From Neglected Wife to CEO’s Obsession novel Chapter 14

He’s wearing a silvery-grey silk robe, the collar open just enough to show off a wide stretch of smooth, pale skin. The belt was tied so loosely that every step he took made flashes of his long, toned legs peek through.

He wiped the water from his hair with a big towel, looking completely relaxed, like he didn’t care at all who was watching. Maybe the shower had been too hot—his cheeks were pink and his dark eyes were still a little foggy from the steam, giving him this dazed look that made my heart skip.

I instantly felt my head spin.

How did I forget there was a guy taking a shower in my suite?

Well, nothing really happened. He just needed to use my bathroom, that’s it. We have nothing going on—totally innocent.

But looking at the scene now, I knew there was no way anyone would believe me with just a quick explanation.

“Mommy, who’s that? Why is he in your room?”

Remy set Cindy down beside me. “Sweetie, go play in your room for a while. Daddy needs to talk to Mommy.”

Cindy left, but she kept glancing over her shoulder, eyes glued to her phone but sneaking looks at the tall man calmly drying his hair.

“Ms. Greenwood, your shower’s water temperature is perfect. Thanks for letting me use it. That’s all for tonight, I’ll head out. If anything else comes up, we can talk tomorrow.”

Elliot tossed the towel onto a chair and walked straight out, swinging the door open with total confidence. Even leaving, he looked cool and impossibly handsome.

I just stood there, speechless. No matter how I tried to explain it, his words sounded like they meant something more.

Remy’s face darkened, his eyes cold and stormy. He tried to hide it, but I could see the anger and the hurt behind them.

His voice was rough, almost a whisper. “Avery, who is he? I know you wouldn’t do anything wrong, I just need to know—why was he in your room so late?”

I didn’t want to explain, but I hated being misunderstood even more. I had nothing to hide. I wouldn’t let anyone doubt that.

“It’s simple. His room’s hot water broke. He couldn’t shower, so he used my bathroom. That’s it.”

“If the water heater broke, the hotel would have fixed it for him.”

I sat up in bed, breathing hard, and reached for my phone out of habit.

Half an hour ago, Remy had sent one last message: [The jasmine at home is blooming. Smells amazing.]

I had no idea what he was trying to say.

The next afternoon, I was in the middle of class when Remy called.

I didn’t pick up, but then his texts started coming in one after another: Avery, come home now. Mom’s sick. It’s serious.

Remy knew how important my mom was to me. He would never lie about something like that.

So it had to be true.

I had to go home. Right away.