Chapter 4 My cheek didn't sting, but the pressure of his Alpha command spread like fire through my veins. I wanted to fight back. But in the corner of my eye, I saw the guests shifting. This was my Coming-of-Age Ceremony. Making a scene would only disgrace the Hawthorne name. Rowan was still hiding behind Draven, that smirk playing on her lips. She leaned against his chest as if they'd rehearsed it. Draven's hand hung in the air-perhaps he realized he'd gone too far. His throat bobbed, as if words were caught there. But Rowan stood on her toes, whimpering, "Draven, my ankle hurts... Is the elder going to blame me?" Her fingers tangled around his wrist, pulling his full attention. The whispers swelled like a tide. Their gazes were like poison darts against my skin. "No manners. She'd hurt her own sister over a mate." "As if she has a chance. Draven would never choose her." Draven glared at me with disgust. "What are you still standing there for? If anything happens to Rowan, you'll regret it." A few of his underlings jumped forward, loud and eager. "Yeah, apologize to Rowan!" "You think just because your father took a cursed blow for the Alpha, you can cling to our next Alpha?" I remembered it all-sacrificing myself for Draven, working myself to the bone to scare off anyone who dared challenge his position. Mistaking ruthlessness for love. Now, it just felt pathetic. He took a step closer, his eyes all feral venom. "Father is about to announce our bond. Be smart-know your place." Then his voice dropped, smug as ever. "Once the bond is set, I'll give you the status you crave. Just stay out of my business with Rowan." I stared straight at him, my gaze locked on his. A melodic bell chimed. The master of ceremonies walked in. "Miss Hawthorne, it is time." His clouded eyes fell on my pale face-a flicker of pity crossed them. Behind him, a figure in a black, custom-tailored suit. His presence was overwhelming, from his jawline, sharp enough to cut, to the faint, unmistakable scent of metal and gunpowder that clung to him. Blaze Grimwood. Magnus's eldest son. Just back from handling "business" in Eastern Europe. Silence hit like a fist. A few of the young heirs in the front nearly stumbled. Someone accidentally dropped their wine glass-crash. The liquid bloomed across the expensive carpet. Even the master of ceremonies flinched. Everyone knew what Blaze was capable of. He had just dismantled an Eastern European conglomerate that had its eye on Grimwood's assets. He still smelled of blood. Blaze stopped in front of me. His keen senses picked up on the Alpha command lingering over me. "Who hurt you?" His voice was sharp, cold as cutting glass. His gaze pierced right through me. I met those deep blue eyes-and saw it. The memory. Him, covered in blood, storming into Draven's penthouse, holding my cold body as if his heart had been shattered. He had avenged me. "It's nothing," I forced a smile, trying to hide the mental fatigue. Draven scoffed, sliding between us. "Blaze, Lyris is my problem. Stay out of it." He puffed out his chest. "She'll be my mate soon. I can handle her." The master of ceremonies frowned, about to speak, but Blaze silenced him with a look. He stepped forward. All sharp angles. His expression even sharper. "Father sent me. He said your ceremony is a clan matter. We're going." I walked past Draven, my steps steady. He leaned toward Rowan, muttering, "See? Still knows how to obey." 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.