The CEO’S Orphan Wife

The following morning, before indulging in a refreshing shower, I gathered Heather’s clothes and discreetly tucked them into my bag. While delicately smoothing moisturizer onto my skin, Lucinda curiously glanced through the door.

“Why are you dressed like that, babe?”

I had on a white undershirt with a blazer over it, fitted jeans, and flat closed-toe shoes.

“Why? What’s the issue with my outfit? I have a meeting today, so I need to appear somewhat formal.”

“You have even more stylish and beautifully coordinated outfits in your suitcase for formal occasions.”

“Tsk! Not today. We still have a few days ahead. I’ll save it for another day.”

She proceeded to search through my suitcase.

“Here, take a look…” She presented the three-piece ensemble, a lacy cream undershirt, and the matching blazer and shorts.

“I’ll wear it the day after, for my meeting with a

CEO friend who runs a beauty products business.”

“Wear it today. You look stunning in this outfit.”

I shot her a meaningful glance. “I’m not sure, babe. I don’t want to. It’s up to you!”

I examined myself in the full-length mirror.

“It might be a good idea to wear heels,” she suggested. Lucinda had a strong affinity for clothing and fashion, making her skilled in outfit coordination and styling.

I carefully chose a pair of heels and elegantly put them on before leaving the room to brew my coffee.

“You’re not considering that outfit, are you?”

“I’m aware of your intentions,” I replied, “and nope, my outfit is just fine.”

We enjoyed a light meal before departing the apartment to see Heather.

“It appears your ex-husband still doesn’t have a new wife,” Lucinda commented, as we were on our way.

“Well, he’s unlikely to bring up his wife to Heather during their initial meeting. He knows it would upset the child, so he has disclosed nothing yet. They may also know my daughter is unaware of our current situation with her father.”

“But what if he doesn’t have one?”

“There is! I’m convinced Ivan loves Maureen deeply. Perhaps she’s just at their home, their shared residence as a married couple.”

I rubbed my temples as a sudden headache struck.

“As for me, I truly believe that you and Ivan are destined for each other.”

I rolled my eyes but remained silent.

“I’m certain, based on the way he looked at you last night…” she chuckled.

“Oh, come on!”

“Why not? It’s a possibility.”

I rolled my eyes again. “He never loved me. Haven’t I told you that before?”

“Yes, but that’s your story. Remember, there are three sides to every story: yours, his, and the truth.”

“Whatever… We’re almost there. Let’s not dwell on it. Let’s keep a formal demeanor.”

We stepped out of the car and proceeded directly to the living room. Mom-she’s aunt now-and uncle were already present, appearing to await my arrival. Heather wasn’t there yet; she might have just woken up.

Has Ivan already headed to work? It’s five minutes before eight, and he might have left by now.

“Good morning, dear…”

I walked up to the two elderly people.

“Where’s Heather?”

“She’s in the bathroom with her aunt. Ivan is there as well.”

He’s going to be late, huh? He hasn’t even left for the office.

I settled onto the couch next to my former mother-in-law as I waited for my daughter to descend the stairs.

“How are you, dear?”

“I’m fine, thank you…” I replied briefly, a distinct sense of discomfort filling the air. It appeared as if my in-laws had something they wanted to discuss with me, but they were hesitating, as if some reservations were holding them back.

My heart lightened when I spotted Heather making her way downstairs, and I greeted her with a warm smile. Heather waved back, accompanied by her father, both freshly bathed.

Ivan sported a button-down polo, suggesting he might be running a bit late for work.

“Mommy!”

“Hello, baby…”

“Why weren’t you here when I woke up?” Heather inquired.

“Uhm, well… Mom had to grab something from the apartment,” I explained.

“Okay, Mommy. I’ll go with Daddy to the office.”

“”Huh?” I was taken aback, as I planned to pick her up, bringing her with Lucinda today.

“Was that okay?” Ivan asked, sporting a smile.

“Please, Mommy!”

“A-Alright. Just behave, okay? Please bring Lucinda with you,” I nodded at Heather.

“Yay!”

Ivan smiled and nodded.

My in-laws got up and said, “Come on, let’s have breakfast.”

“I’ve already eaten. I have a meeting at nine, so I’ll leave early.”

“Oh, I see. Take care, dear.”

“Thank you.” I walked over to Heather. “Be a good girl, okay? Don’t be a bother. Don’t give your daddy a hard time, okay?” I said to my daughter.

“Yes, Mommy! Will you come back later?”

“Yes, baby…”

My plan was to pick her up later, and she’d spend the night at the apartment. Ivan might not be here tonight because he’s going to see Maureen. That woman might get upset and think all sorts of things about her husband since he didn’t come home last night.

Ivan also needed to talk to her about Heather. As for our daughter, I don’t know how to tell her that her daddy and I are no longer together.

“I love you, mommy!”

“I love you too, baby…”

“Lucinda, you’re in charge of Heather. Please take care of her.”

“Okay, babe. Let’s communicate through text.”

I bid farewell to Ivan’s parents, giving him a tight smile and a nod as he continued to gaze at me intently.

Leaving their house, I finally breathed a sigh of relief. I hailed a taxi and directed it to the hotel where I was scheduled to meet my business associate.

In a way, I felt reassured. I knew my child was content and not feeling bored, allowing me to fully focus on the matters I had come to Manila for.

***

Lunchtime…

The meeting had concluded, but I remained in the area. A familiar face approached me. My next meeting was scheduled for three in the afternoon, so I took the opportunity to catch up for a bit.

“Just inform me when you have the time to see the production firsthand, and I can provide a more detailed explanation…”

He ordered a drink while awaiting his next meeting, which was roughly thirty minutes away. He was simply biding his time.

“Very well, before I depart Manila, I’ll send you a text or give you a call…”

We still have eight days, and it will take a while, as I have numerous tasks to attend to.

I’m not concerned about Heather growing restless; she’s likely preoccupied with Ivan’s family at the moment.

As we were conversing, Lucinda called, prompting me to excuse myself from my companion.

“Hello, is there something wrong?” Did something happen? Perhaps Maureen stormed into Ivan’s office.

“Myla… Maureen contacted Ivan…” Her voice was barely audible. It appears she’s situated outside Ivan’s office or near the fire exit.

“Oh…” I arched an eyebrow.

She let out a sigh, appearing disappointed, as if her assumption had been incorrect.

“Well, I just brought it up. I’m frustrated, babe. Ivan seemed stressed after their talk.”

“Let him be, babe. We shouldn’t interfere in his personal life. Just keep a watchful eye on Heather. Don’t let her out of your sight. Maureen might show up unexpectedly.”

“Yes, babe. If she storms showing up here, I’m prepared!”

I chuckled. “Make sure to get Heather out of there promptly if Maureen comes over.”

“Sure… What time will you be picking up Heather?” Then she remembered, “Oh, by the way, it looks like Heather doesn’t have any plans to stay at the apartment tonight.”

“She mentioned that?”

She replied, “She didn’t say it directly, but it seems that way. Her dad bought her toys and books. She wanted Ivan to read them to her tonight.”

I rubbed my temples. What should I do now? It also appears that Ivan’s wife is looking for him. I think I’ll speak to Heather later.

“Alright, Lucinda. We’ll catch up later. Keep a close eye on Heather.”

“Yes, babe. Take care over there.”

I’ve been inquiring Lucinda for updates throughout the day.

“She’s being quite affectionate with her dad, sitting on his lap. Ivan seems preoccupied, and it’s possible he’s turned off his phone,” Lucinda messaged earlier.

My meeting has just concluded, and it’s already five in the afternoon. They were planning to leave Ivan’s office at five-thirty, according to the information Lucinda received.

“He’s inquiring about you from Heather…”

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. “I’m not

particularly interested, Lucinda.”

“But don’t you want to mend things between you two?”

“He had a chance to make amends back then, but he chose not to take it…” Shit! I accidentally deleted the message I intended to send to Lucinda.

I’m putting on a facade of indifference. I made a quick stop at the mall to check on the two food stalls I established after graduating from college. I’m feeling a bit awkward around Ivan’s parents, so I’ll head there later.

Due to recent events, I’m feeling quite embarrassed and awkward in their presence. I’m certain they have many questions, and I’m not at ease discussing those matters. For Heather’s sake, I prefer our interactions to be casual while we’re here in Manila.

Lucinda texted me that they were nearly at the Greco mansion. I hailed a taxi and joined them there.

Upon my arrival, I found a multitude of toys scattered in the living room. Heather’s grandparents had been on a shopping spree, and Ivan had their personal shopper procure some items earlier. Heather was overjoyed. It appears she’s not very keen on returning to the rented apartment with me.

“Mommy, look! I have so many clothes and toys!”

I smiled and asked, “Did you already thank your grandma and grandpa?”

“Yes, Mommy. I also thanked Daddy. Daddy, didn’t you get something for Mommy too?”

What?!

My smile faltered, and Ivan appeared to scratch his head in embarrassment.

From the corner, he reached out a paper bag and handed it to Heather.

“Here you go, Mommy! Daddy and I picked this out.”

I didn’t need to see what was inside; I knew it contained jewelry.

“Th-Thank you, but…”

“Come on, Myla…” I tightened my lips, resolute in my response. There was no need for him to purchase something for me.

A sigh escaped my lips as I placed the paper bag by my side. I harbored no intention of carrying it along when I departed. I would pretend I forgot about it.

I remained quietly seated, watching the father and daughter engage in play, interjecting with occasional responses to my former mother-in-law’s questions, all the while monitoring the email messages coming in.

Before dinner, I called Heather.

“Baby, it’s time to head home. Say goodbye to your daddy.”© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

“We’re going back to the apartment, Mommy?! We’re not spending the night here?”

“You’ll return tomorrow, sweetie. I’ll bring you back early.”

“Mommy, I want to stay here. I want to sleep here. Let’s sleep next to Daddy.”

Ivan cleared his throat, his unwavering gaze fixed on me.

“We need to go home tonight, baby.” I’m sure Maureen is already looking for your daddy. However, instead of following, she burst into tears. I ended up looking like the villain here.

“Alright, baby, no more tears. You can sleep here tonight.”

“And the night after, Mommy?”

“Okay, if your daddy wishes for you to sleep here.”

“Why not?” I almost rolled my eyes as Ivan responded.

“You wanted me to sleep here, Daddy, didn’t you?”

“Yes, baby…”

“You see, Mommy?”

Resigned, I nodded in agreement. “Alright, you can stay and sleep here while we’re in Manila. When Mommy’s work is finished, we’ll go back home, alright?”

“Okay, Mommy. Thank you, Mommy…”

I planted a kiss on my daughter’s cheek and then stood, casting a look toward my former in-laws.

“I’m going now, Auntie, Uncle…”

They nodded with a touch of sadness.

I also exchanged a brief glance with Ivan. “You’ll be in charge of looking after Heather for a while.”

He heaved a sigh before nodding.

“I can drive you…” Ivan offered.

“No need. I’ve already booked a rental car.”

I offered a smile, but he appeared the more solemn of us.

Lucinda was still dawdling, so I gently ushered her out of the house.

“Wait! We forgot Ivan’s gift for you!”

She’s such a ditz! Did she even realize that I intentionally left it behind?

Ivan, overhearing Lucinda’s remark, spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear. “Here…”

“Thank you,” I whispered. I left with a sense of irritation that persisted throughout our journey.

“Are you sure you won’t stay there? Girl, I’m telling you. It’s pretty obvious that your ex-husband still has feelings for you.”

I chose to ignore Lucinda.

“Why don’t you consider rekindling your relationship, so you can be together for Heather’s sake?”

“So, we can repeat everything that happened? No, Lucinda. Besides, I’ve moved on.”

“Alright. I hope Ivan reconciles with you, so you and your daughter can be happy.”

“My daughter and I are already happy.”

“Yes, but you might be even happier if you all got back together.”

“Being together, maybe, but in chaos? No, Lucinda.”