Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Standing in front of the mirror , Stephanie Giovanni studied her reflection , her lips curling into a soft smile . Stunning , she murmured , her voice barely above a whisper . The gown hugged her slender waist , flowing into a skirt that reminded her of something straight out of a fairytale . Her face , still free of makeup , looked just as delicate and enchanting in the natural light . The shop manager was adjusting the pleats on the gown . She couldnt resist commenting , Why isnt Mr. Ashford here with you ? Men and women , theyve got different tastes , you know . A faint smile tugged at the corner of Stephanies lips . She glanced at the manager with a shrug . You know men . Busy with work . Cant get away . Just then , her phone vibrated on the nearby counter . Stephanie glanced at the caller ID before answering , Ella On the other end , Ella Turners voice came through quickly , almost breathless . Stefi , I saw Olivia and Christ The moment she heard those names , Stephanies fingers tightened around the phone , her knuckles going white . The smile that had lingered on her face slowly faded , replaced by a chill in her eyes . Chris Ashford her fiancé was just a week away from marrying her . And Olivia Hart , just hearing her name disgusted Stephanie . Stephanie looked over at the shop manager , who immediately nodded in understanding . With a silent gesture , the manager ushered the staff out of the room . Once the room was empty , Stephanie lowered her gaze to her perfectly manicured nails . Where did you see them ? she asked casually . Ellas voice cracked with urgency . At the hospital . In the obstetrics and gynecology department Stephanie raised an eyebrow , a quiet laugh escaping her lips . Quite a special place , she muttered , her expression turning to one of thinly veiled sarcasm . A man and a woman in the obstetrics and gynecology department ? Stephanie didnt need to think twice to know why . Ella , still flustered , pressed on . That Olivia is a calculating bitch , and Chris is an idiot . You shouldnt marry him ! While Stephanie seemed calm , Ella was seething with anger . Stephanie sipped from the water cup on the table , unfazed . Every time she calculates , the troubles on ME . Why are YOU so worked up ? When she was leaving two years ago , Olivia begged for Stephanies forgiveness in tears . And now , she came back and threw herself on Chris , again . Am I a pushover ? Or just too kind ? Stephanie thought to herself . Ella didnt let up . Shes picking the perfect time just before you and Chris are about to get married . Shes clearly up to 1/3 12-26 Mon , 3 Mar Chapter 1 something . Stephanies eyes sharpened , her grip on the phone tightening . Im hanging up now , she said flatly . Ellas voice was frantic . What are you going to do ? Stephanies lips curled into a thin smile . Someones made a bad calculation . Im going to teach her how to do the math . Then , she ended the call , the silence that followed settling in like a weight . Staring at her reflection in the mirror , Stephanie reached up to touch the bust of the dress . With a sudden , sharp rip , she tore the gown in half , throwing the pieces to the floor . The sound of fabric ripping echoed through the silent room . The saleswomen gasped in shock , their eyes wide . But when they saw the cold fury in Stephanies expression , none of them dared to move or speak . After shed changed back into her own clothes , her phone vibrated again . She glanced at the screen Chriss name . Without a word , she answered , and his voice came through immediately , firm and clipped . Once youre done with the fitting , come to the office . For the past two years , Chris had always been gentle and considerate . Now Olivia is back , he suddenly became cold . This abrupt shift in tone made the already cold room feel even colder . A flicker of sarcasm flashed in Stephanies eyes . She couldnt be bothered to respond . Without hesitation , she hung up . Half an hour later … Stephanie stepped into Chriss office . He was standing by the floor to ceiling windows , speaking on the phone . Bathed in sunlight , he looked every bit the image of refinement and gentleness . His perfectly sculpted profile was hard to ignore , the kind of face that made it impossible to look away . His appearance was so rare and flawless , it seemed like something most people in Long Harbor City could only dream of . Noticing her presence , Chris quickly muttered into the phone , Cant join you for lunch today . He hung up and walked over to the nearby leather couch , settling into it with a soft creak of the cushions . The warmth from the phone call seemed to vanish in an instant , replaced by an icy coldness that darkened his expression . His eyes locked onto Stephanie , and his voice became clipped as he ordered , Come here . Stephanie held his gaze , not moving an inch . The tension between them was thick , hanging heavy in the air . Unlike the usual routine , she didnt sit beside him . Instead , she chose to sit across from him , maintaining a distance that mirrored the coldness between them . Chriss eyes narrowed , and the coldness deepened . 2/3 12:26 Mon , 3 Mar Chapter 1 Click the sound of a lighter echoed through the silence . The faint smell of gasoline hung in the air . Irritated , Stephanie waved her hand to fan it away , her nose wrinkling slightly at the scent . 54 % Chris , unfazed , took a drag from the cigarette , exhaling slowly . Then , with a hint of reluctance , he spoke . Olivias back . For a split second , guilt flickered in his eyes , but it disappeared almost as quickly as it had come . Then came the words that froze her . Our wedding … it has to be postponed . Stephanie had already seen this coming after the call with Ella . Her voice was cold as she asked , What do you mean ? Their wedding should have nothing to do with Olivia . Chris exhaled another cloud of smoke , his tone steady as he explained , Shes sick . Its terrible . As he spoke , he handed her a file , adding , The admission letter from the University of Saint Peter . You should go study there . His voice had an almost condescending edge , like he was giving her an order . Stephanie glanced at the file in his hand but didnt reach for it . A small , almost playful smile tugged at the corner of her mouth . Sending me abroad ? Getting out of your way ? she asked , her voice dripping with sarcasm . Chriss face darkened , his jaw tightening . Isnt this the school youve always wanted to go to ? Now youve got the chance … Chris Ashford ! she interrupted sharply , her voice cutting through the tension like a knife . Without waiting for him to finish , Stephanie reached forward , snatched the envelope from his hand , and tore it apart . The pieces of the envelope scattered across the floor , and the last shred stuck to her hand . Without a second thought , she tossed it straight into Chriss face . His expression shifted , the warmth draining from his eyes . Stephanie didnt spare him another glance . Postpone he wedding ? Dont bother . Its canceled . She let the words hang in the air , the finality of them cutting through the room . Postponing ? She couldnt bring herself to consider it . Canceling would be easier . In "Someone Loved is Never Lost" by CrushReel, readers are immersed in a captivating CEO drama that explores the intricacies of love, loss, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of corporate power struggles and personal relationships, this ongoing novel delves deep into the lives of its characters as they navigate the complexities of both the boardroom and the heart. Themes of ambition, betrayal, and resilience intertwine with complex character dynamics, making for a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. CrushReel's unique storytelling style brings a fresh perspective to the CEO genre, offering a blend of emotional depth and strategic intrigue that sets this novel apart from others in its category. What makes "Someone Loved is Never Lost" special is its ability to seamlessly blend high-stakes corporate drama with heartfelt human connections, creating a story that resonates on multiple levels. Available to read at CrushReel, this novel promises a literary experience that will leave readers eagerly anticipating each new chapter.