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.”

her brows together, signaling

it some thought, and let me know your decision when

he finished

they had finished eating, Harlan was adamant

“Really, Mr. Clarkson, I’ll manage. The last

the bus stop then,” Harlan

his offer and

floor. He had a lit cigarette in hand,

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

peered out, his gaze lingering on Eileen as she laughed and chatted. Then, Bryan watched Eileen

troubled as he watched, the cigarette’s ember flaring briefly as he exhaled, and then the car

adjusted his tie,

emerged and approached him. “Aren’t

confessed, “It’s on me—I accidentally canceled our original restaurant booking. I assumed the dinner tonight was off when Eileen left. But

cigarette out and tossed it into the trash can, offering her a nonchalant look. “Should we

the bus stop, Eileen alighted from Harlan’s vehicle just as a bus arrived.

peaceful enjoyment of the night’s stillness. As

phone shattered her peace. The call was from Emilio,

you at this late hour,”

her hold on the phone tightening.

and replied, “She’s okay,

mean?” Eileen was

danced through her hair, streetlights casting worried

to a trial variant. It costs a bit more than the previous one, but less 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

two hundred thousand dollars a month before

the hospital wanted to end the trial sooner. But it

Eileen mustered a response. “I’ll sort it out

days is all I can give you,” Emilio said. “Settling your mother’s care is crucial. If you still want her

that, he ended

window, Eileen’s gaze was distant, her thoughts

held only a

contributed to her finances after their intimate evenings this week. Torn, she agonized over what to do. Should she go and ask him for

her. It was akin to selling herself. Yet, she saw an alternative. She intended to broach the subject with Bryan

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

down a box. “Don’t skip breakfast,” he reminded her. “I’ve got a midday meeting with Bryan. You’ll come with

meeting Eileen’s for

with a swift move. Eileen had to let the door open. “You seem under the weather, Ms. Curtis. Anything on your mind?” Kian’s voice held a