Reserved Seat, Broken Promise, New Crown Novel

Chapter 2 My chest tightened sharply . I stared at the screen , my fingers hovering over the keyboard , unable to type a single word . Five years ago , Grant was still the young man eating instant noodles in a dim basement , eyes shining as he said , " I'll make it out there , no matter what . " I loved the light in his eyes and believed in the future he spoke of . But my father shook his head . " The way he looks at you ... there's ambition there , not just love . " I resisted , feeling my pride flare . " You've never believed I could see someone for who they truly are on my own .

" Father paused for a long moment before finally saying , " Then let's make a bet . Hide your identity , spend five years by his side as he grows . If , after five years , he still treats you sincerely , I won't just approve , you'll have my full support for his career . " " And if he changes ? " " Then you come back , inherit the family business , and never let love cloud your judgment again . " I agreed . I had thought five years would be enough , for love to grow into trust , for promises to turn into lifelong commitment .

I never imagined that time wouldn't reveal true love , but rather how fickle people's hearts could be . In the end , I sent only one message : [ I'll give you an answer after the party . ] My father replied almost immediately : [ Whatever the answer , I'll be here . ] My eyes stung . I rubbed them and headed toward the administrative office . There was still a mountain of party details to handle . Grant wouldn't care about any of this . All he needed was to shine on stage , delivering his speech and accepting applause . The behind - the - scenes drudgery and support had always fallen to me .

Chapter 2 22.22 % Passing the break room , I overheard a few female employees whispering . " Did you hear ? There's a special year - end bonus this year ! " " It's probably going to be Director Sanderson again ... she's worked herself to the bone these past few years . " " Not necessarily . I saw Mr. Sullivan take Sophie Ray to the jewelry store yesterday . " " What ? She's only been here three months ! " " Her uncle is an investor ; what do you know ... " Their voices cut off abruptly as I pushed the door open . A few of them scrambled to their feet . " Di ... Director Sanderson ...

" " Have you finished checking the materials list ? " My tone was neutral as I grabbed an Americano from the coffee machine . " Not yet ... " " So you have time to gossip ? " I turned to them . " By seven tonight , I want confirmation emails showing all materials in place and all rehearsals completed . Any issues ? " " No ! " They hurried off . I stood by the window with my coffee , watching the bustling traffic on the street below . Five years ago , this area was still a barren startup park . Grant and I had crowded into that shadowy basement , sharing a single cup of instant noodles .

He'd fashioned a makeshift ring from a soda can ring and slipped it onto my ring finger . " When the company goes public , " he said , gripping my hand , eyes bright even in the dim light , " I'll get you a real one . Diamond . The biggest kind . " I had smiled and nodded , secretly feeling that the soda ring was perfect . At least back then , I was the only one in his eyes . My phone buzzed again . A message from Grant : [ I need to accompany the investors to dinner tonight . You should head Chapter 2 22.22 % home ; don't wait for me .

] I stared at the screen until the coffee went cold , then finally replied : [ Okay . ] 22.22 % Cedella Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella's storytelling style is immersive and addictive-perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.