Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 44

Chapter 44:

The weekend’s leisure meant Eileen had no commitments to the company. She slept until late morning, stirred only by Bailee’s call. They made plans to visit Ruby at the hospital later today.

After the call, Eileen lay looking at the blank canvas of her ceiling, the events of the previous evening escaping her. Fragments of memory lingered, just the sour-sweet taste of grape and grapefruit cocktails, their pleasant burn a ghost on her palate.

Pain jolted her as she tried to sit up. Grimacing, she eased back down.

“You’re awake?” Bryan’s voice was casual.

Eileen’s gaze landed on him. He was comfortably nested in a bean bag chair, his attention captured by the laptop’s screen.

Ignoring the soreness protesting with each movement, Eileen rose. “Mr. Dawson, have you had breakfast yet?”

“No. Waiting on takeout,” Bryan replied, putting aside the laptop and standing up. Looking at her, he added gently, “Remember, we’re not at work now.”

He was clearly displeased by her addressing him formally as “Mr. Dawson.” Eileen just took some clothes and went to the bathroom to change without a word.

Vivian’s stinging admonitions echoed in her thoughts, a bitter reminder of the gap between her and Bryan. It was a reality check against any daydreams that might have taken root.

The doorbell’s chime interrupted the silence. Eileen decided to handle it.

Descending the stairs, she opened the door. Roderick, with a goofy grin, pulled down his mask. “Hey, is Mr. Dawson at your place?”

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The receipt in Eileen’s hand displayed Bryan’s details. Eileen said, “Yeah, he is. Is this your new job?”

Roderick peered past her, lowering his voice. “I won’t step inside; I don’t want to embarrass you. When I saw it was your address, I took this order right away!”

Accepting the delivery, Eileen lingered on Roderick’s disheveled state. “Hang on for a second,” she said.

Returning, she handed him a couple of cold beverages. “Stay hydrated, okay? Tough work, but it pays. Save what you can; it might help kick-start something of your own.”

Roderick, with a nod of affirmation, caught something odd in Eileen’s appearance. “Are you okay, Eileen? Your eyes are a bit red and swollen,” he said.

“It’s nothing, just a rough night’s sleep,” Eileen assured him, though she recalled the morning’s puffiness—a souvenir of last night’s excesses. What exactly had happened after the drinks was still a blur.

lining his features. “Is anyone giving you a hard

was a constant in his eyes. “No, it’s nothing like that,” she

him a nod. “You’d better get

swiftly departed on his electric

an inviting breakfast spread. As Bryan descended, she said without looking at him,

boasted an array of morning fare; Bryan had ordered a lot. After all, Eileen was exhausted from the night. Bryan was worried she wouldn’t have enough to

ate, Eileen broached the day’s schedule. “Are you planning to go to the company

me when you’re heading out.” Her question hinted at curiosity for

to pick you up in the evening. We’ve got that event,” Bryan said. Then, after a moment’s reflection, he inquired, “Anyone

Eileen replied tersely, not wanting to say much. After

“Who? Is it serious? How have I never heard

a piece of bread halfway to her mouth, then slowly chewed and swallowed before she could answer. The word landed heavily between them, and Bryan fell into a pensive silence, recalling

finished, Eileen busied herself with the cleanup, stowing away leftovers. By the time the table was clear, noon was casting its shadow. She slipped into something casual,

shop for a colorful selection and a mall for health supplements. It wasn’t until they reached

might not be appropriate,” she

set the gifts down. “What’s wrong with it? It’s normal for a boss to support their employee’s family in times of illness, especially given the nature of

did he

her isolation a palpable force Bryan could no longer overlook, echoing the

carried more than air, Bryan’s voice grew gentler. “Eileen, there’s no need

parting words, he retreated to his car and drove off, leaving

herself the challenge of maintaining distance. After all, walking away from what

the ward with the fruits and supplements, Bailee was taken aback by the unexpected sight. Ruby’s expression

Is he here?” Her

ever brought modest selections of fruit. The lavish basket was clearly not her doing, leading Ruby

Eileen hesitated. Ruby

replied, “He bought these things on his way here. But he decided not to visit. After all, we’re not

urgency in her voice. “He is a catch, Eileen. What is holding

our paths crossed at Lakedale. His injury… It was an accident,” Eileen responded while setting aside the fruit basket and health supplements, eager to steer away from a conversation spiraling towards Huey. Seeking to

with you at

great! I’ve actually become a formal employee ahead of time. They’ve transferred

excitement. “My salary bumped up

concern showed. “A secretary position? What are your

voice. “I’m not quite sure yet. The notice came in just last night, and I’ll start this coming

“It’s just—I don’t see how it fits