---- Chapter 8 I wish I had died in that car crash years ago. I would've rather never awakened than to see someone else take my place and receive the love that was once mine. Jessica placed the baby beside my lifeless body. She stood over me and whispered coldly, "Rory, I'll come to get you soon. Once my identity is made official, I will bring you home and dispose of this woman's body in the wilderness." In her arms, she held a newly adopted infant who bore some resemblance to Rory. She planned to take him to the party. "Jess! You've finally made it through all the hard times!" Bella called out with a cheerful wave. As Jessica walked over, Bella reached out to tease the baby. "He's so adorable! Honestly, you three are the real family. Don't worry about Kayla-she poses no threat to your status." Jessica smiled demurely and glanced toward Samuel ---- as he approached. Since losing track of me, Samuel had been despondent and withdrawn. The only time he appeared somewhat himself was when holding the child. He took the baby from Jessica but frowned. "Why does he seem different every day?" Jessica nervously brushed the topic aside. She was anxiously waiting for Dad to take the stage and officially announce her as his daughter. Although she had lived with them for years and many people knew of her presence, her status had always been kept in the shadows. But now, that was about to change. She was about to become the openly acknowledged second daughter of the Brown family. She stared at the screen in anticipation. Suddenly, a wave of murmurs rippled through the crowd. ---- Dad slammed his hand on the table in frustration. Trembling, Mom leaned in and handed him her phone, and his face instantly fell. Confused, Jessica pulled out her own phone and checked the trending news. When she saw the headlines, her face was drained of color. The messages, videos, and even footage of their family gathering that she had sent to me were all leaked online. How could this happen? Her face went pale. It turned out the reporter I had arranged to follow up couldn't reach me. After getting no response, he eventually decided to release everything. Now, the internet was in an uproar. The looks people cast at Mom and Dad had completely changed. Many knew they had adopted a daughter but had no idea she was just a replacement for me. Samuel didn't care about anyone else's opinion. He grabbed his phone and rushed out the door. Title: Can't Say I Love You Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, Billionaire, CEO, Modern, Romantic, Secret, Revenge, Office, Secret Reveal Status: ongoing In "Can't Say I Love You," Weldon and Chelsea's marriage appears to be a union of convenience overshadowed by secrets and betrayal. Chelsea finds herself ensnared in a complex web where she is merely a pawn in Weldon's affair with Celine. The story delves into the intricate dynamics of relationships within the backdrop of wealth and power, exploring themes of love, deception, and retribution. As Chelsea navigates the treacherous waters of her marriage to a billionaire CEO, she must confront the hidden truths that threaten to unravel her world. What sets "Can't Say I Love You" apart is its compelling narrative that intertwines romance with elements of suspense and intrigue. Readers are drawn into a world where trust is a luxury and loyalty is tested at every turn. Experience this captivating tale of love and betrayal by diving into "Can't Say I Love You" available to read at CrushReel. Embark on a journey filled with passion and deception as secrets are unveiled in this modern romance novel set against the backdrop of corporate intrigue.