Breaking Free, Loving Again -The Flash Marriage with Mr. CEO

At the dining table —

The breakfast was peaceful —not much conversation, but a sense of quiet comfort lingered in the air. Even amidst the silence, Aiden hadn't forgotten to pick out a few things for Arwen's plate, ensuring she had her favourites before tending to his own.

And all of it —every small, thoughtful gesture —was unbearable for Selene.

Especially when her eyes landed on the faint red mark peeking out from Aiden's collar —a mark she recognized instantly for what it was —and one that he didn't even care to hide.

Her blood boiled.

Arwen must have done it on purpose. Just to show her, just to rub in her face.

Selene gritted but kept her composure, unwilling to let her emotions show. She wasn't willing to give Arwen any pleasure.

Aiden belonged to her, and sooner or later, she would make Arwen accept it as well.

Arwen forked some salad before speaking, her tone casual yet firm. "The lunch will be delivered on time to your office," she said, glancing at Aiden. "Make sure to finish it, husband. I expect you to respect the effort our chefs put in."

Aiden, in turn, poured her a glass of fresh juice before nodding. "Noted. But the lunch today is scheduled with our partners outside," he said.

"I know," Arwen replied smoothly, placing her fork down as she looked at him. "But you have just recovered. You can't eat outside, husband. I have already arranged it for you —your meal will be packed and sent along. Mr. Ethan has been briefed."

Aiden arched an eyebrow, amused. Impressed. But Arwen simply shrugged off his unspoken compliment and returned to the breakfast.

Selene watched this and couldn't hold herself back anymore.

"I understand your concern, Arwen," she said, her voice falsely sweet. "But don't you think this is a bit much? You shouldn't interfere in Aiden's work matters. He has always hated anyone stepping into his professional space. Even the partners might find it inappropriate."

Arwen glanced up at her, listening as if truly considering her advice. Her head tilted slightly in thought.

"Since the lunch is scheduled outside, let them have it outside. Hasn't Aiden already recovered anyway?" Selene added, turning to Aiden with a soft, coy smile —one that could make any man's heart waver.

However, that effect never seemed to work on Aiden. His gaze on her remained flat, indifferent —the same he offered strangers in a boardroom. And that indifference cracked something inside Selene.

Aiden was about to reply, frowning slightly, but Arwen reached out and placed her hand over his knee. His gaze shifted to her instantly.

She shook her head.

He nodded, wordlessly handing the reins to her.

Arwen turned to Selene, her voice calm, but with an edge sharp enough to cut.

"Ms. Martin, you might be saying right —from a certain perspective. But here is the thing …" She paused, meeting her gaze. "I don't care about those partners at all. They can cancel the deal for all I care. But when it comes to my husband — I do care."

She turned her attention to Aiden for a brief second, something soft flickering in her eyes before it was gone.

"I care a lot more than I show. And as long as I feel the need to take care of him, he will have to follow the rules I have set —until I am satisfied. And about your concern regarding my 'interference' …"

Arwen smiled —wide and bright, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I don't think the partners will mind a change in lunch arrangements. I work in the same field. I have seen all kinds of clients and investors. As long as they are getting their desired profits, they won't mind if the sky falls —let alone whether Aiden's lunch comes from his wife."

Selene felt the sting —a slap dressed with a smile. Still, she tried to recover.

"I was only thinking about Aiden. He always preferred to keep work and personal life separate. He doesn't like —"

"I like it," Aiden cut in, his voice firm.

Selene turned to him, stunned. "But you never used to like it before." Company and work were one thing Aiden liked uncompromised.

Aiden picked up his glass of juice, sipping slowly. "If a husband doesn't like his wife interfering in his life, then what's the point of having a life together?"

Arwen tried not to smile, but the curve touched her lips anyway.

Selene, on the other hand, could only sit in silence —her smile frozen, heart clenching in a way that made it hard to breathe.

When they heard the approaching steps, Arwen was the first to raise her head to check. Seeing Mr. Jones, she smiled softly and waited for him to walk closer.

Once he was there, he bowed slightly to her before looking at Aiden to say, "Sir, the arrangements have been made." His gaze then flicked to Selene as he continued, "The car is ready to take Ms. Martin, and I have also arranged a few people who will go along with her."

Selen's fingers clenched under the table, her nails digging into her skin, making it sting. But that still wasn't a match to the one she was feeling inside.

No, I can't leave this place. She vowed to herself, her gaze glinting with dark obsession. I can't leave Aiden alone with Arwen any longer. I can't.

"We are almost done with the breakfast," Aiden said, already putting down his fork and spoon before reaching for the napkin.

Arwen also followed the same suit. "Ms. Martin, …"

"I am not going anywhere," Selene spoke firmly, cutting in whatever Arwen was about to speak.

Arwen raised a brow at her attitude. She paused and watched her.

On her side, Aiden's expression hardened. "The arrangements have been made already, Selene. You will live in one of our luxury apartments in the centre of the city, from where you can commute easily. There will be people around you and —"

"I want to stay here, Aiden," she spoke with determination, one that's always been fulfilled.

But maybe, not this time.

Aiden coldly looked at her and said, "You can't stay here."