Accidental Marriage with the CEO: Unwanted Bride
Chapter 46: Life jacket

Chapter 46: Life jacket

Later that night, just as he had promised, Kay came to pick Patricia up, and together they made their way to Roman’s room.

Upon arrival, Kay opened the door and gestured for her to enter. She stepped inside, hearing the door click shut behind her, but her attention was caught by something ahead, keeping her from turning back.

Strangely, there was a dinner setting for two arranged neatly in the room, as if waiting just for her. The warm, intimate atmosphere touched her, and she liked it, liked that he had gone out of his way to set it up. Her gaze shifted and landed on him, standing by the window, staring out at the ocean. His view was far grander than hers, and though it was already dark, it still looked breathtakingly serene.

"I am here," she announced softly, catching his attention.

"Sit," he said, turning to face her. She walked over to the table, and he followed close behind.

They both sat and began eating in silence, the only sounds being those of cutlery against the plates. Patricia couldn’t shake off the awkward tension that lingered between them, but she had nothing to say. She kept her head down, avoiding his gaze, afraid she might regret it if she didn’t.

"You can resume work at the cardiology department after the vacation. Also, Kay will get you a new car to replace the one they stole," he said mid-meal, prompting her hands to freeze. Just like that? He was returning her to where she belonged, casually, with nothing but words? It was unsettling, he was now doing things he would never have done before. Was he trying to make her stay? If that was the plan, then she was sorry, but this tactic wouldn’t work on her.

Resting her hands on her lap, she responded, "I won’t be needing a new car. There are only two weeks left until our agreement ends after the vacation. I would prefer to spend that time alone. Once we are back home, I will introduce you to the investor. I just need you to finalize the deal now." She made sure to underline the point that their deal would soon come to an end. She wasn’t sure why he suddenly wanted her to stay, but something deep inside told her that leaving was the right choice.

A heavy silence settled over them, and the atmosphere grew even more uncomfortable. After a moment, Roman placed his hand on the table and asked quietly, "What if I don’t want to let go?"

"You have no reason not to. We don’t love each other, and this marriage was one of force, not choice. I see no reason to hold on," she replied, hearing a low sigh escape him.

"Who said it was by force?" He asked suddenly, and Patricia blinked, confused. What did he mean? If it wasn’t forced, why had he been so reluctant to marry her? Why had he refused to acknowledge her as his first wife, instead making her the second to a lover he hadn’t even married?

Just as she opened her mouth to respond, someone burst into the room, shouting, "Michelle fell into the water and they haven’t been able to find her!!"

Patricia’s eyes widened in shock.

The person who burst into the room was a slightly older woman, her appearance completely disheveled, clearly, she wasn’t joking. Patricia immediately recognized her as Michelle’s older sister; she had seen her that day at the hospital.

"What are you doing? I can’t swim, come and help us!" She shouted, her voice laced with panic. When Roman didn’t react, she yelled again, louder this time. At last, he stood and began walking toward the door. But just as he reached it, he paused and glanced back at Patricia. Her brows furrowed, why was he staring at her like that? A second later, he exited the room with Michelle’s sister, leaving Patricia stunned and confused.

As much as she should hate Michelle, Patricia still preferred to see her punished by the law rather than lost forever to the vast ocean.

Unable to stay still, she soon left the room and made her way to the deck, where a small crowd had gathered, presumably hoping for good news. All eyes were fixed on the rescue team as a group of men dove into the dark water, searching for Michelle.

"That bitch is at it again. I bet she’s hiding under the yacht with a life jacket, waiting for her lover to come rescue her," Zara muttered from nearby, her skepticism drawing curious glances from those around her.

Patricia, overhearing Zara from a short distance, quickly walked over and pulled her best friend away from the group before she could stir up more trouble.

"You can’t do that here. We are both outsiders. There’s nothing we can do right now," Patricia scolded in a hushed tone, her eyes darting around to see if anyone was still watching them.

Fortunately, most people had turned their attention back to the ocean, focused once again on the unfolding search.

"Fine. But I doubt she will be found. It’s dark, and the ocean isn’t safe," Zara replied sarcastically, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips. Patricia couldn’t deny that part of her had once wished Michelle would simply vanish but she quickly pushed aside the dark thought, refusing to become like Michelle herself.

Turning her gaze back to the ocean, she spotted Roman and her mind wandered to the conversation she had earlier with him. Something about his expression told her he wasn’t ready to let her go. But she had no intention of staying, not as someone’s second choice. Roman might have hesitated tonight, but she knew deep down he would always choose Michelle in the end. Sending her away from the estate had never been an act of kindness; it was just another tactic to make her stay.

If he had truly wanted to make things right, he would have reported Michelle’s actions to the authorities long ago. What if she had actually died?

With renewed resolve, she turned to Zara and said, "I need you to push forward with the investor. How soon can we meet the actual owner of the company? I don’t think he’s going to let me go easily, so I have to force the outcome."

Zara’s mischievous look faded, replaced by irritation. "That jerk! Going back on his word. I won’t let him trap you. We will meet the investor as soon as we leave this yacht. I will start arranging it right away."

Patricia nodded and smiled in appreciation.

It was time to stop hiding behind fear and take control of her life. She may not have succeeded in marrying a man she truly loved, but she refused to let her career slip through her fingers.

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