The CEO’s Hidden Love Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires

To ensure she wouldn't get her hopes up or even fall for him, she kept her distance.Material © NôvelDrama.Org.

But the irony of life played its cruel trick; the moment she genuinely opened her heart and fell in love, that's when he decided it was time to break up, to chase after his so-called true love.

"But Karen, don't fret over me losing my mind over this! My hatred, it's just a sprinkle, nowhere near as intense as you might think. After all, I know better than to force feelings. I can't exactly chain Everett down, make him pretend he's still in love when his heart's elsewhere," she explained with a sigh, a hint of resignation in her voice.

The very thought was more than she could bear.

Now that Everett had come clean and gracefully brought their relationship to a dignified end, it was the best closure she could have asked for.

"Sometimes, I just can't figure you out. You see through things so clearly that... I don't even know where to start if I wanted to give you advice," Karen admitted, genuinely puzzled.

Dorothy chuckled, "Don't bother. I've got it all figured out."

She was introspective, not anti-social. Her silence wasn't a sign of emptiness.

Her sensitivity from a young age had taught Dorothy much about the world.

"Alright, I won't push you. Just take care of the kids and have a good life here! Call me if you need anything. I'll come to visit now and then," Karen offered, a smile warming her face. Dorothy nodded, "Will do."

Sticking to the plan, Everett made his way to a diner on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

Opting for a window seat rather than a secluded booth, his presence was immediately noticeable. His striking looks and height drew glances from female patrons, though his attention was scattered, lost in thought.

Soon, a petite and graceful figure entered.

Spotting Everett, Quincy approached, her heels clicking against the floor.

"Mr. Lopez," she greeted him.

Everett looked up, a frown forming. "Why are you here?"

"It's me, the one you're supposed to meet today, not Jonathan. It

always supposed to be me," Quincy said taking the seat across from him.

Everett's impatience was palpable, almost ready to leave.

But Quincy quickly dove into her spiel before he could stand, "Mr. Lopez, about this marriage idea Jonathan's been pushing..."

His expression chilled, "All this, just to talk about that?"

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"Not exactly! See, from the get-go, we never considered each other in a romantic way. You were with Ms. Sanchez, and I, well, I wasn't in the headspace for dating. But seeing how much you cared for Ms. Sanchez, how deeply you loved her, that's when I started entertaining the thought of having a boyfriend. And now, with you and Ms. Sanchez apart, I thought, maybe, I could be that person for you."

Quincy was straightforward, no beating around the bush.

Her main aim wasn't to declare her feelings but to buy time.

"I'm not in the mood for romance," he stated flatly.

"I know! The fallout with Ms.

Sanchez hit you hard, and it's natural you're not ready. But I'm willing to wait, just hoping you won't keep pushing everyone away. Consider it.. giving me a chance."

Today, while Everett remained distant, he wasn't completely cold, which gave Quincy the courage to speak her mind.