Chapter 5 I'd barely crouched down when Reid arrived and shoved me away . [ ] Lily's lips gradually turned purple , but I caught a flash of triumph in her eyes . " Miss Archer said that since you're sending me away soon anyway , I might as well take one last look at your wedding dress . " ] " I was so envious , I couldn't help getting closer to it , but somehow … I think my asthma got triggered …. " [ ] Reid felt around the dress and found some powder residue . He sniffed it , then turned a razor - sharp gaze on me .[ ] " This is hazelnut powder . Lily's allergic to hazelnuts - you did this on purpose " ] He frantically had his people rush Lily to the hospital . I shook my head in disbelief . ] " I already told you I'm not marrying you - why would I need to hurt her ? " Reid's face darkened and he stopped listening to my explanations , slapping me hard across the face . " Impossible ! You had your wedding dress ready - stop lying ! " " Didn't I make you a promise ? Why can't you just leave Lily alone ? " Reid grabbed my hand and dragged me into the VIP fitting room , then turned off all the lights . " Reid , you bastard ! You know I have claustrophobia ! " ] The VIP fitting room was completely sealed with no windows , just one heavy door . Reid didn't say a word . In the darkness , emergency red lights blinked , and I could hear my heartbeat getting louder and louder . ] Being kidnapped at age ten had given me severe claustrophobia . Back then , when my parents were always busy , Reid would sneak into my room every night and stay until he'd coaxed my frightened self to sleep . ] He used to say : " Don't be scared . I'm here - you never have to be afraid again . " ] But now , through that heavy door , Theard his ice cold voice : ] " Remember today's lesson well . Don't mess with Lily anymore . " [ ] I finally couldn't control my emotions and broke down sobbing . [ ] never messed with her ! I'll stay far away from both of you from now on - please just let me out ! [ ] My pleas were interrupted by Reid's subordinate . ] " Sir , Miss Lily's condition isn't good . " [ |] The footsteps gradually faded away , leaving me trembling in despair . ] I don't know how long passed before the door was finally opened . ] ] It wasn't Reid - it was the bodyguard who'd spoken up for me that day . [ ] My father stood behind him . ] Seeing me collapsed on the floor in such a pathetic state , the stoic bodyguard's face showed indescribable heartache, and my father was furious : " My daughter suffered so much , and I'm only finding out now ! " Before I lost consciousness , I heard my father instructing his people : ] " Don't share that inside information with the Matthews family . Let them keep bidding on that land . " ] My father's hand gently brushed my sweat - dampened forehead . ] " Sweetheart , I thought you were joking when you said you wanted to call off the engagement that day . I never told the Matthews family about it . Since Reid and that little bitch are so perfectly matched … " " This wedding will be my gift to them. They'd better appreciate it ! " In "CEO, That Intern is Actually Your Wife" by CrushReel, delve into a captivating romance where a billionaire CEO becomes contractually linked to an unexpected partner. When faced with the urgent need to fund her grandmother's critical surgery, our protagonist finds herself in a unique situation—entering a one-year contract marriage with a stranger. As the story unfolds, themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of modern relationships come to light. The novel offers a fresh take on the familiar billionaire romance genre by exploring the dynamics of office relationships and the intricacies of contract lovers. Discover this modern tale of unexpected connections and heartfelt emotions, available to read at CrushReel.