---- he said coldly: "You've been deceiving us this whole time? Who gave you the guts to fool an Alpha!" His voice carried the full authority of his position, making the room vibrate with power. Max also abandoned his usual compliance, filled only with hatred: "So you really did kill my mother." His voice broke on the word 'mother.' Years of suppressed memories came crashing back. The "accident" that wasn't an accident. The lies they'd fed him about Maya being jealous and destructive. Serena's family was scared senseless. The wine glass slipped from my father's hand, shattering on the floor. Serena's mother's face went ashen, her mouth opening and closing like a fish. ---- Especially Serena, who frantically threw herself onto the bed and squeezed out two tears, saying weakly to Garrett: "No, Garrett, this isn't real. You misunderstood what we were saying." Her voice immediately shifted back to that sickeningly sweet tone. "Maya has been bullying us all along. We just hoped these things would happen-" "We were just... just venting our frustrations. You know how she treats us." "Shut up! You still have the nerve to mention Maya?!" Garrett went insane with rage and kicked over Serena, who was still trying to slander me. She flew across the room, hitting the wall with a sickening crack. He trembled with fury as scenes from the past dozen years flashed before his eyes like a movie reel. ---- Every time he'd chosen Serena over Maya. Every time he'd dismissed Maya's tears as jealousy. Every time Maya had tried to tell him the truth and he'd refused to listen. He didn't dare imagine how desperate he would feel if their positions were switched... How many nights had Maya cried herself to sleep while he comforted her tormentor? Twelve years... How many things were real, or had Serena been lying and deceiving him from start to finish? And how many times had he hurt Maya because of it? Every cruel word. Every dismissive gesture. Every moment he'd made Maya feel like she was nothing. Garrett didn't dare think about it. The more he considered the possible answers, the more his anger reached unbearable levels. Serena was terrified. 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.