Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 261

Chapter 261:

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” Bailee said, pleasantly surprised by Stella’s warm demeanor. With one hand holding Eileen and the other guiding Bailee, Stella led the trio into the building. Their laughter and lively conversation filled the air, instantly easing Bailee’s initial jitters. The three-bedroom apartment greeted them with spaciousness and impeccable cleanliness. Yet, as the room filled with people and gifts, the cozy ambiance quickly turned bustling.

Since the moment the door swung open, Ruby had been in a state of awe. “Mom, this is Bryan Dawson. Remember him?” Eileen introduced Bryan to Ruby once they settled on the couch. Ruby hesitated briefly before nodding. “Ah, yes, from the elevator. I’ve seen him there.”

Bryan’s encounter with Ruby had been confined to that brief elevator ride. “Nice to meet you,” Bryan said, his posture stiffening as he got up, his serious expression indicating he was nervous.

Eileen then swiftly introduced Stella to Ruby, “This is Bryan’s grandmother.” Ruby’s reaction caught Eileen off guard; she had assumed her mother understood the implications of her words about bringing someone home. Yet, Ruby seemed bewildered, as if not understanding the situation. “Stella… It’s a pleasure,” Ruby said, her effort to speak palpable.

Stella, sensing Ruby’s difficulty speaking, opted for a gentle exchange of greetings, not wanting to rush her. “Hello. Bryan has no parents, so I’m here to handle their matters with you,” Stella said.

No parents. Eileen’s mouth twitched slightly, a pang of realization hitting her. Stella seemed to have overlooked her own son entirely.

“Excuse me for a moment,” Ruby said before she steadied herself on a walker and rose. “Come.” Ruby navigated past the gifts, heading toward her bedroom with deliberate steps.

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“I apologize, Mrs. Dawson. My mother may not be very talkative due to her health. I’ll go check on her,” Eileen explained to Stella, her attention momentarily caught by Bryan’s clenched fist at his side, a sign of his nerves, which she found somewhat amusing.

In the privacy of the room, Ruby stood by the window. “Mom, what’s—” Eileen closed the door behind her, lowering her voice. “You don’t like Bryan?”

“It’s not like that…” Ruby shook her head. Bryan was clearly no ordinary man, and there was an aura about him that made him different from other men. Ruby’s concern was evident in her question. “You… Didn’t you marry Benjamin?”

Eileen was dumbfounded. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she gazed at Ruby. It took a moment for her to process the misunderstanding. “What are you talking about? Benjamin and I are just friends and classmates. Before you fell into a coma, I showed you the marriage certificate between Bryan and me,” Eileen clarified.

Eileen and Bailee hadn’t mentioned Bryan to Ruby before, so it was understandable that Ruby had little impression of him. Had Bailee’s frequent mentions of Benjamin led to this misunderstanding?

then was just arranged, so we kept it private.

everything. “Let’s go

troubled Ruby. Without bothering with the walker,

being rude just now,”

rushing things. How about this: you listen, and if there’s anything unsatisfactory, just raise your hand. We have the whole afternoon, and

throw a lavish wedding. I can’t bear to see Eileen shortchanged. I’ve heard you’ll be mobile again in about two

Stella hasn’t slept since she learned you were coming to visit my

months,” Bryan whispered back. Eileen grumbled a bit, expressing her frustration that Bryan hadn’t informed her earlier about

attention was elsewhere. His gaze was fixed on Stella and Ruby, and he was fully engaged

said, “I haven’t decided the exact date for

be perfect for the

someone checked the date before? “As long as Eileen’s mother agrees, we can settle on that date,” Bryan replied, certain that Stella would have no

Ruby, but Ruby redirected the attention to Eileen. “Ask Eileen,” Ruby said, emphasizing her respect for Eileen’s wishes regarding her wedding. Before Eileen could respond, Bryan gently covered her hand with his and flashed a reassuring smile. “She won’t refuse. So, it’s settled. The rest of the

right away without a wedding. However, with Eileen’s mother present, they had to follow proper procedures

getting old and you shouldn’t exert yourself too much, let’s choose a location nearby.

go prepare lunch,” Bailee said, sensing she was not needed in the

her input in the wedding planning was minimal. The date had been chosen by Bryan, and it

Eileen and Bailee headed to the kitchen, Bryan soon followed them, causing the space to feel cramped. “You handle the ingredients; I’ll take care of the rest. I’ll grab some seafood from my

about this,

Bryan this easy-going and private?” Bailee asked, her hands moving deftly as she prepared the ingredients. “Does he always have

Indeed, Bryan typically maintained a serious expression in public. And at home, he was much the same. Except—in the intimacy

are you silent?” Bailee nudged Eileen’s arm. “What are you

She was relieved that Bailee hadn’t noticed it. Clearing

behind closed doors, I’d probably find him a bit too dull for me,” Bailee mumbled. “True. He’s not as smooth-talking as Huey, nor as adept at