The CEO’s Unlikely Fiancée

Chapter 1 Lyra The rumble of the train beneath me hums with a strange sort of anticipation. I glance at my suitcase beside me, the small black box hidden within it. A ring box. It’s surreal, almost, that I’m the one planning to get down on one knee—or maybe not, if I let my nerves win. I picture the moment a dozen different ways, each one turning out perfectly. Or at least, I hope so. This wasn’t the way I thought I’d feel, a mix of thrilling excitement and a faint undercurrent of fear. I take a breath, exhaling as I look out the window. The winter scenery races by, a blur of gray and white, a mirror of how quickly things seem to be moving lately. Ethan and I had always talked about marriage, how we’d know when the time was right. We’d even made a little pact in college: “Let’s get married once we’re out of our early twenties and settled.” I’ve held onto that promise ever since, keeping it in the back of my mind as we both pursued our careers, carved out our places in the world.

Chapter 3 Lyra I stepped out of the shadows and into the glow of the streetlight and Anthony’s face lit up with relief. He looked like a man who had just spotted land after days lost at sea. His smile widened as he hurried toward me, bouquet and basket still in hand, his movements a mix of exhaustion and determination. “Miss Lyra!” he called out, his voice practically dripping with gratitude. “Thank goodness! I’ve been looking for you all day. Please, these are for you.” He extended the bouquet and the basket toward me like they were peace offerings, his tired eyes hopeful and sincere. I stared at him, then at the ridiculous gifts in his hands. Flowers that might’ve once been beautiful but now looked like an insult, a mockery. The basket was stuffed with expensive treats—chocolates, wine, maybe even something more indulgent—and the entire display made my stomach churn. What was this? An apology? A bribe? A sick joke? Anthony continued to ramble, his words barely registering

Chapter 5LyraWhen I walked into that restaurant, I knew I was out of my league. The place screamed wealth—white linen tablecloths, chandeliers sparkling like they were made of actual diamonds, and a hushed atmosphere that made every clink of silverware sound like it cost a fortune. Roman Lennox, of course, fit right in.He strode through the room with that air of self-assured power, looking like he’d just stepped off the cover of Forbes or GQ, take your pick. I followed him, painfully aware of my outfit—leggings, an oversized hoodie, and sneakers. I looked like I was on my way to catch a train, which, funnily enough, I was.As we sat down, Roman barely glanced at the menu before closing it with a decisive snap. Meanwhile, I stared at mine, eyes wide as I scanned the prices. My stomach churned—not with hunger, but with the realization that a simple cup of coffee here cost more than what I spent on groceries for a week.Roman’s pale blue eyes flicked to me, sharp and assessing. “Somet

Chapter 7Lyra“And you think I’m doing this out of revenge?” I asked, setting my fork down with a loud clink.Roman tilted his head slightly, the faintest hint of curiosity in his expression. “It’s a possibility.”I rolled my eyes, leaning back in my chair. “Men,” I muttered. “Always sticking together, no matter what. Fine. Think whatever you want. You asked for my insights, and I gave them to you. What you do with it is your choice.”I grabbed my bag and stood, ready to leave this ridiculous morning behind. But Roman’s next words stopped me in my tracks.“You applied for a job at Lennox?”I glanced down at him, surprised. “Yeah, I did. A while back. I never heard back, though. Not even a rejection.”For the first time since I met him, Roman’s brows furrowed. His expression, though subtle, was one of genuine confusion. “That’s not possible,” he said firmly. “Every candidate receives a response. It’s company policy.”I shrugged, shifting the strap of my bag higher on my shoulder. “Wel

Chapter 9LyraA week at Lennox Global Logistics, and I can sum it up in one sentence: I freaking love it!Seriously, it feels like a dream come true. The work ethic here is top-notch, the environment is pristine, and the people—well, most of them—are great. My position as Client Account Specialist has been challenging but in the best way possible. Deadlines? Check. A steep learning curve? Double-check. But every single second is worth it.And Anthony? He’s officially my best buddy. I don’t even know how it happened. One day we were cracking jokes in my cabin; the next, we were texting memes and complaining about early mornings like we’d known each other for years. I don’t trust easily, but something about Anthony makes it so natural.Tonight, though, I was drained. After submitting my final file of the day to my supervisor—who would forward it to the Big Boss himself, Mr. Roman Lennox—I shut my laptop with a satisfying click. It was time to head back to my cozy little apartment and e