The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 1838

Mona shook her head, "Nothing, there was a misunderstanding about that thing. I can explain."

With the way she flustered now, all the unconfirmed suspicions that had haunted Morrison for years seemed to coalesce into a stark revelation. It was the final blow.

"Sure, since you're scared of being wronged, you're welcome to explain. If I've indeed wronged you, rest assured, I'll offer you a sincere apology."

Rose spoke calmly, her emotions seemingly at bay. Back when she and Chloe used to hang out, she always thought Chloe was too nonchalant when dealing with certain issues, as if the person being insulted, slandered, or disadvantaged wasn't her at all.

Now that it was Rose's turn, she began to understand that indignation was merely amusement for others.

Pain for the loved ones, joy for the foes. And that was exactly what the other party wanted to see. Besides, getting too worked up seemed pointless and beneath her. It made her look like a clown.d2

Most importantly, she had grown accustomed to it. After witnessing so much vile talk, it took a lot to get under her skin. Like now, she was the picture of composure, her mind unusually clear.

But against Rose's tranquil demeanor, Mona was visibly rattled. She glanced at Morrison and caught him staring at her, his narrowed eyes piercing.

Quickly looking away, she pressed her lips together, "We all used to have such good times. I forgot."

Rose's lips twisted into a wry smile, laced with irony. "If that's the reason, then indeed..."

Morrison wasn't deaf to the sarcasm. He wrapped his arm around her, turning her to face him, his brows knitted tightly. "What are you trying to say? That winter of our graduation year... you mean my birthday?"

Something struck a nerve, and he took a deep breath before continuing, "Speaking of which, Rose, why didn't you come to my birthday that year? Do you know how long I waited for you?!"

A flicker passed through Rose's eyes, "You waited for me?"

Morrison clenched his teeth, "The last birthday before graduation, and you stood me up! You always came before, but why not the last time..."

"Morrison," Rose interjected lightly, his grip on her waist tightening.

He realized something was amiss and quickly loosened his hold, awkwardly rubbing her waist.

Rose looked up, her expression serene, "You changed the venue last minute and didn't tell me."

Morrison's expression froze, then after a long pause, as if recalling something, he turned to Mona. "You didn't tell her?"

Mona suddenly felt a tingling sensation on her scalp. She opened her mouth, "I... I forgot."

After a few seconds of silence, Morrison's expression turned ferocious. "You said you were going to rehearse the play in the activity room and would tell her in person!"

Mona trembled, "I really forgot..."

"Forget my ass! You told me not to call her!"

Morrison's voice rose sharply, its cold fury almost terrifying.

Mona recoiled, tears spinning in her eyes, "I..."

The others were equally frightened into silence.

Rose watched her calmly. "Everyone knew except for me, Mona, if we speak of malice, you've always had a head start. Still feel wronged? You can continue to explain."

Mona bit her lip, her hands clenched, unable to utter a word. She glanced at Morrison, but his gaze had barely lingered on her.

What could she say? It was a direct confrontation with Morrison and Rose. Her actions from back then were impossible to justify now.

Morrison had one hand hooked around Rose's waist, while the other held onto her slender arm. "So, you went to the original place that day?"

Rose looked at him, her gaze sliding inch by inch across his face, then she asked in return, "Why did you decide to change the venue suddenly?"

Morrison's lips pressed together, and he looked ashamed. "It was my mistake."

Rose pressed him, her gaze intense, "Was it your own decision, or did someone suggest it?"

Morrison looked guilty, "Someone else's idea."

"Who?"

Morrison met her gaze, his voice low, "Asking me to snitch in front of her, you're putting us both in a tough spot, aren't you?"

"So, it was Mona who suggested you change the place last minute, right?"

Morrison's lips twitched, and he gave a barely perceptible nod. His fingers tightened around her waist, signaling her to help maintain his image.

Rose watched him, a faint smile playing on her lips before she spoke again, her voice soft and distant.

"I did go. I went to the place you initially chose, but no one was there. I couldn't reach you on your phone. When I finally did get through, it was Mona who answered. She did give me the address but neglected to mention the specific location. I thought she'd have informed the staff, but I was turned away at the door. When I tried calling you again, there was no answer."

Morrison's grip paused.

"Do you know why I mentioned that winter of our graduation year? It's because your birthday back then was just like today, with heavy snowfall. I called you until my phone died, afraid to leave for even a moment in case I missed you, so I waited outside the club the entire night."

Rose's voice shook as the suppressed feelings from the past bubbled up, her eyes reddening, a mist forming.

Morrison's Adam's apple bobbed, his own emotions swelling in sync with hers. "I did too. I waited all night, afraid that if I left, you wouldn't find me."

His words trailed off as he embraced her, kissing her forehead, "I'm sorry."

"I worked for over two months to get your birthday gift ready, and it never got to you. I fell ill the next day, and didn't return to school until after the New Year. By the time the new semester started, your attitude had changed drastically. You didn't give me any explanation, and there was no chance for me to approach you and find out what happened.

“I've been wracking my brain, trying to figure out if I did anything to tick you off before your birthday, to make you mess with me like this."

"I didn't," Morrison replied, his voice stiff with the awkwardness of baring his feelings in front of Rose. "It's just seeing you so calm, not picking fights with me for a change, it would've made my day. That's why I wanted to celebrate my birthday."

The confession was awkward, especially for Morrison, who was used to their years of constant one-upmanship. Neither had ever shown weakness to the other, and this new vulnerability felt alien.

Yet, here he was, spilling his guts just like he had at her product launch. This time, though, it felt so much more awkward. But what was the difference? In front of her, he'd long since lost his shame. Why started being coy now?

Rose clutched at Morrison’s shirt, her spirits lifted despite herself at his words. Morrison planted a few quick kisses on her forehead before stepping back and extending his hand towards her.

"What's up?" Rose asked, puzzled.

"Where's my present? My birthday gift?"

Rose hesitated, turning away slightly. "I didn't get you anything this time."

Morrison frowned, not with anger but with a hint of hurt on his handsome face. "I mean, I'm thrilled you showed up for the party, but I'd be over the moon if you had a birthday gift for me."

Rose was silent.

Morrison, trying to cajole her, pecked her cheek. "You've got something for me, haven't you? Come on, hand it over."