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THE CEO'S UNEXPECTED BRIDE (SHORT STORY)

THE CEO'S UNEXPECTED BRIDE (SHORT STORY)

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Alexander Grant, the 27-year-old CEO of Grant Enterprises, believed his life was perfect-an empire at his feet and a stunning fiancée by his side. But just 24 hours before their lavish wedding, his fiancée walked away, leaving him heartbroken and humiliated. With no other options, Alexander turned to his trusted secretary, Emma, proposing an unthinkable arrangement: become his bride for the day to save face and keep his reputation intact. Emma had always been the calm in Alexander's storm, secretly nursing feelings for the enigmatic man she worked for. While the proposal shocked her, it was also an opportunity she couldn't refuse-a chance to be by his side, even if it was only for show. But what began as a charade soon turned into something neither of them anticipated. As they navigated the complexities of their fake marriage, their bond deepened, unravelling layers of vulnerability, passion, and longing. Emma's gentle strength and Alexander's growing trust created a love neither of them thought they deserved. Just as they begin to embrace the undeniable connection between them, old wounds and insecurities threaten to tear them apart. Will Alexander conquer his fears of love, and will Emma believe she is worthy of happiness? Dive into this heartwarming romance filled with unexpected twists, steamy chemistry, and the kind of love that can turn a lie into forever.

Chapter 1 A Wedding in Crisis

It was the morning before the wedding. The grand ballroom was already being decorated, the caterers were checking last-minute details, and the sound of classical music drifted through the air as the florist finished arranging the final touches of flowers. But none of this mattered to Alexander Grant.

In his pristine office on the top floor of Grant Enterprises, the 27-year-old CEO was sitting behind his desk, staring at his phone, unaware that his life was about to unravel.

"Ms. Sullivan, do you have the final guest list?" he barked, not looking up from the screen.

His secretary, Emma Sullivan, walked in quietly. She had been working for him for over three years, and during that time, she had learned to navigate his moods. Some days he was cold and dismissive; others, he didn't even acknowledge her existence. Today, however, he was distracted, barely registering her presence.

"Right here, sir," she replied, handing him a folder. She had already memorized the list. She'd worked with him long enough to know the drill: make him look good, keep things running smoothly, and stay invisible.

Emma had always been professional, even when Alexander's arrogance grated on her. She didn't particularly like him, but she respected his brilliance and business acumen. She also respected her job, which-until now-had given her a steady paycheck and a predictable routine.

"I'll need you to handle the press conference at 2 PM. I'll be with Charlotte for the final fitting," he said, giving her a terse nod.

Emma blinked. "Of course, I will handle it."

Before she could leave, her phone buzzed on the desk. She glanced at the screen and saw the name "Charlotte" flash. Her heart skipped. She knew that Alexander's fiancée was in town, preparing for the big day. But it was the time-just 24 hours before the wedding-that made her pause. The call was strange timing.

She turned back to Alexander. "I'll just take this, sir. It might be important."

He barely acknowledged her as she stepped out into the hallway. The moment the door closed; she answered the phone.

"Emma," Charlotte's voice crackled on the other end. "I need to talk to you. It's... urgent."

Emma's stomach tightened. She knew something was wrong. Charlotte never called her directly unless it was something big. "What's going on?"

"I'm leaving Alexander. I can't do this. I-I thought I could, but I can't marry him," Charlotte's voice quivered.

Emma froze. She wasn't sure what to say. "What? Why?"

Charlotte sighed heavily. "I've tried to ignore it, but I can't. I've been pretending for months, and now I just-he doesn't know me. Not really. It's all about the image, the business, the success. I don't think he's ever loved me. Not really. And I can't marry a man I don't trust."

Emma's breath caught in her throat. She had always been a silent observer of the relationship between Alexander and Charlotte. It had always seemed too perfect on the surface-a rich, powerful CEO marries a beautiful model-turned-socialite. But Emma knew, deep down, that something was missing.

"So... you're leaving him? You're calling off the wedding?" Emma asked her voice a mixture of disbelief and concern.

"Yes," Charlotte confirmed. "I'll be on a plane back to New York in two hours. I'm sorry, Emma. I know it's short notice, but I can't go through with it."

Emma felt a cold wave of shock. The wedding-everything-was happening today. There was no time to fix it. No time to stop it. Her thoughts raced, but the only thing that broke through was the image of Alexander's face-his arrogant, confident, unflinching demeanor.

But behind all that arrogance, was he also just a man who had been left at the altar?

"I will take care of it, Charlotte," she said, her voice firm despite the whirlwind of emotions inside. She hung up and returned to Alexander's office.

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