I woke to the sound of heated voices arguing outside my hospital room . Without warning , the door flew open . Ronan burst in , still wearing his wrinkled wedding suit , looking like he hadnt slept in days . In his trembling hand was a paper charm that had been meticulously pieced back together with tape . His eyes brimmed with emotion as they met mine . Anya , my memorys returned . I remember everything . Im so sorry , his voice cracked . This was all my fault . Youve been through hell because of me . But Im back now , and I swear Ill never leave your side again . My gaze drifted from his face to the charm in his hand . That charm was from five years ago , when he lay supposedly dying after the accident . Despite my own injuries , I had dragged myself up the treacherous path to Paro Taktsang Tigers Nest Monastery clinging to steep cliff faces in Bhutan . For two grueling hours , Id climbed endless stairs carved into the mountainside , desperate to reach the Buddhist master who could bless a charm that might save Ronans life . Id collapsed on that mountain path , the precious charm clutched in my bloodied hands , nearly dying from exhaustion and my own wounds . Yet he had died anyway , and in that video , hed torn the sacred charm to confetti , laughing at my devotion as if it were the punchline to a joke . How touching that hed taped it back together now . Paper can be mended . Trust , once shattered , cannot . Drop the act , Ronan . Ive known you werent amnesiac from the beginning . I found out the day you faked your death five years ago . His expression froze , morphing from tender devotion to naked panic as he reached for my hand . Seeing my newly reattached finger , he pulled back abruptly . He raked his fingers through his hair , his voice breaking with desperation . So thats it ? You married my Chapter 7 uncle just to get back at me ? This whole thing was some elaborate revenge plot ? Im not you , I said , meeting his gaze directly . I genuinely fell in love with Calix . Ronan left looking like a man whose world had collapsed . I thought Id made myself perfectly clear , but a week later as I was being discharged , I found him waiting at the hospital entrance . He had clearly been there for hours . Spotting me , he rushed forward eagerly , but before he could even touch me , Calix shoved him back with enough force to send him sprawling . Scrambling to his feet , Ronans eyes blazed with fury . You calculating bastard ! You were the one who sent Anya that video five years ago . You orchestrated this whole thing ! He turned to me , his voice breaking . Anya , cant you see it ? Calix doesnt love you hes been playing you from the start . Hes manipulated everything ! My expression hardened as I walked toward him . As hope flickered in his eyes , I slapped him across the face with my good hand . Does it really matter who sent the video? Were you not the one who faked your death ? Who pretended not to remember me ? Who spent five years with my stepsister ? Who cut off my finger ? My voice was steady but cold . Ronan , let me be crystal clear whatever we had died five years ago . I love Calix now , and hes the only man Ill ever love . From now on , address me as your aunt . Watch your words and dont embarrass the family any further . With that , I turned away without another glance , taking Calixs tense hand in mine and giving it a gentle , reassuring squeeze . The rigid set of his jaw instantly softened at my touch . Chapter 8 Chapter 8 In "Country Gal to CEO's Bride" by CrushReel, Emma, a resilient country girl who has overcome hardships, finds herself entangled in a twist of fate when she mistakenly marries the dashing stranger, William. Transitioning from rural life to the bustling city, Emma's journey unfolds with unexpected turns as she navigates the complexities of her new life and relationship. As Emma grapples with the challenges of her newfound status as William's wife, themes of resilience, adaptability, and the clash of backgrounds come to the forefront. The magnetic pull between the two protagonists, set against the backdrop of opulent mansions and corporate offices, adds layers of intrigue and passion to their story. This modern romance novel delves into the dynamics of love, ambition, and self-discovery as Emma undergoes a transformative glow-up while embracing her hidden feelings for William. With a captivating blend of sweet romance and billionaire allure, "Country Gal to CEO's Bride" stands out for its exploration of opposites attract dynamics in a contemporary setting. Experience this enchanting tale filled with emotional depth and romantic tension by reading "Country Gal to CEO's Bride" on CrushReel. Embark on a journey that transcends social barriers and celebrates the power of love in unexpected places.