My Disabled CEO Husband

Chapter Two

The elevator doors slid open with a quiet ding, and Christian Blake wheeled himself out, Liam happily skipping beside him. The hospital visit was over, but the encounter with Dr. Carter lingered in Christian’s mind like an itch he couldn’t scratch.

“What are you smiling about?” Christian asked, glancing at Liam, who was humming a cheerful tune.

“Dr. Carter said I’m a superhero!” Liam declared, puffing out his chest. “And she said I’m growing super strong. Did you hear her, Uncle Christian?”

Christian grunted, his usual response to anything that threatened to chip away at his stoic exterior. “She was just being polite.”

“No, she wasn’t! She’s nice. You liked her too, right?”

Christian frowned, steering his chair toward their parked car. “I don’t have time to like people, Liam. That’s not how adults work.”

Liam squinted at him, as if trying to decipher some great mystery. “That’s silly. You should like nice people.”

Christian sighed, reaching the car as his driver, Ben, stepped forward to assist him. “Let’s agree to disagree,” he muttered, allowing Ben to help transfer him into the car.

As the car pulled into traffic, Christian leaned back, loosening his tie. Liam was still chattering about superheroes, vegetables, and something Dr. Carter had said about his teeth.

“She’s the best doctor ever!” Liam concluded, grinning.

Christian shot him a dry look. “She’s just a doctor, Liam. Let’s not plan a parade.”

But even as he said it, Christian couldn’t stop his thoughts from wandering back to her. Dr. Carter had been... different. She hadn’t fawned over him or looked at him with pity like so many others did. Instead, she’d been calm, professional, and—

Christian shook his head sharply. *‘Focus, Blake. You’ve got more important things to think about.’

A New Problem.

Back at the Blake estate, the afternoon sun cast long shadows over the sprawling gardens and modern architecture. The house was quiet as Christian and Liam entered—too quiet.

Christian immediately sensed something was wrong. He glanced at Ben, who was unloading the car. “Where’s Mrs. Turner?” he asked, referring to Liam’s nanny.

“She left a message, sir,” Ben replied, handing Christian a neatly folded note.

Christian unfolded it with a frown:

“Mr. Blake, I’m terribly sorry, but I’ve had a family emergency and must resign effective immediately. I’ll make arrangements to return Liam’s belongings I’ve been keeping at my place.”

Christian’s frown deepened. “Fantastic,” he muttered, crumpling the note.

“What’s wrong, Uncle Christian?” Liam asked, tilting his head.

“Mrs. Turner’s gone,” Christian said shortly. “I’ll have to find you a new nanny.”

Liam’s face fell. “But I liked Mrs. Turner.”

“So did I,” Christian muttered under his breath, rubbing his temples. His head was starting to pound. He didn’t have time for this. Between managing the remnants of his family’s empire, dealing with Liam’s needs, and navigating his own frustrations with his disability, the last thing he needed was to interview strangers for a replacement nanny.

“Can I help?” Liam asked earnestly, climbing onto the couch beside him.

Christian softened slightly, ruffling the boy’s curls. “You already do, kid. More than you know.”

Later that evening, just as Christian was about to settle into his study to review some paperwork, the doorbell rang.

Ben answered, and a familiar voice floated down the hallway.

“I’m just here to drop these off for Liam,” the voice said.

Christian froze. It couldn’t be—

“Dr. Carter?” Liam’s excited shout confirmed it, and Christian wheeled himself out of his study, arriving in time to see Elena Carter standing in the foyer. She held a small bag in one hand and a folder in the other, her expression warm but professional.

“Dr. Carter?” Christian repeated, his tone a mix of confusion and suspicion.

Elena turned, smiling when she saw him. “Good evening, Mr. Blake. I was at a nearby clinic and thought I’d drop off Liam’s updated health records. Your nanny mentioned needing them, but since she’s not here anymore...”

Christian’s eyes narrowed. “How do you know about Mrs. Turner?”

Elena raised an eyebrow. “She called the hospital to let us know about her resignation, in case Liam needed any follow-ups.”

Liam ran up to her, his face lighting up. “Dr. Carter! Did you come to visit me?”

Elena crouched to his level, smiling. “Just a quick visit, superhero. I wanted to make sure you’re all set for your next adventure.”

Christian cleared his throat. “That’s... considerate of you. But unnecessary.”

Elena straightened, meeting his gaze. “Maybe, but I thought it wouldn’t hurt.”

Her eyes flicked to the empty house around them. “You have a beautiful home, but it must be a lot to handle with just the two of you.”

Christian bristled. “We’re managing just fine.”

“I’m sure you are,” she said gently. “But if you need any recommendations for child care, I know a few people who might be a good fit.”

Liam tugged on her sleeve. “Can you be my nanny, Dr. Carter?”

Both adults froze.

“Liam,” Christian began, his voice strained, “Dr. Carter is a doctor. She doesn’t have time to—”

“Well, technically,” Elena interrupted, her lips twitching into a smile, “I am taking a week off starting tomorrow. I could help out temporarily, if that’s what you’re asking.”

Christian stared at her as if she’d suggested moving to Mars. “That’s ridiculous. You have better things to do.”

“Not really,” she said lightly. “And honestly, I think it’d be fun. Besides, Liam seems like a great kid.”

Christian opened his mouth to argue, but Liam’s pleading eyes stopped him. “Uncle Christian, please! She’s the best! Please, please, please!”

Elena shrugged, a hint of mischief in her gaze. “Your call, Mr. Blake. I’ll leave it up to you.”

Christian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “This is a terrible idea.”

But even as he said it, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Elena Carter was going to turn his carefully controlled world upside down—and that maybe, just maybe, it was exactly what he needed.