---- Chapter 7 Samuel froze. His entire body tensed, and he nearly dropped his phone. Jasmine rushed to steady him. "What's wrong, Sam? Are you okay?" But Samuel did not even look at her. His grip tightened around the phone as he demanded, "Are you sure?" "You know I was part of her extraction once, Chief." The voice on the other end sighed. "During that mission, she took a bullet to the jaw while protecting me. It left a distinct scar on her lower jawbone. The skull we pulled up is completely skeletal, and there's a small indentation in the same spot. Any officer could tell at a glance it's the kind of damage only a bullet could leave." The veins on the hand Samuel used to hold his phone bulged from his tightening grip. His brow furrowed deeply, his expression turning more conflicted by the second. ---- But why? Was he not happy? Why wasn't he smiling? "Of course, just to be sure..." The voice trailed off, sensing Samuel's disbelief. "We'll run a DNA test..." But Samuel was not listening anymore. "T'm coming over right now!" Samuel barked, and without waiting to end the call, he spun around and leaped off the wedding stage. Jasmine's face went pale. "Sam! Where are you going?!" Samuel hesitated as if jolted out of a dream. He tooka deep breath and turned back, forcing a smile. "It's nothing. A lead on an old case just came up, and an informant insists on meeting in person." "You can't be serious, Sam." Marcus! voice cut in, half -scolding. "Even for a case, you can't just abandon your bride in the middle of the ceremony." "You're unbelievable, Chief," Dylan added with a shake of his head. "How about you give me the address and I'll go instead. I'll record everything, word for word. You're supposed to be the dashing ---- groom today." Samuel opened his mouth as if ready to argue, but stopped short. Jasmine seemed to sense something, and she slipped her fingers through his. "Sam..." "Jas, be good," Samuel said, cupping her face gently. " This case is really important to me. I'm sorry I can't finish the ceremony with you, but I know you'll understand, won't you?" His tone was tender, but his gaze... It was cold and calculating. I knew that look all too well. It was the same look he gave me when I first questioned his relationship with Jasmine. It was the same look of feigned affection but carried no true emotion. How ironic. Back then, Samuel used that same act on me to sneak off and meet Jasmine. And now, he was using it on her. This time, it was to rush off and inspect my remains. ---- Panic welled in Jasmine's eyes. She clutched his hand tighter, desperate to hold onto him. "But Sam, today's our wedding..." "T'll be gone only a little while," Samuel reassured her with a smile, gently removing her hand. He patted it softly. "Keep our guests entertained for me. I'll be back in an hour, I promise." Tears shimmered in Jasmine's eyes, but she nodded, biting her lip. "Okay, I'll be waiting." "Good." Samuel smiled once more before turning and walking out of the wedding hall. No matter how much Marcus called after him, Samuel did not look back. And once again, I was pulled along with him, my thoughts growing more and more tangled. What was he doing? Why had he not told Jasmine about that phone call? News about finding the skull was cause for celebration for everyone at the wedding, was it not? Was it not a victory for them? 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.