Married with the Brokenhearted CEO

Chapter 8"Opposition"

"This is the area where the children play," Miss Marie, the caretaker of the orphanage, explained.

She gestured towards the room currently occupied by the orphans. Despite their circumstances, the children's faces radiate joy and laughter. They joyfully engage in play with one another, viewing each other as their newfound family.

Adira stood at the door, peering at the adorable children through the rectangular glass panel at the top center of the closed door. She remained there, observing the smiles on the children's faces and their energetic movements, embodying the pure bliss of youth.

To guide the McElroy couple to the next room, Miss Marie quickened her pace. Each new room in the orphanage was funded by donations from the couple's businesses. Thus, Miss Marie felt it was essential to show them every corner and inform them of how their contributions were utilized.

Chadwick trailed behind Miss Marie, expecting Adira to follow closely.

However, after taking four steps, he noticed an emptiness beside him, prompting him to halt. He turned his head to the side, only to see the blank white wall. When he looked back, he found Adira, who was still gazing at the children in the room. Her expression somber, as if she were watching a poignant drama.

Chadwick had never witnessed such an expression from her in their six months together. He was accustomed to her mischievous grins, sneers, or her blank stares that concealed her emotions. To him, she seemed like a robot, programmed to smile when necessary, to be serious when required, and to feign emotions at all times. That had been his impression of her thus far.

So, seeing Adira in this moment caught him off guard and surprised him.

"Mr. and Mrs. McElroy?" Miss Marie called out to them.

The two both looked at miss Marie in unison and followed her.

"I'm sorry," Adira said as she moved closer. "The children there are absolutely adorable. I just couldn't resist watching them play more."

"Oh my~ It looks like Mrs. McElroy has a real fondness for kids," Marie remarked with a giggle.

"Yes, I do love children," Adira replied weakly, accompanied by a smile.

Chadwick contemplated after hearing his wife's words. He understood that Adira was genuinely serious about wanting a child.

‘Is this why she has been eager to get pregnant?’ Chadwick pondered.

Miss Marie guided the couple until they reached the final room of the orphanage. This was the study room where the children learn to read.

"It's wonderful to see so many buildings constructed," Chadwick complimented.

"And it's all thanks to Mr. and Mrs. McElroy's support," Miss Marie replied.

"We are happy to help, Miss Marie," Adira responded.

"Thank you very much for volunteering today. I know both of you have busy schedules, yet you still took the time to visit our orphanage."

"As I mentioned earlier, I truly love kids. My husband and I really enjoyed helping out," Adira said, leaning a bit closer to her husband and holding onto his arm.

Chadwick couldn't push her away since Miss Marie was watching them closely. Instead, he just forced a smile.

"Ahmmmmm," Marie hummed, sounding uncertain. "You two... are really sweet to one another, aren't you?"

"Absolutely. We really are," Adira lied, tightening her grip on his arm.

"Could I ask you for a favor?" Marie inquired, placing a hand on her chest. "Is it alright to tone down your... I mean... the excessive public displays of affection are... um, how do I put this? Can you please refrain from doing that in front of the kids?"

Just moments before Miss Marie addressed the couple, everyone was taken aback by the events that unfolded during lunch. The playful Adira had bitten and licked Chadwick's finger in front of the entire group.

Reporters nearly dropped their cameras in shock.

The little ones watched with wide eyes, puzzled as to why adults would nibble on each other's hands. They were completely captivated and curious.

Thanks to Miss Marie's request, Adira and Chadwick understood that she was referring to their playful antics, which appeared charming from an outsider's perspective.

"You're absolutely right!" Chadwick quickly concurred. He pushed Adira away and added, "We won't do that again. Ever." He turned to Adira and asked, "Right, HONEY?"

Adira smiled at Miss Marie. "Yes," she replied. "We won't do it again. We're truly sorry for our behavior."

Apologetic and feeling a bit embarrassed, Marie smiled at the two of them. "So, can we head to my office to discuss the orphanage further?" she suggested.

"Sure," Chadwick replied.

They walked back together from the dead end. Just before reaching Marie's office, someone obstructed their path.

"Miss Marie!" a girl exclaimed as she hurried towards them. She took a deep breath and then looked up. "I’m really sorry for being late. There was an accident at the ro..."

Her sweet, gentle voice trailed off.

Chadwick and Adira exchanged glances with the woman, who was also staring at them in confusion.

"Oh? Chadwick?" Isa gasped, raising her hand to cover her mouth in surprise.

"Isa?" Chadwick responded, using the same tone.

Miss Marie shifted her gaze between Isa and Chadwick. Then she inquired, "Do you two know each other?"

"Yes, we do," Isa replied cheerfully, her voice as sweet as honey. With eyes as clear as the vast ocean, she added, "Chadwick and I are friends."

Isa flashed a warm smile at Chadwick, even with his wife standing right next to him.

‘What a coincidence. It seems they are truly meant for each other,’ Adira thought to herself as she observed the emotional moment between her husband and the woman he cherished.

"What brings you here?" Chadwick asked Isa.

Miss Marie anticipated Isa's shyness in answering and spoke up for her.

"Miss Isa Dale volunteers regularly at this orphanage," Marie explained. "She assists with cooking, cleaning, and even teaches the kids how to read and write.

Chadwick's lips lifted high, thanks to her kindness.

He fell for Isa because she possesses the kindness of an angel, and hearing that confirmed why he couldn't help but admire a woman like her.

Chadwick wore a warm, affectionate smile, oblivious to Adira observing his expression. It was evident how much love he held for Isa.

‘It’s overflowing with love.’

Something Adira would never receive from her husband.

“So, you’re here volunteering with your wife,” Isa remarked to Chadwick, glancing at Adira and greeting her with wide eyes.

In that moment, Chadwick realized he was grinning foolishly inappropriately. He attempted to suppress his smile and turned to Adira. Contrary to his expectations, Adira maintained a serene smile in front of Isa.

Indeed, she is someone who can remain composed even when her husband is smiling affectionately at another woman.

“Y-Yes,” Chadwick replied to Isa. “Actually, we’re on our way to discuss the orphanage with Miss Marie.”

“Oh!” Isa exclaimed, clasping her hands as if recalling something significant. “May I join the meeting?” she inquired. “I have some suggestions for the orphanage. Can I… do that, Miss Marie?”

Isa blinked her eyes, resembling a sad puppy caught in the rain.

The meeting will focus on the orphanage and the two CEOs who are backing it.

Adira has the power to remove Isa from this situation and remind her of her place. However, if she were to do that, Chadwick would be upset. He might also perceive Adira as picking on the vulnerable princess simply because the legal wife feels envious.

And she definitely doesn’t want Chadwick to think she’s envious. BECAUSE SHE’S NOT!

"Since Miss Isa enjoys volunteering here, I believe it would be fine for her to participate in our meeting," Adira proposed to the two.

Excitedly, Isa exclaimed, "Really?!"

Adira's goal is to reduce the tension between herself, Isa, and Chadwick. Yet, despite Adira appearing calm, Chadwick can’t shake off his concern, suspecting that his wife has ulterior motives for allowing Isa to join the meeting.

"The number of children at the orphanage is on the rise," Marie informed them.

They were in her office, discussing urgent matters that needed addressing.

"With the assistance of Mr. and Mrs. McElroy, we have sufficient facilities for the children. However, we are lacking staff to supervise and care for them.

Chadwick and Adira both nodded in unison, understanding Marie's implication.

She was requesting help to meet the need for more people to oversee the children. Three or four staff members simply aren’t enough. Is that the reason they assigned Chadwick and Adira the task of feeding the kids, so they could experience firsthand how challenging it is to manage with so few people?

If that was the intention, then they succeeded. The couple could still feel the soreness in their arms from their previous task.

While they were contemplating a solution to the issue, Isa raised her hand.

"Regarding this," she said, capturing their attention. "I would like to offer my suggestion."

Marie, Chadwick, and Adira turned their gaze toward Isa.

"Go ahead, Miss Isa," Marie encouraged her to continue.

"For quite some time, I've observed that we are indeed lacking staff to supervise the children," Isa began. "So, what do you think about launching a campaign for orphans on social media? I've seen many generous individuals willing to volunteer their time and help without charge. Right now, what these children need most are people who can show them love, as they no longer have families. They feel as though no one is on their side, so bringing in those who genuinely want to help would be wonderful. They could fulfill the emotional needs of the children. What are your thoughts?"

Everyone nodded in agreement, including Adira, recognizing that Isa's idea was undeniably good. For children who have been abandoned or lost their parents, having people who truly care for them could provide a sense of comfort.

"That's a great idea, Isa," Marie complimented her.

Chadwick and Isa exchanged smiles, as if they had finally discovered the perfect solution to the issue.

Adira thought to herself, any man could easily fall for someone like Isa. Anyone who listens to her would believe she is an angel sent from the heavens above.

'We are truly different,' Adira realized internally.

"Mr. McElroy, what are your thoughts on Isa's suggestion?" Marie asked Chadwick.

Chadwick, who was blinded by love, replied, "I believe her idea is absolutely perfect."

"And what about you, Mrs. McElroy?" Marie made sure to seek Adira's opinion as well. "Do you also think we should initiate the project proposed by Ms. Dale as soon as possible?"

Adira has no intention of opposing Isa. However, since they requested her input, she felt compelled to provide her honest assessment of the current situation.

"That project is indeed good," Adira began. She glanced at Isa and continued, "But it is USELESS at this moment."

Isa’s lips tightened for a brief moment before returning to their usual expression.

"If you believe that you can resolve the issue with that, then you are mistaken, Miss Dale," Adira added.

Chadwick shot a glare at his wife, who had voiced strong opposition against Bea.

If Isa is an angel in Chadwick’s eyes, then his wife plays the role of the villain.

Stung by Adira’s remarks, Isa stifled her feelings while maintaining a smile on her face. Then she inquired, "Can you explain where it went wrong? ADIRA."