The CEO Above My Desk (Mckenzie Shinabery) novel Chapter 136

Chapter 136

Everything moves too fast after that. Like the second I say yes, the world doesn’t pause… it accelerates.

Rowan doesn’t even look at me again before turning. “I need a white dress,” he says to the store manager, his voice calm,

controlled, like he’s ordering a meeting room instead of a wedding. “Something she can wear out. Now.”

The woman straightens immediately. “Of course, Mr. Ashcroft.”

“And shoes,” he adds. “Appropriate.”

Like this is normal. Like this is planned. Like this isn’t happening because everything is falling apart.

My chest tightens.

Rowan doesn’t stop there. “Where are your suits?”

Another woman steps forward instantly, already smiling, already ready. “Right this way, sir.”

He nods once, then glances at me-just once. Enough to make my stomach flip.

“Don’t take too long.”

Not a suggestion.

Then he’s gone.

And just like that, I’m standing there in a boutique, picking out a wedding dress for a wedding happening today.

My stomach twists.

“Okay,” Camille says gently, sliding in beside me like she knows I might bolt if she doesn’t. “We’re not panicking. We’re just… doing a very fast, slightly unhinged bridal moment.”

I let out a breath that almost turns into a laugh. Almost. “Yeah,” I murmur. “Super normal.”

The store manager gestures toward a section already being pulled apart by staff. White everywhere-lace, silk, satin. It

should feel magical.

It doesn’t.

It feels like I’m watching someone else’s life happen.

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“Okay,” Camille says again, more focused now. “We’re not doing a big gown. That’s not the vibe. You said you want a real

wedding later, right?”

1 nod.

“Then this is the placeholder,” she says. “So we make it cute. Re-wearable. Something that still feels like you.”

That helps. A little.

She starts pulling dresses, holding them up against me, turning me slightly, analyzing like she’s done this a hundred times before. “Not that one-too bridal bridal. Nope, too stiff. Absolutely not, you’ll hate yourself in photos.”

Despite everything, I almost smile.

Then she pauses.

“Oh.”

I look up.

And she’s holding it.

It’s simple. Short-just above the knee. White, but not harsh. Soft ivory, almost. The fabric is smooth with a slight structure, hugging the waist before flaring just slightly at the hips, giving it that effortless shape that doesn’t try too hard. The neckline curves gently-not too high, not too low-just enough to feel feminine without being overdone. The sleeves are short, delicate, barely there.

And the back dips just enough.

Not revealing.

Just… intentional.

“It’s perfect,” Camille says immediately.

My throat tightens. “It’s…” I hesitate.

Forced.

Beautiful.

Not what I dreamed of.

“Yeah,” I whisper.

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Chapter 136

She softens a little. “I know,” she says quietly. “But we’ll fix it later. You’ll get your big moment. This one… we just

survive.”

God.

I nod. “Okay.”

The heels she picks are simple-white, closed toe, with a small, clean heel that doesn’t scream wedding but still fits. “You can rewear these,” she says. “Which is important because I refuse to let this be a one-time trauma purchase.”

I huff out a small laugh. “Thanks.”

A few minutes later, I’m changed.

Standing in front of the mirror.

And for a second… I don’t recognize myself.

Because I look like a bride.

Just not the kind I thought I’d be.

My fingers brush the fabric.

This is happening.

I step out.

And immediately, Rowan turns.

He’s already dressed.

And God-that shouldn’t hit me as hard as it does, but it does.

Because he looks powerful.

The suit is dark, expensive in a way you don’t need to ask about. Perfectly tailored, sharp lines, a crisp white shirt underneath, no tie-just enough undone to make it feel intentional.

Dangerous.

Untouchable.

Mine-

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Chapter 136

No.

I swallow.

His eyes lock onto me, and he goes completely still.

For the second time today, I stop breathing.

Because the way he’s looking at me… it’s not casual. It’s not even controlled.

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The CEO Above My Desk