He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 38

Meliora stood behind Rose, half-joking, half-jealous. "Seriously, Rose, you’ve got it all. You’re brilliant, you look like a supermodel—some people really do win the genetic lottery."

Rose gave a wry smile. "Yeah... except for a love that actually lasts."

Meliora caught the flicker of hurt in Rose’s eyes—one that still carried disappointment. She could tell Rose hadn’t fully let go of Ethan. "Rose," she said gently, "you’ve got to let him go. It’s the only way to be fair to Houston."

Rose flinched. The words hit her like a splash of cold water. She was right. I’m Houston’s wife now. I can’t keep holding on to the past.

Later, Rose and Meliora arrived at one of Crestview’s most famous five-star hotels. Meliora was clearly impressed. "Rose, this place is owned by Clarke Group—Crestview’s top powerhouse. Their hospitality services are ridiculously expensive, but they say the whole experience makes you feel like royalty."

Rose had heard of Crestview’s four major conglomerates, but she’d never paid much attention to their businesses or the people behind them. That world just didn’t interest her.

She casually sent Houston the hotel’s location so he could find them easily.

What she didn’t expect was Houston’s reaction. As soon as he saw the address, he froze.

The Silvermoor? Isn’t this the hotel Grandpa gave me as a gift? A slow smile spread across his face. He picked up the phone and called the hotel’s lobby manager, gave a few quiet instructions, and then headed out the door.

Meanwhile, Rose and Meliora wandered into the hotel, wide-eyed and a little overwhelmed. They looked around, quietly making their way to the front desk.

"Hi," Meliora said cautiously. "We were hoping to dine here. Do you have any open tables?"

The front desk clerk tried not to laugh. "I’m sorry. Reservations usually need to be made at least six months in advance. And we don’t take walk-in custom dining requests."

Meliora’s face fell.

Rose took her hand. "Come on, let’s go."

Just then, the lobby manager appeared and approached them with a polite smile. "May I ask for your names?"

"I’m Rose Marshall," Rose said. "She’s Meliora Eversleigh."

The lobby manager’s tone shifted instantly—polite, respectful. She offered a warm smile. "Ms. Marshall, Ms. Eversleigh, if you happen to be dining with gentlemen this evening, we’re currently offering a complimentary couple’s tasting experience."

Rose raised an eyebrow. "That’s kind of you, but we’re not here for that."

The manager’s smile faltered. "Ms. Marshall, this is actually a directive from upper management. We need two couples to sample the menu today, or we’ll lose our bonuses."

Meliora looped her arm through Rose’s. "Come on, Rose. Why not? Free dinner’s free dinner."

Soon, they were led to a private presidential suite—every detail perfectly luxurious. The manager personally explained the Clarke Group’s dining etiquette, walking them through the full experience.

When the food arrived, they were stunned.

Inside, Rose and Meliora sat close together, whispering and laughing like sisters.

The moment Meliora looked up and saw Houston, her jaw dropped slightly—just for a second.

Owen waved a hand in front of her face. "Hey, don’t bother. Houston’s already taken. No use staring."

Meliora rolled her eyes and gave him a playful punch. "Come on. With a face like that, who wouldn’t stare?"

Somehow, she and Owen clicked instantly. The bickering started from the moment they met, as if they’d known each other forever.

Houston took the chance to sit beside Rose. The moment he saw her with makeup on—elegant and radiant—he couldn’t help but compliment her. "Rose, you look stunning tonight."

Rose blushed. "I don’t really know how to do it. Meliora did it for me."

Houston smiled. "Then I guess I need to buy my wife a set of makeup."

Rose laughed. "Are you trying to force me to learn?"

Houston grinned. "If you don’t want to, I’ll learn it instead."

Rose fell quiet.