All three saleswomen opened their mouths wide, confusion visibly painting their faces. I felt as if most of the tension left my body as he made me the boss of him. He led me to the sofa in the middle of the luxurious atelier, and then said a few words to one of the ladies. I had no idea what he said, but it couldn't be anything polite since she bowed apologetically before darting to the back of the boutique. Suddenly, some other lady appeared in front of me, a nervousness flashing through her smiling face. "Would you like some tea or coffee... Mrs. Lan?" she asked. My jaw dropped, hearing her call me that. At least, now I was able to guess what Neil had said to that other lady. Nonetheless, it surprised me. Wasn't my engagement sup posed to be a secret? I glanced at Neil and saw a wicked grin on his face. Suddenly, I understood everything. I was the one who asked for this. I w as the one who wanted to play a b i gger role in Aren ' s plan, and my first assignment had already begun... "A green tea would be nice," I said calmly to the agitated saleswoman before straightening my back As the lady disappeared to prepare my drink, Neil gave me a brief nod of approval and stepped closer before leaning over me. "Good job, Ms. Bell. Mr. Lan's future wife needs to have more confidence," he said, lowering his voice. "This date... Will there be any paparazzi?" I asked, matching my voi ce vo lume with Neil's. "Good guess." He softly chuckled. "So... our relationship will become public..." I muttered almost breathlessly. "It is essential that everyone realize that Mr. Lan's relationship is something seri o us," he confirmed. I smiled wryly. "Wow... I suddenly felt like a shooting duck." "I'm glad to be on board... even though I have no idea where this ship is cruising..." I laughed nervously . His response didn't help dissolve my anxiety, but I was the one who accepted Aren's condition. I guessed that I would have to trust him and believe that he had hi s reasons for not telling me everything A minute later, three boutique saleswomen came back with my green tea and tons of beautiful and insanely expensive dresses. Neil was the one who helped me pick the right one. After an hour of trying different designs, I walked out of the dressing room in a silky, bottle-green, fitted dress on thin straps. I stood in awe in front of the mirror, watching how the fabric emphasized my breasts without exposing them too much. The cut complimented my waistline, amazingly presenting my hourglass figure. "That's the one," Neil agreed, grinning. I sighed in relief. I would hate to wear something that would make me feel uncomfortable, and this dress gave me all the confidence I needed. Moreover, I was glad that this whole preparation part was over... or so I thought. "Great!" Neil excitedly clapped his hands. "Now for the hair and makeup." I should have known that it wasn't the end of torture. After two additional hours, I w as proven that my dull blond hair could actually shine and fall gracefully in commercial-like smooth waves, and with a finished makeover from the makeup artist, I could barely recognize myself in a mirror. "Ms. Bell, you are ready to show yourself to the world," Neil announced, offering his hand to lead me out to the car . I grinned at him. I would never have thought that I cou ld resemble someone I could see in Preparations tabloids, and moreover, I didn't dis like it . I found it s trange to discover that I could act uall y look like one of those rich girls withou t having plastic surgery . Someho w , I started to look forward to my date ... In "America's Favorite Ex-Husband" by CrushReel, follow the journey of an aspiring writer whose life takes a dramatic turn after rescuing a rising Hollywood starlet. A decade later, Daniel finds himself as America’s beloved ex-husband to a prominent figure. This modern drama delves into themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the complexities of relationships against the backdrop of a writer's mansion. Through compelling character dynamics and unexpected twists, the narrative unfolds with a blend of intrigue and emotional depth. As Daniel navigates his newfound role in the limelight, the story explores the price of fame and the intricacies of personal identity in a world driven by public perception. With a seamless fusion of writerly insight and mansion-set drama, this ongoing series captivates audiences with its unique exploration of modern-day complexities. What sets "America's Favorite Ex-Husband" apart is its ability to seamlessly weave together elements of personal growth, societal expectations, and the pursuit of authenticity. Readers are drawn into a world where fame and reality collide, leaving them questioning the true nature of success and fulfillment. Dive into this captivating narrative available to read online at CrushReel for a riveting exploration of love, ambition, and the allure of stardom.