20.00 % Chapter 3 . I stared at James in disbelief . Back then , it was him who had muscled into others ' business and gotten ambushed . I was the one who charged into enemy territory to take down their leader , the one who saved his life at the cost of my baby . I remembered him kneeling in front of me afterward , slapping himself ninety - nine times , blood running from his nose , his face swollen , his sobs desperate as he swore : " Lola ! If I ever betray you in this life , may I be struck by lightning ! " " All my life will forever be bound to you ! " " I am nothing but your loyal hound until my last breath ! " Those vows still rang in my ears . James had sealed off all news , forbidding anyone to gossip about my child . He knew that wound was forbidden , untouchable . We never spoke of it , but together , we prayed for that little one's soul . And now I met his slightly . gaze , let go of Freya , and watched relief ease across his face . His tone even softened " Lola , your temper- My knife drove straight into his brow . I smiled . " James , the one who betrays true love must swallow a thousand needles . That was the first . " The blade sank deep into flesh , then slid free . Blood splattered hot across my face . I looked at the ruined scar where his so - called badge of honor had once been , and I laughed coldly . Freya shoved me hard . I stumbled back , lifting my head to meet her furious eyes . " How dare you hurt him ! " The next second , I headed to her . My palm cracked across her cheek . Chapter 3 30.00 % " If you had even half the ability you pretend to , you wouldn't just be a pampered canary . " I fisted her hair , my heel slamming into her knee until she collapsed , forced to kneel at my feet . " Either make me take you seriously , " I said , voice low , " and replace me as Mrs. Richards- " I leaned down , smiling against her trembling face . 11 -or wait until the day I destroy you . ' Freya's eyes were red , her body shaking like a cornered fawn , but her voice trembled with defiance . " If you have the guts , kill me ! Otherwise , I'll never leave James ! I'll stay with him for the rest of my life ! " Her tear - filled eyes reflected the sunset glow . I froze on the spot . A memory surged . When I was sixteen , my father was ambushed and thrown into the sea . My mother sacrificed her life to push me to shore . The sunset was dyed with blood . And James was standing on the shore waiting for me . Later , the reckless boy wielding nothing but raw courage , carving a path through blood and fire , shouted at me : " Miss Thomas ! Run ! " My heart raced with panic , but I charged headlong into the chaos regardless , fighting alongside James until we made it through to today . Now his hand shoved me away , blood dripping from his wounded brow , sliding down his lashes like scarlet tears . " Lola , " he gritted through the pain , shutting one eye , " you've truly disappointed me . " I'm not refusing divorce because of love . " James pulled Freya into his arms . " It's because your parents saved me . Because you and I once bled together . Don't push my patience any further , or you'll regret it . " Freya sobbed hysterically uncontrollably in his embrace . " James , I don't wanna stay here ! Never ! " She clutched at his collar , her desperation turning hysterical . " Please , I'm scared ! I don't wanna live together with this lunatic ! She'll kill me , she'll definitely kill me ! " Chapter 3 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.