The CEO's Hidden Love: Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires novel Chapter 666

"Me? I don't think that's a great idea." Karen hesitated. "I mean, none of them even know who I am. You guys go have fun without me."

"You're my fiancée. They're bound to meet you sooner or later. Might as well make today the day," Jeffrey insisted. Deep down, he feared any hiccups before the engagement party. Hence, he felt it was always safer to have Karen by his side to keep the doubts at bay.

What Jeffrey did not realize, however, was that this decision would be his biggest mistake.

Because Jeffrey did not anticipate running into his ex-girlfriend at this little gathering.

And sure enough, the moment he walked in, there she was, locking eyes with him.

But it was too late to turn around and leave without raising my suspicions.

"Is this the future Mrs. Turner? Wow, she's a stunner!"

Jeffrey's buddies caught sight of Karen and started ribbing them with grins.

This was a rite of passage in their group; everyone had been through it with a new girl on their arm.

Even though Karen was not a fan of such comments, she let it slide. Everyone had been drinking, and since she was the one who had pushed Jeffrey to come, she had to ensure he kept his dignity.

"Hello, everyone."

She smiled and nodded, letting Jeffrey usher her to a seat at the side of the booth.

It did not take long for the gang to sense that Jeffrey was serious this time, and the jokes at Karen’s expense quickly subsided.

As the guys bantered and laughed, Jeffrey suddenly raised his glass and announced loudly, "I've got news for you all—I'm getting engaged to my lady here."

"No way!"

"Look at you, Mr. Turner! Decisive man!"

"Congratulations!"

Amid the chorus of cheers, Karen noticed the girl across the table had turned pale.

Karen’s inner alarm bells rang loud and clear, sensing trouble. "Yes, what about it?"

She scoffed. "Funny, isn't it? Jeffrey told me he'd never get married when I was with him and that I shouldn’t wait for him. And now, just two years later, he's announcing an engagement."

Oh, great. Another ex of Jeffrey's.

Karen took a deep breath, maintaining her composure. "People change; it's normal."

Like her, she never planned on marrying Jeffrey either.

"Normal?" The woman crossed her arms and laughed bitterly. "Do you think I'm just another one of Jeffrey's conquests?"

"Aren't you?"

"I was with him for nearly three years. Sure, he had his flings, but his buddies all knew me as his girlfriend."

Karen was stunned.