The CEO'S forgotten love

Chapter Three

(Alex's POV)

The ballroom shimmered beneath the glow of chandeliers, a sea of elegance and wealth gathered. I stood at the edge of the stage, fingers wrapped tightly around the microphone. It was time for me to deliver the opening speech.

“Good evening, everyone,” I began, scanning the room. Faces looked up at me—some familiar, others new. “Tonight marks more than just the opening of a hotel. It marks the continuation of a dream, one my father started and one I’ve had the privilege of expanding.”

A polite round of applause followed. I let it roll over me like a wave before I dove deeper.

“The Callahan Grand represents luxury and innovation, yes—but more importantly, it represents opportunity. In building this, I didn’t just want to erect walls and fill rooms. I wanted to build bridges. That’s why tonight, I’m proud to announce that our latest partnership is with Safe Haven, a charming new bakery right here in New York.”

That got more attention.

“It’s run by a talented pastry chef whose creativity and dedication to her craft remind me of why I fell in love with business in the first place. We believe in elevating small businesses and giving them a platform to grow. Starting this month, Safe Haven will be our official dessert provider for events and in-room treats.”

More clapping. I allowed myself a breath, a flicker of pride warming my chest.

“Let this be a reminder,” I added, “that great things often come from small beginnings. And when we invest in one another, we rise together.”

I stepped away from the microphone to applause louder than I’d anticipated. After the speech, I moved through the crowd, offering smiles, handshakes, and the occasional laugh.

I paused near one of the refreshment tables to refill my drink, just as a small body ran directly into my leg. I looked down.

A little girl with a cascade of chestnut curls stumbled back, rubbing her forehead. She had big hazel eyes, wide with surprise, and she clutched a stuffed bunny against her pink sequined dress. This is the little girl that was with the blonde lady. I thought they had left.

“Whoa there,” I said, steadying the little girl with a hand on her shoulder.

She looked up at me with big, chocolate-brown eyes that blinked slowly in surprise.

“I’m sorry,” she said, her voice soft but confident. “I was trying to get to the chocolate strawberries.”

I crouched down to her level, offering a grin. “Well, that’s an excellent mission. Mind if I help you?”

Her smile bloomed like sunlight. “Okay!”

I grabbed a small plate and handed it to her, letting her pick a couple of dipped strawberries.

She giggled and tilted her head.

“What’s your name?” I said, smiling down at her.

She held her bunny up. “I’m Sophia. And this is Mr. Bun.”

Sophia.

Her name echoed in my mind like a familiar melody I couldn’t quite place.

I crouched down slowly, studying her face. “Hi Sophia. I’m Alex. Are you here with your parents?”

She shook her head, curls bouncing. “Just my mommy. She makes cupcakes. Really good ones.”

“Is your mommy here now?” I asked her.

She nodded and pointed across the room.

I followed her little finger, and there she was. The blonde lady. Turns out I was right about the little girl being her daughter.

She was scanning the room, worry etched into her features, her gaze darting in every direction.

Sophia spotted her too and took off in a sprint, bunny in hand. “Mommy!”

The blonde lady caught her in her arms, relief washing over her face. Then she looked up—right at me.

Our eyes met.

She's beautiful.

She blinked, her lips parting slightly. Her expression was unreadable.

She looked at me like she was expecting me to say something but I just stood, completely speechless.

After a few seconds, she scooped Sophia into her arms and turned away, disappearing into the crowd.

I stood frozen in place, the name still ringing in my head. Sophia.

I wasn’t sure what just happened, but something deep in my gut told me it mattered.

(Izzy's POV)

I was speechless when Alex was welcomed on stage to give the opening speech.

CEO of Callahan Enterprises.

I know his last name is Callahan, but I had no idea he was this wealthy. When we met five years ago, he told me he was helping out with his family business, not that it was a freaking empire.

He's the owner of this grand hotel and now, my new boss. I'm excited that Sweet Haven has gotten the contract of supplying dessert to Callahan Grand Hotel. This contract has easily put us on the map for more deals and endorsements.

But, this also means that I'll be working for Callahan Enterprises, I'll be seeing more of the man who left me broken. This is the part that unsettles me.

I looked beside me but Sophia was not there. I moved through the crowd, frantically looking around for any sign of my daughter.

My heart was racing, where could she be? I was on the verge of panicking, maybe coming to this ball was a bad idea. We should have just stayed home and all of these would have been avoided.

I stopped a waiter passing by. “Please, have you by any chance seen a little girl wearing a pink dress?”

The waiter shook his head. “No.”

I asked a lady but she just shook her head and looked at me with pity. I hated that look, it made me feel helpless.

I continued asking people around until my eyes moved to the far end of the hall. There she was, talking with Alex.

My hands were shaking, and not from nerves alone. Alex was talking with Sophia. I tried to look calm as they walked towards me.

“Mommy!” Sophia screamed as she ran into my arms.

“Sophia!” I whispered, crouching down and steadying her. “What are you doing? You can’t run off like that.”

“I was trying to get to the chocolate strawberries.” she said innocently, her big brown eyes shining.

“Next time, tell me before you go anywhere. Do you hear me?” I slowly cautioned her.

“Yes mommy. I'm sorry”

“It's okay, baby.” I said, rubbing her cheeks.

I straightened slowly and looked up, Alex was standing behind Sophia.

He stood just a few feet away, hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable. His eyes—those same eyes I’d memorized once—shifted from Sophia to me and back again. The room suddenly felt too narrow, the silence too loud.

We both looked at each other. I was waiting for him to say something—anything. But there wasn't even a sign of familiarity in his gaze. He looked at me like he was looking at a stranger.

My heart dropped. He doesn't remember me

Was I that insignificant?

I guess five years was enough time to forget someone who doesn't mean anything to you.

Picking Sophia in my arms, I turned around and walked away. I need to get out of here.

I met Julian as I was walking towards the grand doors.

“Congratulations Izzy!” He squealed, pulling me and Sophia into a hug. “I told you signing up for this was a great opportunity.”

“Yes, you were right.” I replied, smiling weakly.

He looked at Sophia in my arms and then at me. “Hey, are you leaving already?” He asked, surprised.

“Yes. I need to go home, it's way past Sophia's bed time.”

“Are you okay?” He asked when he saw the look on my face. “You don't look so good.”

“I'll tell you about it later. For now, let's go.”

He took Sophia from my arms and started walking to my car without any more questions.

I followed behind, blinking back silent tears. I never thought I'd see Alex again but now, he is my boss. I don't even know what hurts more, seeing him again after he left me five years ago, or knowing that he doesn't remember me.