Chapter18 Weston Vale dragged his battered body once more to Jewel Whitmore's side. In his arms he carried a massive bouquet of roses, and a stock transfer agreement. Years ago, he had dreamed of giving her half his fortune. But after tasting even a fraction of the agony she had endured, he realized money meant nothing. He would give her everything. Whatever she wanted, whatever he had, it was hers. He waited for her outside her office with trembling anticipation, rehearsing in his mind the moment she might forgive him. But the sight that greeted him shattered his fantasy. A man stood at Jewel's side, close enough to make Weston's chest constrict. "Weston. What are you doing here?" Jewel's voice was cold, her eyes colder still. The disgust in her gaze pierced him deeper than any knife. He forced himself to smile. "Jewel... you used to love roses the most. I've atoned, I've paid for everything. Please, give me one more chance." Her expression didn't soften. Before he could say more, the man beside her snatched the bouquet and tossed it straight into a trash bin. "You call this love?" he sneered. "You've paraded roses for years, and never once realized she's allergic to them?" The fallen roses scattered like blood at Weston's feet. His vision went hot. He fixed his eyes on the stranger, rage trembling through him. "Don't you dare interfere between us. Jewel loves roses!" The man, Preston Hale, laughed with open contempt. "No, Vale. That was your fantasy." The tension between them crackled, seconds away from exploding. Jewel stepped forward, her voice cutting through. "Enough. He's right. I've always been allergic." She tugged up her sleeve, revealing the faint rash, tiny red welts dotted along her pale skin. "I never loved roses. You did. I only told you I liked them... because it made you happy." The words gutted him. Weston froze, heart pounding so hard it felt like it would tear free. He thought back to every bouquet she had accepted, every smile she had forced through the itch and pain, just to please him. "Jewel..." His vision blurred, tears burning his eyes before he even knew they'd fallen. He tried to speak again, but Preston stepped between them, voice hard. "You heard her. Leave. Jewel is with Chapter18 15.00% me now. We're getting married. You're not welcome here." The finality in his tone was a blow. Weston's world tilted. "Lies," he rasped. "She's mine. She's Jewel, not 'Whitmore,' not your bride!" He lunged forward to seize her wrist, Preston's fist struck his jaw with a brutal crack, sending him sprawling. "I've tolerated you long enough. Touch her again, and you won't walk away next time." Straightening his suit, Preston pulled Jewel protectively to his side. Weston lay on the pavement, winded, the fabric of his shirt pulling back to reveal the patchwork of scars across his ribs and abdomen. For one desperate moment, he looked up, begging silently for Jewel to glance at him, to see him. But she never turned. Her entire focus was on Preston, her hands gently brushing over him to check for injury. That tenderness, that devotion, it was a blade driven straight through Weston's chest. Chapter18 Title: CEO, Your Wife Is Gone Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, CEO, Sweet Romance, Modern, Romantic Status: ongoing In "CEO, Your Wife Is Gone," Elise battles cancer while striving to fulfill her role as the perfect wife to George. Trinity, Elise's sister, orchestrates a deceitful scheme against her... Embark on a heartfelt journey in this modern romance novel that explores themes of love and betrayal amidst the challenges of illness. Follow Elise as she navigates the complexities of her relationships and confronts unexpected twists orchestrated by those closest to her. What sets "CEO, Your Wife Is Gone" apart is its poignant portrayal of love tested by adversity and the resilience of the human spirit. Dive into this captivating narrative filled with emotional depth and intricate character dynamics. Discover the unique blend of romance and suspense that defines this captivating story available to read at CrushReel. Experience the emotional rollercoaster of Elise's journey online at CrushReel today.