The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel 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?"