Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 78

Emmy’s cheeks turned bright red in an instant.

“Mom! I have hands and feet. I can take care of myself!”

“Quiet, you.” Teresa shot her a look. “You’re married now. Isn’t this exactly what a husband is for? Otherwise, what’s the point?”

She was definitely saying that for someone else’s benefit.

The hospital room went quiet.

“Aunt Teresa’s right,” James said, his deep eyes settling on Emmy’s flushed face, voice calm and steady. “She’s my wife. Of course I’ll take care of her.”

He turned to Teresa and gave her a small nod. “You don’t need to worry.”

Teresa left, looking completely satisfied.

Emmy stared at the closed door, totally speechless.

Hadn’t her mom just been worried James would catch feelings for her?

Now she was basically pushing her into his arms.

How did she change her mind so fast?

James looked over. “Do you want to lie down for a bit?”

Emmy nodded, starting to lower herself onto the bed. Before she could manage it, his big hand was already there, steadying her back.

Her face burned even hotter. She mumbled, “I can do it myself.”

He glanced down, and there was a hint of a smile in his voice.

“Your mom just said it. I can’t be a husband who’s just for show.”

Emmy had nothing to say to that.

He helped her get settled and gently pulled the covers over her before finally sitting down in the chair next to the bed.

This time, he didn’t look relaxed at all. He sat straight, back stiff and proper.

Emmy watched him, and suddenly the memory of him shielding her from the fire with his own back flashed through her mind. Her chest tightened.

She asked quietly, “Your back… is it really bad?”

“It’s just a scratch. It’ll be fine in a few days.”

She used to sleep cramped and uncomfortable, but whenever she opened her eyes and saw Dean’s profile, all her little frustrations just disappeared.

Dean always slept like a log. Every time the doctor came to check on her, she had to wake him up.

He was never like James—sitting there upright and focused, watching her so intently.

James’s gaze made her heart race. She couldn’t help but say,

“I really don’t like being watched while I sleep. Maybe… go play some games or something?”

James was quiet for a moment, then finally stood up.

He reached into his pocket and handed her something.

“A birthday present.”

Emmy blinked in surprise. It was a bracelet made of strawberry quartz, each bead perfectly clear and round, shimmering with tiny flecks of starlight under the lamp.

It was soft and beautiful, glowing gently in her palm.

Her eyes widened in shock.