Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 9

Chapter 9:

Eileen paused at the doorway of the hospital room, her eyes tracking the cluster of people huddled around Vivian’s bed. She caught a glimpse of Vivian, who clung to Bryan with a determination that spoke volumes.

The Warren family stood with their backs to her, their displeasure a heavy cloak in the room’s already charged air. Fergus Warren, Vivian’s father, broke the silence with his deep voice, “Our family name is at stake. We’ve adored Vivian from her first breath. Yet now, she’s unfairly portrayed by the press. Bryan, we’re owed an explanation.”

Bryan stood there, his expression unreadable. Debby Warren, burning with anger, stepped in. She tugged at Vivian’s hand, pulling it away from Bryan. “Divorce your wife first. Then you can return to Vivian,” she said to Bryan.

“Mom!” Vivian’s voice cracked as she reclaimed Bryan’s hand, her body leaning into his. “Please, don’t corner Bryan. It’s not his choice. The marriage was his grandmother’s doing. Without her permission, how can he get a divorce?”

Fergus’s eyes bore into Vivian, his frustration palpable. “Forget the divorce for now. He must quell these rumors. He should at least protect your name from being tarnished any further.”

Vivian, undeterred, wrapped herself around Bryan tighter. “I chose this. If I hadn’t walked away then, none of this would have happened. The blame is mine to bear, not his. I won’t leave his side this time.”

Fergus and Debby seemed poised to counter, but Vivian turned to Kian, who had yet to speak, signaling his support. Kian broke the silence. “Dad, Vivian is an adult. She should make her own decisions. We ought not to interfere. Besides, she’s correct. Her departure from Bryan led us here. It was her choice. Don’t worry; I’ve dealt with the media. Everyone knows Bryan’s marriage wasn’t for love. The journalists seek only scandal. Vivian won’t be the subject of ridicule.”

Eileen’s grip on the door handle lightened. She knew too well the media’s appetite for scandal. With the Warren family’s intervention, the storm would surely pass. In their circle, mockery was reserved not for Vivian but for the elusive Mrs. Dawson, clinging to her title as Bryan’s wife. Once her identity was exposed in the future, it would turn her into a jest in the circle.

“I’ll manage my personal matters. Don’t worry, Mr. and Mrs. Warren.” Bryan’s voice, firm yet devoid of warmth, cut through the room. He released Vivian’s hand from his and, looking down, whispered, “Rest well. Venture out with more bodyguards. It’s best we plan for some days.”

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Vivian’s face fell, her urge to embrace him cooled by his indifferent gaze. She timidly grasped his pinkie, her voice cautious. “Bryan, will you visit me here?”

“If time allows,” Bryan answered, then nodded to Fergus and Debby. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to go now.”

Eileen stepped aside, giving space for Bryan’s exit. As he passed, he furrowed his brow slightly. Fergus’s and Debby’s voices of displeasure could be heard from the room.

“What’s with his attitude? It’s like he doesn’t even care about Vivian!”

“Vivian, show some restraint. You’ve gone to lengths for him, yet he meets your warmth with coldness…”

The closing of the door muffled their further words. Though Eileen caught no more, the discontent in Fergus’s and Debby’s tones was unmistakable. They clearly placed the blame on Bryan for Vivian’s current plight. Her image was tarnished, and now she was injured. Their frustration with Bryan was palpable, viewing him as the root of Vivian’s woes.

slip from her hand. Bryan studied it closely

“Not yet. Should I try

for you in the car,” Bryan said as he gave the prescription back to her and left. His response suggested that dealing with the media was not necessary

intrigued by his thoughts but unable to decipher them. Except when he was in bed, Bryan’s actions and motives remained as elusive

Eileen found Bryan in the back seat, engrossed in work on his laptop.

presence. Bryan was truly busy with his work. That morning alone, Eileen had delivered documents for

international conference at 2 p.m. and an evening dinner event,” she informed him, suggesting a brief rest after lunch in anticipation of the long evening ahead. Bryan had managed two

your tasks, why

smile in return. Her own lack of sleep had left her feeling far from her best.

other employees. Judie released the arm of the person beside her and hurried over to Eileen, taking her by the hand. “What luck running into you here! Join me for lunch; it’s my birthday.

other employees quickly surrounded them, their flattery directed at Eileen due

Curtis, join us. It would also be a great chance for us

use you; we’re simply hoping you might share a bit of

she found herself agreeing

turned toward Eileen. Compliments on her style were interspersed with attempts to glean insights into matters

Mr. Dawson’s situation with Miss Warren? Why hasn’t Mr. Dawson divorced his wife to marry Miss Warren if

label Miss Warren unfavorably, but Mr. Dawson’s marriage lacked love from the start.

to Eileen. She studied Eileen’s expression before saying, “We’re at the office for such

from the group, accompanied by awkward

Judie’s gaze, offered a smile. “That’s a matter for Mr. Dawson to

through her meal and settled in, not missing the chance to underline her closeness with Eileen to the others.

the company, the receptionist greeted Eileen and said, “Miss Curtis, there’s

brows as she received the package. She was certain she

Springvale Lane initially, but since nobody was home, it

address

you

close to our office, and even

their eyes wide

Here’s the corrected text:

Bryan’s executive assistant, Eileen had a substantial salary, yet affording a place in Springvale Lane implied saving every penny of her