Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 63

Chapter 63:

Harlan’s discomfort was immediate, given the blunt nature of his son’s inquiry. Taken aback, Eileen listened as Aaron clarified with earnestness, “I hope I haven’t crossed a line. I was wondering about Miss Curtis’s personal life—solely to avoid any imposition if she’s committed to her family or something.”

The underlying assumption was clear; Aaron’s directness sought to simplify, not complicate. Eileen, her cheeks warming slightly, took a moment before responding. “That’s very thoughtful of you. To be clear, I am married.”

“What?” Harlan’s shock was palpable. “Miss Curtis, there’s no need for pretense on your part—not at the expense of your integrity.”

Yet Eileen said with sincerity, “No, it’s the truth. I am indeed married.”

Harlan’s features were etched with disappointment. He pressed his lips together and offered Aaron a bitter smile.

Aaron gave a look to his father before pivoting to discuss his academic pursuits. During the dinner, Aaron and Eileen’s conversation mostly revolved around Aaron’s educational endeavors. Harlan, attempting to maintain his composure, seemed to be disappointed.

Alone with his wine, Harlan would occasionally steal glances at Aaron and Eileen, his expression a bittersweet tapestry of melancholy and acceptance.

Midway through dinner, Aaron excused himself to use the restroom. Harlan’s face had already flushed from the wine. He carried his glass over and settled next to Eileen.

“Are you actually married, Ms. Curtis?” he asked.

He knitted his brows together. Though forty, he seemed younger in his uncertainty. Eileen subtly moved her chair back to create some distance between them.

“Indeed, Mr. Clarkson. I am married,” she said.

Harlan sighed and reclined in his chair, glancing over his shoulder to ensure Aaron’s absence.

He spoke softly, a note of realization in his voice. “I’m beginning to see why Aaron’s performance at school is declining. An altercation with his peers left him labeled as one without a mother, which must have cut deep.”

Eileen had been privy to Aaron’s yearning for a mother.

Harlan cracked a slight grin and shared his thoughts. “He hopes you will fill that role. Yet, it might be best for you to stay as his mentor. If you were to become his stepmother and he didn’t like you anymore once we’re living together, it could complicate things.”

Eileen nodded. “You’re right.”

Taking a deep breath, Harlan met Eileen’s gaze. “What if you were his godmother?” he proposed.

Eileen was momentarily speechless. That seemed far-fetched, given she was not old enough to be Aaron’s godmother.

Harlan quickly added, “No need for worries. There’s no financial burden on you, and you wouldn’t be stepping into a parental role. Your guidance in his education is what we value. You could also be a friend and mentor.”

brows together,

abruptly, returning to his original seat. “Give it some thought, and

had he finished than

Harlan

Mr. Clarkson, I’ll manage. The last bus will pick me up

to the bus stop then,”

accepted his offer and slid into

a figure lingered by a window on the second floor. He had

Eileen’s form, which the streetlight faintly outlined. She and Harlan seemed deep

she laughed

as he exhaled, and then the car

adjusted his tie,

Vivian emerged and approached him. “Aren’t you enjoying

canceled our original restaurant booking. I assumed the dinner tonight was off when Eileen left. But I heard the client loved this restaurant, so I booked

his cigarette out and tossed it into the trash can, offering her a nonchalant

Eileen alighted from Harlan’s vehicle just as a bus

face was touched by a soft light, reflecting her peaceful enjoyment of the night’s stillness. As the bus made its way to a quieter part of town, she couldn’t help but

shattered her peace. The call was from

you at this late hour,” Emilio

up, her hold on the phone tightening. “Is

and replied, “She’s okay, but I have another concern. Have you

do you mean?” Eileen

air danced through her

than the standard treatment. The trial should last a few more months. But the director of the hospital suddenly asked me to change the price of the medication to that of the standard one,” Emilio said. After a pause,

that was beyond Eileen’s reach. The two hundred thousand

led me to believe the hospital wanted to end the trial sooner. But it turned out the director

Eileen mustered a response.

all I can give you,” Emilio said. “Settling your mother’s care is crucial. If you still want her to use this medication, you could pay a one-time fee of five

that, he

Eileen’s gaze was

held only a hundred

this week. Torn, she agonized over what to do. Should she

pained her. It was akin to selling herself. Yet, she saw an alternative. She intended to broach the subject with Bryan soon, figuring the right time might be in private moments. But Bryan was absent from Springvale Lane today.

Eileen’s eyes found Bryan behind his office table. There he was, posture straight,

breakfast,” he reminded her. “I’ve got a midday meeting with Bryan. You’ll come

her eyes meeting Eileen’s for a moment. Eileen turned away, retreating to the

had to let the door open. “You seem under the weather,