The CEO’S Orphan Wife

“Your dad and I are headed to Vietnam this Friday for a conference,” my mother-in-law muttered as we enjoyed a snack.

“And I was thinking that you two should join us… What do you think?”

That would be the next day.

I turned to look at Ivan, who responded with a nonchalant shrug. When he noticed my gaze, he raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

“Do you want to go?” I asked.

“How about you?”

But this plan would be his decision because there are lingering wounds on his body that had yet to heal.

“If you want to go, then let’s do it.”

“But won’t it be tough for you?” I expressed my concern.

“I’ll be fine. A little getaway won’t hurt me,” Ivan reassured me.

“Thank you, love,” I hugged him tightly, and he patted my back affectionately.

After our snack, I began packing our clothes for the trip, but I found it difficult to concentrate because Ivan was playfully teasing me. He kept hugging me and stealing kisses, filling my heart with overwhelming love.

Never did I anticipate that Ivan and I would find ourselves at this point. I had nearly given up, but hey, I’m weak!

Nevertheless, I chose not to focus on the potential negative aspects that might cast a shadow over the joy Ivan was bringing me at this moment.

“Ivan,” I scolded him while laughing. I paused my packing, hugged him, and kissed his neck.

He held onto my hip and captured my lips, then showered me with a multitude of playful kisses.

“Stop!” I exclaimed, pulling away as he intensified the kiss. I directed him toward the bed.

“You should take a nap while I finish packing. We won’t accomplish anything with your current antics.”

“I thought you loved me?” He started to act dramatically, pouting his lips. I kissed him on the lips while shaking my head.

“Love… You’re the one who didn’t love me,” I pouted, realizing what I had said. As long as he allowed me to love him, that was fine, but if he could return my love, why not?

I hope he will love me one day and completely forget about Maureen.

“Go to sleep,” I said, tapping his shoulder.

I continued packing, and Ivan lay quietly on the bed, closely observing my every move.

When I finished packing, I noticed it was almost dinnertime, and he had dozed off as well.

“Ivan…” I tapped him, but he remained fast asleep.

“Ivan…” I whispered close to his ear. “Wake up, it’s time for dinner!” Suddenly, he hugged me and pulled me to lie down beside him.

“You’re such a trickster. Let’s eat now; we shouldn’t keep your mom waiting, or she might start thinking that…” I bit my lip because I suddenly felt embarrassed.

He kissed my neck and gently nibbled.

“You’re really crazy! Come on!” I exclaimed once more. But I couldn’t help but squeal with laughter as he tickled me.

I pushed him and playfully smacked his side, but it seemed like I did it too forcefully because he winced.

“I’m sorry, love.”

“You’re so mean.”

“Sorry. It’s your fault, you know.”

“I’ll forgive you but give me a kiss first.”

I rolled my eyes at him. “My husband was so cheesy.”

He pouted. “Don’t you like it?”

“Of course, here it is.” I puckered my lips and leaned in to kiss him, causing him to immediately place his hand on my waist.

“Enough. Let’s continue later,” I interjected, concerned that my in-laws might be getting impatient.

“Later, huh?”

I chuckled. “We’ll get some rest later.”

“Tsss! You said it.”

“I didn’t say anything! Come on.” I took his hand, and pulled him up from the bed, and he followed.

Upon our arrival at the dining area, his family playfully teased us. They were elated and even expressed their hopes for us to have a baby soon.

I simply laughed, but deep down, I didn’t agree with their sentiments. Bringing a child into the world while we were in this situation was not a wise idea.

Yes, Ivan and I are doing well now… Now that he had amnesia. This wasn’t the right time, and I wasn’t even sure if there ever would be a right time for it.

All I knew was that our child would be the one to suffer. I doubted my ability to handle it. While I could endure my own pain, once a child was involved, it would be a different story. I might not be able to cope with it.

***

“What’s on your mind?” Ivan inquired as he kissed my shoulder. He had just finished showering, and we were preparing to sleep.

“Nothing, really…” I kissed his hand that was resting on my arm.

“Let’s get some sleep. You shouldn’t stay up late, and you have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow…”

He pulled me close and allowed me to rest my head on his chest. Once he had fallen asleep, I moved to the other pillow to prevent him from waking up with a stiff neck.

***

My mother-in-law won’t be able to join us for Ivan’s check-up because they have some matters to attend to before our departure tomorrow.

As we woke up at eight in the morning, we had to rush, and we ended up skipping breakfast.

We were about to get into the waiting car when Maureen suddenly arrived. I felt drained by her unexpected appearance.

She glanced at our intertwined hands. Her sweet smile turned bitter, and though I could discern the pain on her face, it didn’t last long as she quickly regained her composure.

“Are you leaving?” she asked while looking at Ivan.

“Uh, yeah. We’re heading to the hospital,” Ivan replied.

Maureen nodded. “Great. I’m right on time. I’m coming along…”

I looked at Ivan. He seemed reluctant to meet my gaze before turning to Maureen with a sweet, hopeful smile.

“I’ll go with you.”

I lost all the color in my face after he said that. I wanted to have an outburst, go wild, or simply walk away, but like before, I chose to remain calm.

“Maureen…” Ivan didn’t finish his sentence as Maureen abruptly got into the car.

“Let’s go!” the woman urged us.

She tapped the seat beside her as if indicating that Ivan should sit there.

“Let’s go,” Ivan mumbled softly. I sighed and took a step toward the passenger seat when he pulled me back.

“I’ll take the front seat,” he said. “I’m sorry, love…”

I mustered a smile. Thankfully, the magic word worked, and I wasn’t as angry anymore. But do I have to sit next to Maureen?

Unbelievable! I didn’t want to start a fight or push her away, I would simply endure it.

“Ivan!” Maureen protested when I sat beside her.

Ivan didn’t respond. He was clearly torn between being kind to her and keeping his promise to me.

I would embrace whatever he could provide, as long as he didn’t set me aside. I knew I shouldn’t settle for less, but I could handle it, as long as Ivan needed me.

Sitting next to Maureen, I was silent. It was awkward, but I had to endure it. As long as we weren’t living in the same house and were sharing Ivan, I think I could handle her.

I would be nice to her. Well, not exactly “nice,” “civil” might be a more fitting term.

The journey to the hospital took thirty minutes. Maureen kept up the conversation during the trip, talking with Ivan and recalling various events from their past.

I couldn’t believe she even brought up their first date and first kiss. Ivan remained wordless, though the reflection in the rear-view mirror revealed a contemplative look on his face, as if he was retracing the sentiments Maureen was conveying.

After what felt like a frustrating half-hour, we reached the hospital.

Ivan’s friend, the doctor, appeared uneasy when we entered his office. He was Doctor Douglas, a well-known neurologist in the country.

“Maureen, I didn’t know that-”

“Shut up!” Maureen cut him off. Douglas gave me a wry smile. It seemed like he was sensing the tension in the current situation as well.

He commenced his examination of Ivan, who mentioned that he still couldn’t recall anything.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Is there any medication you can prescribe to help him regain his memory?” Maureen impatiently inquired.

She had more questions for the doctor than I did. She’s the one who asked on my behalf, while I remained silent on the side.

“He’ll remember once he remembers. You can’t force it because it’ll only worsen his condition…”

“Avoid stress,” he advised Ivan while casting a glance at Maureen.

Maureen clenched her teeth in annoyance, and I couldn’t help but shake my head at her audacity.

Well, there’s a saying that mistresses have thick skin and are fearless.

“Goodbye, doc! Thank you,” I expressed to Douglas after the appointment. He nodded in response.

“Enjoy!”

Maureen raised an eyebrow, her expression one of confusion as she directed her gaze toward the doctor and Ivan. Douglas feigned deep concentration on his laptop, while Ivan and I exchanged a knowing glance.

We couldn’t afford for Maureen to uncover our intentions to visit another country; she would surely follow us. Should that occur, it would jeopardize our vacation, and it was certain to irritate my mother-in-law.

“Ivan, wait!”

She took hold of Ivan’s hand, causing my husband to stop in his tracks.

The woman said, “Myla, you can head home now. I’d like to spend some time with my boyfriend. I want to have dinner together with him outside.”

“I can’t, Maureen. Mom sent a text saying they were on their way home now. She’d be surprised,” Ivan explained.

“Then Myla can come…”

I couldn’t believe this woman.

“I’m tired. I want to go home now.”

Maureen huffed in annoyance, but Ivan turned away from her. He walked out of the hospital ahead of her. I secretly smiled.

Good job! I hope this continues. I understand it’s a challenge for him. In his heart and mind, he loves Maureen. Even though he can’t recall me-though his memories of our marriage weren’t happy-I can see he’s making an effort to be a good husband.

We left Maureen at the hospital. She nearly threw a fit, but Ivan no longer paid her any attention.

I’m content with what he did. My happiness may be shallow, but it’s enough.

I feel as though he chose me because of his actions. What used to be merely a dream for me has now become a reality.

Leaning my head on his shoulder, I met his gaze, and he offered a faint smile.

“I’m sorry…”

“It’s okay. Thank you,” I responded with my eyes closed.