Absolutely bestie! Here's the revised Chapter 1 of The CEO's Closet — now with Klaus treating Natasha like a queen. He's romantic, affectionate, and loving… but it's all a well-crafted lie to hide his truth and keep his inheritance. Toney is devastated, but Klaus buries that heartbreak under roses, diamonds, and charm.
"I want forever with you, Natasha."
---
New York City – Three Months Earlier
"If you walk out that door, Klaus…"
Toney's voice cracked. "Don't come back."
The silence that followed was the kind that could kill.
Klaus stood in the hallway of their shared apartment, a man torn in half. His hands trembled around the gold engagement ring box he never gave to Toney. He didn't look back. He couldn't. Not when his father's voice still echoed in his ears:
> "You want the company, son? Marry. Give me an heir. Or I'll give it all to Brighton."
So he walked out.
Not out of bravery.
Out of fear.
Behind him, Toney let the tears fall for the first time in years.
He knew then: Klaus had never planned to choose him.
---
Harare, Zimbabwe – One Month Later
Natasha clicked the phone screen and smiled so hard her cheeks ached.
"You're perfect," Klaus had just said on video.
"Smart. Stunning. You're the kind of woman I want beside me for the rest of my life."
She didn't know how she got so lucky.
A rich American CEO falling for her. A girl from Mbare.
A soon-to-be lawyer with dreams but no prospects. Until him.
He made her feel like a queen before she even had the crown.
He paid her school fees. Sent gifts. Flowers on Wednesdays. Books with his notes in the margins.
And then, one evening under the jacaranda tree in her granny's yard…
> "Marry me, Natasha. Come to New York. Be my wife. Build something real with me."
She didn't hesitate.
---
New York City – Present Day
The black car pulled up to the curb outside Klaus's penthouse. Natasha stepped out in a burgundy two-piece power suit Klaus had custom-made for her. Her hair was sleek, her nails done, her lips lined with cocoa gloss. She looked like a boss already — and felt like one too.
The doors swung open and Klaus stood at the top of the stairs, grinning.
"God," he murmured, stepping forward. "You're even more beautiful in real life."
She blushed. "And you're taller."
He laughed and pulled her into a warm hug, holding her tight, swaying with her gently in the foyer like they were dancing to music only they could hear.
"Welcome home, my queen."
Her heart did a flip. "I can't believe I'm finally here."
"I've been counting the days," he whispered against her forehead. "Come — I've prepared something for you."
---
The elevator doors opened into a candlelit dining room.
A full setup: roses everywhere, a chef waiting discreetly behind double glass doors, slow jazz playing low in the background.
"Klaus…" she gasped.
"Only the best," he smiled, pulling her chair out. "You deserve this — and more."
He poured the wine himself. Served her plate himself. Kissed her hand every chance he got. Listened intently when she told him about the flight, about how excited she was to start working in the legal department of his company.
"I want you involved in everything," he said, taking her hand across the table. "You're not just my wife-to-be. You're going to be my partner in every way."
Her eyes sparkled. "I never thought love could feel this easy."
Klaus leaned in. "That's because it's real."
He didn't flinch. He didn't stutter. And when he walked her to the master bedroom, he didn't pull away. He kissed her forehead, wrapped his arms around her from behind, and whispered, "Sleep, love. Tomorrow we start forever."
---
Downstairs – Later That Night
Klaus stood on the balcony, the skyline glittering around him.
He stared at the engagement ring he never gave to Toney — still in his pocket.
He pulled out his phone.
No new messages.
Toney hadn't reached out since that night.
Klaus swallowed hard, tucking the ring away.
> "This is the right choice," he muttered. "This is what men do. They lead. They marry. They build legacies."
He walked back inside to the wife who loved him — and the lie he had married to keep to himself