CEO Forever Love Novel

Chapter 9 The vibration of my phone dragged me out of the kind of sleep that still clung to my bones . Nathan . The message was as concise , commanding , as he was : 55 vouchers Take the day off . The card for my mother's gift is on the kitchen counter . Shop at Marcelline's only . Hair appointment under your name at Atelier Etoile . I'll pick you up at eight ." So much for a day off . By the time I stepped out of the shower , steam curling around me , the day already felt hijacked . I dressed in jeans and a loose sweater , hair still damp , and walked into the kitchen .

The card was exactly where he'd said it would be , resting on the kitchen counter . Matte black , weighty in my hand , the kind of card with no limit . Marcelline's was everything I'd imagined and more . Glass walls . The hush of money well - spent . Clothing displayed like art instead of inventory . The kind of place where no price tags dared to show their face . I tried to walk in like I belonged . I almost pulled it off . A sales associate with perfect posture and a polished smile approached . " May I help you choose something ? " " I'm ... not sure what to get , " I admitted .

" It's for my boss's mother . I've never met her . I don't even know what the party is for . " Her smile warmed slightly . " Then you'll want something timeless . Elegant . Something she couldn't hate even if she tried ." I ended up with a limited - edition silk scarf in shades of deep wine and gold , the kind that whispered wealth without screaming for attention . Next stop was Atelier Étoile . The moment I stepped inside , I knew this place was built for the rich , quiet luxury in every detail . Marble underfoot , mirrors framed in brushed gold .

The receptionist's smile sharpened the second I gave my name . " Ah . Mr. Moore's guest . " That changed everything . Suddenly , I wasn't just another walk - in . I was escorted to a private styling room , handed coffee in fine china , and introduced to stylists who looked like they'd stepped straight out of a fashion magazine . Hours later , my hair was coaxed into soft , deliberate waves that looked effortless but had clearly taken a small army to perfect . A makeup artist with steady hands and an air of quiet authority layered on products that probably cost a fortune .

When they finally turned my chair toward the mirror , the woman staring back looked like she belonged in the pages of a glossy magazine , not running errands for the most infuriating man I knew . Back home , I slipped into the black dress Nathan had given me the night before and fastened the silver jewelry that came with it . The fit was flawless - hugging my waist , skimming my hips , and stopping mid - thigh like it had been tailored for me . I paused at the mirror , wondering how he'd guessed my size so perfectly . Chapter 9 Nathan's text came exactly at eight : Come out .

I took a breath and stepped into the living room . 55 vouchers He was there in a black suit that fit like it had been sewn directly onto him , his attention on his phone , until he heard my heels . His head lifted . His eyes swept over me once , and something hot and unguarded flashed there before he shuttered it away . " Let's go , " he said , voice even . But when his palm pressed lightly against my back , heat spread like wildfire . The ride was quiet and tense , with Nathan stealing glances at me every so often , as if he was trying not to be caught .

When we pulled up , a banner stretched across the entrance in gold script : Elizabeth Moore - 35 Years On Screen It hit me like a small bolt . Elizabeth Moore , the actress I had watched with Mom on weekend nights , was Nathan's mother . Of course the names matched . Somehow I had not put it together until the letters were three feet tall . " So Elizabeth is your mother , " I said , keeping my tone as steady as I could . " I'd say that's obvious , " he replied . " Gosh , " I muttered before I could stop myself . " You're lucky . " He said nothing .

Inside , it was a crush of glittering gowns , tuxedos , and champagne . I recognized faces from screens big and small . Nathan moved through it like he had drawn the map . I stayed close , feeling equal parts invisible and under a spotlight . When we reached Elizabeth , my awe fizzled . She was stunning , yes , but the way she looked at Nathan was cold . Their hug , if it could be called that , lasted less than a heartbeat . Then her gaze shifted to me . " And who's this ? " " Aries , " I said , offering a hand . " Congratulations . " She didn't take it .

Her eyes slid over me like a jeweler inspecting a fake diamond . " Whose child are you ? Please tell me , Nathan , you haven't resorted to bringing ... companions . " The word companion was dipped in acid . Heat climbed my neck . " Let's not do this here , Mom , " Nathan said quietly . I excused myself , more than ready to escape to the restroom . On my way back , I was looking at my phone and didn't see the man until we collided . " God , I'm sorry , " I said , stepping back . He was tall , sharp - featured , with an easy smile . " Don't be .

You could bump into me anytime if it means I get to see that beautiful face . " I blinked . " Uh ... thanks ? " 18:26 Fri , Nov 7 MG Chapter 9 " Ralph , " he said , offering his hand . " Aries . " " You're gorgeous , Aries ," he said easily . " Who'd you come with ? " " Nathan Moore . " I answered . His brows lifted . " Huh . So he's the lucky guy . How long have you two ... " " No. Not like that . I'm his assistant . " " Good news for me then ." His grin was pure mischief . " So .... how do you survive working for that guy ? " " You know him ? " " Since highschool , " Ralph said .

" Let's just say ... " 155 vouchers " Careful , Ralph , " Nathan's voice cut in . " I did not know you had become a storyteller . I would hate for you to run out of material . " Ralph turned , laughter already in his eyes . He and Nathan shook hands like men who had won and lost to each other more than once . " What can I say ," Ralph said , glancing at me . " You know my weakness . " Nathan's jaw tightened . " This one does not need your distraction . " He looked at me . " We are leaving ." Ralph smirked . " Don't be such a spoilsport . Five more minutes ." Nathan's hand closed around mine .

" Back off , " he told Ralph , already steering me away . Behind us , Ralph called , " I might be ready for that deal ! " Nathan didn't look back . " Not this one , " he said . Outside , the cool night air was a relief . The driver was pulling up when Elizabeth appeared . " You're leaving my celebration without a word ? " she said . " Typical . " " Mother , I've had enough for one night . " Her lips pressed into a thin line before she began a outburst I couldn't catch from the car . I didn't need the words , Nathan's expression said enough . Detached . Closed off .

Counting the seconds until it was over . When she finally turned and walked back inside , he slid in beside me . The ride home was even quieter than before . He didn't reach for his phone or speak , only stared out at the city lights with the hollow focus of someone whose energy had been stripped away . At the house , I started toward my room , but his voice stopped me . " Still think I'm lucky ? " I met his eyes . Whatever I'd been about to say stuck in my throat . Austen