Chapter5 The shout "Mr. Sterling is here!"-hit the chaotic room like a pause button. - The fists and kicks raining down on me stopped instantly. Everyone turned toward the restaurant entrance. Claire Whitman froze too. The knife and fork dropped from her hands. Her once-arrogant face crumbled, tears streaking her cheeks. She clutched the red marks on her neck from where I had grabbed her and ran toward the door, crying out. "Honey! You finally came!" "W-what a scare!" Tears streaming, she threw herself into Edward Sterling's arms like a frightened, helpless little rabbit. Edward held her close, his expression dark and brooding-but his voice was soft, almost unbearably gentle. "Don't be afraid, darling. I'm here, baby." Hearing him speak with such affection and concern sent a sharp pang through my chest. All these years of marriage... Edward had been nothing but perfect toward me, attentive, considerate, the kind of husband everyone praised. He managed my family's business flawlessly and became the revered CEO everyone admired. Outside, he was a proud, untouchable iceberg. At home, he was gentle, thoughtful, personally taking care of every detail of my life, pampering me like a child. Wherever I needed him, whatever I asked, he would drop everything and come running, holding me close, whispering softly. "Don't be afraid, darling. Daddy's here." I had always believed this tenderness beneath the icy exterior was only for me. I had believed he truly loved only me. Now, hearing those exact words directed at Claire, the irony stung like fire. So... love could be faked, after all. Once Claire was comforted, Edward's tone instantly shifted, razor-sharp and commanding. "What's going on?" Claire forced out a few tears. Chapter5 "Honey... it's those two cheap idiots I just called you about!" "They ordered braised salmon, complained it was pre-made, refused to pay, and caused a huge scene, disrupting our business!" "There was an old lady too. She cursed me and then faked illness to scam us. But while faking it... she actually had a heart attack and died!" "And the young one went crazy trying to attack me!" "Look at my neck! She tried to strangle me!" "If it weren't for our staff, you might not even be seeing me right now!" She twisted the story so convincingly. Within minutes, she had shifted all blame and responsibility onto me and my mother-in-law. The surrounding staff echoed her words. "Yes, Mr. Sterling. The boss lady is right!" "Those two bitches came here just to pick a fight and get a free meal!" "You really need to stand up for the boss lady, or else anyone and everyone will start bullying her in this restaurant!" Even the crowd, realizing the restaurant owner was Edward Sterling, CEO of the famed Whitemore Group, sided with Claire. The whispers turned into open accusations, calling my mother-in-law and me "troublemakers" and saying we "deserved it." Listening to the crowd, Edward's face darkened to stone. "And those two? Bring them to me." Claire immediately led him through the crowd, pointing at us with a loud voice. "Honey... it's these two bitches!" 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.