Chapter 14: A Child Without a Mother is Like a Weed Ben years had brought significant changes to the city and technological advancements. Lily was like a curious child; her fascination was evident in her sparkling eyes. She made no effort to hide it, appearing naive and innocent. However, this was only a metaphor; her demeanor didn’t. suggest inexperience. Observers were more likely to assume she was playing coy. This was the assessment of a woman in the same boutique. Seeing John behind Lily, she ‘solidified her theory: the girl was deliberately feigning naiveté to attract older men! And her companion was clearly a successful businessman! The woman, dressed in a revealing outfit, adjusted her wavy hair, subtly highlighting her best profile. She was also captivated! His deep eyes, calm demeanor, and sophisticated air exuded an undeniable charm. Even in casual attire, his physique was impressive; broad shoulders, a narrow waist, long legs. Perfection. She bit her lip; a perfect catch! She adjusted her top, revealing more cleavage, and accentuated. her curves. She casually picked up a dress and headed. to the fitting room. Passing John, she pretended to trip, her arm brushing against his waist, hoping he’d steady her, allowing her to fall into his arms, using her body to her advantage. It was a foolproof plan…. except John wasn’t playing by the rules. The instant she stumbled, John stepped aside and shoved a nearby sofa in her path. Before she knew it, she was sitting on the sofa. Undeterred, she quickly composed herself Looking up with a captivating gaze, she said. sweetly, “You scared me!” She planned to than and start a conversation, ideally exchanging John didn’t give her the chance. He pulled out a black card and told a sales associate, “Clear the . The sales staff recognized these weren’t ordinary wealthy people. The black card made her gasp. It was a Centurion card; only twenty existed globally, and just two were in the country. Its holder’s spending at their store alone exceeded nine figures! She was awe–struck. John had such a card because he purchased every new item Lily favored from her favorite brands for fifteen years. He believed she’d return, and some items were limited editions–what if she wanted them? He’d bought every item in the store for Lily, but didn’t mention it. She’d said shopping wasn’t about buying things, but about the experience. The woman thought she was skilled, but John wasn’t fooled. His status guaranteed that women. would always pursue him, even if he was married. He was immune to such tactics. He could see through them instantly. Only Lily could truly captivate him.. Lily emerged from the fitting room without noticing the commotion. She’d heard some noise but had dismissed it as the store music. Did someone fall?” she asked, thinking she’d heard a gasp. “Someone tripped, but the staff helped them up. They’re fine,” John answered, gazing at Lily in her white dress.“Lily, you’re beautiful. I want to kiss you.” His words distracted her. playfully hit his arm. “Behave yourself!” Chapter 14 A Child Without a Mothe He often kissed her unexpectedly, perhaps due to the long separation. But it was understandable; she was his precious treasure, his lost and found. John actually said so while kissing her. “How’s this dress?” “Beautiful. Stunning.” Across the street, two girls used their phone cameras to zoom in on the couple. They weren’t stalking, just observing. That woman is hilarious. I thought she was scheming, but her tactics were so cliché!” The redhead chewed gum, laughing and commenting. Noticing her friend’s silence, she cleared her throat. “Amy, I think your dad really cares for stepmother. Everyone said her uncle and aunt were a loving couple, but her uncle was impatient. when shopping with his wife; never like Amy’s father. Though they couldn’t hear what they were saying, it was clear they were deeply in love. “Again, she’s not my stepmother, and she’s just my dad’s girlfriend, easily replaceable!” Amy’s face darkened. They were out shopping again after yesterday’s unsuccessful trip. After lunch, seeing her father, Amy stopped before reaching him, seeing Lily. She and Linda started “stalking” them. Amy felt awful. Her father had never taken her shopping, yet he was happily shopping with this woman! She didn’t even have a black card from that brand, but he’d used one for this woman! She only realized the card’s significance wher has a black card? You waited half a mont store was cleared. Linda exclaimed, “Your dad that bag? He could’ve just used the card!” This was salt in the wound. For the sake of appearances with Linda, Amy held back; if she was alone, she’d be crying. This was what it meant to be a child without a mother! If her mom hadn’t died, that woman ⚫ wouldn’t be here! Amy glared at Lily, then said to Linda, “You have to help me at the banquet tomorrow!” “We’re friends! I’ve got your back!” Linda gave a thumbs–up. Amy nodded, taking a deep breath, and glared again at Lily. She would get rid of that woman!! In "CEO's Wife with Many Identities" by CrushReel, follow the captivating journey of a protagonist striving to reclaim her grandfather's cherished heirlooms. Barred from an appraisal event due to concealing her true identity, she grapples with the repercussions of her secrecy. Amidst themes of family legacy and hidden truths, this modern romance unfolds in the opulent backdrop of a billionaire CEO's world. As the drama escalates within the luxurious mansion setting, the tangled web of contract lovers adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative. What sets this tale apart is its exploration of love, wealth, and deception against a backdrop of power dynamics and emotional entanglements. Engaging and immersive, "CEO's Wife with Many Identities" promises readers a unique blend of romance and suspense. Available to read at CrushReel for those seeking a story that defies convention within the realms of billion-dollar empires and complicated relationships.