LOGINShare
Rumors IV
Last Updated:
2025-04-14 23:04:50Chapter 20
Lyra
The next morning, I woke with a pounding headache, a combination of the hangover and the buzzing of my phone. Groaning, I squinted at the screen and saw a flood of notifications. My heart sank as I tapped on one of Anthony’s messages:
Anthony: “We need to talk. Someone sent a video of you from last night to Roman during a virtual meeting. He knows about the rumors.”
I shot up from my bed, clutching my head as the world tilted. What the hell? My mind raced as I scrambled to get ready, throwing on whatever clothes I could grab. I didn’t have time to deal with this headache; I had to fix the mess.
By the time I reached the office, Anthony was waiting for me near my desk. He looked both worried and mildly amused, a terrible combination.
“What’s going on?” I asked, whispering harshly.
“Roman’s got to know about the rumors,” he said, crossing his arms. “He's calling you to his office.”
My stomach dropped. I hadn’t even had coffee yet, and I was already walking to what felt like my execution.
I paused outside Roman’s door, trying to collect myself. Breathe. Finally, I knocked, the sound echoing ominously in the quiet hallway.
“Come in.”
Roman’s voice was cold, calm, and terrifyingly measured. I opened the door and stepped in, giving him a weak, awkward smile.
“Mr. Lennox,” I started, “I—”
“Close the door.”
The way he said it made my stomach churn. I shut the door and turned back to face him. He was sitting at his desk, his icy gaze cutting through me.
“I—uh, I got to know you heard about the rumors,” I blurted, words tumbling over each other in my rush to explain. “And I know they’re against company policy, and I swear I’ve been trying to stop them. I tried my best to defuse the situation. Please, Mr. Lennox, don’t fire me.”
Roman leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. For a long, torturous moment, he said nothing, just stared at me like he was deciding whether I was worth his time.
“Calm down,” he said finally, his tone as cold as ever.
I blinked. “You’re not firing me?”
“Sit down.”
I hesitated, then perched on the edge of the chair across from his desk. My hands fidgeted in my lap as I tried to decipher his expression.
“Who sent the video?” I asked cautiously.
“It came from a private number,” he said.
I swore under my breath, the culprit flashing in my mind. “It has to be Ethan or one of Caroline’s girlfriends. Those vultures were there last night.”
Roman’s expression didn’t change, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—disapproval, maybe?
“If you’re facing difficulties like this,” he said, his voice hard, “you should come to me directly. Not pull stunts like this.”
“Stunts?” I repeated, and then my eyes followed his gesture to the paused frame of the video on his laptop. My arms were draped over Caleb’s shoulders, laughing and leaning into him. Oh, God.
“That was—” I started, then sighed. “It was my private time, Mr. Lennox. I thought I could handle it better, and I realize now it was a mistake.”
“Good,” he said. “Because the next time, there won’t be a ‘better.’”
I swallowed hard. “Right. Of course. Can you, um—delete the video?”
His gaze turned colder, if that was even possible. “Dismissed, Ms. Winters.”
I got the message loud and clear. “Thank you,” I muttered before bolting from the room.
Back at my desk, I dropped into my chair and buried my head in my hands. The tension in my shoulders was unbearable, but there was no time to dwell on it. My eyes fell on the date on my computer screen: February 7th.
My stomach flipped. The annual college meetup was tonight, the one where two months ago, I’d planned to show off the engagement ring I no longer had or the vacation that wasn’t happening.
“Oh, no,” I whispered, horrified. My vacation plans! I hadn’t canceled them.
The thought of showing up at the party with nothing to flaunt, with no Ethan, and rumors swirling around my workplace made my head spin. The idea of facing the gloating faces of my peers—people who would undoubtedly sniff out the turmoil in my life—made my headache flare all over again.
I groaned, leaning back in my chair. “This week just keeps getting better.”
Related chapters
The CEO’s Unlikely Fiancée Surprise
Chapter 1 Lyra The rumble of the train beneath me hums with a strange sort of anticipation. I glance at my suitcase beside me, the small black box hidden within it. A ring box. It’s surreal, almost, that I’m the one planning to get down on one knee—or maybe not, if I let my nerves win. I picture the moment a dozen different ways, each one turning out perfectly. Or at least, I hope so. This wasn’t the way I thought I’d feel, a mix of thrilling excitement and a faint undercurrent of fear. I take a breath, exhaling as I look out the window. The winter scenery races by, a blur of gray and white, a mirror of how quickly things seem to be moving lately. Ethan and I had always talked about marriage, how we’d know when the time was right. We’d even made a little pact in college: “Let’s get married once we’re out of our early twenties and settled.” I’ve held onto that promise ever since, keeping it in the back of my mind as we both pursued our careers, carved out our places in the world.
Last Updated : 2025-02-18The CEO’s Unlikely Fiancée Old-Fashioned
Chapter 2 Lyra Sitting at the bar, I glanced down at my drink—a rich, amber-colored Old Fashioned. Classy, potent, the kind of drink that wasn’t made to be sipped but savored. Or in my case, chugged, I thought dryly as I finished off the last of it, the burn of the whiskey trailing down my throat, warming everything but the cold ache in my chest. I’d come to New York for love, for something beautiful, something new, but the only thing I’d found here was heartbreak, sharp and raw. The ring. The Maldives. The stupid little dreams I’d been saving up for. My fingers drummed against the bar, wanting another drink to drown the bitterness that kept bubbling up. It was easier to let the alcohol numb me, easier to ignore the way my heart clenched every time I thought about Ethan and her. I caught the bartender’s eye, raising my empty glass. “Another,” I said, my voice low, trying to sound as unbroken as I could manage. He gave a small nod and went to make it without a word. Here, no on
Last Updated : 2025-02-18The CEO’s Unlikely Fiancée Apology Not Accepted
Chapter 3 Lyra I stepped out of the shadows and into the glow of the streetlight and Anthony’s face lit up with relief. He looked like a man who had just spotted land after days lost at sea. His smile widened as he hurried toward me, bouquet and basket still in hand, his movements a mix of exhaustion and determination. “Miss Lyra!” he called out, his voice practically dripping with gratitude. “Thank goodness! I’ve been looking for you all day. Please, these are for you.” He extended the bouquet and the basket toward me like they were peace offerings, his tired eyes hopeful and sincere. I stared at him, then at the ridiculous gifts in his hands. Flowers that might’ve once been beautiful but now looked like an insult, a mockery. The basket was stuffed with expensive treats—chocolates, wine, maybe even something more indulgent—and the entire display made my stomach churn. What was this? An apology? A bribe? A sick joke? Anthony continued to ramble, his words barely registering
Last Updated : 2025-02-18The CEO’s Unlikely Fiancée Roman Lennox
Chapter 4LyraGroaning, I forced myself upright, the blanket sliding off as I swung my legs over the edge of the bed. The events of last night began trickling back, unspooling like a bad sitcom. Anthony. The ridiculous condition I’d thrown at him—that his boss should show up personally if he wanted my forgiveness. I pressed the heels of my hands to my temples and groaned again.Dragging myself to the bathroom, I grabbed my toothbrush and began scrubbing, glaring at my reflection in the mirror. “What the hell were you thinking?” I muttered around a mouthful of toothpaste. Then, as I rinsed, I caught sight of the faint smudges of mascara under my eyes and laughed. No, correction—I cackled. Pointing the toothbrush at the mirror like it was a microphone, I said, “Well done, Lyra. Really. Top-tier decision-making right there.”The sound of my own laughter filled the tiny bathroom, echoing against the tiles. But as I stood there, dripping toothbrush in hand, the laughter began to fade, rep
Last Updated : 2025-03-17The CEO’s Unlikely Fiancée Breakfast Date
Chapter 5LyraWhen I walked into that restaurant, I knew I was out of my league. The place screamed wealth—white linen tablecloths, chandeliers sparkling like they were made of actual diamonds, and a hushed atmosphere that made every clink of silverware sound like it cost a fortune. Roman Lennox, of course, fit right in.He strode through the room with that air of self-assured power, looking like he’d just stepped off the cover of Forbes or GQ, take your pick. I followed him, painfully aware of my outfit—leggings, an oversized hoodie, and sneakers. I looked like I was on my way to catch a train, which, funnily enough, I was.As we sat down, Roman barely glanced at the menu before closing it with a decisive snap. Meanwhile, I stared at mine, eyes wide as I scanned the prices. My stomach churned—not with hunger, but with the realization that a simple cup of coffee here cost more than what I spent on groceries for a week.Roman’s pale blue eyes flicked to me, sharp and assessing. “Somet
Last Updated : 2025-04-04The CEO’s Unlikely Fiancée Breakfast Date ll
Chapter 6LyraFor a second, I was too stunned to respond. I blinked, trying to process the sheer audacity of him showing up here.Ethan’s eyes darted to the table, taking in the luxurious setup—the flowers in the centerpiece, the two glasses of water, the empty chair across from me. His expression darkened. “So this is why you made such a scene? To go on a date with some guy?”“Excuse me?” I snapped, my voice sharp enough to turn heads at nearby tables.“You’re unbelievable,” he said, his tone dripping with venom. “You act all high and mighty, accusing me of being unfaithful, and here you are—on a date. Not even twenty-four hours later!”My hands curled into fists on my lap, my nails biting into my palms. “I’m not on a date,” I hissed.“Really?” Ethan gestured to the table. “Because it sure as hell looks like one.”I stood, my chair scraping against the floor. “You don’t get to lecture me about anything, Ethan. You don’t get to accuse me of anything after what you did.”He smirked, l
Last Updated : 2025-04-04The CEO’s Unlikely Fiancée Breakfast Date lll
Chapter 7Lyra“And you think I’m doing this out of revenge?” I asked, setting my fork down with a loud clink.Roman tilted his head slightly, the faintest hint of curiosity in his expression. “It’s a possibility.”I rolled my eyes, leaning back in my chair. “Men,” I muttered. “Always sticking together, no matter what. Fine. Think whatever you want. You asked for my insights, and I gave them to you. What you do with it is your choice.”I grabbed my bag and stood, ready to leave this ridiculous morning behind. But Roman’s next words stopped me in my tracks.“You applied for a job at Lennox?”I glanced down at him, surprised. “Yeah, I did. A while back. I never heard back, though. Not even a rejection.”For the first time since I met him, Roman’s brows furrowed. His expression, though subtle, was one of genuine confusion. “That’s not possible,” he said firmly. “Every candidate receives a response. It’s company policy.”I shrugged, shifting the strap of my bag higher on my shoulder. “Wel
Last Updated : 2025-04-04The CEO’s Unlikely Fiancée Luckiest Girl Alive
Chapter 8LyraThe recruitment letter from Lennox Global Logistics felt surreal, as though my mind had conjured up a trick to soften the blow of my disastrous week. I’d stared at the elegant black envelope for hours, rereading the letter until the words blurred together. Surely, this had to be a joke. Or maybe a dream?Had I ever actually woken up after that drunken, miserable night post-breakup?But no. This was real. Real enough for me to pack up my life and move to New York City. Real enough to submit my CV to Anthony, even though it was just a formality. Real enough to resign from Horizon Solutions and brace myself for what lay ahead.And my mom—oh, she was ecstatic. Her happiness was the only thing that made the bittersweet pang of moving away from her a little more bearable. I promised to visit every other weekend, though she waved off my worry. “Go,” she said. “Live your life. You’ve earned this.”The role wasn’t groundbreaking. It was on par with what I’d been doing at Horizon
Last Updated : 2025-04-14
Latest chapter
The CEO’s Unlikely Fiancée Rumors IV
Chapter 20LyraThe next morning, I woke with a pounding headache, a combination of the hangover and the buzzing of my phone. Groaning, I squinted at the screen and saw a flood of notifications. My heart sank as I tapped on one of Anthony’s messages:Anthony: “We need to talk. Someone sent a video of you from last night to Roman during a virtual meeting. He knows about the rumors.”I shot up from my bed, clutching my head as the world tilted. What the hell? My mind raced as I scrambled to get ready, throwing on whatever clothes I could grab. I didn’t have time to deal with this headache; I had to fix the mess.By the time I reached the office, Anthony was waiting for me near my desk. He looked both worried and mildly amused, a terrible combination.“What’s going on?” I asked, whispering harshly.“Roman’s got to know about the rumors,” he said, crossing his arms. “He's calling you to his office.”My stomach dropped. I hadn’t even had coffee yet, and I was already walking to what felt l
The CEO’s Unlikely Fiancée Rumors lll
Chapter 19LyraSunday night rolled in, and with it, my plan to kill the rumors before they killed me. I stood in front of my mirror, surveying my reflection. My dress—a red, body-hugging number with a plunging neckline and a slit up the side—was borderline scandalous. I paired it with strappy heels and bold makeup, my lips painted a daring crimson to match. If I was going to do this, I was going to do it right.The judgmental gazes started the moment I met the girls outside the club. They didn’t say anything outright, but the sidelong glances and tight smiles spoke volumes.“So,” one of them, Monica, said as we entered, her tone dripping with false cheer. “You’re really joining us, huh?”“Why not?” I said, keeping my voice light. “A night out sounds like just what I need.”We made our way inside, the bass-heavy music vibrating through the walls. The club was packed, the air thick with perfume, sweat, and the tang of alcohol. The girls stuck close together, but I could feel their eyes
The CEO’s Unlikely Fiancée Rumors ll
Chapter 18LyraAnthony frowned, clearly unhappy with my plea. “Fine. But you need to do something. This isn’t just about you, Lyra. If Roman finds out—”I groaned, covering my face with my hands. “I know. That’s why I need this to die down before it gets to him. Please, just don’t let Ethan know I’m upset. He thrives on this kind of thing.”Anthony hesitated, then sighed. “Alright. But you owe me for staying out of this one.”I managed a weak smile. “I’ll buy you lunch for a week.”“Make it two,” he said, smirking.Before I could respond, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, then looked back at me. “Speak of the devil. Roman wants to see you in his office.”...As I made my way to Roman’s office, my nerves were frayed. The rumors couldn’t have reached him already… could they? I knocked softly on the door, leaving it open just enough to peek in. Roman was seated at his desk, his attention focused on some documents.“Come in,” he said without looking up.I stepped inside, keep
The CEO’s Unlikely Fiancée Rumors l
Chapter 17LyraIf I had known that staying late for dinner at Roman’s place would snowball into whispers of a scandal, I would’ve bolted out of there the moment Anthony made his "emergency" exit. Curse my love for tiramisu. Curse Ethan Montgomery. And most of all, curse my naivety for thinking that people around here didn’t thrive on drama like caffeine.I shifted in my seat, clutching my coffee cup like it was a lifeline, my unease growing as snippets of whispered conversations reached me.“...stayed at his place late...”“...wonder what really happened...”“Did you see her leave? It was almost midnight...”“...Mr. Lennox and her? I mean, he’s out of her league, but still…”The murmurs swirled around like a storm cloud, building up pressure in my chest. I took a deep breath and forced myself to focus on the spreadsheet on my screen. Numbers, not rumors. Numbers were safe. Rational. They wouldn’t stab you in the back or whisper your name with raised eyebrows.But it was impossible to
The CEO’s Unlikely Fiancée A meal at the Lennox's lll
Chapter 16LyraThe dishes were immaculate—plated so perfectly it felt like a crime to touch them. Everything was color-coordinated, from the vibrant greens of the salad to the subtle hues of the roasted vegetables. There were no sweets in sight, which was already a red flag for me. But the worst part wasn’t the food—it was the rules.Roman ate in absolute silence, his silverware moving with surgical precision. No clinking, no scraping. Anthony’s utensils were equally quiet, as if he had trained for this moment his entire life. Meanwhile, I was hyperaware of every tiny noise I made. The softest clink of my fork against the plate earned me a sharp, icy glare from Roman. My throat tightened, and suddenly the food tasted like cardboard.When Anthony finished his meal, he placed his silverware down perfectly parallel, wiped his mouth with his napkin, and stood. “Excuse me, Roman. There’s an… emergency I need to attend to.”Roman nodded, clearly unconcerned.Anthony glanced at me, his eyes
The CEO’s Unlikely Fiancée A meal at the Lennox's ll
Chapter 15LyraI felt the heat rise in my cheeks but kept my composure. “I’m well aware of that, Mr. Montgomery,” I said sharply. “But a solid reputation in the healthcare sector translates to long-term profitability. Patients don’t walk into hospitals because of flashy ads; they come because they trust the name on the building.”Ethan scoffed. “And what’s your plan for earning that trust? A bake sale?”The room grew tense, the air practically crackling. Roman, who had been silent thus far, watched the exchange with a piercing gaze.“I’d suggest you counter my proposal instead of resorting to cheap shots,” I fired back, my tone calm but cutting. “Unless you don’t have one?”Ethan bristled, flipping open his folder and presenting a proposal riddled with overly optimistic projections. “This plan ensures quicker returns by focusing on urban centers with higher insurance coverage. It’s straightforward and avoids unnecessary expenditure on outreach.”I leaned forward, my eyes narrowing as
The CEO’s Unlikely Fiancée A meal at the Lennox's
Chapter 14LyraSaturday arrived, and so did February, the so-called month of love. While couples everywhere were making plans for romantic dinners and weekend getaways, my only romance was with the paycheck I’d received the day before. It was small—just two weeks’ wages—but it was mine, and the pride of earning it made me feel unstoppable.To celebrate, I treated myself to a hearty English breakfast at a quaint little café nearby. Eggs, sausage, beans, toast, and tea—simple, cozy, and satisfying. After calling Mom to share the good news, I headed back to my small apartment to get ready for the meeting at Mr Lennox's place.The address Anthony had sent sat neatly folded on my desk, and I stared at it for a second before reminding myself to focus. “Okay, Lyra. First big impression at the boss’s house. Don’t mess this up,” I muttered to myself.I chose a simple but polished outfit: a soft cream-colored sweater tucked into a camel-toned wool skirt that hit just above the knee, paired wit
The CEO’s Unlikely Fiancée Witty lll
Chapter 13LyraThe sender: Roman Lennox.The subject line: Follow-Up: Report on Performance Metrics.Instantly, my stomach flipped. I set my plate aside and grabbed my laptop. My fingers trembled slightly as I opened the email.From: Roman LennoxTo: Lyra WintersSubject: Follow-Up: Report on Performance MetricsMs. Winters,I reviewed the preliminary figures you submitted last week. However, I noticed the latest data isn’t included in the report. Could you provide me with the updated performance metrics for the East Coast operations? I’d like to review it before tomorrow morning’s meeting.Kindly ensure the file is sent promptly.Regards,Roman LennoxI groaned, pulling up my work folder. The file was already saved and ready to go, which was a relief. I quickly typed out a response.From: Lyra WintersTo: Roman LennoxSubject: Re: Follow-Up: Report on Performance MetricsDear Mr. Lennox,Thank you for your email. I’ve attached the latest performance metrics file for your review. Ple
The CEO’s Unlikely Fiancée Witty ll
Chapter 12LyraDuring lunch, Anthony sat across from me in the cafeteria, unwrapping a massive sub with a curious expression on his face. “So,” he began, taking a bite, “what happened back there? Ethan looked like he got caught stealing candy from a kid.”I smirked, stirring my drink with a straw. “Oh, nothing much. Just a little reality check for Mr. Montgomery. He seems to forget that threats don’t work when the person you’re threatening knows how to fight back.”Anthony raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. “Details?”“Well,” I began, leaning back in my chair, “he barged into my office uninvited, tried to throw his weight around, and got a little too close for comfort. So, I reminded him that final warnings aren’t just suggestions—they’re company policy. And that he should keep his hands off armrests that aren’t his.”Anthony burst out laughing, nearly choking on his sub. “You’re brutal!”I shrugged, feigning innocence. “He brought it on himself. If he can’t handle the consequence
