From Neglected Wife to CEO’s Obsession novel Chapter 117

My parents always wanted nothing more than for me to live a good life—to really make something of myself and never let them down. I’ve held onto that, promising myself I’d make them proud.

After nearly two hours behind the wheel, I finally made it to the airport to pick up my boss. He looked every inch the weary traveler, but even exhaustion couldn’t hide how handsome he was. Some people just have that kind of presence. Even with jet lag written all over his face, Elliot Swanson was striking enough to make me do a double take.

“Sorry, I know I look a mess,” he said, his voice low and a little rough. “My schedule was tight and I didn’t get a chance to freshen up. Could you take me home first so I can shower and change?”

“Of course, Mr. Swanson. Hop in.” I opened the back door for him, expecting him to take his usual spot.

Instead, Elliot gave the car a quick once-over, then closed the back door and slid into the passenger seat beside me. “It’s after hours, Ms. Greenwood. You don’t need to chauffeur me around.”

Honestly, I would’ve preferred if he’d just sat in the back. For someone married like me, the front seat felt way too personal. There’s a certain unspoken closeness about sitting up front together, especially when the guy next to you is technically your boss. It made the space feel tighter, the air heavier.

But he was already buckled in, so there wasn’t much I could do.

Remy, my husband, is tall—about six feet—but Elliot is even taller, probably six foot three or so. With his long legs, he somehow made my little car feel even more cramped.

The drive home stretched over seventy minutes. Elliot looked completely wiped out, leaning his head back and shutting his eyes. The silence between us was comfortable, almost soothing.

I put on some mellow music and let the soft scent of cedar and violet fill the car. After a while, the tension eased from his face. His breathing calmed, deepened, and before long, I was pretty sure he’d nodded off.

When we pulled up to his house, I parked in front of the villa. Like he was wired for it, Elliot woke up instantly. There was a brief flicker of confusion in his eyes, then they cleared, sharp and bright as ever.

While he went inside to clean up, I rushed back to my apartment, took the fastest shower I could, and changed into a simple black dress, pairing it with a long beige trench coat. By the time I got back to Elliot’s place, another thirty minutes had passed.

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