Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online >>
Alyssa wasn’t in the mood to go to the hotel. She decided to head home. Sean remained silent for a long time. Finally, he asked, “Ms. Alyssa, does Jeremy still not know that you are the heiress of the Taylor family?”
“Yeah,” Alyssa replied softly, looking melancholic.
Sean understood. No wonder she asked for a stand–in when Jeremy visited her last time.
“Sean, I didn’t mean to keep it from you …”
“I understand.” Sean interrupted.
Alyssa raised her brows in astonishment.
“Who wants to dredge up heartache? Naturally, I prefer to keep it locked away, never to be touched again. I was just concerned about you. I worried Mr. Taylor would feel heartbroken and upset if he ever found out,” Sean continued. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as his eyes glistened with moisture.
Alyssa was the center of the family’s universe, beloved by all. But to her dismay, she had been mistreated by that despicable scoundrel, Jeremy. If Winston were to find out, he’d probably be so furious that he’d wield a fifty–meter–long sword in his rage.
“I guess keeping it a secret was just a momentary decision. Besides, after a failed marriage, I only want to focus on myself. I have no intention of marrying again,” Alyssa said as she closed her eyes.
Alyssa couldn’t shake off Jeremy’s cutting words from her mind. With a wistful smile, she uttered, “It’s meaningless.”
Sean stated firmly, “I won’t marry unless you do.”
Alyssa hastily protested, “No, no, no. You should. You’re my secretary, not joining a convent. I don’t want rumors suggesting people work for me out of virtuous devotion. That would tarnish my reputation.”
Sean managed a sheepish smile. His heart filled with bitterness. He knew he wasn’t worthy, but he was willing to protect the flame in his heart.
“Ms. Alyssa, why did you choose to marry Jeremy?” Sean asked. His eyes narrowed with curiosity and a hint of melancholy. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t pry…”
Alyssa’s expression turned sorrowful. A whirlwind of emotions rushed through her. “It’s alright, Sean. I don’t mind sharing,” she replied.
“When I was eleven, I participated in a school mountain–climbing activity. My mother had left me a precious heirloom. It was a sapphire pendant, which I accidentally lost on the mountain. Despite the teacher’s warnings, I ventured into the dark, determined to find it.
“Not only did I get lost, but I also encountered a powerful typhoon. I was trapped deep in the mountains with no cellphone signal. It was a harrowing experience, and I almost faced death.
“Jeremy was a forest ranger in the national park for the summer break. He didn’t hesitate to lead a team when he heard about my predicament. He braved the extreme weather to search for me on the mountain.
“In the end, he found me, nearly frozen, hidden behind a rock …” Alyssa’s voice was gentle and captivating as she narrated.
Alyssa continued, “I opened my eyes and saw Jeremy in his mountaineering attire. His handsome face was drenched from the rain, and his beautiful eyes shone brightly. He outshone the vast expanse of stars, and I can’t even begin to describe how charming he looked …”
“Fantastic! Don’t worry. I’ll carry you down the mountain!” Their first encounter was enchanted. It left a lasting impression on Alyssa’s heart that she couldn’t shake off.
“On our way back, he carried me all the way. He made sure I didn’t fall asleep. He kept telling me the lamest jokes. His sense of humor was dreadful.” Alyssa recalled with a peaceful expression. She smiled.
“Young lady, what might be your name? Not telling? Well then, I’ll call you Little One. Little person, little mouth, little nose…”
“I am not little! I am more developed than other girls!”
“You only need to tell me that, young lady. Don’t go sharing it with other boys.”
“I’m afraid some scoundrels might try to take advantage of you, my silly girl,”
Alyssa’s breath quickened, and her heart pounded with excitement. Jeremy had been just seventeen, nor as tall or strong as he was now. Yet, he had provided her with a sense of security. Later, they narrowly escaped falling off a cliff. Jeremy shielded her in his embrace, risking everything to ensure her safety.
Afterward, Jeremy disappeared from her life for three years. The next time she saw him was on television, attending a charity event with the Walsh family. From that moment on, Alyssa embarked on her mission.
When she heard Jeremy was going to the battlefield, she resolutely joined Doctors Without Borders. She was determined to fight alongside him in the places he couldn’t see. She had loved passionately despite all odds, but now her heart had turned to stone. Love no longer stirred within her.
Alyssa smiled bitterly as she realized her 13 years of infatuation had ended. It faded away like a fleeting dream. While Sean quietly listened, an overwhelming sense of regret washed over him. He couldn’t shake off the feeling of sorrow that enveloped the moment.
“But Sean, even if I were to talk about hate, I can’t bring myself to hate him,” Alyssa continued.
“I loved Jeremy willingly, without regrets for what has passed. I don’t hold any sense of indebtedness for the time we shared.”
As Jeremy returned to Seaview Manor, his thoughts were in disarray. The weight on his chest felt like an immense boulder, making him difficult to breathe.
Jeremy recalled the disappointment and resentment in Allison’s eyes as if they were sworn enemies. He suddenly felt empty inside, like he had lost someone important.
Rosie followed Jeremy into the study looking upset, not long after.
“Mr. Jeremy, Ms. Gardner is here. You should go greet her.”
“I’m not going.”
His answer took Rosie aback. Had he finally grown a backbone? It was so inspiring to see a fool turn over a new leaf.
“I know why she’s here.” Jeremy slumped down on the chair. He stared ahead blankly and continued, “Tell her that she shouldn’t even bother if it’s about Dylan. The Gardner family must be in a mess right now. She should go back and spend more time with her parents.
I’ll meet her in a few days after things have settled down.”
“What if she insists on staying?” Rosie asked.
“Then, let her be.” Jeremy sighed deeply and rubbed his forehead. He kept thinking of the phrase “Good for nothing.” He was infuriated by Allison’s description of him as such. She had never relied on him. How would she know if he was useless?
Rosie smiled gleefully and nodded, giving him a thumbs up as she left the study.
Jeremy furrowed his eyebrows. It seemed that Mrs. Rosie genuinely disliked Liana. She was so happy to send her away.
Meanwhile, Rosie stood outside the villa, looked at Liana coldly, and said, “Mr. Jeremy said he would not get involved in your family’s affairs. You can go home.”
“Let me see him!” As she spoke, she was about to barge in. But she was no match for Rosie, who was quite well–built. Rosie merely stepped forward to stop her, and Liana stumbled to the floor.
“How dare you push me? I’m Jeremy’s fiancée, the future Mrs. Walsh! How can you be so rude to me? I’ll tell Jeremy you bullied me and get him to fire you!” Liana sat on the ground in a rage and pointed at Rosie.
“Huh? We’ll see about that in the future. I’ll never acknowledge you even if Mr. Jeremy married you. Even if they’re separated now, I’ll only recognize Ms. Allison as the rightful lady of this house. Anyone besides her can step aside.”
“You!” Liana’s face turned red with anger.
“If you want to complain about me to Mr. Jeremy, you can go ahead. I’ll even thank you if you can make him fire me. I’ve wanted to retire and couldn’t find a good reason to.”
Rosie wished Jeremy could’ve seen the vicious look on Liana’s face. It was not the sweet and harmless Liana he knew at all.
“Jeremy! You have to help me! You can’t just turn a blind eye!” Liana ignored Rosie. She’d rather sit on the ground and wail.
This was like something out of movie screens, the ex–girlfriend kneeling outside the door, pleading for another chance. After some time without any response, Liana began crying desperately.
“Aunt Sophia! You have to help me! Uncle Javier!”
“Stop yelling! They are having dinner with Mr. Walsh Senior. They won’t be back in a while.”
“Then I’ll wait here until Jeremy sees me!”
Rosie looked at the cloudy sky and said, “It will rain soon. I have to bring in the clothes.