Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 47

“It means she’s head over heels for Dean! She doesn’t even dare make a scene—she’s terrified that if she does, Dean won’t remember a single good thing about her.”

The more Steve talked, the more worked up he got. His frustration was written all over his face. “Seriously, man, why are you so determined to marry a woman who’s still hung up on someone else?”

He stared at James, baffled. “You’re just asking for trouble. With your status, you could have any woman you want.”

James suddenly reached out his hand.

Steve paused, then handed him his pack of cigarettes.

James took one out and put it between his lips, but he didn’t light it.

Steve leaned in with his lighter, but James shot him a look that made him stop right there.

With the cigarette still resting in his mouth, James spoke, his voice a bit muffled but clear. “She’s just a victim in all this.”

Steve’s eyes almost popped out of his head. “Come on, man. What is this, hero syndrome? You really want a woman whose whole heart belongs to someone else?”

James just gave him a cold, hard stare.

“It’s a military marriage,” he said quietly. “Once it’s official, it’s not that easy to get out.”

Steve snorted. “A military marriage, so what? As long as you don’t mess up big time, if you want out, you still can—”

He stopped halfway, like he’d just remembered something, and slapped his forehead.

“Shit! Damn, you really can’t just walk away from this one.”

Steve ran a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated. “Why didn’t you let me check her out for you first? I know every socialite in this city better than you do!”

James pulled the cigarette from his lips and tucked it into Steve’s breast pocket instead of lighting it. He spoke low. “I’m heading back.”

Steve sighed. “Want me to let the team know? Everyone wants to meet your wife.”

James didn’t even look back. “No need.”

When the hospital room door opened, Emmy was sitting on the bed, reading a research paper.

She looked up at the sound and found herself face-to-face with James’s deep, unreadable gaze.

James walked over, pulled out a chair, and sat down without saying a word, just staring at her.

His stare made Emmy’s scalp prickle. She couldn’t take it and turned away, giving him her back.

The room went quiet.

James picked up an apple from the fruit basket and started peeling it, slow and calm.

Emmy thought he was going to give it to her, so she reached out without thinking. Before she could touch it, he took a loud, crunchy bite.

She froze, speechless.

“Cut it out. I really can’t handle being alone with a guy for this long,” Emmy groaned.

Abriella hummed like a wise old sage. “Better get used to it—he’s your husband now. If you want kids someday, you’ll need him around!”

Emmy nearly exploded. “Are you coming or not? If not, we’re not friends anymore!”

Abriella just laughed. “Fine, fine! Ditch me if you want. I’m not signing up to be your third wheel! Good luck, Mrs. James. Win him over soon so we can celebrate with drinks!”

Emmy hung up, tempted to chuck her pillow across the room.

Some friend she was.

At least the doctor brought good news—she’d be discharged tomorrow.

That night, James slept quietly on the cot by her bed, barely making a sound.

To her own surprise, Emmy started getting used to having him around.

The next morning, James went out early to handle her discharge papers.

Emmy was in the room, changing clothes, when she realized she’d forgotten to lock the door.

She’d just pulled off her top when the door swung open from the outside.

A tall, broad-shouldered man walked right in.