The Betrayed Heiress Is Now the CEO’s Obsession novel Chapter 1

Summary for Chapter 1: The Betrayed Heiress Is Now the CEO’s Obsession

Summary of Chapter 1 from The Betrayed Heiress Is Now the CEO’s Obsession

Chapter 1 marks a crucial moment in Free Collection’s Romance novel, The Betrayed Heiress Is Now the CEO’s Obsession. This chapter blends tension, emotion, and plot progression to deliver a memorable reading experience — one that keeps readers eagerly turning the page.

When Charlotte Riley arrived at the bar to pick up Zac Gibson, she paused at the doorway when she overheard the conversation inside.

“Zac, Wendy Cooper is back. What about Charlotte?”

Zac’s voice was calm and indifferent. “What about her?”

“You’ve been with Charlotte for three years. Now that Wendy is back, what will you do?”

Through the narrow gap in the door, Charlotte saw Zac light a cigarette.

Smoke curled around him as he remained silent for a moment. Then, in a low voice, he said, “I don’t know. I don’t want to hurt Charlotte, but I also can’t let go of Wendy.”

One of his friends sighed. “Wendy was your first love—the one who always lingered in your heart. You two had such a fiery, passionate relationship back then. It’s no surprise you still can’t forget her.”

Another friend interjected, “Come on, though. Charlotte has been with you for three years. She’s beautiful. And you still can’t move on from Wendy?”

Zac rubbed his temples, his voice carrying a trace of exhaustion. “Charlotte is gorgeous, no doubt. But the reason I pursued her? She reminded me of Wendy. For years, I was just searching for traces of Wendy in her.”

“So she’s just a stand-in?” one of his friends sighed. “Man, I actually feel bad for Charlotte.”

Someone else asked, “So when are you going to break up with her?”

Zac flicked the ash off his cigarette. “I don’t know. Charlotte is obedient and understanding. Honestly, I’m a little reluctant to end things.”

A friend patted him on the shoulder. “Zac, you can’t have it both ways. You need to make a choice.”

“Why choose?” another friend said lazily. “Just keep dating both. And if you feel guilty about Charlotte, buy her some gifts. Women are easy to please.”

Zac let out a short laugh. “Not everyone is like you, juggling three or four women at once. I’m not that reckless.”

Outside the door, Charlotte curled her lips in a self-deprecating smile and turned to leave.

She walked along the riverside, replaying the past three years with Zac in her mind.

Three years. She had thought their love was mutual.

But in the end, she was nothing more than a substitute for his first love.

Standing by the river, she stared into the distance. The river flowed silently under the moon, forming a vivid contrast to the bustling city streets.

A tear slid down her cheek.

The fierce river wind lifted her hair.

Charlotte made a decision.

She took out her phone and dialed a number.

“Dad, I’m ready. I’ll come home and go through with the engagement.”

The dark night made the streetlights seem even dimmer. Moths fluttered around the glow.

Standing beneath the light, Charlotte gazed up at the endless night sky. Her voice was soft, calm.

“It’s nothing, really. I’m just done playing around. I’m ready to settle down.

“I was wrong before. I was reckless and immature. I shouldn’t have fought with you and run away from home. But I’ve figured things out now.

“I’ll head back to Jersey City once I’ve taken care of things here.”

*

Charlotte walked alone for a long time before finally returning to the Harmony Hill Villa. It was already past ten at night.

Mrs. Zimmer, the housekeeper, saw her come in and handed her a bowl of oatmeal.

“Miss Riley, you’re back. This is the soothing oatmeal you made for Mr. Gibson, right? It got cold, so I reheated it. I was just about to bring it up to him when you walked in. Why don’t you take it to him instead?”

Charlotte didn’t say anything. She simply took the bowl and headed upstairs to the bedroom.

She pushed open the door. The desk was empty. The computer screen was on, but Zac was nowhere in sight.

The sound of running water came from the bathroom. The light was on.

He was showering this early?

She set the bowl down.

The constant notification sound from his computer drew her attention.

She moved the mouse and clicked it open.

It was Wendy.

“Zac, I’m back. I’ll arrive at Harbor City Airport at 11:30 tonight. Can you pick me up?”

The message was sent ten minutes ago.

So, that’s why he was showering—he was getting ready to pick up his old crush.

“Zac, these past few years apart, I’ve never stopped thinking about you. I couldn’t forget you. I regret choosing my career and going abroad over staying with you.

“We were both too proud. Neither of us knew how to give in. But deep down, I know you still have feelings for me, don’t you?

“I dated a few guys over the years, but none of them lasted. No matter who I was with, something always felt missing. It took me a long time to realize that I’ve only ever truly loved you.

“I was afraid to come back to Harbor City before. Afraid you’d still hate me. Afraid to see you with someone else. Afraid you wouldn’t love me anymore.

“I was wrong back then, Zac. Can you forgive me?”

Charlotte stared at the screen in silence, her chest feeling tight.

She was about to close the chat window and leave when she saw Zac’s reply.