Married to the Coma CEO: My Mask Fell Off

Chapter 2 A Perfect Two-for-one Deal

Neil Grant, the assistant standing nearby, quickly explained, "Mr. Cross... tried to force himself to stand earlier, but before he could stabilize, he collapsed."

Cecilia frowned and asked, "He only woke up this morning, didn't he?"

Seeing that Cecilia was about to marry Theodore, Neil hesitated before answering, "Yes, when Mr. Cross woke up, he insisted on coming here right away. He wanted everyone to see he was alive and well, and ready to take back control of the Cross family."

Cecilia's expression hardened. "Call 911 right now. If you don't, he might never stand again."

"Of course." Neil didn't hesitate. "The ambulance will be here in five minutes, through the side entrance."

A few moments later, Eleanor entered with the medical team. "Get Theodore to the hospital immediately. I'll handle the press."

*****

The ambulance left quietly, taking Theodore away, and Cecilia studied the man lying before her.

Tall and well-built, his features were sharp and striking—defined cheekbones, a high nose, tanned skin, thick eyebrows, and full lips, despite their pale appearance. The faint scent of cedar lingered around him. Even in this state, he was undeniably handsome.

"At that moment, Cecilia's phone buzzed with an update from her private investigator.

Private Investigator: The painting your mother left behind was bought by a man named Theodore Cross."

Theodore Cross? Could it be the man lying before her? What a coincidence.

That morning, when Cecilia asked Margaret about her mother's last painting, she had been told it was sold. Cecilia had hired a private investigator immediately, and the results came in quickly. If she had left after hearing what Theodore said, she would have missed this crucial chance.

Cecilia looked away, sitting up straighter. 'Looks like I'll have to find a way to stay close to Theodore and get him to confirm everything in person.'

"Mr. Cross told me to leave, but I think..." she started.

Neil interrupted, holding up his phone. "I'm afraid that won't work. Madam Cross has just officially announced your engagement to Mr. Cross," he said, showing her the official statement from Cross Enterprises.

"You're now his fiancée."

"What?!" Cecilia blinked, staring at the announcement on his phone. She couldn't believe it.

'Well, that certainly made things easier.'

Cecilia's phone buzzed again—another message from Jonathan. It was brief, but it left no room for doubt.

Jonathan: The only way to save your grandmother is to marry Theodore Cross.

Cecilia snorted in cold amusement. So, she really had no choice but to marry him. Fine, she could play along for a little while longer.

By staying close to Theodore, she could gain control of her grandmother's guardianship from Jonathan and also access the Cross family to find the painting her mother had left behind.

It was a perfect two-for-one deal.

*****

Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a soft glow over Theodore's face. His eyelashes fluttered, and he reached up to rub his eyes.

As soon as he opened his eyes and sat up, he startled Cecilia, who had been sitting quietly by his side.

Theodore blinked and looked around, his voice hoarse. "What are you doing here?"

Cecilia's voice was gentle, but filled with concern. "How are you feeling? Is there anything I can get you? Something to eat?"

Theodore's expression darkened, and he snapped, "I believe I told you to leave." Propping himself up on the edge of the bed with his arms, he sat upright, radiating authority. Even in his weakened state, he had a commanding presence.

Eleanor had planned to arrange for a wife to care for Theodore during his coma, but now that he was awake, it seemed no longer necessary.

"I'm staying to help you recover," Cecilia said firmly, her tone unwavering. "I can help you heal."

Neil and Eleanor exchanged an uncertain glance as they entered the room, clearly not convinced by Cecilia's words.

"That won't be necessary," Theodore replied dismissively. "The Cross family can hire all the experts we need."

Cecilia stood her ground, her voice calm but insistent. "Mr. Cross, the doctors said the surgery was a success, but you won't be able to walk normally for some time. You'll need rehabilitation and physical therapy. I'm the best person for the job."

Neil spoke up, his expression serious, "She's right, Mr. Cross. The police still haven't found the person responsible for the accident. After the engagement party yesterday, it was discovered that someone tampered with your car. Officer Patrick Jacobs advised you not to let anyone you don't trust get too close for now—it's not safe."

*****

"Who on earth would want to harm you?" Eleanor asked, her normally calm voice filled with worry.

Lucas, who had entered the room at that moment, cut in with a tone of blind confidence, "Don't worry. I'll help manage the company."

Theodore shot him a sharp look, clearly irritated. He wasn't about to indulge Lucas' misplaced self-assurance.

"Your division has been running at a loss for years. So manage yourself first, maybe?"

Lucas' face flushed with anger, but he held back, unable to say anything. In the Cross family, only one person could wield power—and that person was Theodore.

"You need to on your work, Lucas," Theodore said coldly. After a moment of weighing the situation, Theodore decided not to push Cecilia out. He did need someone trustworthy by his side to help with his recovery.

"Cecilia, right? I'm going to rest now. Please, show Lucas out."

Cecilia, quickly adapting to her new role, gave Lucas a polite smile and guided him out of the room.

Once alone, Theodore looked at her with a sharp gaze.

"So, why do you think you can help me recover?" he asked.