pter 5 . The bandage pressed against his brow was already seeping through with blood . The banquet hall had erupted into chaos . Screams tore through the air , someone shouting above the din : " What the heck is going on ? Isn't tonight supposed to be the big night where Mr. Richards introduces his girlfriend ? " " Who the hell are you ? " " You dare point a gun at Mr. Richards ? Do you have a death wish ? " " Everyone knows in San Diego , the Richards calls the shots ! " There was always some lapdog willing to bark on James's behalf . " Watch yourself , or you won't live long enough to regret it ! " But the man's words died in his throat , his eyes bulging . A scream split the air . A knife had pierced his arm , freezing his gesture mid - air . Blood dripped steadily , each drop echoing like the ticking of death itself . The man trembled , wetting himself in terror , and finally stammered out : " Thomas ! It's Lola Thomas ! " I stepped from the shadows to the front of the stage , my blade spinning lightly in my hand , eyes locked on James , on the gun aimed at his scarred brow and the fury carved into his face . " James , " I said with a smile . " How's that island in the Malay Archipelago ? Beautiful ? " The cold steel of the knife caught the light as I tilted it . " James and Freya , sounds matched to a ring , huh ? " " And the dove - egg - sized diamond ? " I flicked the blade toward Freya . James , who had been silent and brooding , finally exploded . " Lola , what the hell are you doing ?! " he roared . " You bring these people here , for what ?, A declaration of war ? Gonna drag us both down , burn everything to the ground ? " Even now , James was convinced this was just jealousy , me blowing up at another woman . Chapter 5 50.00 % " I can't stand you anymore , " he sneered , eyes blazing . " Look at yourself . What kind of wornan acts like this ? Look at other girls , they know how to be gentle .. But you ? You're always ready for war ! " His accusations should have cut deep , but instead , I realized something shocking : my heart no longer raced for him . Even when faced with his mockery , my heart'remained unnervingly calm , as a still , dead pond . " Lola ! " He took my silence for guilt . " I've tolerated you long enough . But if you keep pushing , don't blame me for forgetting the past . " Just then , a memory struck me : Freya appeared on the screen , draped in a silk robe , smiling with malice , her words slithering into my skin . " Do you know why James loves me instead of you , Lora ? " Her voice was soft , but it vibrated through me like thunder shaking my very soul . " Because when James signed his first big contract - the one that proved he had the power to stand on his own - the client demanded you in bed before they'd agree . And James agreed . " Her words curled around my throat like a venomous snake . " That child you thought was his ? He never was . " That's why , every time in your most intimate moments , it occurred to him how filthy you truly were . " " Lola , you lost from the very beginning . If James had ever truly loved you , he would never have let another man touch you , let alone carry his child . Even that so - called ambush you thought was fate ? All of it was James's plan , designed to get rid of that bastard once and for all . " That bastard ? The child I carried for nearly six months ... Suddenly , all the pieces fell into place - his constant disinterest , the way he'd insisted on invasive tests even when routine checkups were normal . Not because he cared for the child's health , but because he wanted DNA for a paternity test . It was a lie , from beginning to end . Chapter 5 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.