From Neglected Wife to CEO’s Obsession novel Chapter 79

I swear, I only said that because I panicked. It meant absolutely nothing, I promise.

But Elliot totally took it the wrong way.

He put down his fork and knife, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and said, “Marian, since Ms. Greenwood likes your cooking, I’d like you to stay for a while and take care of her.”

I broke out in a cold sweat.

First there was the helicopter, then the rescue, the bodyguard, the house—and now, my boss wanted to assign someone to look after my daily life? Was being Director of Engineering really worth all this?

I was seriously freaking out.

“That’s really not necessary, boss. I can take care of myself,” I said, trying to sound firm.

Even if I couldn’t, I didn’t have the heart to let a woman older than my own mom run around taking care of me every day. Just thinking about it made me uncomfortable.

It’s also why I never hired help after I got married. I’ve always done everything myself. I guess I’m just not cut out for the rich life.

“Don’t overthink it. Once you’re healed, Marian will go back as usual,” Elliot said.

“No, really, boss, it’s not—”

Elliot glanced up, his eyes narrowing just enough to let me know there was no room for argument. “It’s decided.”

I sighed to myself. Fine. Worst case, I’ll just have to beat Marian to the chores.

After dinner, Marian went off to do the dishes. I sat on the couch with Elliot, awkwardly sipping green tea across the coffee table.

Other than my dad and Remy, I’d never been alone with a guy like this before.

He was close enough that his cologne kept drifting my way—subtle, addictive, making my nose tingle. I had to keep turning away to rub it so he wouldn’t notice.

“She’s right, boss. Better to wait it out. Safety first,” I said, awkwardly pulling my hand back from his suit jacket.

Elliot gave a tiny nod and calmly walked back to the sofa, totally unfazed. He sat down again like it was nothing.

At some point, Marian had slipped away to her room, leaving just the two of us in the living room.

Elliot was glued to his phone, probably reading work emails, as busy as ever.

I just stared up at the ceiling, where the rainwater blurred the painted stars. I was bored out of my mind.

All I’d wanted was an early night and a good sleep so I could start fresh tomorrow.

Now, who knew when the rain would stop, or when this intimidating boss would finally leave?