---- Chapter 5 The mention of "Serena" brought Garrett back to his senses. He blinked hard, trying to shake off the shock of seeing that small skeleton in the box. Maya's child. His child. The reality of what he'd lost hit him like a physical blow, but he forced himself to focus. He forced a smile and nodded, pulling his gaze away from that delivery box. "You're right," he said hoarsely. "Serena needs me." He followed Max to the hotel room where Serena was resting. Before coming, Garrett had told everyone else not to reveal anything-he wanted to give Serena a surprise. "She'll be so happy to see you," Max said excitedly. " She's been asking about you all day." ---- "The healers said she shouldn't be stressed, so this will be perfect." But just as they reached the room door, they heard bursts of laughter. Garrett paused, his hand on the doorknob. Something about that laughter felt wrong. The door was left slightly ajar. Garrett peered through the gap and froze. Serena, who in his memory was always pale and weak from the poison, now looked rosy-cheeked and energetic. She was sitting up straight, gesturing animatedly as she spoke. On the sofa in front of her sat my father and Serena's mother, both looking extremely smug. Especially Serena's mother, who was playing with all the various gifts Garrett had bought. The expensive jewelry. The rare healing potions. The priceless artifacts he'd traveled across continents to ---- find. "Our clever little Serena is so smart, pretending to be silver poisoned," she cackled. "So what if Garrett's an Alpha? He's still being played like a fool." "Hahaha, we just made up a fake diagnosis and he believed it completely." Garrett's blood turned to ice. His hand gripped the doorframe so hard his knuckles went white. Serena's mother's tone was sharp and nasty. She exchanged a look with my father and sneered mockingly: "My daughter really has the charm. Maya liked him for over ten years and it was useless." "That pathetic girl never stood a chance against Serena's beauty." "From now on, Serena will be Luna, and the whole pack will be under our control." In "Cinderella's Glass Slipper: The One I’ve Always Loved" by CrushReel, a heartfelt romance unfolds between a woman and the president she has long admired since youth. Overcoming insecurities about her appearance, she finds herself working closely with him as his assistant, leading to unexpected twists and turns in their relationship. This modern romance novel explores themes of self-acceptance, unrequited love, and the dynamics of power and attraction in an office setting. The unique blend of billionaire CEO dynamics, hidden feelings, and the revelation of secrets adds layers of intrigue to the story, keeping readers captivated as the plot unfolds. What sets this novel apart is its delicate balance between sweet romance and the complexities of relationships in a contemporary workplace. With each chapter, readers are drawn deeper into the emotional journey of the characters as they navigate their growing connection amidst professional responsibilities and personal desires. For those seeking a compelling tale that combines elements of romance, secrecy, and personal transformation, "Cinderella's Glass Slipper: The One I’ve Always Loved" is available to read at CrushReel, offering a captivating escape into a world where love conquers all.