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Chapter 14
Huling Na-update:
2025-04-22 16:45:43Harper POV
DING.
The elevator doors slid open, and standing before me were Ethan Blackwood and David, his assistant.
I wanted to throw myself out the nearest window.
My brain short-circuited for a second, then rapidly considered my options:
Turn on my heel and bolt.
Pretend I forgot something and slowly back away.
Fake a dramatic faint and hope they step over me.
Option three had some merit.
"Come in," Ethan’s voice cut through my spiraling thoughts.
Oh, come on. Haven’t I suffered enough today?
His gaze was impassive but there was something vaguely expectant about it—like he was waiting for me to move.
My grip tightened around my phone. “I… beg your pardon?”
“It seemed like you were about to... bolt”, His tone was unreadable, but there was the faintest flicker of amusement in his gaze. “Something wrong?”
Oh, nothing much, sir. Just experiencing the worst stroke of luck in my entire existence.
I quickly schooled my expression. “Not at all, sir. I was just—”
BZZT.
Then again.
And again.
Against my better judgment, I glanced down.
Drama Queen: Hey, I have something to tell you…
Drama Queen: The thing is—
Drama Queen: I met the guy.
Drama Queen: The guy from the blind date.
Drama Queen: Ethan Blackwood.
My soul left my body.
My fingers went clammy.
She what!
“Hmm?” Ethan raised an eyebrow.
That startled me realizing I had reacted out loud.
"Are you in some sort of pain?" he asked, mildly amused.
My mouth opened and closed. “N-No, sir. Just a bit… preoccupied.”
“Uh-huh.” Ethan’s gaze lingered for a beat longer than necessary, like he was trying to place something.
I fought the urge to squirm. Did I look familiar to him? Did he know?
Relax, Harper. He doesn’t know your real face. He only knows ‘Riley,’ and that version of you had red lipstick, a different voice, and a wig. He can’t possibly connect the dots… right?
Still, my body screamed at me to run.
Before I could come up with an excuse, David cleared his throat. “We should get going. There’s a meeting, remember?”
“Oh, now you remember the meeting?” Ethan shot him a dry look.
David stammered, ears turning red. “I mean—of course! The meeting is very important.”
Ethan didn’t look convinced but let it slide. His attention flickered back to me for a final time.
“Try not to overthink yourself into an injury,” he said flatly. Then, as if as an afterthought, “And get off work soon. It’s already late.”
And just like that, he brushed past me, heading down the hall.
David shot me a small, awkward smile before hurrying after him.
I exhaled way too loudly.
That was way too close.
I needed a new plan—preferably one that didn’t involve ever crossing paths with Ethan Blackwood again.
…But knowing my luck?
Fat chance.
Drama Queen: HELLO???
Drama Queen: Why aren’t you answering me??
Drama Queen: You saw it!! You’re scaring me!!
I turned on my heel and strode straight toward the exit_ still trying to process.
The second I stepped outside, I inhaled the cool evening air like it was medicine.
I needed sugar. And caffeine. Immediately.
My feet carried me down the block, past the high-end cafés I usually ignored, until I spotted a small street vendor selling coffee and snacks. Perfect.
I slumped onto a nearby bench, peeling open a snack bag with slightly shaky fingers. Then, and only then, did I check my phone again.
Me: Sorry. I’m currently recovering from a near-death experience.
Drama Queen: ???
Drama Queen: WHAT HAPPENED??
Me: UGH. I dunno. Just something.
Drama Queen: That is NOT an answer!!
I sighed, taking a deep sip of my coffee. Okay. One disaster at a time.
Drama Queen: Fine. Whatever. I need to tell you what happened.
Drama Queen: I met Ethan yesterday. In person.
I paused mid-chew.
What.
Me: EXCUSE ME?!
Drama Queen: Yeah, he came to my office.
Drama Queen: You made him sound like the devil, but honestly?
Drama Queen: He wasn’t that bad.
I nearly choked on my coffee.
Not that bad?! The same man who was so desperate to get married he hunted her down at her workplace?!
Me: Riley. I love you. But WHAT do you MEAN he wasn’t that bad?!?!?!?
Drama Queen: I mean he was polite. Kind of intense. But in a weirdly… considerate way??
Drama Queen: I don’t know how to explain it.
Me: Oh my God. You’re not attracted to him, are you??
Three dots appeared.
I froze.
No. No, no, no.
Drama Queen: …I might be.
WHAT?!
I gawked at my screen, snack bag forgotten.
This woman.
This woman who had bullied me into going on that blind date. Who had sworn on her overpriced foundation that Ethan Blackwood was not her type.
And now she was fantasizing about him?!
Me: You cannot be serious.
Drama Queen: Listen. The suit was really well-tailored.
Drama Queen: And his voice? I get why people listen to rich men. I felt my soul leave my body for a second.
I squeezed my eyes shut. "God give me patience.”
Me: You do realize he was at your office because I rejected him as ‘you,’ right?
Drama Queen: That’s what makes it worse!! He didn’t even notice it wasn’t me!!
Drama Queen: Do you think he secretly prefers the version of ‘me’ that’s actually you?
I blinked.
Then I rubbed my temples.
Me: I think he just wants to get married, Riley.
Drama Queen: No, but what if it’s more than that?
Drama Queen: What if he’s subconsciously drawn to you?
Me: Stop making this sound romantic.
Drama Queen: But it’s kind of hot, right? A man who’s so obsessed with me that he chases me down even when I reject him?
I took the deepest breath humanly possible.
Me: Riley. I will block you.
Drama Queen: Okay, okay, fine.
Drama Queen: …but since you work at his company, you could spy on him for me, right?
Me: WHAT?!
Drama Queen: Just a little! Find out what he likes. What he eats. What he thinks of me. Does he secretly hate me? Does he secretly love me?
I massaged my forehead.
This was not happening.
Me: Absolutely not.
Drama Queen: Come on! This is your fault!
Drama Queen: If you hadn’t rejected him, I wouldn’t be curious!!
Me: If I hadn’t rejected him, you’d be planning a wedding right now.
She sent a bunch of rolling eye emojis.
Drama Queen: Just do this for me!!, please
Drama Queen: I’ll owe you one.
That made me pause.
I tapped my fingers against my coffee cup.
Owing me one, huh?
Me: Anything?
Drama Queen: Within reason.
Me: Find me a date.
Drama Queen: What?
Me: You heard me. Eric is asking for a double date after I lied that I had a boyfriend. If you do that, I’ll ask around.
Silence.
For a full minute, Riley didn’t respond.
I smirked, taking another sip of my coffee.
Then—
Drama Queen: …Fine.
I nearly dropped my cup.
Me: Wait, really??
Drama Queen: I am a woman of my word.
Me: Then I’ll give you Ethan’s number.
Drama Queen: WHAT??
I laughed.
Me: You wanted to know what he thinks of you, right? Just text him.
Drama Queen: I HATE YOU.
Me: You’re welcome.
She sent me a lot of angry emojis, and I could practically hear her screaming into her pillow.
I grinned finishing my coffee.
This was going to be so fun.
Kaugnay na kabanata
The CEO’s Temporary Bride Chapter 15
Riley’s POVI sat by the window of Fiorenza, one of those quiet luxury places tucked near the Upper East Side — dim lighting, velvet chairs, the kind of place you booked two weeks in advance unless your last name opened doors.Luckily, mine did.I was early, which almost never happened, but this felt different. I hadn’t even told Harper yet — I wanted to wait until after the dinner. After I confirmed what I already knew:That he was smart. And funny. And weirdly down to earth, despite being Ethan freaking Reynolds.That maybe — just maybe — this whole arranged marriage thing wouldn’t be such a disaster after all.I checked my phone again. No messages. No missed calls.I didn’t even know why I was nervous. We'd only met once. A brief conversation outside my office, a strange spark I hadn’t expected, and then I’d done the unthinkable.I had called him.I had asked to meet.And he’d said yes.I smiled, brushing my fingers over the rim of my wine glass. “Relax” I whispered to myself. “He
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-25The CEO’s Temporary Bride Chapter 1
The bar was loud, alive with the chatters, but Riley’s voice cut through the noise. “What if I told you I might have a way to solve all your problems?”..I blinked at her, stirring the melting ice in my glass. “Solve them how? cause unless you’ve got a time machine or a winning lottery ticket, I’m not buying it.”Her lips curved into a sly smile, the same one she made when she was about to do something crazy. “I need you to go on a blind date for me.”I stared at her, in disbelieve. “A blind date? Riley, have you finally lost your mind? I’ve had enough disasters in my life this week without adding ‘impersonating a rich heiress’ to the list, not to mention, your dad would kill you if he found out”Riley waved it off. “Please. Dad doesn’t care about me, he cares about the idea of me. He wants Riley Bennett, the perfect daughter, mingling with the perfect pedigree. Not Riley Bennett, the ‘rebellious heiress.’” She air-quoted with dramatic flair. “But I can’t keep doing this. I have a lif
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27The CEO’s Temporary Bride Chapter 2
Ethan’s POVI leaned back in my leather chair, a pen balanced between my fingers as I skimmed the latest projects. The numbers were strong, stronger than I’d expected, but my focus was slipping. Howard Reynolds, my grandfather and perpetual thorn in my side, had been waiting in the adjacent lounge for over five minutes.“Sir.” David, my assistant, cleared his throat. He was standing stiffly by the door, his tone calm but insistent. “The chairman is still waiting.”I didn't look up. “And?”David shifted uncomfortably. “He’s been known to lose patience.”That made me smirk. “He’s never had any.”The door burst open just as he spoke, and Howard strode in, his booming voice filling the room. “YOU ARROGANT RASCAL! HOW MANY HOURS ARE YOU PLANNIN’ TO KEEP ME WAITIN’?” His accent held the unmistakable edge of someone who had seen and conquered his share of New York’s toughest boardrooms.I glanced up, keeping my expression carefully neutral. “You’re early.”“Early, my ass.” He yanked off his
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27The CEO’s Temporary Bride Chapter 3
An hour later, I was sitting on a ridiculously plush couch in an obscenely dark high-end lounge that made me feel like a fraud against the shiny modernity of it all. I had my legs crossed and tried to look as sure of myself as I could manage, but my head was nothing short of buzzing. I took a quick glance around the clubby room, looking for the man who Kenneth Bennett, aka Riley’s dad, had tried to set her up with.Come on, Harper, I thought, it’s just one evening. You can do this.But as I tried to steel myself, my thoughts scattered again, and anxiety crept in. What if… he’s some pompous, middle-aged Wall Street type? Someone who thinks he can impress me with his vacation home in the Hamptons? I forced myself to take a deep breath. No. Think of the money. Do it for the loan…"Are you, by any chance, Riley Bennett?" a voice interrupted my thoughts.I glanced up and promptly forgot how to breathe. The shoes were so shiny they practically glowed in the dark, light spilling through spot
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27The CEO’s Temporary Bride Chapter 4
The GlowMira Corporation was buzzing with anticipation. The new CEO was set to start this week, and everyone seemed to be in a frenzy getting the office in tip-top shape. While I was trying to focus on the endless pile of tasks at my desk, everyone else was scrambling around, perfecting every tiny detail. Jean and Marco balanced on chairs, struggling to hang a massive “Welcome, GlowMira’s Newest CEO!” banner across the lobby entrance.“Stop complaining and just get it done!” Connor hollered as he passed by, giving Sasha an exasperated look while she grumbled, pushing a mop across the polished floor.“But why are we here on a Saturday?” Sasha pouted, scowling as she scrubbed harder. Rumors were already circulating that the new CEO was a bit of a neat freak, insisting everything be meticulously organized.Jean shuffled past, barely able to keep his eyes open. “Just here for the overtime…”But then my phone buzzed on my desk and I had to stop myself from doing a little happy dance as I g
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27The CEO’s Temporary Bride Chapter 5
Riley’s apartment was its usual mix of chaos and charm. Sleek, designer furniture was scattered with the evidence of her daily life: unopened packages stacked by the wall, a lone stiletto abandoned under the coffee table, and a throw draped across the couch like an afterthought. I walked in, uninvited as always, dropped my bag on her floor and face planted onto her fancy pillows.“Kill me now,” I groaned into the throw pillow.Riley’s voice floated from the kitchen. “Kill you? Never. You’re my primary source of entertainment.”I lifted my head just enough to glare at her. “Great. Glad my misery serves a purpose.”She appeared with a steaming mug of tea in one hand, the picture of unbothered luxury, and perched on the armrest near my head. “Rough day?”“Try rough life.” I rolled over, lying on my back. “You have no idea what I’ve been through today.”She smirked and sipped her tea. “I have a feeling you’re about to tell me.”“Oh! I’m telling you,” I said sitting up and throwing my arms
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-06The CEO’s Temporary Bride Chapter 6
Monday morning at GlowMira Corporation was buzzing with more chaos than usual. The air was so tense you could almost feel it as everyone ran around trying to get their work done in time for the new CEO’s big reveal. It was mandatory—a company-wide conference. Everybody, and I mean everybody, had to report to the main hall and see the guy who had already managed to upend the office without even showing his face.I was running on two hours of sleep and sheer spite. The conversations around me were a blend of guesses and nerves.“Do you think he’s going to be like his grandfather?” Marco mused aloud, balancing a precarious tower of paperwork on his desk.“Let’s hope not,” Sasha muttered. “Howard Reynolds is terrifying. I’d rather not work under a younger, scarier version of him.”“Maybe he’ll be a laid-back rich kid,” Marco suggested.Sasha rolled her eyes. “In what world do laid-back rich kids take over companies like GlowMira? Get real.”I didn’t chime in, too focused on suppressing th
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-28The CEO’s Temporary Bride Chapter 7
Harper’s POVMondays were already a nightmare, but this was definitely a horror movie. After the spectacle' of the conference where the new CEO hadn’t even bothered to show up, the entire office was still buzzing with gossip.Actually, come to think of it, the only thing worse than an intimidating boss was a mysterious one. Except for the fact that almost everyone seemed to be getting off on having a CEO who stuck around as nothing more than an urban legend, and I was drowning under a pile of work my manager hadn’t even apologized about yet.“Harper, I need these reports reviewed and summarized by noon,” he had said before vanishing like a ghost.That was two hours ago. I was still only halfway through.I sighed, stretching my arms before standing up. I needed coffee. Badly. I picked up my coffee mug and headed down the hall to the break room, hoping that the caffeine would help with both of the above.The break room was mercifully empty when I arrived. I poured myself a cup of coffee
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-29
Pinakabagong kabanata
The CEO’s Temporary Bride Chapter 15
Riley’s POVI sat by the window of Fiorenza, one of those quiet luxury places tucked near the Upper East Side — dim lighting, velvet chairs, the kind of place you booked two weeks in advance unless your last name opened doors.Luckily, mine did.I was early, which almost never happened, but this felt different. I hadn’t even told Harper yet — I wanted to wait until after the dinner. After I confirmed what I already knew:That he was smart. And funny. And weirdly down to earth, despite being Ethan freaking Reynolds.That maybe — just maybe — this whole arranged marriage thing wouldn’t be such a disaster after all.I checked my phone again. No messages. No missed calls.I didn’t even know why I was nervous. We'd only met once. A brief conversation outside my office, a strange spark I hadn’t expected, and then I’d done the unthinkable.I had called him.I had asked to meet.And he’d said yes.I smiled, brushing my fingers over the rim of my wine glass. “Relax” I whispered to myself. “He
The CEO’s Temporary Bride Chapter 14
Harper POVDING.The elevator doors slid open, and standing before me were Ethan Blackwood and David, his assistant.I wanted to throw myself out the nearest window.My brain short-circuited for a second, then rapidly considered my options:Turn on my heel and bolt.Pretend I forgot something and slowly back away.Fake a dramatic faint and hope they step over me.Option three had some merit."Come in," Ethan’s voice cut through my spiraling thoughts.Oh, come on. Haven’t I suffered enough today?His gaze was impassive but there was something vaguely expectant about it—like he was waiting for me to move.My grip tightened around my phone. “I… beg your pardon?”“It seemed like you were about to... bolt”, His tone was unreadable, but there was the faintest flicker of amusement in his gaze. “Something wrong?”Oh, nothing much, sir. Just experiencing the worst stroke of luck in my entire existence.I quickly schooled my expression. “Not at all, sir. I was just—”BZZT.Then again.And again
The CEO’s Temporary Bride Chapter 13
Harper’s POVI let out a slow, tired sigh resting my forehead against the cool surface of the wall."So, a double date? What do you think?"Eric’s words still echoed in my head.At first_ I hadn’t even processed the question, He had flashed me that eager grin, practically bouncing with excitement, eyes gleaming like he had just come up with the perfect plan."Come on, it'll be fun! You and your guy, me and my girl, it’s perfect!"Fun? For who?I had forced a polite laugh, my brain scrambling for an escape route. "I don’t know… he’s usually pretty busy."Which was technically true. But even if he weren’t, I still wouldn’t subject myself to that kind of torture.Eric had pouted like a child who had just been told Santa wasn’t real. "Oh, come on. Just one night? We could go somewhere nice. Have some drinks. It’ll be like a test run before the wedding!"I had nearly choked on my own spit. A test run?Then—by some miracle—BRRRRRR. BRRRRRR.My phone vibrated in my pocket. A work call.Salv
The CEO’s Temporary Bride Chapter 12
Riley’s POVOh.Oh.So this was Ethan Reynolds?I didn’t know what I was expecting, but definitely wasn’t this.Harper had described him as an arrogant, overbearing control freak. Some stiff, no-nonsense businessman who probably had a spreadsheet for how his wife should behave.But the man in front of me?Tall. Broad-shouldered. Warm brown eyes that held just a hint of curiosity. And his voice—low, smooth, careful.I swallowed.Wow.This… this wasn’t what I was prepared for.He was supposed to be some nightmare in a designer suit. Instead, he looked like he belonged on a magazine cover for Most Eligible Billionaire Bachelors.My pulse picked up slightly.Harper had met this man and rejected him?I mean, sure, I’d made a fuss about the engagement, but looking at him now, I had to wonder… was it really that bad of a deal?He exhaled lightly, adjusting his cuffs, “I thought it would be better to speak in private” he said smoothly. “Rather than keeping you out here.”I bit the inside of my
The CEO’s Temporary Bride Chapter 11
Ethan POVAnother declined call.I exhaled slowly, tapping a finger against my desk. Seven times.She wasn’t just ignoring me—she was avoiding me, and instead of irritation I was intrigued.Riley Bennett didn’t strike me as the type to run from anything. She had sat across from me at dinner, bold as ever, challenging every word that left my mouth. And now, suddenly, radio silence?That wasn’t how this worked.I leaned back in my chair, rolling my phone between my fingers. If she thought avoiding me would end things, she was mistaken.I wasn’t chasing her.But I would find out why she was running.David barely glanced up from his laptop. “Let me guess—still no answer?”I didn’t respond.David smirked. “Ah. Ghosted already. That has to be a record, even for you.”I ignored him. “Look into her.”David arched a brow. “You want me to investigate Riley Bennett?”I nodded.He sighed but started typing. “Alright, let’s see what we can find… Business contacts first, then personal.”A few minu
The CEO’s Temporary Bride Chapter 10
I strolled into the restaurant like I were it's boss.Chin up, steps slow, hips swaying—not too much, but just enough to be seen. That was the trick with the femme fatale act. You didn’t rush. You let the room adjust to you.And adjust they did.A few heads turned. The hostess did a quick double take. Curious glances brushed over me—some intrigued, some impressed, some undoubtedly judging.I didn’t care.Because tonight, I wasn’t Harper Adams.I was Riley Bennett, socialite and professional heartbreaker.At least, that was the illusion I needed to sell.Inside? I was spiraling.My heart felt like it was doing back-flips in my chest. My stomach was knotted so tight I thought i would pass out any second now. Every instinct screamed at me to turn around, fake an emergency, do anything but sit across from this man.But I had a mission: Make Ethan regret this arrangement.And the best way to do that? Be the exact opposite of what a Reynolds bride should be.The Look? Executed Flawlessly.✔
The CEO’s Temporary Bride Chapter 9
Harper’s POVI was a woman on a mission.A mission to get the hell out of this building before Ethan Reynolds even looked in my direction.Logically, there was zero reason for him to notice me. To him, I was just another nameless employee. A nobody. But my anxiety? Oh no, it was convinced that the second we crossed paths, he’d sniff out my deception like a bloodhound.I checked the time. 11:45 AM.Lunch hour. Perfect.Plan A: Blend into the rush of employees leaving the building. Simple. Foolproof. Non-suspicious.I slung my bag over my shoulder, put my head down, and walked with the river of humans leaving the building. My heart hammered as I bobbed and weaved through people, hyper alert to everything in motion.Don’t look back. Don’t even glance at the lobby.The revolving doors were in sight. I was so close.Then—“Mr. Reynolds, sir! Good afternoon!”My stomach dropped.No. No. NO.I risked a glance—big mistake.Across the lobby, Ethan Reynolds was stepping out of the elevator, loo
The CEO’s Temporary Bride Ckspter 8
The next morning, I was at my desk, trying everything possible to focus on my work when my phone buzzed.Ethan Reynolds.I nearly choked on my coffee.No. Absolutely not. This can’t real.I stared hard at the screen as if I could change the words that were displayed on it before I answered“Marry me.”I froze.The words hit me like a ton of bricks. Wait a second, did he just ...?My fingers tightened around my phone, almost snapping it in half. “I’m sorry, WHAT?!”Silence. Then, with his usual maddening calm:“I said, marry me.”My chair screeched as I bolted upright. “M-Marry—” I choked, knocking my coffee dangerously close to my laptop.Connor, my coworker, peeked over the cubicle. “Harper, you good?”I let out a maniacal laugh. “Sure am! why do you ask?” I flashed him a shaky thumbs-up before whispering into the phone, “Hold that for a minute.”I scrambled out of my chair, my heart beating at an unusual rate as I sped-walked down the hallway. Maybe if I moved fast enough, I could es
The CEO’s Temporary Bride Chapter 7
Harper’s POVMondays were already a nightmare, but this was definitely a horror movie. After the spectacle' of the conference where the new CEO hadn’t even bothered to show up, the entire office was still buzzing with gossip.Actually, come to think of it, the only thing worse than an intimidating boss was a mysterious one. Except for the fact that almost everyone seemed to be getting off on having a CEO who stuck around as nothing more than an urban legend, and I was drowning under a pile of work my manager hadn’t even apologized about yet.“Harper, I need these reports reviewed and summarized by noon,” he had said before vanishing like a ghost.That was two hours ago. I was still only halfway through.I sighed, stretching my arms before standing up. I needed coffee. Badly. I picked up my coffee mug and headed down the hall to the break room, hoping that the caffeine would help with both of the above.The break room was mercifully empty when I arrived. I poured myself a cup of coffee
