---- Chapter 8 On the drive to the port, Samuel ran eight red lights. By the time he got there, one of his tires had blown, but he had not even noticed. "Chief!" Lucas Cole, the officer in charge of the recovery, rushed to greet Samuel, looking apologetic. "Pm really sorry. I know you're in the middle of your wedding, but this...this is something you have to see." Samuel did not respond to the apology, simply extending his hand and saying, "Show me the skull." "Right!" Lucas quickly grabbed a bag from another vehicle and handed it over. "I think the killer wanted to erase every trace of her identity," he explained. " Instead of leaving the head in the safe with the other body parts, they put it in an iron cage with rocks and sank it to the bottom of the ocean. That way, the fish would eat away at the flesh and leave nothing but bones. No evidence. But even the best plans have flaws 0 As Samuel turned the skull over in his hands, ---- inspecting it, Lucas took a drag from his cigarette. " The killer didn't count on past injuries. Those scars made it easy for us to confirm her identity." I could not help but laugh bitterly. Of course. The day I got that injury, Jasmine was busy sucking up to some rich heir who had not kicked her out yet. She was nowhere even near Samuel back then. "Damage to the left jaw. That's from when she tooka bullet seven years ago, saving you," Samuel muttered. "Crack in the brow bone. From nine years ago, rescuing that hostage. The rear of the skull was reinforced with bone cement after she was hit by that car during the escape and had to have brain surgery..." He started to tremble. "It's her... It's really her... But how could it be..." His disbelief thickened with each word he spoke. The longer he stared at the skull, the more his hands trembled I watched him with a mocking smile. Why? Why could it not be me, Samuel? You were always the one who insisted on seeing the facts right that was before your eyes. And now, even with all the evidence before you, ---- you still refused to question Jasmine's lies? Suddenly, Samuel's unsteady hands slipped, and the skull tumbled toward the ground. Lucas reacted quickly, catching it just before it hit the concrete. But Samuel had already turned away, storming off without a word. "Where are you going, Chief?" Lucas called out, holding the skull awkwardly. "Your tire's blown!" "Back to the station. Come on!" Samuel snapped, marching to his car. "Uh, okay." Seeing the storm brewing in Samuel's expression, Lucas quickly signaled the other officers and jumped into his vehicle. The two sped toward the station, racing through the streets. As they arrived, the security guard at the entrance raised an eyebrow. "Chief, isn't your wedding today?" he asked. Samuel did not answer and strode straight to the 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.