Flash Marriage to a Stunning CEO (Alistair and Richard) novel Chapter 45

Chapter 45 Carol’s Family

The more she convinced herself, the more certain she became.

Regret swelled like a tidal wave.

She leaned back against the seat, eyes fluttering shut, and the

memories flooded in.

“Rebecca, dinner’s ready. Want me to wake you up now?

“I ironed your clothes. They’re hanging in the closet.

“I already sent gifts to your parents.

“Danny’s not feeling great. I’m taking him to the hospital.”

Simple, ordinary moments she’d once ignored–maybe even found annoying–now shimmered in her mind like the purest,

rarest kind of love.

“Last night was a mistake. I was drunk. It didn’t mean anything.

“Forget me. Forget everything between us.

“I love you. I miss you so much it’s killing me. Let’s go home and

get married.

“Are you really that blind, Rebecca? Your parents don’t even treat Яou like their daughter anymore. Can’t you see it?

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Chapter 45 Carol’s Family

“I’m giving you one last chance. If you keep acting like this, I’m gone. For good.”

Richard’s voice crashed into the memories, ruining everything.

She clenched her fists, trying to shake him from her mind–but he stuck like glue.

She looked around. The scent in the car was his cologne. The seat

was adjusted to his height. The mini fridge was stocked with his

drinks. His tie and blazer were thrown casually in the back. Even

the playlist was his.

She used to crave his presence so much that she’d cover her

bedroom with his photos, sleeping with his shirts just to feel close

to him.

Now, it all made her nauseous.

The air felt heavy and suffocating.

Without thinking, she rolled down the window and started tossing everything out–his tie, his jacket, even the car’s air freshener.

Then she remembered–he’d been driving this car for days. The

driver’s seat was his. She reached for the seat cover, about to rip it

off-

A knock on the window startled her. A security guard held up the discarded items, frowning, “Miss, please don’t litter.” 2/6

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Chapter 45 Carol’s Family

8 min leff

At Ashbourne Manor, Alistair’s second visit felt more like coming

home.

“Alistair, there you are.” Mabel beamed. “Come in, sit down! Lila made fresh pastries–they’re still warm!” She spoke to him as if he’d grown up at her side like Caroline.

Alistair sat down obediently, taking a bite. Soft, chewy, and just sweet enough.

Mabel’s eyes twinkled. “Is it good?”

He nodded. “Delicious.”

“I’ll have Lila make more this afternoon. Bring some back for

Caroline and Eloise.”

She chuckled and then added, “Caroline’s picky. Doesn’t really

care for sweets. Thankfully, Eloise doesn’t take after her. That little girl loves them.”

Alistair raised an eyebrow.

Caroline’s picky? Really? That’s news to me. She told me she wasn’t picky about food at all…

Mabel had invited Alistair over today not just to spend more time

with him but–clearly–for Caroline’s sake.

3/6

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Chapter 45 Carol’s Family

6 min left

Before getting into that, though, she gave him a brief and sharp

rundown of what had happened with Agnes.

When Alban brought Agnes back, she actually assumed Mabel

wanted to rehire her, thinking maybe Mabel hadn’t taken to the

new staff. She even hinted at a raise, bold as brass.

Then she saw Mabel standing there–alive, well, and clearly not buying her act–and the whole truth came crashing down. Agnes

realized Preston’s plan had failed.

Mabel had spent years cultivating a warm, kind image. But the

steel underneath had never gone dull.

Under that calm pressure, Agnes cracked. She confessed everything–her collusion with Preston, every sneaky move, every

lie.

And then, unbelievably, she tried to blame it all on Caroline.

She said she’d always been loyal to the Ashbourne family, that it was Caroline’s cold–hearted decision to fire her sister that pushed her into Preston’s arms, and that none of it would’ve happened