THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 781

The rejection was direct and unequivocal. Caitlin had never been one for ambiguity or leading people on.

Will was floored. What? She had actually rejected him. She rejected him!

In his mind, no woman could resist such a fantastical display of affection. He was a Lord of Valerium, a real-life Prince Charming. Weren't all common girls waiting for a prince to sweep them off their feet? Why was she so indifferent?

And this was the second time she had turned him down. Did she not need a prince? But every woman wanted a Prince Charming.

Will felt his confidence shatter. "May I ask why I'm not to your liking?" he asked, trying to understand.

Caitlin's lips parted. "Attraction doesn't need a reason, and neither does the lack of it."

"I won't give up on you," Will declared.

"Don't waste your time on me," Caitlin said, massaging her temples with a hint of weariness. "I already have a boyfriend, and I love him very much."

A boyfriend? Will didn't believe it for a second. Who could possibly be more charming than him? In his entire life, the only man he had ever conceded was superior was the formidable Master from Eldermere, but he was known to be uninterested in marriage and there had been no news of him dating anyone.

With that, Caitlin turned to Celeste. "March, let's go."

Celeste, still in a daze, finally snapped out of it. "Oh, right."

"Excuse us," Caitlin said, leading Celeste past Will.

Will stood there, dumbfounded and in utter disbelief as he watched her walk away. He couldn't believe she had just left. Wasn't this the kind of proposal every woman dreamed of?

Why? Why did she reject him? Was the gesture not grand enough for her?

Even if his feelings for her weren't genuine, even if it was just a fleeting whim, he was now committed. Her rejection today could only mean one thing: his proposal was too simple. Once he prepared something truly spectacular, she would surely accept.

Will could hardly wait to see the tears streaming down her face. The scene, he mused, would be absolutely magnificent.

***

Celeste followed Caitlin out of the hotel. It wasn't until they were safely in a taxi that she finally spoke. "Catie, what was that all about with Will? When did you two even meet?"

Caitlin replied, "I think we only saw each other once, in the elevator this morning."

Celeste stared at her, first in shock, then in awe. "He did all that after just seeing you in an elevator this morning? He must have fallen for you at first sight!"