance to rib Morrison. She shot him a chilly glance,

eyes filled with warning.

Megan and Molly out, Rose

of stew. Then she settled on the

scrolling through her

up and sat beside her, catching a

screen.

game of hers

he’d expressed his displeasure about this, but Rose hadn’t given

you love

has nothing to do with them. Behave, will ya?

did he have to be for her to

comment, he couldn’t very well keep

she was his little queen. She

she took the

her phone for a while, but he couldn’t stand it.