Reserved Seat, Broken Promise, New Crown Novel

On the night of the party , the ballroom sparkled with dazzling lights . I stood at the entrance , performing the final checks . Sophie appeared in a silver couture gown , walking straight toward Grant , who was already surrounded by admirers . " Grant , I hope I'm not late ? " Her voice rang clear , drawing several curious glances . Grant's eyes lit up . " Right on time . " He extended his arm naturally , and Sophie looped hers through his . They stood side by side , like a picture - perfect pair .

I looked down at my champagne - colored dress , simple , elegant , and suitable for a Chief Administrative Officer . My assistant hurried over , face uneasy . " Director Sanderson ... Mr. Sullivan asked about the seating adjustments ... " " Follow the new seating chart , " I ind Auto - added to the Library " But ... " She hesitated , " that seat in the second row ... " I said , follow the new seating chart . " The assistant fell silent , eyes brimming with sympathy . I didn't need sympathy . I needed to stay clear - headed . At exactly seven , the party began .

Grant took the stage , exuding confidence and charm . Cameras swept the audience , lingering on my face for less than a second . His speech was brilliant , thanking investors , the team , every partner . Even the janitorial staff received a mention . But not me . Whispers rippled through the audience . Every glance felt like a sharp prick against my back . During the awards segme applause erupted with every announced name . Chapter 3 33.33 % I sat in the shadowed second row , fingers unconsciously tracing the plain silver band on my ring finger .

" Next , " Grant's voice carried a hint of excitement , " is the most special moment of the night , the special year - end award . " The room fell silent . The spotlights swept across the audience , lingering briefly on me . My heart skipped an involuntary beat . But the next second , the lights shifted , settling firmly on Sophie . She covered her mouth in surprise , eyes wide , then broke into a shy , radiant smile . Grant stepped off the stage , walking steadily toward her . He stopped in front of her , opening a velvet box .

A three - carat diamond ring caught the light , sparkling fiercely . " Sophie , " Grant's voice carried across the hall , " These past months , your fresh perspective and creativity have guided the company to new directions . I hope this ring can symbolize an even stronger , closer partnership between us . " He removed the ring , and Sophie extended her hand . He slid it onto her ring finger . The crowd erupted in cheers as she threw herself into his arms . The giant screen lingered on the diamond and their embrace . Then , without warning , the camera cut to my Pale . Stiff . Shattered .

face . Grant's eyes flickered with unease ; he instinctively wanted to pull away from Sophie . But she clung tighter , her voice trembling , " Thank you , Grant ... " He froze , finally giving her a light pat on the back , deliberately not meeting my eyes . I stood and , under a storm of complex stares , turned and walked toward the restroom . At the mirror , I splashed cold water on my face over and over . The eyes staring back at me were red , but no tears fell . It was as if the sorrow had turned to ice in my chest , piercing the softest part of my heart .

Outside , laughter and chatter drifted in . Chapter 3 33.33 % ་ ་ someone ... I never imagined Mr. Sullivan would go for like Sophie . " ars of devotion , "Director Sanderson's fate is so cruel , five years of devotion , and in the end , she helps another woman get married . " " Did you hear ? That ring's worth eight hundred thousand ! Bought with company funds ? " " Shh ... keep it down ... " The voices faded . I stared at myself in the mirror and finally smiled .

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.