Ch. 26..30: OMG My Crippled Husband is a Hot Powerful CEO Chapter 26-30

Chapter 26: Chapter 26 – Oh, I thought he was dead

Mia arrived at the Baker Corporation thirty minutes early to make a statement. Upon arrival, she visited Joanna’s office, which she shared with three other colleagues, a man and two other women.

Mia had earned the respect of all the employees due to the news of her betrothal to Alexander King.

It had been just over a month since Mia had stopped flaunting that news. That was when news of the accident surfaced, but Alexander was still known as the soon-to-be heir of the most powerful family in New York City.

"Miss Baker, what brings you here this morning?" one of Joanna’s colleagues, Juliet, asked, a proud smile on Mia’s lips.

"I have taken over from Troy as the CEO, so he is now my assistant. So, where is Joan?" she inquired. Juliet hesitated to speak, taken aback by the news.

Mia’s casual mention of Mr. Troy’s name sent the right signals, but Juliet was concerned about Joanna, not having seen her for almost a week.

"She was fired by Mr. Troy," she replied. If Joanna had not instructed them otherwise, they would have spoken up for her, but she insisted on handling things herself. Mia’s words surprised them.

"There have been changes, and she is supposed to report today."

The expressions of shock turned to excitement. "Then she must be on her way," another staff member, Vida, chimed in.

Mia checked her freshly done fingernails, waving them nonchalantly in the air. "She’s late, so it will be deducted from her pay."

Juliet quickly defended Joanna, knowing how much she needed every cent of her pay. "Well, we arrived early, and it’s still five minutes before reporting time."

Mia sat in Joanna’s chair, a victorious smile on her face. She doubted that Alexander, a man who had killed his own father, would be generous to Joanna.

"Then I will wait until she arrives."

The three colleagues were concerned for Joanna, evident from their expressions.

"Miss Baker, there is a clock-in timer, so there is no need for you to wait," Jeremy, the only male staff member in the office, spoke up.

This was their corporate marketing department, and Joanna was their top account officer. She deserved the managerial position or even the CEO role but was constantly undermined.

"Well, the clock-in machine has been found to be easily hacked by experienced hackers, so I prefer the old-fashioned way," Mia declared.

Her intention was to make Joanna’s life difficult in the company but through legitimate means to avoid angering the Kings.

No one spoke further; everyone focused on their work until the door pushed open. A tall blonde man held the door for a woman they barely recognized.

Joanna rarely wore makeup but had applied a light layer that morning. Her dark hair was left loose, giving her a professional yet attractive look.

The only thing that hadn’t changed was her knee-length office dress and three-inch heels.

The man who held the door did not enter with her, but it was clear he was nearby.

Her colleagues were excited to see her but concealed it, their gazes shifting between Joanna and Mia.

"Good morning, everyone," Joanna greeted politely, and all colleagues responded except Mia. She also had dark hair and was taller than Joanna in her four-inch stilettos.

"Do I need to ask you to get up from my seat?" Joanna asked sarcastically, and Mia smiled wickedly. "You are late."

"Nope. I arrived twenty seconds before the reporting time," Joanna stated confidently, proving that she was not late.

"I got here before you, so you are late," Mia stood up, speaking provocatively, but Joanna remained unfazed. The dying animal’s vibrations might seem strong, but it was just their last breath.

To Joanna, Mia was like a dying animal struggling for its last breath. "Says who?"

"Says me, as your boss, and your pay will be deducted," Mia taunted. She always sought opportunities to put Joanna in her place, thanks to whatever Joanna and her husband had done to Cole, which he was not willing to reveal.

Joanna laughed mockingly, always looking for a chance to speak to Mia like this. Who knew the time was just around the corner?

"If you need that percentage so much, then you can have it. On my way here, I received something. Let me show you."

Joanna showed her the alert and text message from Alex, and a smile of satisfaction spread across her face when she saw the color drain from Mia’s face.

She had underestimated Alexander King completely. Joanna’s allowances alone could make her rich, yet she was still fighting for what little they had. "Then why are you still here?"

Mia was bitter, rising to her feet with a frustrated sigh. This was unexpected and ruined the atmosphere she had come to create. Everyone knew she was engaged to Alexander, so what would happen during and after the wedding?

She could only console herself with the fact that Alex was still disabled.

"Isn’t it obvious? I’m here to claim everything that is rightfully mine. My colleagues didn’t know before, but now they should understand why we share the same surname, right?" Joanna spoke calmly, but each word weighed heavily on Mia.

The tables seemed to be turning against her. "You will never be a Baker."

Joanna smiled, grateful for her marriage, even if it was just a contract. "Do I need to remind you that my surname has changed? Do you want me to mention it?"

She approached Mia, who kept stepping back, pointing accusingly at Joanna. "Because of you, Dad is in the hospital."

"Oh, I thought he was dead," Joanna replied nonchalantly, causing Mia’s eyes to well up.

Furious, Mia raised her hand to slap Joanna, but she blocked midair and slapped Mia hard, eliciting an exaggerated scream from her.

"Sorry, Mia, Dad isn’t here to save you this time so stop pretending."

Joanna’s colleagues were shocked to see this side of her, but with Mia as their new boss, they were cautious not to show it.

Mia’s cheeks burned, and from the expressions of the staff members, she knew they had figured out her relationship with Joanna.

"Joanna, is it because of your marriage..."

Joanna anticipated she would mention Alex and interjected. "Are you sure you want to bring that up? Did you forget something important?"

Grandpa Aristotle’s warning echoed in Mia’s ears, and she swallowed her previous words, quickly replacing them with, "I only came to supervise your work, so leave me alone."

"You came to do what?" Joanna halted in her tracks, not pleased with this sudden change.

Chapter 27: Chapter 27 - I am the proof

Mia felt a wave of excitement rushing through her veins. This arrangement aggrieved Joanna, just as Rene predicted after the suggestion, due to her father’s condition.

"You seem surprised, or are you afraid you won’t be able to meet my demands?" She taunted, Joanna perceived that Mia was there to frustrate her efforts, and this was something she had to do herself.

"I already know what to do, so I don’t need you on my tail," she calmly retorted. It would be foolish of her to expose her business dealings to the likes of Mia. Having learned the hard way, she was not going to give in to foolish people.

But Mia was not planning to give up either. If she could get information on Joanna’s top clients, then it would be easy for her to acquaint herself with them after getting rid of Joanna.

"How do we know you won’t try to lure customers away from us? I have to be with you everywhere."

Joanna scoffed, not hiding her annoyance at Mia’s hypocrisy. "Mia, you must have forgotten the price attached to my winning. I don’t just get back my shares but also become the CEO."

She was not hesitant about it because she was among trusted colleagues, but Mia did not want to go against her plans.

There was no plan B anyway, making this her only means of breakthrough. "That is why I should be here, to make sure you don’t cheat or use other unscrupulous means."

"Like what?" Joanna asked sarcastically, glaring at Mia like an insect. It was just a matter of time, and Cole would pay for all he did, to her mother.

Any revenge against Cole would directly affect his wife and spoiled daughter. With her hands folded to her chest, Mia smiled evilly, wondering if Alexander would continue to spoil his wife after finding out a few things.

"My Troy mentioned how you tried to seduce him."

It was not just Joanna but her colleagues who smiled this time, no longer feeling worried for Joanna.

"Why don’t you call him to say it to my face then?" Joanna dared Mia. The latter screamed the name of the middle-aged man. "Troy, the bitch is denying it."

There was no atom of respect in her voice for the middle-aged man, but she quickly received the punishment that comes with calling Joanna a bitch, as another slap burned her cheeks, turning them red.

Mia was just recovering from the slap when Mr. Troy came out, and seeing Joanna, his anger boiled when he remembered the damage she caused him by destroying his expensive wine.

"It’s you, shameless bitch. What are you doing here?"

His hands were already lifted, ready to beat the hell out of her but were restricted by Jeremy. "Mr. Troy, it’s against company rules to abuse a staff."

There was no way Jeremy would allow anything like that to happen in front of him, though merely an officer, but his action aggravated Mr. Troy, he yelled.

"How dare you stop me? You are fired."

Jeremy was stunned but did not regret standing up for Joanna, their best colleague. He needed this job but also had good morals, which included standing up for the weak. "I did nothing wrong."

"You went against my orders, so pack up and leave," Mr. Troy snarled. Jeremy shook his head, confusion blurring his eyes, and he turned to Mia.

"Miss Baker, this is inappropriate. Won’t you say anything?" If Mia was the CEO, then she should be able to separate wrong from right, but unfortunately, she was far from that.

"You were standing up for Joanna, so obviously, you are fired," she declared in agreement with Mr. Troy. The old man had a smug smile in the corner of his lips.

It was not a surprise that Mia stood up for him. Joanna could not believe her eyes. If Mia was indeed the CEO for even a week, she was sure the company would collapse based on unfair judgment.

Jeremy was packing his box when he heard a scream. Mr. Troy had pushed Joanna so hard, she lost her balance, but right before she fell, someone caught her.

Joanna quickly stabilized herself. "Jack, it’s alright, I’m fine."

Guilt flashed in Jeremy’s eyes for not seeing and helping her on time but was glad this man did.

"No. You are not," Jack refuted, ready to inform his boss, though he knew the cold man was already aware.

It was by his cue that Jack had come in a timely manner. "Who is he?" Mia asked flirtatiously, smitten by Jack’s appearance.

"Her bodyguard," Jack replied before Joanna could stop him, and before anyone could utter a word, Troy was already on the floor.

Jack’s glare and voice were threatening, his movement skillful, exposing the fact that he was a professional bodyguard.

What they failed to see was the fact that Jack would have been fired if the short man with a potbelly had even touched Joanna, let alone hit her.

"No one touches my boss, and I repeat, no one."

Everyone was dumbfounded as Mr. Troy was rising slowly from the floor. "How dare you slap me? Joanna, I will get you and your so-called bodyguard arrested."

For the first time, Mia got some brains. "You can’t," she countered, to everyone’s shock. Joanna smiled, but Mr. Troy was bent on doing as he pleased, just like always.

"Why can’t I? She’s nothing."

Mia could not mention Alex, so she changed the direction of the conversation. "Did she seduce you or not? We can send it viral."

Mr. Troy smiled evilly. "She did. The shameless bitch tried to force herself on me." For as long as there wasn’t proof, his word would be taken against Joanna’s.

"Do you have proof?" Joanna asked calmly. Mr. Troy responded proudly. "I am the proof."

Mia expected Joanna to beg, but things turned out differently. "Get your lawyers. I will show them proof that the story is the reverse."

"Can you even afford a lawyer?" Mr. Troy taunted, but before Joanna could answer, her phone rang.

The moment she saw the caller ID, she ended the call. When she repeated her action for the third time, that of her bodyguard rang.

He answered and instantly gave the phone to her, but she once again disconnected the call. "Ma’am..." Jack was worried and saying when Joan cut him off.

"Shut up. He knows why," she answered, but Mr. Tory felt she was showing off.

"You are so full of yourself. Let’s see how you defend yourself when you meet my lawyers."

Joanna smiled with a calmness that seemed rare to Mia. ’How could she not panic?’

"I think you should inform the media too," Joanna said confidently, Mr. Troy agreed with determination.

"All the better for me."

He went back to his office, but Mia stayed, monitoring all that Joanna did to get a hang over the big clients of the company.

"Tomorrow, we shall go together to meet those clients," she said rudely, about to enter her car when Jack went around to open the door to Joanna’s car, causing Mia’s jaws to drop.

The greater shock was when she saw another car park beside that of Joanna, a familiar voice spoke. "Get in."

Mia almost lost consciousness from Joanna’s response...

 

Chapter 28: Chapter 28 - Doesn’t my condition disturb you?

Earlier

Alex was in his office, observing everything happening in Joanna’s office. For a busy man like him, Edmund found it rare that he had time to monitor his contract wife’s whereabouts, not tasking him to do the job for him.

Jack had planted a tiny camera when he opened the door for Joanna in the office that morning, and as soon as he closed it, he informed his boss, who checked the software installed for that camera on his computer.

He was about to alert Jack to go in when Mr. Troy attempted to hit his wife but was amazed that her male colleague stood up for her.

That warranted an investigation and could result in either a punishment or a reward. "I want to know the details of their relationship."

Edmund was having a hard time understanding his boss. Things were different when he dated Fiona, even though they seemed to be in love.

Alex never monitored any woman the way he was monitoring Joanna, seeming a little too possessive.

"Yes boss, I’m running a check on him and will get it in a few minutes."

By merely extracting the picture of the guy from the video and uploading it into special software, the details popped up.

"Sir, his name is Jeremy Maclean, the first of two sons, married with a two-year-old daughter."

"That’s a relief. He should be rewarded. Arrange for him to get promoted for protecting my wife."

Edmund’s eyes widened. "Sir, this marriage is just a contract," Edmund reminded him. Alex glared at him, causing a thread of fear to cruise through him.

"I’m sorry sir, I over spoke. I will make the arrangement."

Alex’s expression was neutral. "Remember, there should be no link to me and get Aiden to meet me later at the base."

Edmund was saddened upon hearing the last part. At most parts of the night, Alex had gone to that place, even though he hated it, just so he could catch a glimpse of that girl.

He thought that things would be different with the contract marriage, but they weren’t. Alex was still bent on finding that girl, and Edmund hoped that soon, there would be good news.

Alex’s phone rang, and he continued spying on Joanna, instantly alerting the bodyguard through one of their communication channels to go in.

After witnessing everything through the screen and seeing that Joanna was fine, he got back to work, and his phone began to ring.

When Edmund saw the caller, he was greatly saddened. "Sir, it’s Dion."

Alex’s mood was equally soiled by the mention of the name, but he answered the call, as a small, teary voice spoke at the end of the line.

"Don’t come see me again."

Though knowing why, Alex could not accept it. "I made a promise, and I will keep it. I don’t know how you knew but this means nothing."

The small female voice broke down uncontrollably. "It means everything. I don’t want to see you again. Stay away from me."

Yelling soon followed, harsh enough to burst his eardrum, but he calmly endured it until another voice spoke on the phone.

"I’m very sorry sir, but she was getting better and asked for a tablet. I didn’t know she would visit the family chat room. Can you not go ahead with the wedding?"

The mature voice faltered at the latter part of the conversation. Pain slashed through Alex’s heart, but his voice remained steadfast.

"Your job is to take care of her, not to tell me what I should or should not do."

"My apologies sir, it won’t happen again."

Alex’s fingers ran frustratedly through his hair after ending the call as Edmund asked. "Sir, should I arrange for you to go see her? She must be missing you."

Alex shook his head. "Not until I get off the wheelchair. She will be even more traumatized to see me like this."

Edmund agreed but was curious. "When do you intend to reveal your true self?"

Alex smiled a little. "Very soon. Being like this, I learned a few things. Money isn’t enough to have any woman you want. Looks matter too. Eddy, if you find a woman who loves you for who you are, not concerned about looks or material gains, cherish her."

Edmund thought deeply about the matter. Fiona was comfortable with Alex even when she didn’t know about his wealth, but the moment the accident happened, she was never the same, showing her true colors.

"I will keep that in mind when I think of a life partner. Thank you."

Alex decided to call Joanna later, just to give her some form of assurance, he was surprised she kept ignoring his calls, even when he tried to speak to her through Jack.

The matter worried him, but he decided to wait until her closing time. The incident caused him to lose his appetite for even food, and he wondered if she was upset because of his phone being switched off most of the time.

Reaching the car park, he made it in time to see her about to enter the car. "Get in," he said when Ike pressed a button for the window to wind down, ignoring Mia’s presence.

To his surprise, she refused. "And if I say no?"

Jack recognized his bigger boss and bowed respectfully. "Sir."

Alex stared at Joanna and said to Jack. "Get her inside the car."

"What makes you think you can control me?" Joanna shot back, visibly upset, but Alex was perplexed and spoke softly.

"Doesn’t my condition disturb you? Let’s go and have a chat."

The mention of his condition mellowed Joanna’s heart, and she went around to sit in the car where Jack had opened the door for her. As soon as she sat, Alex spoke up.

"To the rooftop."

Joanna was clueless and looked out the window, awed to see Jack driving behind them. "Why is he following us?"

Without turning to see what she was talking about, Alex casually responded. "He’s your bodyguard so wherever you are, there he must be."

Joanna did not say anything more until they arrived at the restaurant. A reservation had already been made, and with the elevator, it was very easy for Alex to make it to the rooftop with her.

The scenery was so spectacular, it warmed her heart, and Alex had booked the whole place for just the two of them.

"I figured you might be tired of always eating at home."

His voice brought Joanna’s attention back to her earlier demise, but before she could utter a word, he spoke again. "You have not been answering my calls. Why?"

"Are you sure you don’t know?" Joanna pinned her gaze on him but did not get any reaction whatsoever.

"Look, I’m already tired. Get to the point." Sternness resonated from Alex’s voice, shining in his eyes.

Joanna forced a smile and looked around. The atmosphere was romantically set up, but the man before her was a polar opposite. Her reason for her actions blew his mind.

Chapter 29: Chapter 29 – The money is all you get

"How do you expect me to answer your calls when you treat me like nothing?" Joanna raged, leaving Alex dumbfounded.

"Excuse me?" He was getting everything in reverse, waving away the waiter assigned to serve them for the night.

Alex wanted Joanna to be well taken care of without developing any emotions for him, so where did he go wrong?

Joanna let out a frustrated sigh before she began to lash out. "Tell me, am I just a random woman or your wife?" She was not afraid of showing her anger, which was still surprising to Alex.

The calm façade Joanna had put on throughout their meetings was completely different from the woman he was seeing now.

This was the character she portrayed in her office back then, causing his colleagues to mock him.

They had no idea who he was, so he endured it. But now, it seemed he had to make things clear to her.

"I’ve never treated you like a random woman."

"Then let me spell it out for you," Joanna cut in, her gaze unwavering. Everything in front of them – the wine, food, flowers, and all – remained untouched.

"You leave the house without informing me, and yet, you want to know my whereabouts at every point in time. Then you throw money into my bank account like a needy woman and text me as if I owe you."

She held nothing back, but Alex was relaxed after understanding her point. Without beckoning for the waiter, he poured himself a glass of water.

"Is that what upsets you?" He asked after taking a sip, but Joanna felt he was still taking her for granted with his relaxed demeanor.

"No, it makes me happy, as you can see," she responded. Alex shook his head. Women seemed to all want the same things.

"Stop being sarcastic."

"And stop being unfeeling," she equally threw back. Alex was lost once again in the conversation but asked her.

"Do I have to remind you that this is just a contract?" She was expecting more than he was ready to give. "My responsibility is to take care of you. I already gave you the rules in the beginning," he reminded her before his tone softened.

"Joan, the earlier we draw boundaries, the better. I’m just saving you from yourself."

Joanna felt like she heard a joke. "Saving me from yourself? How interesting is that?"

The sarcasm in her voice was once again annoying Alex, but he swallowed it and replied.

"Joan, the more time you spend with someone, the easier it is to fall in love with them."

Joanna smiled. "I’m beginning to think you are the one afraid of falling in love with me."

"That would never happen," Alex said seriously, causing something to die inside Joanna.

"Great. Then I’ll just move back to my old apartment and transfer your money back to you."

She was already typing away on her phone when Alex responded. "That is not possible."

"Then I want a divorce." Her voice was stern, showing her seriousness, but Alex burst her expectations like a bubble.

"That is also impossible. We talked about this from the onset, so don’t make it hard on yourself. You won’t be able to fight the legalities, especially when you have the company and Troy on your shoulders."

Joanna was unsatisfied. It was true indeed that money ruled the world, and she was saddened to admit it.

"Since you are allowed to see other women, I should also be allowed to see other men, right?"

Alex was getting furious like he never did in his life, sending a strong warning. "Don’t test my patience."

"You sent me to your mansion, and yet, you never spend the night," Joanna bitterly pointed out, feeling as if her presence was what scared him away from his own house.

"I’m busy. I always have work to do."

Reaching her limit with his response, she shot back. "Then take your money with you. Don’t ever send me money again."

She was about to transfer the money back to him, but Alex grabbed her arm across the table.

It reminded her of when he did so the first time but did not have time to process anything before his voice rang in her mind.

"Now you listen and listen good. Nothing will ever develop between us, and the money is all you get. I will make good use of it if I were you."

Joanna felt depressed talking to him. Every time, his words broke her, strained by the fact that he felt money was everything.

"What makes you think I would ever fall in love with someone like you?" Anger laced her tone as she asked, catching a darkness of pain in his eyes before it disappeared.

It was so fast, she would not have noticed if she had not paid attention. "Because I don’t have legs?"

A chuckle escaped her. "Having no legs or money is never a problem compared to having a good character."

Indirectly, she was pointing out the fact that Alex did not have a good character, but somehow, he was not as offended as before.

"Enough of this discussion. The wedding arrangements are ongoing, and we have to meet the extended family tomorrow."

Joanna smiled as a thought came to mind. "Okay then. I will go shopping tomorrow." There wasn’t much to do at the mansion, so she could choose an activity to help stay away from there, but she was amazed by what Alex said next.

"Take this. It’s unlimited." He pulled out a black card from his wallet and gave it to her, a bitter smile etched on her face.

For as long as she remained Mrs. King, she could spend as much as she wanted, something she would never be able to do normally.

"Since your money is all I have, I will spend it very well." Determination laced her voice, but somehow, it brought joy to Alex.

"Suit yourself and enjoy the meal. There is somewhere I need to be." He checked his wristwatch, ready to leave.

Joanna was greatly upset, picking up her phone and dialing a number in front of Alex. "Hey, I’m free tonight. Can we meet?" Her glare remained on Alex as she spoke, seeing his gaze darken with it.

Chapter 30: Chapter 30 - What a way to waste money?

Without a word, Alex grabbed her hand and took the phone from her across the table.

Interestingly, Joanna did not show any resistance. "Do you want to die?" he asked threateningly. Joanna smiled and responded,

"That depends on who is willing to do the killing." Fear burned in her heart as she knew exactly who she was messing with, but for some reason, she felt this was the best way and the right time to handle the situation.

Alex was about to say more when he heard a voice speaking on the phone. "Joan, are you alright? Do you need help? Who the hell wants to mess with you?"

The protective female voice was easily recognizable as Violet’s, and Alex slowly relaxed, returning the phone to Joanna with a warning. "Don’t do that again."

Joanna wondered what had annoyed him or if he was jealous of his contract wife speaking with someone else.

Was it just his dignity or something else? She refused to dwell on that thought and casually answered the phone.

"Are you in? I could come over to pick you up. My darling husband gave me a car and a black card."

She was teasing him, but her expression was not taunting. Alex’s teeth gritted together, knowing she was trying to upset him further. Without another word, he stood up and left.

Joanna couldn’t let the food go to waste, so she asked again, "I’m on a rooftop. It’s so serene. Why not come over? We can eat together and go shopping. Spend the night at my place, and leave to work."

The house was huge, as was her room and her bed. She had never shared a bed with anyone except her mom, but now she was willing to make an exception because Violet was one of those people who cared about her.

She could have invited her office colleagues, who were also good to her, but with Alex’s identity not known to everyone, that would have landed them in trouble, as Joanna knew they wouldn’t be able to keep their mouths shut.

She promised to treat Violet to a meal, so this was perfect. At the end of the line, Violet was rather confused. "Are you alright? I thought your husband was broke?"

Joanna chuckled. "If you can keep a secret, then there is a lot you have to know. The clock is ticking, and I’m feeling bored. Hurry up already."

Violet still couldn’t believe her ears when Joan always appeared reserved. Could she be in some kind of trouble and need help? Violet knew exactly what to do.

"Alright, I’m coming over. Share your location."

After ending the call and doing so, Joanna poured herself a glass of water, afraid of getting drunk if she dared to touch the wine.

Still, she couldn’t help but reminisce over Alex’s words. Yes, he’s good-looking, but why does he always think she’ll fall in love with him?

They were in a contract marriage, but it didn’t mean they had to avoid each other. They could be good friends and act married when there are people around. But it seemed to her that Alex did not want anything to do with her after the marriage.

Then she remembered Colton and her mom, cursing herself for not going over to her mom’s to seek some answers.

Impulsive behaviors were always accompanied by regret, and there was no way she would let this food go to waste.

"Waiter, can you pack this for me?" She waved over to the waiter and asked. The latter smiled politely and replied,

"Our client said you can order anything to have it delivered to the house, but food that has already been prepared should not be taken home. It could lead to food poisoning."

Joanna smiled bitterly. ’What a way to waste money?’

"Thank you."

The waiter smiled at her and added, "These are the list of food he ordered for tonight. They have been prepared, so you can place an order, and we will have it delivered to your home."

Joanna couldn’t allow the sixteen dishes Alex ordered to go to waste, so she said to the waiter, "Make sure my bodyguard eats to his fill."

The waiter nodded and went to speak to Jack. The latter smiled, making Joanna realize that Jack had not eaten since they left the house. How unthoughtful of her?

Then another thought popped into her mind, making her feel guilty. She hadn’t checked on her mom, and neither had she nor any of her caretakers contacted Joan. At the thought, she quickly dialed her mother’s number.

To her amazement and disappointment, the woman was more enthusiastic than she expected.

"Hello Joan, how are you faring?"

Her mother seemed livelier than she ever heard her, making her wonder. "Mom, you haven’t called me the whole day."

"Shouldn’t that make you happy?" was the unexpected response from her mother. Joanna was at a loss, asking,

"Did you forget you are still recovering? Don’t you need me by your side?"

"Need you? My home has been transformed, and there are two caregivers with me during the day and two at night. Alex is such an amazing gentleman. He called yesterday and was on the phone with me for hours, listening to my silly jokes." She revealed, and Joanna felt like she was listening to a stranger.

Alex was a busy man, needless to say, so how could he have time to listen to her mother’s silly jokes?

There was more. "He also called to check on me this morning and called me again this evening, saying he was coming to see me."

Joanna’s jaws dropped, and guilt welled up in her eyes. So, he cared for her after all. But Alex said he had something important to take care of. Was it her mother?

How could he be so rude to her but show so much care to her mother? Two caregivers with a transformed home? Joanna wanted to see things for herself but was certain about one thing.

"Mom, I’m not sure he’ll come see you."

She was once again blown away by the middle-aged woman’s confession. "But he’s already here. Even in a wheelchair, he’s so breathtaking. Alex, it’s my daughter. Would you like to speak to her?"

Joanna cringed instantly, feeling awkward about being put on the spot. Before she could respond, Violet had also arrived but was not alone...