---- Chapter 7 Just one sentence made his face turn deathly pale. "Do you deserve my forgiveness?" The words hung in the air like a death sentence. Max's whole body trembled as he collapsed to the ground, his sunken eyes filled only with despair and regret. "TZ... L.." he stammered, but no words came out that could possibly justify what he'd done. His hands shook violently as the weight of his betrayals crashed down on him. He began nervously tearing at his dry, peeling lips until they bled profusely, but he didn't stop. The physical pain was nothing compared to the agony in his chest. "Sister, please," he gasped between ragged breaths. " I know I don't deserve anything from you. I know I'm worthless." ---- I turned to walk away, but his voice cracked with raw desperation. "Wait! Please don't leave me like this!" I didn't want to waste any more time on him, but I heard his persistent voice behind me: "Tt's okay, sister. You're my only family now." His voice was barely a whisper, broken and hollow. "You don't have to forgive me, but I won't give up. I'll spend the rest of my life atoning for over a decade of mistakes, even if it kills me." "T'll prove to you that I remember who I really am. I'll make them pay for what they did to mom. To you. To us. I paused for just a moment, feeling nothing but emptiness where concern for him used to live. I didn't take it to heart and left without looking back. Behind me, I could hear him sobbing, but his tears meant nothing to me now. ---- Some wounds cut too deep. Some betrayals couldn't be undone with regret. I returned to the hotel and casually packed up my few belongings. The room felt suffocating with all the memories of this trip. Every corner reminded me of why I'd come here and what I'd discovered. But tomorrow would be different. Tomorrow I would celebrate new beginnings. The next day I went out to attend my best friend's wedding. Bella was getting married to her mate from the neighboring Crescent Moon Pack. I'd met her when I was working hard to become a healer, back when my world was still full of hope. Back then, I was bullied at home by them, and during my studies other wolves were also bribed by Serena to isolate and bully me. 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.