Chapter 9: My husband is the new CEO

**SOPHIE MADSON'S POV**

I'm ready to return to work. I took advantage of the accumulated days off and now must return. I grab my bag and look in the mirror, confirming that I am appropriately dressed to return to the office.

She was wearing formal attire, well-groomed hair, and high-heeled shoes.

I descend the stairs and observe the staff carrying out their assigned tasks.

"Where is Mr... I mean, my husband?" I scratch my nape, embarrassed for mistakenly addressing Steven.

"He left for work an hour ago, ma'am."

I noticed that Steven didn't bother to talk to me, and I don't mind. Not seeing him is precisely what interests me; it's even better.

I grab my phone and request a taxi to go to work. I don't want to humiliate myself by asking him for anything; I'll continue my life as it always has been.

*One hour later…

When I arrive at the building, I walk with difficulty due to the paperwork I'm carrying for the company while balancing on my loose shoe. Upon reaching my desk, I leave everything on the table and go to my boss's office.

In the room, I see my boss looking at me fixedly, and I notice the expression of irritation. I assume he's annoyed about my tardiness.

"Is this the time?" he asks rudely.

"I'm sorry... I..." I try to explain.

"You asked to leave early for a few days, requested days off, and now you're coming in late! That's a commitment to your work," he almost shouts.

"I promise not to do it again." I take a deep breath.

"Of course, you promise, like all the two hundred times before."

He mocks, being overly dramatic. I just lower my head, recalling all my problems in the last few days. But in a selfish world, finding someone who has empathy for our feelings is burdensome.

"Let's welcome the new president of the company. Let's go!" my boss informs, standing up.

He walks out of the room, and I just follow in silence. We head to the president's office, and when we enter, I see all the executives, lawyers, and high-ranking individuals that make up this e-commerce corporation.

I position myself next to the director, watching people whisper until I hear applause. I also start clapping even without knowing the reason.

To my great surprise, the new lifelong president goes through everyone, and when he positions himself behind the large desk, my eyes widen.

Steven is the president of the company where I work!

I am shocked and paralyzed, and I stare at him.

"Welcome, Mr. Wolker. You are taking the seat of your father, and we are here to collaborate, as we have done for all these years," one of the directors states.

Steven smiles and looks at everyone. When his gaze reaches me, he fixes it for a few seconds but then looks away. Once again, treating me as if I'm insignificant.

"Thank you for the welcome. I plan to follow in my father's footsteps and make this company evolve even more. Now... everyone, get back to work."

People start leaving while I am standing there, looking at Steven and appreciating the image of a handsome man in a dark suit with an elegant posture. Incredible as it may seem, even though it's a lie, he is my husband.

"Sophie, don't just stand there. Haven't you heard the president? Move along, girl!" my boss touches my arm, pulling me.

"Do not treat Mrs... Miss Madson like that. Have some decency regarding the employees," Steven scolds my boss.

"Sorry, Mr. Wolker."

I notice that he addresses me as "miss," deducing that he doesn't want others to know we are married. As I saw the director leave, I hurried to catch up. I am still surprised by what happened; besides dealing with him at the new house, I'll also have to endure him at work. Things are getting increasingly difficult.

Passing by the girl who works as Steven's secretary, she looks at me with curiosity and exclaims, "Wow! The new CEO of the company has protected you. Nice." She forces a smile. I immediately sense the tone of envy she directed at me, but that's the least of my concerns, given all the obstacles I must face.

Upon returning to my office...

I dedicated myself to completing all my pending weekly tasks. I needed to occupy my mind after this sudden surprise. While typing accurately in the notebook, I see Steven's secretary approaching, placing her hands on the desk.

"Mr. Wolker is requesting your presence."

"Alright, I'm going right away."

I take a deep breath and stand up. It's extraordinary to be in a church the day before getting married and then discover that, in addition to being my husband, Steven is also my boss, treating me as if I were just anyone. It leaves me confused, but I believe he achieved his goals, and that's what matters.

I arrive at his office, knocking on the door, and hear his voice authorizing my entry from the other side. Opening the door, I observe him signing papers and putting down the pen when he sees me enter. I stand before him and clasp my hands in front of my body.

"How could you do this? You're the owner of this company? Did you know I worked here? Why didn't you tell me?" I ask several questions.

"I don't understand why you're bombarding me with many questions. Do I owe you that much explanation?" he responds coldly.

"Why not? We got married yesterday!" I reply indignantly.

He stands up, puts his hands in his pockets, and walks to the window that reveals the entire view of London from the top floor of the building.

"That means nothing. Besides, I don't want anyone to know about our marriage or any relationship we might have," he says, turning to look at me.

I open my mouth to say something, but I'm so surprised by this situation that I can't formulate any response to what he's doing to me, completely messing with my thoughts.

"You're here to work, aren't you?" he continues his rudeness.

"But of course!" I almost shout this time.

"Then do your job."

I put my hands on my hips, ready to tell him to go to hell because I feel humiliated. But when I remember that he's my boss's boss and the owner of the entire company, I take a deep breath, containing my anger, and respond, "Ok, Mr. President!"

I replied with irony and saw his expression change from impartial to angry, but I ignored what he thought.

I turn my back, slam the door with force, and see the secretary look at me wide-eyed. I ignore her presence, walking quickly to the elevator.

I return to my office because I have other priorities. My work matters much more than this unpredictable man's provocations, and I won't fall for his.