The CEO’S Orphan Wife

I remained in the living room while the doctor examined Ivan. Inside, his parents were with him, while his siblings stood by the door.

It had been twenty minutes since the doctor entered the room, and I hoped Ivan’s condition would improve. Perhaps he was shocked, which caused his headache.

I stood up as the doctor emerged with my in-laws.

“Take him to the hospital for a thorough check-up tomorrow,” the doctor advised Ivan’s parents. Dr. Cheng nodded at me before leaving the house.

“Mom, how is Ivan?” I inquired.

My mother-in-law smiled. “He’s doing better now and is looking for you. Go inside your room.”

“H-Hasn’t his memory returned yet?”

Mom shook her head. “He just had a headache. I told him not to pressure himself to remember. Myla…” She held my hands and said, “I know you’re going through a tough time, but…” Her eyes pleaded as she looked at me.

“Can you stay a little while longer? Please, dear, just until he recovers as you promised before.”

I looked away and couldn’t respond to Mom immediately. I truly wanted to leave, but…

I took a deep breath and nodded slowly. Whatever happens, I just hope I won’t regret this decision.

“Thank you, dear…” My mother-in-law embraced me along with her husband.

***

Gently, I eased open the door to our shared room, where Ivan reclined in the center of the bed, appearing to be in sleep. Prior to nestling beside him, I discreetly changed my clothes.

“If you don’t want me to leave, then I won’t, at least for now. But if you truly don’t want to see me and be with me, just tell me,” I whispered before placing a kiss on his forehead.

He stirred and embraced me, bringing a smile to my lips.

“You’re quite the tease, toying with my emotions like this. Do you know that?”

He nestled his face into my neck, and after a while, he started snoring.

I would have been happy because you’re finally being kind to me and acknowledging me as your spouse, but you let Maureen come here.

I tenderly caressed his cheek and, with closed eyes, surrendered to the embrace of sleep.

***

The knocks on the door stirred me from my slumber. I was about to get up when Ivan beat me to it.

“Sir, Miss Maureen is outside,” the maid informed us.

Ivan’s gaze briefly swept in my direction, where I sat in poised anticipation, ready for his next move. By the time he ventured outside to meet Maureen, my departure would undoubtedly have already taken place.

To my surprise, however, he didn’t go outside.

“Tell her to go home,” Ivan instructed. I couldn’t help but smile at his words. Well, that’s a promising start. I just hope he follows through with it.

He closed the door and returned to bed. He lay down beside me, drawing me close.

“Let’s get some more sleep,” he whispered. His eyes were already closed, making it seem like he was still drowsy, or perhaps he was trying to lull me to sleep, and once I did, he would go see Maureen.

“Do you not remember anything?”

He opened his eyes and gazed at me for a moment before he shook his head and sighed.

“Nothing.”

Of course, if he remembers, he won’t treat me like this. He’s probably in a hurry to go out and see Maureen.

“Let’s turn in,” he suggested once more, his arms enclosing me tightly, eliciting a reflexive wince from me.

“Ivan, you’re suffocating me with your embrace,” I protested, trying to extricate myself, but he clung to me stubbornly.

“I’m not sure if I should be glad you’re suffering from amnesia…”

“Why’s that?”

“I might grow accustomed to this situation… I wish it could last forever.”

A soft smile graced his lips as he planted a tender kiss on my cheek.

“Ivan…”

“Yes?”

“If you want me to stay for a while… Could I make a request?”

“Of course. What is it?”

“For one month, could you treat me as your wife? Be my husband, a devoted and faithful spouse. No Maureen. Just us…”

He faced me, yet his hands remained locked in an embrace around my body.

“Is that all?” I gently stroked his cheek. “Yes, that’s all.”

“Okay, deal. You’re not allowed to go out without seeking my permission, either.”

His statement prompted an arched eyebrow from me. I’m quite fond of this amnesiac Ivan version.

“Okay, love…” I started with a smile that quickly transformed into a mischievous grin.

“Is that our endearment?” he inquired.

“We don’t have endearments. You only call me by my name when you’re angry with me.” His eyebrows furrowed as if he were lost in thought.

“Don’t think about it.”

“Am I truly a lousy husband?”

“A bit…” I let my grin widen. “Well, more like terrible.”

“I’m not causing you any physical harm, am I?”

I shook my head. “No, you’re just hurting my feelings.”

“I’m sorry. Let me make it up to you, even if I can’t remember.” He leaned his head.

“I told you not to push yourself. It’s okay! What you’re showing me now more than compensates for any past wrongdoings. I could leave if-”

He silenced me by covering my mouth with his palm.

“No one’s leaving. I won’t allow it.”

“Okay. As long as… our agreement.”

Ivan and I dozed off once more. We woke up at noon and decided to have our meal in the room because he didn’t feel like going out.

“Do you have any more requests, sir?” the maid inquired as she cleared our table.

“Bring us some popcorn…”

Ivan glanced at me. “Would you like some juice?”

“Just water.”

He signaled to the maid, saying, “Just water.”

“Let’s shower first, then watch a movie. I can’t take you to a cinema yet, so let’s just do it at home.”

I smiled. “That’s fine. Thank you, love.”

He winked at me, making my heart skip a beat.

We watched a movie, a love story, but I’ve already seen it. I don’t like this movie. The couple will break up in the end, which is why I don’t like it. But Ivan said he wanted to watch it though I didn’t tell him that I had finished watching it.

He had his arm around my shoulder as we watched. He’d feed me popcorn, and sometimes I’d do the same for him.

We don’t have a fancy date, yet this is the best movie date ever.

We locked eyes during the most intimate scenes with the leads. They were making out.

I bit my lip and couldn’t bear to look at the TV any longer.

But I could see Ivan’s grin.

“What?” I asked in annoyance, nudging him slightly with my elbow.

He held my chin and turned my face toward him, licking his lips, and then swallowing hard.

“I-Ivan…”

His eyes glistened as he slowly moved his lips closer to mine, and he kissed me. He was kissing me softly. I forced my eyes to close, feeling his soft lips covering mine.

Grasping the nape of my neck, his tongue met mine, and a gentle, weakening sensation coursed through me, prompting me to recline. Swiftly, he positioned himself above me, prompting a soft gasp to escape my lips.

His hand stealthily ventured beneath my shirt, and his warm palm traced a path from my stomach to my chest, hidden beneath the fabric of my bra. I couldn’t stifle a moan, overwhelmed by the heat of his hand and the intense passion of his kiss. Just as he started to unhook my bra, my mother-in-law’s voice interrupted us.

“Myla, I have some-oh! I’m sorry!”

“Mom! Can’t you knock?” Ivan asked with irritation, quickly getting up.

“Sorry, I didn’t know you were busy,” Mom laughed playfully, but she didn’t leave.

She arrived with a few paper bags, indicating that she had once again gone shopping on my behalf. Whenever I’m in low spirits, she generously purchases various items for me. This thoughtful and caring behavior has been a constant since I moved in with them following my parents’ passing.

“I also bought some food. Let’s have a snack to regain your energy. The maids said you two haven’t left the room.”

She smiled once more. I chuckled as I emerged from bed and approached my mother-in-law. I took the paper bags she was carrying and examined their contents.

“Thank you, Mom.”

“You’re welcome, my dear. It would be even better if we went shopping together.”

“I’m not really into clothes and shopping,” I stated. She playfully rolled her eyes, and I laughed.

“Let’s eat first, love…” I invited Ivan, who appeared to be in a bad mood. He looked like he had been left hanging.

Wait… Was he planning to make a move on me? If his mother doesn’t show up, will something happen between us? My cheeks flushed, but his bruises and wounds weren’t fully healed yet. It would only cause him more pain.

“Love? Do you already have endearments for each other? My heart is so happy.” My mother-in-law hugged me.

“Is having my grandchild next in your plans? I’m so excited!”

I scratched my head, meeting Ivan’s gaze. A faint smile graced his lips at that moment. In return, I offered a subtle smile and a nod.

My affection for him seemed to be deepening. I wished he wouldn’t recall, and I hoped I wouldn’t have to depart from his life.