Country Bumpkin Marries Mister CEO

Chapter 1

The airport hummed with the gentle chatter of travelers, the occasional announcement echoing through the speakers, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting from the café. Riley Garrett rushed out of the bathroom, her long, dark hair bouncing behind her. She checked her watch for what felt like the hundredth time, worried she'd miss her driver.

As she hastened through the crowded terminal, her eyes fixed on the exit, she collided with a tall, imposing figure. Scalding hot coffee splattered everywhere, including the stranger's tailored suit.

"Oh no, I'm so sorry!" Riley exclaimed, mortified.

The stranger's piercing blue eyes narrowed, his chiseled features twisted in annoyance. "You should watch where you're going," he said curtly, his deep voice dripping with disdain.

Riley's cheeks flushed, but she refused to back down. "You could've watched where you were going too, you know. It's not all my fault."

The stranger's gaze lingered on her, his expression unreadable. For a moment, they simply stared at each other, the air thick with tension.

"Whatever," Riley muttered, turning to leave.

"Excuse me," the stranger called after her, his voice firm but controlled. "If I ever see you again, I'll make sure you regret your actions."

Riley spun around, her eyes flashing, but the stranger had already turned away, disappearing into the crowd.

Meanwhile, Atlas Norton watched Riley disappear into the crowd, his eyes lingering on the spot where she'd vanished. A scowl etched on his face, he muttered under his breath.

Later that day, Atlas sat in his office, discussing business with his best friend, Hunter Lund.

"I'm telling you, Atlas, you need to take a break," Hunter said, his voice laced with concern. "You've been working non-stop for months."

Atlas raised an eyebrow. "Someone has to keep Norton Industries afloat."

Just then, the door opened, and Jaxon Dale, Atlas's personal assistant, walked in.

"Atlas, I have some news," Jaxon said, his expression neutral. "Grace Lang has returned to the city."

Atlas's eyes narrowed. "What does she want?"

Jaxon hesitated before speaking. "She's requested that you pick her up from the airport. Charlotte Norton's instructions."

Atlas's jaw clenched. He had no desire to reconnect with his ex-girlfriend, especially after the way things ended between them.

"Jaxon, you pick her up instead," Atlas instructed, his voice firm.

Jaxon nodded and turned to leave.

"Jaxon?" Atlas called out.

"Yes, sir?"

"Make sure Grace understands that I'm not interested in rekindling anything."

Jaxon's expression remained neutral. "I'll make sure to pass on the message, sir."

As Jaxon left, Hunter spoke up.

"You know, Atlas, you can't avoid Grace forever."

Atlas's eyes flashed with annoyance. "I'm not avoiding her, Hunter. I just don't want to deal with her drama."

Hunter raised an eyebrow. "Drama?"

Atlas's expression turned grim. "You don't know the half of it, Hunter."

Riley, meanwhile, had arrived at her new apartment, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. She had just moved to the city, eager to start fresh after a painful past.

As she settled in, her best friend, Hazel Stewart, helped her unpack.

"Riley, I'm so glad you're back," Hazel said, her eyes shining with tears. "I've missed you so much."

Riley smiled, feeling a warmth in her heart. "I've missed you too, Hazel."

As they chatted and laughed, Riley began to feel a sense of belonging, like she was finally home.

But little did she know, her life was about to take a dramatic turn.

Her phone vibrated causing her conversation with Hazel to pause.

The long lasting bright light indicated an incoming call. The name Ethan was clear.

She was hesitant to answer but eventually did. His loving voice was so good that you would think he actually loved her. But Riley was no fool.

The same man who threw her out of the mansion five years ago couldn't possibly love her all of a sudden.