The Bride He Left Behind

The morning sunlight filtered through the tall windows of Edwards & Co., casting golden streaks across the sleek marble floors. A sense of focus and quiet ambition buzzed through the air, keyboards clicked in rhythm, heels tapped steadily, and the scent of roasted coffee lingered at every turn.

Rose Kurt stood near the reception desk, neatly dressed in a gray pencil skirt and crisp white blouse. Her black hair was gathered in a simple bun, and her eyes, always alert, scanned the tablet in her hand as she reviewed the meeting schedules for the day. She had only been at Edwards & Co. for four months, but her diligence had already caught the attention of several executives including one she tried hard not to think about too much: Diego Edwards himself.

Suddenly

A loud scream shattered the air.

“You’re so pathetic! You disgust me!”

All heads turned toward the commotion, just in time to see Julia Raymond, her heels clicking furiously, storm toward the center of the lobby. Her perfectly styled blonde curls bounced with each stride, her blue designer dress hugging her curves like a second skin. Her eyes were ablaze, and her red lipstick seemed to burn brighter with fury.

Rose froze.

“I trusted you, and this is how you repay me?” Julia's voice rang out again, echoing off the high ceilings.

Rose’s eyes widened. “Ma’am, I—I don’t understand.”

Her voice trembled. She stood helplessly, tablet forgotten in her hand, like a child cornered by accusations she couldn’t comprehend.

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she forced herself to stay composed. A small crowd began to gather, murmuring quietly among themselves.

“I gave you my bags to drop in Diego’s office,” Julia spat. “And now my jewelry is gone. My diamond earrings, my crystal bracelet are gone!”

“I didn’t take your jewelry. I swear!” Rose’s voice broke. “I would never”

“SHUT UP!” Julia's hand whipped out and slapped Rose across the face.

The sound cracked through the room like a gunshot.

A collective gasp rippled through the office. Rose staggered back slightly, her cheek burning, tears slipping down her face now without restraint.

“I knew it,” Julia hissed. “You’re just another social climber trying to grab what doesn’t belong to you.”

Rose clutched her hands tightly together, trying to stop them from shaking.

“Security!” Julia shrieked. “Search her!”

Two men in navy uniforms hurried toward them.

“Don’t just stand there search her now!” she commanded.

Just then, a low voice sliced through the tension. “What the hell is going on here?”

Heads turned. And there he was.

Diego Edwards.

Six-foot-two, broad-shouldered, and every inch the commanding presence of a man born to lead. His tailored suit hugged his body like silk armor, and his dark, rounded eyes scanned the room with quiet authority. The entire lobby fell into silence the moment he stepped in.

Diego’s gaze fell on Rose, her red cheek, the tears on her face, the helplessness in her expression and then on Julia, whose