Mr. CEO Sassy Bride

Leilani inquired of the maid beside her in the kitchen, “Would you kindly pass me the salt?” As she stirred the contents in the frying pan, the woman hastened to hand her the container.

“Your culinary skills are truly remarkable, Madam,” the older maid praised, sporting a broad smile on her sun-kissed face. “Never before have I encountered someone who could prepare Broccoli and Cheese with such expertise.”

Chuckling, Leilani cast a glance at the woman. “You see, I grew up with only my brother, who was disabled. It was up to me to take care of everything on my own.”

“Ah, my apologies, Madam. And how is your brother faring now?” the maid inquired with curiosity.

A wide smile spread across Leilani’s face. “My brother is doing wonderfully now. He can walk on his own two feet,” she shared, clearly overjoyed.

“All thanks to someone I never thought I would owe a debt of gratitude,” she added, her cheeks flushing bright red a sight that left the maid stunned.

Before the woman could question Leilani about her sudden change in complexion, Nelson appeared.

“Good morning, sir,” the maid greeted nervously, quickly making her exit from the kitchen, leaving Leilani alone with him.

Lost in her thoughts, Leilani continued to grin to herself, completely oblivious to her surroundings. It was only when she heard her name that she snapped back to reality.

Surprised by how absentminded she had been, she turned around to find that her company had left. Her heart fluttered at the sight of him, and she couldn’t help but feel captivated.

With his ocean blue eyes, chiseled jawline, and perfectly gelled black hair, he was a feast for the eyes. His well-tailored slim-fit suit only added to his undeniable charm, exuding an aura of success.

Nelson initiated the conversation with a friendly “Good morning,” taking confident steps toward Leilani. His masculine demeanor radiated from his cold, handsome face.

Subconsciously, Leilani swallowed and turned her head away, struggling to formulate a response to his greeting. But for some reason, she found it difficult to do so. She was usually fierce and stubborn with Nelson, so what had changed? Where had her boldness gone? Why was she suddenly acting docile?

“Lani?” Nelson called out her name again, his tone becoming more forceful as he noticed her tentative and timid behavior.

“Yes, Mr. Carter,” Leilani answered quickly, glancing up at him before quickly averting her gaze.

“Mr. Carter?” Nelson growled, clearly not pleased with her formality. Leilani quickly apologized with a warm smile and corrected herself. “I mean, good morning, Nelson,” she greeted shyly.

Nelson scrutinized her face for a full minute before taking a step back to observe her. He couldn’t help but notice her unusual behavior.

“Lani, are you alright? Did something happen between us last night?” he asked bluntly.

“No, of course not. Nothing at all. Why would you think that?” Leilani laughed and waved her hands dismissively.

“You’re acting strange. Like you don’t want to be around me or something. Is it because of the favor I asked of you last night?” Nelson’s usual serious tone was laced with playful teasing.

Leilani panicked for a moment before gathering her courage and meeting his gaze. She saw a small smile on his face.

“Don’t worry, it’s fine if you don’t feel comfortable doing it,” Nelson reassured her. But Leilani shook her head, determined to carry out the task.

“No, I can do it. I will do it,” she declared firmly.

For another minute, Nelson studied her face before she quickly averted her gaze. “Well then, I have to get to work. I checked on Mom earlier, but she’s still asleep. Can you please check on her for me?” he asked politely.

“Sure. It’s no problem, but won’t you stay for breakfast?” Leilani inquired.

“I’m afraid I have a pressing meeting this morning. However, I shall return early,” Nelson declared, pivoting and exiting the kitchen.

—–

As Hannah observed Ethan relishing his meal, swinging his legs absently, she sat beside his hospital bed.

“Ethan, I couldn’t be happier for you. Just look, you may now move about with ease,” Hannah remarked, beaming.

“It’s true, Hannah. You can’t imagine how happy I am too. After I’m discharged, I’ll search for the benefactor who funded my surgery and express my gratitude,” Ethan proclaimed through a mouthful of salad.

Hannah’s broad smile decreased at this mention of the sponsor’s identity. Leilani had revealed the truth to her, leaving Hannah to deduce that Nelson Carter, the enigmatic figure, had secretly financed the operation.

If Ethan persisted in his quest to uncover the benefactor’s identity, he might uncover Leilani’s deception – that she had not been working, but instead married her mysterious supporter.

Swiftly disposing of these troubling thoughts, Hannah shook her head. She resolved to advise Leilani to come clean with her brother before he discovers the truth for himself.

“Do you find the meal to your liking?” asked Hannah.

Ethan nodded and flashed a thumbs-up. “You and Lani are both exceptional cooks. I can’t choose between you,” he added, causing Hannah to giggle.

“Any future husband would be lucky to have you as their skilled cook, Hannah,” Ethan complimented, making Hannah’s smile widen.

However, her smile faded as she remembered Herbert’s words from the day before, alleging that David had cheated on her.

“Ethan,” she called, with a serious expression.

“Yes, Hannah?” Ethan responded, taking a glass of water from the cabinet and downing it in one gulp.

Hannah nervously nibbled on her lower lip, hesitant to vocalize her thoughts.

“What’s troubling you, Hannah?” Ethan inquired, noticing her hesitation.

“Do you think David is being unfaithful, Ethan?” Hannah finally managed to voice her suspicions.

Ethan’s eyes widened in surprise. “How did you find out?” he asked.

“What? So it’s true and you knew about it this whole time?” Hannah’s own eyes widened in shock, her lower lip trembling.

The happiness on Ethan’s face quickly faded into remorse. He had been planning to tell Hannah himself and never wanted her to find out like this.

“Please, tell me how you found out,” he implored.

“What do you mean, Ethan? Herbert called and said he saw David with another woman, but I didn’t believe him and wanted to ask you for clarification. But it seems you already knew and chose to keep it from me?” Hannah’s voice rose, tears already welling up in her eyes.

“I’m so sorry, Hannah. But David threatened me with my disability. So I couldn’t bring myself to tell you,” Ethan explained in a small voice, his remorse visible.

Upon hearing this, anger surged through Hannah and she immediately got up from her seat, ready to storm out of the room.

Ethan quickly rushed to stop her. “What do you want to do?” he asked.

“To show that bastard that I know he’s been cheating on me!” Hannah exclaimed.

“But do you think he’ll believe you without any proof?” Ethan questioned, causing Hannah to pause and reconsider her reaction.

“What should I do then?” she asked after a moment of silence.

Ethan’s face lit up with a smile. “I have a plan.”NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.