The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride
Chapter 1836

Chapter 1836

"I want you all to understand, from this moment forward, that Rose didn't trap me by getting pregnant to marry me. It was I who deliberately gave her that opportunity.

"Even if she initially didn't plan to keep our baby, I wouldn't have agreed to let her go. If she hadn't been carrying my baby, I'd have found another reason to make her my wife.

"The one who's always harbored ulterior motives has been me. If you've got anything to say, say it to my face. But do you have the guts to do that?"

The room fell into a stunned silence.

They didn’t. Morrison was a true force to be reckoned with. The audacity of his speech wasn't without foundation.

Having said his piece, Morrison swept his gaze over the hushed crowd, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips as he strode out of the room. His footsteps were brisk, and it was all Riley could do to catch up with him in a near jog.d2

The display was nothing short of shocking for Riley.

Morrison, who never wore his heart on his sleeve, who would grimace at the sight of other couples wrapped up in their public displays of affection, had made such a bold declaration of love.

Riley had worked with Morrison long enough to know he was a man who despised sappiness. He doubted Morrison would ever be the type to whisper sweet nothings or be particularly kind or tender, even to his own wife.

He had secretly worried about the future of the Witt family line, especially after learning about Morrison's past girlfriend.

Now, there in the meeting room, Morrison's words had been nothing short of explosive. Riley never imagined he'd see the day when Morrison would brazenly confess his love in front of a crowd, shattering his stoic image.

Back at the birthday celebration, despite the heavy snowfall, they made it back to the party in record time.

Molly had been busy hosting the guests when she noticed Morrison's return, accompanied only by Riley. A flicker of disappointment crossed her eyes. She had hoped Morrison would bring Rose back with him and announce to everyone that she was the one he loved - now and forever.

The birthday bash might have been a bit scandalous, but if Morrison could publicly affirm Rose's status as Mrs. Witt, it would have salvaged some of Rose's years of heartache.

Instead, Morrison had left alone and returned alone. What was the point of his departure then?

Swallowing her frustration, she watched as Morrison approached. Taking a deep breath, she said, "Let's cut the cake and say a few words, then we can call it a night."

The crowd was waiting, and they had to go through the motions.

Morrison didn't respond. His eyes scanned the room, and he frowned, "Where's Rose?"

Molly paused, "Who?"

"Rose," Morrison repeated, his patience wearing thin.

Molly glanced around and shook her head, "I haven't seen her."

Morrison's lips formed a tight line, his displeasure evident.

So he had gone to look for Rose but hadn't found her? Rose must have been hurt again, hiding somewhere, nursing her pain. Finally, Molly sighed, "Let's just cut the cake."

She signaled the servers to bring over the grand cake. Taking the knife, she looked at Morrison.

Morrison glanced at his wrist to check the time, but realizing he wasn't wearing a watch, he raised an eyebrow.

Riley, amidst the crowd, quickly chimed in, "It's 7:50 PM."

It was still early.

Morrison took the knife from Molly but paused. "Let's wait a bit longer. She hasn't arrived yet."

He stood by the cake, silently waiting, staring at the entrance. His calls to her had gone unanswered. He couldn't leave now. What if she arrived just as he stepped out?

As the minutes ticked by, the guests around the cake began to disperse, raising their glasses and enjoying light-hearted banter.

"It's obvious he's waiting for someone, right?"

"Who could it be that has Mr. Witt waiting at his own birthday party?"

"Could it be his wife, Rose?"

"Hard to say, but isn't it clear that there's been a falling out between them today?"

"His ex came back into the picture, and they even stayed in the hospital together. Who knows if old flames have been rekindled?"

"Maybe the fight with his wife today is because his ex is forcing Rose out of the picture."

"Shh. Do you have a death wish, talking like that here?"

"I certainly want to live, but looking at the situation now, I don't think I'm wrong."

The woman spoke, gesturing subtly towards the entrance. As everyone turned to look, their expressions varied.

Molly's face darkened at the sight of the figure appearing at the door. The woman who entered was a vision in a burgundy evening gown, with a V-neck design adorned with lace and petals, her long curls cascading over her shoulders, her red lips seductive against her immaculate makeup. She was a stark contrast to the fresh, understated beauty she once was; now, she radiated stunning confidence.

Mona, her lips curved into a confident smile brighter than usual, gracefully walked towards the center of the room.

The whispers continued, but all eyes were on the unfolding drama.

Morrison's frown deepened as Mona approached. Yet, with a radiant smile, she looked up at Morrison. "Happy birthday, Morrison."

His response was cold. "What are you doing here."

"Here's your birthday present."

Mona extended her arm, offering the neatly wrapped box to Morrison, effectively cutting off his mid- sentence mumbles.

Leaning in closer, she unveiled the gift - a sleek, luxurious wristwatch, its design a blend of simplicity and opulence, very much to Morrison's taste. She took it out and stepped closer, Morrison squinting at her as she approached. "I put a lot of thought into this gift. It took me ages to find the

perfect one. This is the last time I'll celebrate your birthday, and Rose actually agreed to let me come."

Morrison's expression chilled instantly. "She agreed to you coming?"

"She didn't seem to care much." Mona continued, "Morrison, you know I have no ulterior motives. I've given you my best years, and now I don't expect anything in return. I just wanted to make your birthday memorable, as a fitting farewell. Since I'm here, can't you allow me this final shred of dignity?"

His face tightened, and he remained silent. His silence made Mona smile because she knew it meant he had agreed.

He agreed to spare her dignity.

They stood close, Mona's voice a hushed whisper, their words lost to anyone else around.

Molly's expression turned sour as she was closest to Morrison and could hear every word Mona said.

She gave him her youth? Bringing this up now, wasn't it just to make Morrison feel guilty?

Preserving her last scrap of dignity? What about Rose?!

With a smile, Mona lifted Morrison's wrist and gently strapped the watch on. Morrison frowned throughout, only softening when Mona secured the clasp.

"Thank you for coming to celebrate with me. So is this enough now?"

Mona's smile stiffened for a split second, "Aren't you going to cut the cake? After all, since I've given you the present, I should at least get a piece of the birthday cake."

Morrison's eyes narrowed as he watched her, the glint in his eyes turning cold.

"See, I was right, the one he's been waiting for is this ex-girlfriend."

"That watch isn't cheap, and to put it on him personally. What would the real Mrs. Witt think seeing this display of affection?"

"It's clear as day. She's trying to force the Mrs. in power to step aside. Which woman could stand this?"

"Look at her in that red dress, she must have come as the future Mrs. Witt tonight."

"But Rose is a legitimate heiress, treated like this... Mr. Witt is ruthless, sparing no dignity for her."

"The headlines tomorrow are going to be wild. I wonder when the news of their divorce will break."

"Oh my God!"

A gasp cut through the murmuring crowd, their heads turning in unison, eyes drawn to the entrance. They all drew a sharp breath.

"This is awkward..."

At the door stood a tall figure in a wine-red evening gown, a V-neck design with white lace and adorned with matching red rose petals.

Clearly, she and Mona were wearing identical dresses.

The woman approaching, her hair elegantly swept up, a simple white headband crowning her head, white pom-pom earrings dangling from her ears, her lips painted in a shade matching her dress, carrying a white clutch.

Her face, rosy and smooth, a stark contrast in the red and white ensemble, accentuating her features, stunningly beautiful, pristine yet exuding luxury.

Mona's face tensed, her gaze lingering on Rose before shifting down to her own attire. A dress clash?

As Rose closed the distance, her poised face and commanding presence made Mona's heart waver, but then she noticed Rose's belly. Wearing such a dress was surely a misstep.

Clashing dresses weren't the issue; it was who wore it worse.

Closing in, Rose also noticed Mona and the identical dresses, her eyes flickering slightly.

"That belly, it can't be hidden anymore."

"If I didn't know they were rivals, I'd think they'd planned this."

"She must have worn red to assert her status as the true Mrs. Witt."

"What's the use? We still don't know who'll be the real Mrs. Witt in the end."

"The current Mrs. Witt and the future Mrs. Witt face off – explosive!"

"Body-wise, I'm team ex-girlfriend."

...

Mona stepped forward with a smile, "I was wondering where you were just now."

Rose's lips curled faintly, "Got held up."

"Well, you're here now. I'm genuinely happy for Morrison, that you actually made it for his birthday."

Her tone suggested Rose was the outsider.

"Mona," Rose replied calmly, "I'm Morrison's wife. It's perfectly normal for me to be here for his birthday. What’s there for you to be happy about?"

Mona paused, "Well, I heard there was some conflict with the launch at your company and Morrison's birthday. They were saying you might be having a spat."

"They?" Rose smiled lightly. "So 'they' also say you're Morrison's ex-girlfriend, and that the conflict arose because Morrison confronted me over you, pushing me towards divorce. You shouldn't be unaware."

Mona's forced smile grew stiff.

Molly, delighted by Rose's arrival, couldn't help but smirk even wider at these revelations. As everyone's gaze turned to her, Mona's cheeks burned with embarrassment.

"If I were you, knowing all this, I'd keep my distance, not come here trying to make these rumors a reality. Mona, the internet is full of negativity about me. Do you think by playing to public opinion you can pressure me into a divorce?"

Rose didn't bother to conceal her amusement, speaking bluntly, without giving Mona any dignity. "Even if I did divorce, what then?"

"Rose!"

Morrison's frosty voice cut through the silence, and in the next breath, his hand had clasped around her wrist, another circling her waist to pull her close into his embrace.

Rose lifted her gaze to meet his, her expression icy, "Morrison, the press conference should have wrapped up flawlessly, and you had to go and make a scene."

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