Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 181 Chapter 181: Eileen planned to ignore Benjamin's message and put her phone away. However, the man beside her made a casual remark that disrupted her thoughts. "You should reply to the message; it'd be rude not to," Bryan said calmly.

Bryan thought since Eileen had read the message, it would be rude not to reply. Besides, he believed she should know how to respond to that. His demeanor suggested indifference as he adjusted the dishes on the table.

Despite his nonchalant demeanor, his gaze remained fixed on her phone, betraying his underlying interest. It was clear that responding to Benjamin's message couldn't be postponed any longer.

The reason Eileen hesitated to reply in front of Bryan was that she didn't want to tell Benjamin anything about her current relationship with Bryan, wary of any information reaching Kian. It wasn't rooted in fear but rather in caution; it was wise to tread carefully.

However, omitting any mention of her relationship with Bryan in her reply might not suffice to satisfy him. Eileen cast a glance at Bryan, realizing she had no choice but to respond to Benjamin's message with him watching. So, she did.

"Seek mutual affection, not just favorable circumstances.” This had always been her guiding principle.

After sending the message, she peeked up, watching Bryan's reaction. His eyes scanned the screen briefly before he disappeared into the kitchen. Then, he returned, carrying cutlery in silence and taking his seat. Was this his subtle way of saying he was satisfied with Eileen's reply? Feeling resigned, Eileen settled down to eat alongside him. Then, a thought struck her. "I'm gearing up for Zola's test this weekend. I don't know if I'll pass,” she said.

"With your skills, you'll ace it," Bryan replied, oozing confidence in her abilities.

"Thanks, but I still get nervous thinking about it. I know I'll have to put in all my efforts in the coming days," Eileen said. This was her way of saying that she wanted to go to bed earlier in the future, at least not wasting half the morning catching up on sleep like today.

Uncover your next adventure at galnovsBryan paused, his fork suspended in mid-air. With a subtle lift of his eyelids, he said, “Your worry is kind of pointless, don't you think? Save your thoughts for stuff that actually matters." Was he implying that she needed to focus on him instead? Eileen considered his words, then asked with a serious tone, "But considering we're already together, is it really necessary forto make extra efforts for you? Seems like it would be a waste of time." After all, she wasn't striving to win his favor, pursue him, or captivate his attention any longer...

Bryan found himself at a loss for words. He knitted his brows together, his dark eyes fixed on Eileen, anger burning within him.

"I was just kidding!" Eileen, skilled at deciphering emotions, broke into a smile, trying to lighten Bryan's mood. The sparkle in her eyes betrayed her playful nature.

Now that they were together, she felt comfortable enough to tease Bryan, revealing more of her true self. Bryan didn't mind; he believed he could change her more in the future.

Eileen made her way to the balcony to hang up the laundry right after she finished eating. Afterward, she engaged in a lengthy conversation with Phoebe over the phone. Phoebe's curiosity led her to express a desire to meet up and discuss Eileen's relationship with Bryan in person.

But how could Eileen possibly find the tto meet with Phoebe amidst her busy schedule? Despite Eileen's reservations, Phoebe decided to pay Eileen a visit at the education center the following day, unable to contain her curiosity any longer.

Eileen had interpreted Bryan's remark about wasting ton the test as a jest, assuming he would understand her perspective. However, reality revealed that the notion of understanding her still eluded him.

As moonlight gently filtered into the room, casting faint shadows across the floor, Eileen found herself attempting to keep quiet due to the poor soundproofing. Yet, Bryan deliberately made her lose control, coaxing out sounds from her. He said, "That's exactly what I want to hear." If only she had expressed herself to him with the semotion during the day, perhaps it wouldn't have required so much effort for him to guide her now. His firm grasp enveloped her soft fingers, creating an unmistakable bond between them. His uncontrolled growls only served to intensify the sexual tension within the room.

He was mindful of her limits this time, not pushing her to the point of exhaustion as he had done the previous night. The next morning, Eileen stood before her wardrobe, holding several scarves in her hands, deliberating over which one to wear to hide the hickey on her neck.

She now understood what Bryan had meant that her colleague would believe she had a boyfriend today. She let out a resigned sigh. Fortunately, it was not strange to wear a silk scarf in this season. Eileen eventually settled on a red silk scarf, its vibrant hue complementing her delicate skin.

Exiting the apartment together, Eileen and Bryan stepped into the elevator, where they encountered the neighbor, a couple. Unaware of the woman's secretive glances at Bryan, Eileen offered a warm smile in greeting.

Bryan, towering over the other man with his imposing stature and straight posture, radiated an undeniable air of handsomeness.

In the cramped elevator, his presence loomed large, commanding attention. As the elevator doors slid open, Bryan strode out confidently, hand-in-hand with Eileen, leaving the couple behind whispering.

"Did you have a good look at him? Now look at yourself!" the woman said. The couple had heard the sounds in Eileen's place late at night. Glancing in the rearview mirror, Eileen caught glimpses of the couple's glances, feeling a pang of discomfort as she absentmindedly fiddled with her hair.

With its inadequate soundproofing, Eileen believed her place was becoming increasingly uninhabitable. Even the slightest noise, like chopping vegetables, reverberated through the walls.

"It's Friday today. I've got to head to the hospital in the evening," Eileen stated firmly, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Bryan glanced at the couple through the rearview mirror, smoothly maneuvering the steering wheel before responding, "Alright, I'll take you there tonight. Givea call when you go to Zola to take the test. I've got a surprise waiting for you when you cback." "A surprise?" Eileen's interest was piqued, but Bryan's expression remained inscrutable, leaving her wondering about his intentions. So Eileen just replied, "Okay." In a momentary lapse, she forgot to request that Bryan stop a street away. Whether the thought slipped his mind or he was intentional, Eileen didn't know. He parked directly in front of the education center, drawing the receptionist's curious gaze as she craned her neck to see if a client had arrived.

"Remember to stop the car a street away next time," Eileen told Bryan as she reached for the door handle, preparing to exit the car.

But before she could, Bryan caught her wrist, gently pulling her back. His arm encircled her waist, drawing her closer. The scent of pine emanating from him was far more subdued than the previous night when he had been drenched in sweat.

"Do you wantto accompany you to the hospital to see your mother?" Bryan asked. Beneath his slightly furrowed brows, his deep eyes reflected a magnified image of her face.

"But you've already visited her at the hospital before, right?" Eileen said, recalling Bryan's previous visit until Jacob, during which they had unexpectedly encountered Benjamin before Bryan had stormed off.

After a moment's contemplation, Bryan responded, “It's different now." During their previous visit, their relationship hadn't been confirmed, and he hadn't even spoken to her mother. Now, however, with Ruby conscious, it seemed necessary to pay his respects and clarify his relationship with Eileen to Ruby.

But Eileen hadn't yet informed Bailee and Ruby about her current relationship with Bryan. Besides, she hadn't quite figured out how to broach the subject. She said, "Givea bit more time. My mom is going through a critical recovery phase, and she still can't communicate. If I reveal our relationship to her now, it might add to her anxiety." Considering Ruby's current state, Eileen worried that introducing Bryan into the equation might only exacerbate Ruby's stress levels. With Ruby's inability to vocalize her thoughts, Eileen feared that any additional tension could affect her recovery progress.

Bryan's expression clouded with thought, but eventually, he relented, saying, "Alright, I'll wait." "Thank you." Eileen breathed a sigh of relief, appreciating his understanding. Sensing Bryan's reluctance to part, she blushed but said, "I'm going to be late for work." "You're the boss; what's there to worry about?" Bryan said, acknowledging the privileges that cwith the position. Since confirming their relationship, Bryan found himself increasingly reluctant to part ways with Eileen, his thoughts always consumed by her presence.

Eileen pursed her lips, planting a quick peck on Bryan's cheek before declaring, "I'm off! See you later!"

With that, she darted out of the car and hurried toward the education center. Bryan observed her noting her somewhat awkward gait, likely a result of the "exertion" from the past two nights. A smirk played on his lips as he absentmindedly touched the spot where her lipstick had left a faint scent of roses. At the education center, Eileen found herself unable to shake off thoughts of Bryan's lingering expression. Now, he seemed like a different person from the cold, intimidating man she had initially perceived him to be.

The morning breeze gently wafted through the slightly open window, serving as a gentle reminder to Eileen that she and Bryan were indeed together now. The realization filled her with a mix of disbelief and overwhelming joy.

In the midst of her thoughts, a female teacher, unmarried and seemingly in a rush, burst in, her excitement palpable. "I just saw a guy in a luxury car outside! You won't believe how handshe is!"

She was unaware that the car had stopped at the entrance of the education center and that Eileen had disembarked from it. Still caught up in her admiration, she continued, "Just from his side profile, I could tell he is a real catch. If he hadn't driven off so quickly, I would've asked for his WhatsApp!"

Eileen's other colleagues' eyes inevitably drifted towards her, having seen her get out of that car. Them female teacher followed the direction of their gazes and caught Eileen's eye. With a quick smile, she greeted Eileen. "Good morning, Ms. Curtis. It's a shyou missed that handsgentleman!" "Ms. Curtis didn't miss anything! She was in that scar with him!" someone whispered hastily. The female teacher paused briefly, then offered a sheepish smile to Eileen before returning to her desk.

Feeling self-conscious under the curious gazes of her colleagues, Eileen avoided their stares and busied herself with her tasks, mindful of Phoebe's impending visit. At noon, when Phoebe arrived, she and Eileen made their way to a nearby restaurant and settled into their seats.

Once seated, Phoebe reached out and removed the scarf from around Eileen's neck, noticing the faint hickey. "People are watching us!" Eileen attempted to retrieve the scarf, but Phoebe playfully resisted, placing it into her bag.

"You have a boyfriend now; why hide it?" Phoebe teased, refusing to give it back.

"I..." Caught off guard, Eileen didn't know how to reply. But as a tutor, she knew she shouldn't just walk around with a hickey on her neck. Recognizing her friend's predicament, Phoebe relented and returned the scarf to Eileen.

"Okay, spill it. You said there was no chance between you and him before. What changed your mind?" Phoebe asked Eileen.