Married with the Brokenhearted CEO

Chapter 12 "Opportunity"

Before Adira tied the knot, she found out that her husband had been involved in a complicated love triangle in the past. Chadwick has feelings for Isa, but Isa is in love with someone else.

Adira chose not to dig deeper into the identity of the third person since she and he would never cross paths. Knowing about her husband's past relationship is sufficient for her. However, remaining oblivious to the specifics could prove to be a mistake.

"Brother, what brings you here?" Isa asked her brother, Geoffrey.

The man Isa cherishes is none other than her stepbrother, Geoffrey Cullen, who works as a bartender at Adira's favorite bar.

Isa and Geoffrey became step-siblings when their parents remarried. However, after their parents passed away, Geoffrey distanced himself from Isa. The primary reason for this is his awareness of Isa's feelings for him, which he cannot reciprocate.

"What are you doing at the hospital? Are you sick?!" Isa asked her stepbrother, concern etched on her face.

With his gaze lowered, Geoffrey kept his lips tightly sealed. His heart had raced earlier, but now it had settled.

He had no intention of engaging in conversation with her, so he walked past her toward the entrance.

Geoffrey ignored her.

This was always the case.

Whenever Isa made an effort to connect with him, he would invariably retreat.

But she had grown accustomed to this cat-and-mouse game. Although it pained her, Isa's heart became numb to the extent that her feelings morphed from love into obsession.

"Chadwick was in a car accident."

At Isa's words, Geoffrey stopped in his tracks.

Chadwick McElroy. Geoffrey was more familiar with that name than anyone else. He was the guy who had pursued his stepsister since high school. Moreover, Chadwick harbored a deep-seated animosity toward Geoffrey for keeping Isa at a distance.

‘That bastard,’ Geoffrey thought to himself.

Geoffrey and Chadwick had a deep-seated animosity towards each other. Chadwick loathed the playboy stepbrother who keeps causing pain to Isa. Geoffrey, on the other hand, detested that foolish man who feels jealousy towards him for no reason at all.

They are like the East and West, black and white, or the Atlantic and Pacific—never to intersect.

"I came here because Chadwick was injured. I wanted to take care of him. The doctor assured me he’d be fine. Still, I wanted to be there for him," Isa explained, waiting for Geoffrey to turn around.

"I understand," Geoffrey replied quietly. He shoved his hands into his pockets and continued walking.

That was it. He had no interest in Chadwick or Isa, who seemed to be engaged in a game of tag and pull.

"Is that all?!" Isa yelled, her voice echoing in the spacious area.

Once more, Geoffrey halted, letting out a sigh. He was familiar with his stepsister’s outbursts and found them irritating. Yet, out of respect for their shared past, when he treated her like family, he occasionally paused to listen to her complaints. After all, she was an orphan like him.

"Aren’t you going to get mad? That I’m still hanging out with that guy I turned down before?!"

This time, Geoffrey turned to face her, his sharp, eagle-like eyes locking onto hers.

"Isa," he said.

Isa’s mouth, which had been agape, snapped shut. She inhaled deeply, bracing herself for his next words.

"Did you tell me you’re with Chadwick to express your genuine concern for him? Or..."

A sly smile crept onto his heart-shaped lips. He continued in a tone colder than ever.

"Is this your way of trying to make me jealous?"

Isa’s eyes widened before they dimmed. She was genuinely worried about Chadwick, but at the same time, she had shared this with Geoffrey hoping to evoke some regret or jealousy in him. However, she saw no trace of jealousy in her stepbrother’s eyes—only pity and empathy lingered in his disinterested gaze.

She couldn't respond to his harsh questions, which seemed to mirror his answers. Nevertheless, she swallowed her pride and chose to stay with him a little longer.

"Before you leave, at least tell me why you're here," she said.

"I don't have to explain myself," Geoffrey replied quietly. "Since the day our parents passed away, I severed all ties with you. We have no connection, Isa."

Isa tightened her grip on the hem of her skirt.

This isn't how it was meant to be.

If it weren't for that mistake she made in the past, Geoffrey might have remained by her side—not as a lover, but as a brother.

But she destroyed it. She lost his trust simply because of her confession.

"I hope Chadwick recovers quickly," Geoffrey murmured before turning away.

Each of his footsteps echoed in the underground parking lot.

Tak.

Tak.

Tak.

With every sound, Isa felt her heart grow colder, as if it were freezing in the North Pole.

Once she could no longer hear his footsteps, she understood the sorrow of being abandoned, of being alone in a world that offers her no love. It was then that she recalled the only man who showed her kindness.

Chadwick McElroy.

The married man who loves only her.

Because of Geoffrey's abandonment, Isa finds solace in the one man who truly cares for her.

As Isa continues to chase after the man who will never accept her affection, she finds solace in knowing there is someone behind her ready to support her.

Chadwick represents her safe haven. He is someone she can never reciprocate love for, yet he is someone she cannot afford to lose.

Thus, even though he is married, Isa has resolved to keep the man by her side until the very end. This has been his role in her past, present, and future.

Consequently, a wife like Adira cannot disrupt this bond. Isa is determined to ensure that Adira does not take away the warmth from his cold heart.

Meanwhile, Chadwick sits alone in the room, waiting. Feeling parched, he attempts to reach for a glass of water nearby. However, as he lifts his right arm, a sharp pain shoots through him, as if countless needles are piercing his skin and bone.

“Argh,” he groans.

His gaze shifts to the door just as Adira and Isa exit together.

Just moments earlier, after Adira had left, Isa mentioned she needed to catch up with his wife. Isa wanted to apologize to Adira for her overreaction, stemming from her concern for Chadwick.

[“Your wife might misinterpret our relationship again. So, I need to reassure her that we are merely friends.”] Isa told Chadwick before she went after Adira.

Chadwick does have feelings for Isa, but their relationship does not extend beyond friendship. He is married, and while he does not harbor romantic feelings for Adira, he cannot betray her. Moreover, Isa does not share the same feelings he has.

Now he reflects on how comforting it would be if Adira were as kind and understanding as Isa. They could maintain their friendship for a long time, even until the end of their relationship. Both were aware that they would soon be getting a divorce in the future.

‘But… do I hate her?’ Chadwick questioned himself.

After living with her for six months, he found himself increasingly irritated by the presence of that perverted woman who sought nothing but s*x. He made every effort to avoid her and even to refrain from starting a conversation with his wife. Yet, he felt anxious every time Adira caught him comforting Isa.

Chadwick felt pathetic when Adira claimed she didn’t mind if he had another mistress. He recognized that it stemmed from his pride.

But what about that sorrowful look on Adira’s face when they were at the orphanage?

What about the strange emotions he experienced when he saw her crying just moments ago?

She’s so unpredictable that Chadwick is unsure of where he stands; should he despise her? Or does he want to learn more about Adira?

Chadwick shook his head, attempting to clear his mind. Then his gaze fell upon the paper bag beside him.

It’s a present for his wife’s birthday.

In the car accident, Chadwick shielded the paper bag, which resulted in his arm being hurt.

‘What’s that about?’

Why did he protect it at all costs if he doesn’t truly care for his wife?

Isn’t it because Adira exited his car with that despondent expression, claiming that not everyone needs love?

“I’m not sure anymore,” Chadwick mumbled, feeling utterly perplexed.

The sole reason he wanted her to linger longer was to give her the gift. Is that it? Is that really the only reason?

He even told Isa to leave them be!

‘What’s wrong with me, exactly?’

Chadwick thought that perhaps living with a crazy person makes him one too.

A moment later, his secretary walked into the room.

“Sir, you’re awake,” Neil said.

Chadwick raised his eyes to meet his secretary’s apathetic stare.

“Yes. Could you please get me some water?”

“Of course,” Neil replied weakly. He picked up the glass and handed it to his boss. “Here you go.”

Chadwick grasped the glass with his left hand and took a sip. Neil watched him with a lack of emotion.

Just moments ago, when Neil saw Chadwick in his mangled car, he was in a panic, as if he were the one who had been in the accident. But now, Neil looked at his boss in a completely different way.

‘Is Adira’s emotionless expression contagious?’ Chadwick pondered, wondering if Neil had inherited his wife’s notorious poker face.

Chadwick cleared his throat, “Ahem.” He continued, “I can’t go to the office with this injury. They’ll blow it out of proportion. What did the doctor say? How many days do I need to stay in the hospital?”

“A week, sir,” Neil replied.

“I understand,” Chadwick murmured with a sigh. “Then during that week, bring me the paperwork that needs signing. I’ll work from here instead.

“Okay.”

Neil averted his eyes from his boss, leaving Chadwick even more perplexed.

Why does Neil seem to despise being around Chadwick?

Chadwick can be moody at times, but he always ensures he treats his secretary better than anyone else.

"What’s the matter with you?" Chadwick couldn’t resist asking.

"Yes?" Neil replied, still not turning around. "Nothing, sir."

"No. Seriously. What’s the matter with you?"

Neil rolled his eyes.

Chadwick noticed this and his eyes widened. Did he really just witness his secretary rolling his eyes?!

"Y-You…!" Chadwick exclaimed, pointing at him.

Unable to hold back any longer, Neil turned to his boss and voiced his concerns.

"Sir. Why are you so bad?" Neil burst out.

"H-Huh?"

"You forgot it’s Madam’s birthday. You’re being so mean to her."

Chadwick squinted, struggling to grasp his secretary’s ramblings. He then shot back with a question:

"Explain it for me in terms I can understand. How have I wronged her?"

---- -----

Adira watched the door as it opened, her expression calm—almost amused.

Adira's husband had been in the hospital for a whole week. During that time, she managed perfectly well on her own. She ate properly, slept soundly, and even joked to herself that her digestion had never been better.

After all, Chadwick had the ever-loyal Isa by his side. He didn’t really need her.

Now, he was back home.

With a cast on his right arm, his face pale, and his demeanor… strangely stiff as he stood at the doorway staring at her.

"Welcome home, honey," Adira said sweetly.

Her brows furrowed slightly as she noticed the way he looked at her.

Do I look like a ghost?

She glanced down at herself. No—she looked just as she always did. Effortless. Beautiful. Her usual sleepwear fit perfectly, casual yet undeniably flattering.

If she were a ghost, she’d be the most beautiful one to ever exist.

Yes. She was that confident.

Chadwick stayed silent, his gaze lingering a bit too long. Then, as if to break the tension, another figure stepped forward.

"Good day, madam!" Neil, Chadwick’s ever-optimistic secretary, greeted cheerfully.

Adira’s keen eyes caught the way his gaze flickered—briefly scanning her figure before snapping back to her face, as if reprimanding himself.

A faint smirk played on her lips.

That’s more like it. A normal man reacts this way.

'My husband really is an alien.'

"What are you doing… wearing that?" Chadwick finally asked, his tone laced with disapproval.

Adira blinked innocently.

What was wrong with her outfit? She was in her own home. Besides, she hadn’t anticipated his early return—with company, no less.

"Neil will keep his eyes on my face," she replied smoothly, her gaze shifting to the flustered secretary. "Right, Neil?"

Neil tensed up like a soldier at attention.

“Y-Yeah? Ah—yes! Yes, madam!” he exclaimed, his voice rising in panic. “I will focus on your face!”

Adira chuckled softly.

How charming.

Her laughter only made Neil’s ears turn an even deeper shade of red, his composure further unraveling in her presence.

It wasn’t arrogance. It was simply the truth.

Her mere presence was enough to unsettle a perfectly healthy man.

Let alone someone who had to share a house with her.

Her gaze flicked back to Chadwick, noticing how his eyes darted between her and Neil. There was something brewing beneath his expression—irritation, perhaps.

Jealousy?

No… she doubted it.

“Neil. You’re busy, right?” Chadwick said flatly.

“Not really—”

One sharp look from his boss was all it took.

Neil froze.

Then suddenly—

“Ah! Right! I have so many things to do! I just remembered!” he shouted, clapping his hands as if struck by a sudden idea.

He rushed inside, carrying Chadwick’s luggage, but before he disappeared completely, he turned back to Adira.

Something in his eyes made her hesitate.

They sparkled—bright, almost playful.

“As you can see, madam,” Neil began, lowering his voice slightly, “my boss is still injured. He can’t use his right arm yet… so please look after him.”

Adira’s gaze shifted to Chadwick.

He couldn’t even meet her eyes.

Was he… embarrassed?

If he needed help that much, he should’ve just stayed in the hospital—

Her thoughts came to a halt.

Slowly, her eyes returned to Neil.

That sparkle.

That knowing look.

Ah.

'So that’s your game.'

Neil wasn’t just being helpful. He was playing matchmaker.

Adira felt a sense of amusement curl inside her chest.

Her mission had always been clear—to seduce her husband, to make him desire her.

And now?

He was injured. Vulnerable.

That didn’t make things impossible. If anything… it made things interesting.

A slow, dangerous smile spread across her lips.

“Of course,” she said, her voice dropping into something softer. “I will take care of my husband… really well.”

Her eyes locked onto Chadwick.

And just like that—

He stiffened.

Like prey caught in the gaze of a predator.

Or perhaps…

Like a rat staring at a snake.