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.

his features. “Is anyone giving you a

reassured by the concern that was a constant in his eyes. “No, it’s nothing

a nod.

on his electric bike, continuing

to lay out an inviting breakfast spread. As Bryan descended, she said

an array of morning fare; Bryan had ordered a lot. After all,

Eileen broached the day’s schedule. “Are you planning to

me when you’re heading out.” Her question

you to the hospital later. Then I’ll head to the office. Expect me to pick you up in the evening. We’ve got that event,” Bryan said. Then, after

Eileen replied tersely, not wanting to say much. After all,

serious? How have I never heard you

The word landed heavily between them, and Bryan fell into a

was clear, noon was casting its shadow. She slipped into

for health supplements. It wasn’t until they reached the

appropriate,” she began, reluctance

with it? It’s normal for a boss to support their employee’s family in times of illness,

relationship? What did he mean

force Bryan could no longer

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

words, he retreated to his car and drove off, leaving Eileen alone

After all, walking away from what was

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

Is he here?”

had only ever brought modest selections of fruit. The lavish basket

the source, Eileen hesitated. Ruby had inadvertently

here. But he decided not to visit. After

Eileen. What is holding you back? Didn’t

basket and health supplements, eager to steer away from a conversation spiraling towards Huey. Seeking to redirect the focus, she turned

you at work lately?”

employee ahead of time. They’ve

eyes shone with excitement. “My salary bumped up by

showed. “A secretary position? What are

notice came

her features. “It’s just—I don’t see how it fits with my degree.