Falling For My Accidental CEO Husband
Chapter 31: Dead

Chapter 31: Dead

Serena was dead to the world—or at least she seemed to be. Once she returned to the room, all the energy seemed to drain from her. As she threw herself onto the bed, she could hardly believe she was defending the man.

Who better than her knew that he’d married her only to pull off her life support so she could die quickly? She’d realized his ruthlessness then. And later, when she was kidnapped. Or just yesterday, when that woman attacked him. She had stepped forward, knowing even as she struck the woman that while Aiden Hawk might not hit back physically, he would definitely exact his revenge.

And yet, despite knowing all this, she defended him. Somehow, over these few weeks, she had come to trust him. He was cold and ruthless, yes, but he was also fiercely protective of those he considered family—especially Grandma. So, anyone could say what they wanted, but she was going to stand by his side firmly.

With these thoughts, she drifted off to sleep... however, her sleep was anything but peaceful.

***

You’re a fool to take this step." a blurred face spoke to her and Serena frowned. She was sure that she was dreaming and yet, why was she dreaming of her altercation with Nathan.

She frowned, finding something odd but then the voice continued," Rena. Please listen to me. This is a mistake."

"It is not a mistake! And if it is then it is my mistake to make."

She seemed to turn around then and walk away as the man behind her continued to talk," You are being a fool. He is your fiance. So what if this marriage brings a few benefits to us as well? What is so wrong with that. You tell her." The man speaks in desperation as Serena’s is stoped by a man.

"Rena.." Her demeanour seems to soften then,"No. I am sorry. I cannot accept this marriage."

"Rena, you know I love you and would never..."

Even so... I refuse to be a pawn. Goodbye."

"You don’t have to leave. You know that. Even if you choose to not marry, I will protect you."

"No. I won’t be a burden to you. I do have to leave. I have to leave here to live peacefully."

"Rena." She sensed herself being engulfed in a hug then, and hugging the man back as she whispered a promise," I’ll be well. Don’t worry about me."

And she heard him reply in promise," I will worry, Rena. And I will come looking for you. And if I find you unhappy, then nothing can stop me from taking you away. Not even you."

She’d smiled then and nodded," I am going to be the happiest woman in my new life. You won’t have a reason to take me back, Si..."

Serena’s eyes snapped open then, her heart racing as the remnants of the dream clung to her. The strange, unsettling conversation still echoed in her thoughts, leaving her feeling disoriented. She sat up slowly, her brow furrowed as she tried to piece together what had just happened.

Was it merely a dream, or was it something more—some kind of memory buried deep within her, now struggling to resurface? It said something about her being engaged to someone. Had she been engaged to someone? And unwilling to marry. But that last conversation,that hug, everything seemed to confuse her. She had loved that man. She could feel it even though it was merely a dream. She’d been sad to leave him. The other voices had not seemed to bother her as she said goodbye. Only him. Why?

She closed her eyes tightly and tried to see if she could still think of those blurry faces. At least she should be able to see the one whom she’d promised to stay happy. Maybe they would become clearer in her head. But nothing became clear. The more she tried to grasp it, the more elusive it became, slipping away like sand through her fingers. She wondered if he had indeed come looking for her. Or if he would. Would she even recognise him?

Serena sighed and opened her eyes. Why was her mind playing such tricks on her?

As she lay back against the pillows, her gaze was drawn to the faint glow coming from her phone on the nightstand.

She reached over and picked it up, noticing with a jolt that she’d missed multiple calls and messages.

Owen. Dar*! She’d almost forgotten about this link from her past. And she’d forgotten that she was supposed to meet him this morning... She ran a hand over her face as she went through the messages he’d sent her, each more concerned than the last. Ideally, she should call and explain but she didn’t feel like talking. Not now.

With a deep breath, she typed out a quick text: Sorry, Owen. Someone in the family fell sick, and I had to rush back. I apologize for failing to inform you. We’ll have to catch up another time.

His reply was almost immediate because she had not locked her phone when a message came through. "Serena, I’ll return to the city soon. Let’s meet there. I have found something related to... anyway, I’ll tell you when I get there."

Serena frowned. What could he have found that could not be said in a message and had to be told personally?

She didn’t have to think much though and simple replied," Okay. Let’s meet up when you’re here."

Serena’s phone buzzed again, interrupting her thoughts. She glanced down, expecting another message from Owen, but instead, she saw Aiden’s name on the screen. Her heart skipped a beat as she opened the message.

Grandma is awake.

Without wasting another moment, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and hurried to the bathroom. She moved almost frantically as she tried to hurry up and reach the hospital. Grandma’s waking up was the best news that she could have woken up to.