Married with the Brokenhearted CEO

Chapter 7 "Acting Game"

The incident from last night has been haunting Chadwick ever since. Even while he’s at his office working, Adira’s reaction keeps replaying in his mind.

When Isa came to their house, crying and sobbing, she embraced Chadwick. Adira was present at that moment, observing the two of them with a neutral expression.

He’s on the brink of truly believing that Adira doesn’t mind if he hugs another woman in front of her. But of course, he didn’t intend for that to happen. Chadwick doesn’t want to reveal this to his wife, yet he couldn’t push Isa away at that moment.

Yes, it’s his fault. Chadwick holds himself accountable for being insensitive towards his wife.

“She doesn’t seem like someone who’s angry,” he whispered. ‘It’s as if she’s too tired to think about us,’ he thought to himself.

In the midst of his reflections, his secretary called out to him.

“Sir.”

Chadwick shifted his gaze from the ceiling to his employee. “What is it?”

“Just a reminder about your schedule for tomorrow, Sir. You have volunteering at the orphanage.”

That’s right. If it weren’t for his secretary, Chadwick would have completely forgotten about it.

“Are you going to the orphanage with madam?”

Chadwick’s expression crumpled like a tissue that had fallen on a wet floor.

“Madam? Are you referring to my wife?”

“Yes, Sir. Madam will also be attending the volunteering tomorrow.”

The collaborative dream project between the two largest alcohol companies in New York only became feasible because of Chadwick and Isa’s marriage. Thus, the volunteering was intended to create a positive image for the companies.

Chadwick leaned back in his chair, staring into the empty space around him. He couldn't help but think about how awkward it would be to be with Adira the next day, especially after everything that transpired the night before. To make matters worse, they would have to put on a façade of being a happy couple in front of the camera.

"Ahhh, sir," his secretary called out. "What gift did you give your wife?"

Sitting up straight, Chadwick adjusted the papers on the table. He casually responded, "Why should I give her a gift?"

Reflecting on the six months of torment Adira had put Chadwick through, he saw no reason to present her with a gift. If it were an apology, he might think about it.

Yet, Adira had previously told him that she didn't care about him or Isa. So, if he were to give her an apology gift, it would only serve to humiliate him; that was his belief.

"It was Madam's birthday yesterday," his secretary reminded him.

The documents slipped from Chadwick's grasp.

Rustling.

He had no interest in his wife, so it was only natural that he was oblivious to her birthday. But he had hugged another woman in front of her just yesterday! And that was a significant issue!

Now, he felt even worse.

"Is it her... birthday?" Chadwick inquired, hoping he misheard his secretary.

"You can't be serious, you didn't even wish Madam a happy birthday?"

Chadwick swallowed hard.

If there were an award for the most foolish husband of the year, he would gladly step up to the podium to accept it.

Taking a few deep breaths, he pressed his free hand against his pounding head.

"What do women prefer as gifts?" he sought his secretary's advice.

Adira is already wealthy. Therefore, any gifts he could buy for her, like jewelry or dresses, are things she could easily purchase herself.

If there’s anything she would want him to give her, it would be his virginity.

Still, Chadwick would never even think about granting Adira’s request. Not now, not ever.

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The following day arrived.

Adira hadn’t returned home the previous night, so Chadwick was unable to present her with the gift he had prepared. They had only seen each other at the orphanage where they would be volunteering together.

"Good morning, darling," Adira greeted her husband as soon as she spotted him.

In contrast to her usual eye-catching attire, she wore a simple peach dress today.

"Good morning," Chadwick replied.

The area was crowded with numerous cameras and reporters.

It was widely known that Adira and Chadwick were deeply in love, which led to envy over their magnificent wedding and sweet relationship. Both were successful CEOs, and their striking looks complemented each other perfectly.

To maintain the harmonious image of their relationship, they needed to behave and move like a genuine couple, a happily married pair.

"Mr. and Mrs. McElroy, please look this way," one of the reporters, holding a camera, requested their attention.

Adira positioned herself next to Chadwick and smiled.

Chadwick gazed at his wife.

She was doing an excellent job of acting indifferent, as if nothing had transpired between them the night before. He figured it would be wise to mirror her demeanor, considering their current circumstances.

To align with her performance, Chadwick placed his arm around his wife’s waist and smiled for the cameras.

Adira noticed his hand resting on her waist.

From the start, Chadwick kept his distance from her as if she were a contagious virus. Therefore, she found it quite amusing that her husband dared to touch her simply because there were onlookers.

After their photos were taken, the couple began their work.

Their mission for the day is to serve food to orphans.

Children are lined up, eagerly waiting for their turn while clutching their trays.

Chadwick is responsible for handing out the porridge, while Adira will distribute the other dishes.

Naturally, the cameras are still present to document every moment, so the two made sure to smile broadly, even as fatigue began to set in.

While smiling, Chadwick whispered to Adira, "Why didn’t you come home last night?"

As she placed meals on a child's tray, Adira replied weakly, "Why? Did you miss me? Or have you finally changed your mind and want to spend your night with me?"

"As if," Chadwick scoffed, still forcing a smile. "So, what’s the real reason you didn’t come home?"

"I was finishing paperwork. I was so busy that I didn’t have time to go home," Adira explained.

Chadwick looked at his wife.

Is it true that Adira was merely busy with work? Or is that just an excuse, and she’s actually upset with her husband?

If Chadwick thinks Adira is completely angry, he’s mistaken.

"Big bro. I want food," a child pleaded with Chadwick.

At that moment, Chadwick realized he had forgotten his task and had been looking for his wife for quite a while. Others might interpret his gaze as admiration for Adira’s beauty, but he was merely trying to understand what was going on in her mind.

"Oh, right. I’m sorry," Chadwick said to the child. He dished out some porridge and handed it to the child, then to the next one in line.

Nearly an hour went by.

Eventually, the two completed their task. The work wasn’t particularly heavy, but it was somewhat exhausting since they had to stand and smile for an hour. Their legs and mouths felt numb.

"Ma’am, Sir, you’re free to go eat," one of the orphanage staff informed them.

"Of course," Adira replied with a warm smile.

Adira behaved quite differently outside the house. She pretended to be calm and gentle in public. But Chadwick, who lived with her, wasn’t fooled.

"Honey, let’s grab a bite," Adira suggested, taking Chadwick’s hand and gently tugging him along. Then she leaned in and whispered in his ear, "Or how about eating me?"

Chadwick felt heat rise to his cheeks! He desperately wanted to push her away and tell her to be quiet! But with so many people around, he held back his frustration.

Noticing his reaction, Adira stifled a laugh at her husband. He looked so helpless that she decided to stop teasing him and continued leading him to the available seats.

They sat across from each other at a round table. The food served was the same as what the young children received. Soon, an article titled: ‘The two humble CEOs dined on the same food they served to the orphans’ would be published.

Adira and Chadwick enjoyed their meal in peace.

As they ate, Chadwick observed his wife, who was eating her food without any complaints. Given that Adira was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, he had anticipated that she would feel uneasy eating ordinary food. However, he was mistaken. She managed to eat anything with ease, and Chadwick commended her for her adaptability.

"What are your plans after this?" Chadwick inquired softly, ensuring that only Adira could hear him.

"I’ll return to my company and get back to work," Adira replied.

"Then before that, meet me in my car afterward."

Adira set her spoon down and gazed at her husband while chewing slowly.

The reason Chadwick wanted to see her afterward was that he intended to wish her a happy birthday and present her with the gift he had purchased the day before. There was a chance that Adira wouldn’t return home, as she had mentioned needing to complete more paperwork.

Adira swallowed her food. For a moment, she fixed her gaze on Chadwick. Then, she leaned in slightly and whispered, "Sorry, but I’m not really into s*x in the car."

The food Chadwick was swallowing seemed to go down the wrong way. He choked and coughed violently, causing tears to well up in his eyes.

“Ugh! Ugh! Ugh!”

He was on the verge of yelling at her.

"You...!"

But Adira swiftly kicked his feet under the table.

"Ugh!"

She gestured towards the reporter and the cameras surrounding them, as if to signal Chadwick that he had no option but to keep quiet and control his frustration.

Chadwick forced a smile at the reporter. With a grin plastered on his face, he clenched his teeth and whispered, "Why is it so difficult to have a serious discussion with you?"

"I am being serious, though," Adira replied with a laugh. "By the way, do you think our photos together are enough to prove that we’re madly in love?"

"We're sharing a meal right now. That should be enough," Chadwick replied, stuffing a spoonful of rice into his mouth.

"I believe we need to make more of an effort, darling. So we can appear like a truly loving husband and wife."

Adira picked up a tissue and used it to clean her husband’s lips.

"Sweetheart, why are you so clumsy? You’ve got something on your lips," Adira pretended to scold.

The cameras clicked away from every angle. One of the reasons they chose to volunteer together was to solidify their relationship as business partners, especially since there were rumors suggesting that their romantic relationship was a joke.

Chadwick forced a smile onto his face as Adira wiped it away. "That’s enough," he murmured.

"Hmmm? Are you grateful?" Adira teased, pretending not to hear. "Why are you so adorable?"

Suddenly, Adira pinched Chadwick’s cheek with surprising force.

"Ah, ah, ah," Chadwick winced in discomfort, yet he had to maintain his smile.

"You’re just too cute, darling," Adira persisted, pressing his cheek even harder.

Adira ignored his protests. She continued to pinch him fiercely, grinning mischievously.

"What can I do? I can’t help but adore my husband."

"Don’t mess with me," Chadwick whispered. "You’re doing this because you’re upset, right? About what happened the other night?"

His wife quickly confessed. "Yup. You were so irritating that night."

As soon as Adira released his cheeks, Chadwick’s mouth fell open. One side of his face felt numb, so he rubbed and squeezed it until the color returned. Then he shot a glare at his wife.

Chadwick acknowledged that he had wronged Adira.

‘But still, this is way too childish,’ he thought to himself. ‘I will get my revenge.’

He just called it childish, yet he plans to take revenge?

So, who is being childish again?

The answer could very well be… both of them.

Chadwick picked up a chicken nugget. He dipped it into the ketchup. His plan for revenge is quite straightforward. He intends to feed Adira while pretending to be a loving husband, then he’ll compliment her beauty. After that, he’ll pinch her cheek just like she did to him.

Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, and cheek for a cheek.

"Darling, say ahhhh," Chadwick offered the chicken nuggets.

Adira looked back and forth between the nugget and her husband’s playful face.

At that moment, she realized Chadwick was plotting his revenge. Naturally, this wouldn’t work on the unbeatable lady.

Anyone who knows her always does their best to avoid playing games with her. She’s too clever to not have a cheat plan for every game. Unfortunately, Chadwick is oblivious to his opponent’s skills.

Adira opened her mouth.

Chadwick thought he would triumph in his revenge, but then…

"...!"

A chill ran down his spine as Adira not only ate the nugget but also bit his finger and licked the ketchup off it!

"Delicious," Adira murmured in a sultry tone.

Chadwick’s flushed face made it clear that Adira had won the acting game.