Chapter 83 CEO in the Room
Sophia POV
Sarah had been unconscious for a whole day, but I hadn't found time to visit her. The office was in chaos without our chief designer, and Daniel was breathing down everyone's necks about maintaining client relationships.
The one silver lining came Wednesday morning when Elena Rosetti walked into our office. "I'm here to temporarily assume Sarah's responsibilities," she announced to our stunned department. "She underwent surgery and remains unconscious, but she's no longer in immediate danger. She was moved from the ICU to a regular room last night."
Her next words shifted to inspire a strong work ethic. "I expect everyone to maintain the highest standards during my tenure here. When Sarah awakens, she should return to a thriving department, not a mess of abandoned projects and missed deadlines."
Knowing Sarah was out of danger made everything easier. For two endless days, I threw myself into projects. Daniel seemed impressed by my dedication, but honestly? I was just trying to keep busy, to stop myself from worrying about Sarah lying motionless in some hospital bed.
Finally, Friday night arrived. I sprinted to Star City General Hospital, carrying a small potted plant. Following the room number I'd gotten from Daniel, I made my way through the corridors until I found Sarah's room.
Through the partially open door, I could see Sarah lying unconscious in the hospital bed. But it was the man sitting beside her that made me freeze in place. He looked just like... the Pinnacle CEO.
"Sophia?" I spun around. Christopher stood behind me. I knew this cocky rich kid who frequented all the high-end social events. "What are you doing here?"
"Visiting my colleague Sarah," I said slowly. "Chris, that man in there... that's the Pinnacle CEO, isn't it? What's he doing in Sarah's room?"
"I'll explain later," Christopher said abruptly, clearly avoiding my questions. "Just... give us some privacy. Go to the waiting room, okay?"
I did as he said, my mind racing with questions. Minutes later, he returned. "Alright, here's the situation," he began, glancing around to make sure we were alone. "That man in there is my brother, Michael. And yes, he's the CEO. He's also Sarah's husband."
My jaw nearly hit the floor. Sarah's husband? "But she told me she married some business development manager!"
"That's what she thinks," Christopher said quietly. "Look, this has to stay between us, okay? The family's been keeping Michael's real identity secret from Sarah and her family."
I stared at him, processing this bombshell. "Why would you do that?"
"Michael wanted someone who'd love him for who he is, not his bank account. When they met, he was using a fake job title."
"And you've all just... gone along with this deception?"
"It's not that simple." He explained the aftermath quickly. Linda's complete breakdown after the accident, and Margaret's moving her into the Skyline Heights to provide round-the-clock care. Michael refused meals, barely leaving Sarah's bedside. Even Jessica—Sarah's best friend—her visits were brief because Michael couldn't bear to give up any time with Sarah.
"Wait a minute," I said suddenly, remembering something. "Sarah mentioned wanting to introduce me to someone, a handsome guy who works with her husband." I crossed my arms. "That was you, wasn't it?"
Christopher's eyes widened in panic, and he quickly reached over to cover my mouth with his hand. "Jesus, keep your voice down," he hissed. "I completely forgot to mention that part. "
I pushed his hand away. "What part?"
"Sarah thinks Michael's an orphan whose parents died when he was young," Chris whispered urgently. "She believes our family took him in out of kindness. And honestly? The way he treats her, you'd think he is an orphan. Even before the accident, he'd move mountains for her. Now he's practically living in this hospital."
I felt a pang of sympathy for the mysterious CEO I'd been fantasizing about. He was just a man desperately worried about his wife.
"Alright," I said finally. "I'll keep your secret. But just so you know—if I'd realized Sarah was talking about you when she mentioned that handsome guy, I would've turned her down immediately."
"Hey, what's wrong with me?" Christopher bristled. "If I wanted a girlfriend, I could have my pick of women in this city."
"Oh, please." I deliberately stepped on his expensive Italian leather shoe, grinding my heel down. "You're such an arrogant piece of work."
"Ow! Why are you—" Christopher hopped on one foot. "You're definitely a ballbuster."
Before I could respond with another insult, I noticed two figures approaching from the elevator bank. Natalie walked beside a handsome man in his early thirties.
"What are they doing here?" I asked Christopher.
"Oh, that's David, Michael's college roommate," he explained. "And the one beside him is Natalie, who used to chase after Michael pretty hard. Sometimes she tags along when David visits Sarah."
Used to chase after Michael. So Natalie made Sarah look bad at that networking event because she's bitter about losing Michael to her?
Something about Natalie's presence felt predatory, especially with Sarah unconscious and vulnerable. I intercepted her before she could reach Sarah's room. "Natalie! What a surprise seeing you here."
She looked startled, then tried to brush past me. "Oh, hello. The surprise is mine as well."
"Don't rush off; let's catch up," I said, blocking her way and speaking in a hushed tone to ensure privacy. "Let me be perfectly clear about something. Sarah is Michael's legally wedded wife. Perhaps you should honor their marriage instead of hovering around here looking for an opening."
"I'm here to check on Sarah," Natalie protested. "This has nothing to do with you."
"The hell it doesn't." I grabbed her elbow. "Not everyone's an idiot, Natalie. We all saw what you did with that wine glass. If you think you can use Sarah's condition to make moves on her husband, you're dead wrong. Single men are fair game, but married men are off-limits."
Natalie jerked her arm free. "I don't need some nobody lecturing me about appropriate behavior."
She pushed past me, heading straight for Sarah's room.
I spun around and stomped on Christopher's other foot, harder this time.
"What the hell, Sophia?" he yelped.
"You know exactly what her relationship with your brother was," I hissed. "And you're just going to let her waltz in there? What if she tries something with Sarah? Seriously, Chris, you're so clueless that I'm starting to think the women who go after you are only interested in how easy you are to play."
Understanding dawned in Christopher's eyes. "Oh. Oh. You're right." Then his face reddened with indignation. "Hey, I'm not stupid!"
"Then prove it and stop her from getting near Sarah," I snapped.
He immediately scrambled toward the room, calling out. "Dave! "
I watched David and Christopher gently but firmly escort a protesting Natalie away from Sarah's door.
Smiling, I placed my plant at the nurses' station with instructions to put it in Sarah's room, then headed for the elevators. There wasn't much more I could do here. Sarah had the best husband in the world watching over her, and now her room was clear of threats.