Married with the Brokenhearted CEO

Chapter 5 She Didn't Care

Adira sat at her office desk, lost in thought about the scene happened in her new home early morning:

"You have feelings for this woman." Adira looked down at Isa as she whispered, "Right, Honey?"

At Adira's comment, both Chadwick and Isa held their breath for a moment, surprised to hear such a direct question from her.

When neither of them responded, Adira withdrew her hand from Chadwick's. She then turned her gaze to the woman sitting on the floor.

"Miss Isa, you don’t need to pick those up; I’ll have someone else take care of it. After all, YOU ARE MY HUSBAND’S DEAREST GUEST."

Adira smiled at Isa, a chilling and unsettling grin, like a reflection in a shattered mirror. Isa felt a shiver run down her spine.

"And honey," Adira called to the stunned and motionless Chadwick. She leaned closer, placing her leg between his thighs as she adjusted the collar of his shirt.

Chadwick's eyes widened at the stunning woman in front of him, a frown forming on his face. Even though Adira's sweet scent was alluring, he found it repulsive.

"I have to go to work. Enjoy your time with your guest."

She took two steps back from him, not forgetting to wear a smirk. As she turned away, her red hair danced in the air. Adira left the two behind without a backward glance, as if seeing them again would be a waste of her time.

"Ma’am?"

Snapping back to reality from her vivid recollection, Adira focused on her secretary.

"Is there an issue?" Miss Hansel inquired.

Secretary Hansel observed that Adira was gazing into the distance, which struck her as unusual since her boss typically maintains her focus, especially during work hours.

Adira cautiously opened her mouth and replied, "Secretary Hansel."

The secretary quickly answered, "Yes, Ma'am?"

"How long has it been since you married your husband?"

Not only was Adira distracted, but she was also asking a personal question to her employee?!

Hansel glanced out the window, ensuring the sun was setting in the West.

At first glance, Adira appears friendly and approachable. However, those who interacted with her could sense that she had erected a barrier between herself and others. She smiled, yet she despised forming attachments to anyone or anything.

Thus, when Adira inquired about Hansel's personal life, Hansel interpreted it as a positive sign.

"Well, my husband and I have been married for four years," Hansel replied shyly.

Adira rested her chin on her clasped hands. Humming, she said, "Ahhhh." Then she turned back to Hansel with another question. "What would you do if you discovered that your husband had feelings for someone else?"

"P-Pardon?"

"Then, the woman he likes could come and go freely in your home. What would you do?"

Hansel felt a surge of irritation coursing through her veins. Just the thought of that scenario made her feel like she might explode with rage!

Turning crimson, Hansel opened her mouth and instinctively shouted, "I would beat them to death!"

Death.

Death.

Death.

The loud exclamation reverberated throughout the office.

It took Hansel a few seconds to realize what she did.

Did she just yell at the CEO of the company?

But she had only done so unconsciously to vent her frustration over the hypothetical situation!

Gasping, Hansel lowered her head and apologized, "I’m sorry, Ma'am! I didn’t mean to shout like that."

Adira simply chuckled. Then she said, “It’s okay.” She reviewed the documents before her and signed what was necessary.

Hansel stole a glance at the CEO’s attractive face. She was eager to understand why Adira had suddenly posed that question. Anxiety crept in.

‘What if she asked me this because her husband has brought another woman into their home?’ she pondered.

Hansel is among those who are aware that Adira and Chadwick’s marriage is merely a matter of convenience. Still, that doesn’t justify Chadwick bringing his mistress into their new home!

The concerned secretary clenched her fists in a surge of anger for her boss. Yet, if Hansel felt this furious despite not being directly involved, she could only imagine how difficult it must be for Adira.

‘I hope the Ma’am can remain strong,’ Hansel wished.

However, Adira doesn’t actually feel sorry for herself. The reason she asked Haimee that question was simply out of curiosity about how a typical wife would react in this situation.

Adira is not an ordinary woman. Therefore, she struggles to comprehend this.

“You don’t have to drive me home, Secretary Hansel.”

“Yes?”

She paused her signing as Adira turned back to Haimee.

“I’m going to my favorite spot for a drink.”

Hansel nodded, “Understood, Ma’am.”

Adira lowered her head, which is why she missed Hansel’s sympathetic look directed at her. Hansel assumed that Adira would drink alcohol due to the stress of her arranged marriage.

But in reality, Adira simply wanted to have a drink.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

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Adira arrived at her favorite upscale bar at 6 PM.

She frequents this spot whenever she feels drained from work. Today, however, her visit isn’t motivated by her husband or the mistress.

Even though she had intentions of seducing Chadwick, she has no desire to make him fall for her. Therefore, Adira won’t mind if Chadwick is enjoying his time with his beloved first love.

'I’m too old to waste my time playing the villain for those fools,' Adira mused, shaking her head.

With a joyful heart, Adira sought to enjoy a drink alone after a long workday. If there’s one thing she wishes for, it’s to have an adorable child to share her days with as her hair turns gray.

Adira dedicated herself to her career, leaving no room for attraction or interest in dating men or women. Love would only be a distraction, she reasoned, which is why she reached 31 without ever dating. Furthermore, Adira understood that it would be pointless to try since she would only marry the husband her father selects. Why waste her time crying and fighting over a foolish romance and pretending to be a character in a tragic story?

"I suddenly wanted to read tragic romance novel like Romeo and Juliet," she whispered while seated at the bar counter.

Adira scanned her surroundings.

Out of nowhere, a man emerged from beneath the counter. He was dressed in a bartender's uniform and was busy cleaning his name tag, which he had just picked up from the floor.

The sight of him captured Adira's interest. She observed as he affixed his name tag to his uniform, revealing the name ["Geoffrey"].

Adira frequents this bar, but this was the first time she had encountered this man.

He had tousled blonde hair and his eyebrows were elegantly arched. His eyes resembled those of an eagle—sharp yet heavy-lidded. His nose was tall and striking, and his heart-shaped lips had a small mole just above them. He was also tall and well-built.

In short, he was incredibly handsome; a true scene-stealer wherever he went.

‘The bar’s marketing skills are impressive,’ Adira thought to herself, admiring the bar’s management.

Finally, the man’s gaze landed on the woman at the counter. The moment he laid eyes on her, he froze like a statue, as if he had just witnessed something astonishing.

Adira is quite accustomed to this type of response. She’s attractive, after all. However, there’s something odd about the way the bartender gazes at her. It’s as if he recognizes her from somewhere.

Geoffrey, the bartender, finally closed his slightly parted lips after a brief pause.

After examining Adira’s face, he shifted his gaze to her finger. Upon noticing that she wasn’t wearing a ring, a pleased smile spread across his face.