Hidden Flash Marriage: Love Me Back, Mr CEO

As the meeting drew to a close, five grueling hours had elapsed, and half the team had been dismissed.

“Meeting adjourned,” the CEO declared, prompted by an urgent call from his grandfather.

Those remaining among the officials hastily gathered their belongings and scurried away on unsteady legs, well aware that if they lingered a moment longer, the CEO might very well have fired the rest of them.

After the officials had left, Shawn relaxed his hardened face a bit and picked the call. “Grandpa,”

“Shawn, I’m sorry. I won’t be able to make it back tomorrow. The doctor says I need to spend a few more days here,” Bitterness laced the old man’s voice as he spoke. “I promise, as soon as I’m able to leave, I’ll come straight home.” His weakened voice wavered, accompanied by a persistent cough.

Shawn could hear the old champ’s strained breathing on the other side of the phone and his heart twisted in his chest. “It’s okay, Grandpa. Spend as much time as you need, I’m fine. Take care of yourself.”

A brief silence lingered before Grandpa Mandez’s faint voice inquired, “Are you sure?”

Shawn swallowed the lump in his throat and responded, “yes.”

“Alright. Goodnight then. And Shawn,” The old man paused and his voice softened, “Happy Birthday in advance.”

The line fell silent once more.

“Goodbye, Grandpa,” Shawn whispered, ending the call with a heavy heart.

Following the call, he sat in silence for a long while. Lucas, his assistant, silently observed the CEO’s subdued demeanor. Initially, he had no idea what the reason was that got the Big Boss in that attitude.

He even almost thought the Madam must have done something again. But then, he slowly pieced together the reason for his boss’s distress… Tomorrow. Tomorrow…

Every man’s birthday was typically a day of joy and celebration, but that sentiment didn’t apply to his boss. Shawn Mandez’s birthdays, for the past two years, had been overshadowed by grief and remorse.

Silently, Shawn stood up from the swivel chair and strode towards the elevator. Reaching the underground parking lot, he slipped into his car and drove away from the corporation.

Lucas watched wordlessly, his head bobbing slightly as the car disappeared from sight. These were the moments when he couldn’t help but feel profound sympathy for his boss.

—–

When Mia woke up and uncovered herself, darkness had already engulfed the room. She blinked rapidly to adjust her vision to the dim light. She couldn’t recall when her tears had led her to slumber.

Staring at the vacant space beside her, a sinking feeling gripped her heart. Was he so upset that he wouldn’t come back home? Or had he returned and chosen to stay elsewhere in the house-away from her?

In a burst of frustration, Mia exhaled sharply. What was she to do now? It was her fault for not seeking permission before entering the garden. It wasn’t like she was the real Madam of the household. In a few months, it would all be over.

The reality of her marriage struck her like a sharp axe to the chest.

Resigned to fate, she reached for her phone on the bedside table and crafted an apology message for her pseudo husband. Sending it off, she placed the phone back. She couldn’t help but still ponder his whereabouts at this late hour. It was almost midnight. Was he downstairs, she wondered.

She headed downstairs to check but the man was nowhere to be found, and even the maids had retired for the night.

‘He’s not back yet.’ Disappointed, Mia turned back towards the stairs.

But just as she turned around, the distinct clinking of a glass halted her steps. She froze in her tracks and turned to face the direction where she had heard the sound.

Furrowing her brows, “Madam Susan?” She called out.

What she got in response was an eerie silence and this caused her heart to skip a beat. Could it be a break-in? No, she dismissed the thought, reminding herself of the stringent security in the Magnificent Residential Area.

Who then could it be in the dining area?

Making the sign of the cross, she mustered courage and ventured into the dining room. The scene that greeted her sent shock waves through her.

There, at the dining table, sat a silhouette of a man, immersed in his drink. It was none other than Shawn Mandez. Mia was taken aback. When had he arrived?

She rushed to his side, grimacing at the overpowering smell of liquor, but she didn’t back away. “Why are you drinking so much?” Her shock intensified upon realizing he had already finished three bottles.

“Eish. That’s not good for you.” She swiftly confiscated the glass from his grasp.

Though Shawn seemed to resist, he was too inebriated to put up any real fight.

Exasperation washed over Mia as she realized she was the only one in the house. She struggled to support him, attempting to drape his arm over her shoulder, but he remained unyielding.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Argh! This is driving me insane,” she lamented, flailing her fists in frustration.

Knowing she couldn’t manage his weight alone, she felt a wave of helplessness engulf her. Lost in her distress, she failed to notice that the intoxicated man had somehow managed to stand and make his way upstairs on his own.

When Mia saw this, she was dumbfounded. Startled, she wondered how he had suddenly found the strength to do so.

Shawn’s movements were surprisingly composed as he made his way upstairs, masking any signs of intoxication. Mia trailed closely behind, observing his steady strides that almost disguised his inebriation.

If she hadn’t seen him drinking, she might have mistaken him for being sober. It was bewildering.

She swiftly followed him into the room, only to find him collapsing onto the bed, already fast asleep. Mia was left speechless, taken aback by his sudden display of vulnerability.

Well, she had to be grateful for his assistance in getting upstairs. That was the most arduous task. Mia managed a small smile as she helped him remove his shoes and suit.

With a wet towel, she gently cleansed his face, hands, and feet. Once she finished, she tucked him in, her gaze softening as she looked upon him.

In his slumber, Shawn’s usual aloof demeanor had dissipated entirely. The furrows on his forehead had smoothed out, leaving behind an air of tranquility and desolation. He seemed serene, yet undeniably alone.

Mia’s lips tightened with empathy as she gently caressed his face. After a short while, she made her way to the bathroom for a warm bath. Once refreshed, she slipped into bed beside Shawn.

As she drifted off to sleep, Mia was roused by the sound of Shawn’s murmurs. Drawing closer, she strained to make out his incoherent words. “I’m sorry, Little One,” he mumbled.

Her heart swelled with tenderness, tears welling in her eyes. What was he seeking forgiveness for?

—–

The following morning, Mia awoke to find her husband burning with fever beside her.