All Chapters of The CEO'S Long-Lost Love: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Alex pulled up in front of the bar, tilting his facecap low before stepping out of his vehicle. His long strides carried him across the road to the bar’s entrance.With his head bowed, he stepped inside, scanning the bar area for Michael. To his disappointment—and growing frustration—someone else was behind the counter.‘Seriously? First, he’s not on any apps, and now he’s not at work?’ Alex clenched his jaw as he approached the bartender. ‘Maybe he’s doing the midnight shift today,’ he thought, trying to stay optimistic.“Hey,” Alex greeted with a wide smile, though he couldn’t hide his disappointment. The bartender looked decent enough—nerdy, even—but he wasn’t Michael.“Hey! How’s it going?” the bartender replied, leaning on the counter. Alex’s gaze flicked to the name tag on his uniform: Toby.“I’m good, Toby,” Alex said, offering a polite nod.“Glad to hear that,” Toby replied, straightening up. “What can I get you?”“Erm…” Alex hesitated, leaning closer to the counter. The music

Isla rushed out of the office to grab her bag. Inside, she had a candle and a lighter. She pulled them out and quickly returned.In the office, Jaxon had positioned a stool between the chairs in front of his desk, placing the cake and glasses on it. As he poured wine into the glasses, Isla carefully inserted the candle into the cake.He let out a scoff and shook his head. "You brought a candle too?""Of course!" Isla grinned. "What's a birthday cake without a wish?" She lit the candle with a flick of the lighter. As Jaxon finished pouring, he set the wine bottle down beside the stool."Go on, make a wish," she urged, her smile wide and expectant.Jaxon shrugged, folding his arms as he leaned back. "I don’t have any.""Don’t be like that, Mr. Jaxon," Isla pressed, her eyes widening. "Everybody wants something."He sighed, raising a brow. "Alright," he muttered, leaning forward. "Can’t even remember the last time I did this." Closing his eyes, he appeared deep in thought as the candleli

“Jaxon?” Margaret called as Danika wheeled her into the living room. Jaxon sat on the couch, lost in thought, his mind consumed by what had happened with Isla at the office. “Maggie,” he greeted with a forced smile, his voice low as he straightened up. Her brows knitted together. “What’s with that look?” she asked. Danika stopped once Margaret was in front of Jaxon, then wordlessly excused herself. Jaxon let out a heavy sigh. “I think I fucked up, Maggie.” He shook his head, regret evident in his expression. Margaret’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?” Jaxon hesitated for a beat, and then it clicked for her. “This is about Isla, isn’t it?” Her eyes widened. He exhaled sharply, nodding. “I think I made her hate me,” he muttered, sinking back into the couch. “We almost kissed. I mean, I really wanted to, but I just couldn’t do it.” Jaxon exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “She’s the sweetest woman I’ve ever met. She even baked me a cake with this really thoughtful me

After finishing his breakfast, Alex carried his dishes to the kitchen, walking beside Michael. Once there, he stood back as Michael took over, washing them himself.“You do know I can handle this, yeah?” Alex said, settling behind the center kitchen cabinet, watching him. “I’m not some spoilt brat who can’t wash his own plate after eating.” His voice held a teasing edge, but Michael only laughed and shook his head.“I never said you were,” Michael chuckled. “I just want you to sit there and watch me while I take care of you—and everything that concerns you.” He stole a quick glance at Alex before turning back to the sink.Alex rested his head on his palm, a wide smile creeping onto his face as he studied Michael. “Why do you like me?” He tilted his head slightly, his expression laced with curiosity.Michael smirked. “You seriously don’t know?” He wiped his hands on a napkin, then turned to lean against the cabinet, their faces now inches apart. “Have you looked in a mirror lately?”Ale

As Jaxon worked, he kept stealing glances at Isla through the transparent office wall, his eyes tracking her every move. She could feel his gaze on her, making her stomach tighten with nerves.After finishing up some important scheduling, Isla pulled out her phone and typed a message to Sophie.“I think I’m about to start a romantic relationship with Jaxon Waverly.”The message delivered instantly, and as if Sophie had been waiting for it, her response came almost immediately—a voice note.“Took you long enough, girl!” Sophie’s excited voice burst through Isla’s speaker. “I was starting to think something went horribly wrong when I didn’t hear from you this morning. So, are you serious, or are you just messing with me?”A small smile crept onto Isla’s lips. “You know I’d never joke about something like this. Honestly, I’m just as shocked as you are, Sophie.”“I told you he was into you! But you kept convincing yourself there was no way he’d like you differently from the others,” Sophi