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, signaling

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

had he finished

eating, Harlan was

declined with a polite hand wave. “Really, Mr. Clarkson, I’ll manage. The last bus will pick me up

the bus stop then,” Harlan offered.

offer and slid

a window on the second floor. He had a lit

eyes followed Eileen’s form, which the streetlight faintly outlined. She and

on Eileen as she laughed and

ember flaring briefly as he exhaled, and then the car was

frown, he adjusted his tie, anger

here, Bryan?” Vivian emerged and approached him. “Aren’t

booking. I assumed the dinner tonight was off when Eileen left. But I heard the client

put his cigarette out and tossed it

Harlan’s vehicle

peaceful enjoyment of the night’s stillness. As the bus made its way to a quieter

her phone shattered her peace. The

disturb you at

up, her hold on the phone tightening. “Is my mother alright,

for a while and replied, “She’s okay, but I have another

you mean?” Eileen was taken

of night air danced through her hair, streetlights

price of the medication to that of the standard one,” Emilio said. After a pause, he added, “Her care costs around

The two hundred thousand dollars a month before had

the hospital wanted to end the trial sooner. But it

fell before Eileen mustered a

still want her to use this

that, he ended

her head against the window, Eileen’s gaze was distant,

account held only a hundred

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

Yet, she saw an alternative. She intended to broach the subject with Bryan soon, figuring the right time might be in

At Apex Group, Eileen’s eyes found Bryan behind

Vivian’s desk and set down a box. “Don’t skip breakfast,” he reminded her.

breakfast with a grin, her eyes meeting Eileen’s for

with a swift move. Eileen had to let the door open.