The Ceo’s Contract Lover

Nina, who had just refilled the jar of water, passed by the living room and overheard their conversation. Her eyes dimmed, and she quietly walked away.

After she left, Stefan sighed and sympathetically patted Jayden’s shoulder.

In the hushed stillness of the night, Jayden entered Nina’s room and found her curled on the bed.

The moonlight painted a soft glow across her pale face.

Jayden lay beside her, the mattress creaking under his weight. He reached out and brushed a strand of hair from her face.

Nina stirred but did not open her eyes.

Pulling her close, he tightened his arms around her.

“Nina,” he whispered, nudging his face against hers, “I don’t care about your past. I never did. You’ll always be my wife, my Mrs. Luxton, no matter what.”

Jayden felt her body stiffen and he continued his words. “I love you, baby. More than words can say. And I’ll always be by your side, no matter how stormy the weather is.”

He gave a peck on her forehead and whispered, “I love you.”

Nina tried hard to hold back her tears, but when she hugged him back and burrowed her face in his chest, she no longer had a hold on her tears.

—

Nora’s heart fluttered with excitement as Nina dropped the unexpected bombshell. “Are you really going with me?” she asked, her eyes wide with surprise.

To be honest, she had given up and was about to leave alone, but Nina’s sudden call filled her with excitement.

Nina chuckled. “Yes! Life’s too short to miss out on new adventures. Let’s do this!”

The day of departure arrived sooner than expected.

As they navigated through the bustling airport, Liam pulled Nora into a deep kiss.

After he released her, Nora looked at Liam and pouted. “You won’t forget me, right? You have to visit me regularly.”

“Of course, babe. I’ll be shuttling between cities, and maybe we’ll make this work better than we ever imagined.”

He was equally reluctant to let her go. However, he had bigger things on his plate.

And no matter how rough things were, his love for her would never change.

Nora hugged Liam tightly as her eyes turned red. Ever since they became a couple she had never been separated from him. But this time he really couldn’t accompany her.

“I’ll just be a call away,” Liam reassured. “This is your time to shine, Nora. I’ll be cheering you on from the other side of the world.”

Nora nodded, fighting back her tears. “I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you more.”

While Nora and Liam shared their goodbye, Nina’s eyes darted through the bustling crowd, searching for the familiar face.

Jayden had an important meeting today, and hence he told her he couldn’t be there to bid her farewell.

Her eyes scanned the bustling crowd but she was only met with disappointment.

The hum of the airport seemed louder, and Nina couldn’t shake the feeling of longing.

She thought she could handle everything calmly, but only when it was time to leave did the reality of his absence hit her in the gut.

Unbeknownst to her, a familiar figure leaned against the railing not far away. His eyes fixed on the bustling crowd below.

“Master, won’t you see her off?” Rick asked.

“I don’t dare.” Jayden’s voice sounded a little husky, and it seemed he had been coughing for quite a while.

He didn’t want to hold her back, and yet the thought of her leaving left an ache in his chest.

He would rather she left him now and never returned than witness the challenges awaiting them.

The airport intercom announced their flight, urging them to move forward.

With a heavy heart, Nina turned back for one last glance, hoping to glimpse him.

When she still couldn’t see Jayden, a wave of sadness washed over her, and her eyes betrayed the tears she tried to suppress.

The sight of her lonely departure inflicted a painful wrench in Jayden’s heart.

A misty layer blurred his vision as he took a step forward.

Suddenly, a surge of violent emotions gripped him, and he squatted on the ground because of the unbearable pain.

Enduring the tightness in his chest, Jayden summoned the strength to stand and catch up to her.

But his body rebelled against the internal struggle. He fell to his knees as blood drained from his face.

“Master!” Rick’s alarmed voice cut through the chaotic scene.

—

One year later,

The brand Nina and Nora passionately crafted had found its identity.

In the twelve months that followed, the duo poured their hearts and souls into their work, transforming ‘Florence’ into a globally acclaimed fashion brand.

The two women had taken the business and fashion world by storm as their venture continued to break various records.

The air in the studio buzzed with creativity.

Mannequins adorned in elegant designs lined the room, exhibiting the artistry of its master.

The design team of ‘Florence’ had gathered in New York for the upcoming fashion show.

Nina’s nimble fingers worked tirelessly, sewing together the pieces of cloth.

As she moved, the sharp edge of the scissors accidentally met her hand, leaving a cut on Nina’s hand.

Nina winced in pain as blood dripped from her palm.

“Boss, you’re bleeding!” Alice, one of Nina’s assistants, rushed to her side. She swiftly retrieved the first aid kit and took Nina’s injured hand into her own.

As she wiped the wound, a gasp escaped her lips. “The wound is deep. You should go to the hospital.”

“It’s just a scratch, Alice. I’ll be fine.” Nina attempted to wave it off.

But Alice insisted, “My dear, don’t forget that your hands are our biggest asset. We can’t afford to lose them.”

Alright. That was enough to convince Nina.

She sighed, touched by her care.

In the sterile lobby of the hospital, Nina waited for Alice to complete the medical procedures.

As she looked at the busy crowd, she glimpsed a familiar figure nearby and her eyes widened in shock.

Nina stood up abruptly, leaving the waiting area in haste. Her steps quickened as she chased after Liam.

A thousand thoughts raced through her mind at his sudden, unexpected presence in New York.

She remembered he was in Spring City when Nora had called him last night.

Why was he here?

She prayed nothing major had happened.

Driven by concern, Nina watched Liam disappear behind the door of a hospital ward.

This was the VVIP area of the hospital.

Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself and turned the doorknob, pushing it open. But the scene that appeared before her left her rooted to the ground.

Staring back at her was the last person she ever expected to see in that hospital bed.

The person’s frail form contrasted sharply with the memories Nina held, and her face turned ghastly pale.

It looked like she would collapse any time from the shock.

“You…” She wanted to say something, but no words came out when she opened her mouth.

Taken aback by Nina’s sudden entrance, Liam exchanged a tense glance with the person on the hospital bed.

Dressed in a hospital gown, Jayden lay on the bed, his heart racing as he met Nina’s shocked gaze.

Time seemed to freeze, and his already paled face turned as white as a sheet of paper.

A sinking feeling permeated the hospital ward. The atmosphere became suffocating, making it difficult to breathe.

Standing at the entrance, Nina fixed her gaze on Jayden.

Her once clear and bright eyes had turned red, a storm of emotions brewing within. The weight of the truth hung in the air, and she held back the tears threatening to fall.

“What exactly is going on?” Nina’s voice choked with emotion, her eyes searching for answers. She took a step forward but did not dare get too close to him.

Liam sighed.

Avoiding Jayden’s gaze, he revealed the haunting truth. “A few months before you left, Jayden was diagnosed with heart disease. We tried every treatment and consulted the best specialists, but there’s no chance of recovery. His body’s current condition necessitates surgery, but the risks are immense. If anything goes wrong during the operation, he might not make it off the operating table.”

In a single breath, Liam laid bare the truth that had been concealed in the shadows.

He confessed everything, and amongst the revelations was the reason Jayden had pushed Nina away.

When Jayden learned he might not survive past a year, he joined forces with everyone, including Nora, because he didn’t want Nina to be burdened by the sadness of his inevitable demise.

At that time, Nina was already not in her best state of mind and he did not want to push her deeper into the abyss.

Even before Liam finished speaking, tears streamed down Nina’s face.

Unable to witness her tears, Jayden’s resolve crumbled. He wanted to drive her but he did not have the heart to do so.

Her heartache echoed his own, and he couldn’t bear to see her in pain.

Without another thought, he reached out and drew her into his embrace.

Liam, sensing the need for privacy, stood up slowly, his gaze shifting between them. “You both must have a lot to talk about. I’ll take my leave first.”

“The doctor has just instructed that Jayden should not be agitated or else his life might be at risk,” he reminded Nina before leaving.

Alone in the hospital room, Jayden cupped Nina’s face, his touch gentle yet desperate. “I missed you so much.” His kiss was intense, conveying a longing that words could not capture.

God witnessed how much he had missed her in those twelve months.

In the past year, during those grueling treatments, he yearned to see her, to hear her sweet voice.

Yet, he never dared to reach out.

He even assumed he might leave this world without seeing her one last time.

But now that his last wish to see her one last time was fulfilled, a sense of relief washed over him.

Finally, he could now close his eyes in peace.

Nina pulled away from the hug, and her gaze lingered on Jayden’s pale and unhealthy face.

A stark contrast to the handsome man she once knew.

The toll of the past year’s battle was clear in the gauntness of his features.

A sudden surge of emotions overwhelmed Nina.

Tears, once again, erupted like a volcano releasing pent-up energy. In that moment of vulnerability, she whispered, “I’m sorry…”

“Silly, why are you sorry?” Jayden asked softly, his eyes reflecting his love and tenderness.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t say it back.”

Nina met his gaze with heartache. “I didn’t say it back, that I love you. I’ve always loved you, Jayden.”

She regretted not telling him how much she loved him before leaving.

The fear of him leaving this world without knowing her feelings gnawed at her and she would never have been able to forgive herself for that.