Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
Lyse, you know about Lauren and me?”
Alyssa replied with a smirk, “You and her? You’re confusing me now.”
“Lyse, look, I don’t want to hide this from you any longer,” Landon said.
He took a deep breath and, with a racing heart, solemnly admitted, ‘I’m in love with Lauren. I want to be with her.”
“And how many ladies have you fallen for this year?” She fired back with a disdainful smirk.
“She’s the one I love the most.”
“Every woman was ‘the one you loved the most’.”
“Lyse, I’m serious about Lauren!” he stated worriedly.
“I admit I was a player and dated many women, but those were just transactional relationships. Once we met each other’s needs, we went our separate ways.
“I’ve never felt like this before. Lauren is different. She captivates my entire soul.”
Alyssa teased, “You’re indeed Landon Harper. You seem enticed by the challenge of going after your friend’s sister.
“But mark my words-once you’re done with Lauren, you’ll cast her aside. As the novelty wears off, you’ll realize she may not fulfill the role of an ideal partner due to her disabilities, and you’ll discard her like a
NUS
*A used toy? God, I wish I could be with her 24/7! Lyse, do you have no faith in me?” he croaked miserably.
“Pigs might fly before I believe you’ve truly changed your ways,” she quipped, rolling her eyes.
“Why can’t I change my ways? I’ve turned over a new leaf!” he argued earnestly, his eyes filled with passion.
“Lyse, I understand that you see Lauren as your sister, but please, trust me. I’m willing to stake my reputation-no, my life-on it!
“I am wholeheartedly in love with Lauren. I want to be with her and build a future together!”
“Alright, I have a question for you.”
Alyssa turned serious and asked, “Imagine your grandpa, your mom, and your sister strongly disapprove of Lauren. They threaten to kick you out of Harper Group, withholding your inheritance. Your mom says she’ll cut ties with you, and your family life is in turmoil due to your relationship.
“Would you still stand by Lauren’s side?”
Eyes b blazing.h he clenched his fists and replied firmly. “Absolutely. I may not have complete control over Harper Group. The risks you’ve described are very real, but I know that Lauren is the one I want.
*I’ll do everything in my power to protect her from bullies, even the Walsh’s!
“You’re avoiding my question,” she said with a touch of disappointment. “The only way to protect Lauren is by marrying her. Anything less would put her in harm’s way.”
The notion of marriage hit Landon like a lightning bolt, leaving him tensed and in shock.
Seeing his reaction, Alyssa assumed he had faltered. She let out a laugh and taunted, “In the past, you used to swear that you would marry me. Why are you silent now when I asked if you will marry
Lauren?”
“Or perhaps, you think of Lauren as the least important Walsh daughter. Do you only deem her good enough as a mistress, not a wife?”
“Alyssa Taylor! How could you- Landon snapped at her.
This was the first time in his life that he had felt genuine anger toward her. It suddenly became clear to him why Jeremy would frequently cough up blood-it must have been because of Alyssa.
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“Enough. There’s no point in arguing. I’m all for true love, but I refuse to Lauren suffer by your side,” she concluded. Her eyes welled up with tears at the thought of Lauren, who had endured abuse at home.
She pleaded. “Life has been harsh for Lauren. I don’t want to see her endure more suffering. Landon, you come from a complicated world, which would be a burden for Lauren. Please think this over.”
After taking Jeremy to the hospital, Landon returned home, utterly drained.
He considered the villa he shared with Lauren his home. He might have a mom and a sister, but his mom had been depressed ever since his dad’s passing and had stayed abroad for her treatment. Not only that, but Zoe had also been studying abroad.
The Harper Residence had always been lonely and never merry.
During his brief time with Lauren, he had felt at ease, relaxed, and truly at home. He even harbored a desire to live like this forever.
“How’s Lauren doing?” Landon immediately asked Angelina with concern upon arriving
Angelina fuscus her brow and sighed. “Ms. Lauren is in her room. I tried to soothe her to sleep, but she was too shocked to rest. I feel so sorry for her.”
Hearing this, Landon was overwhelmed with guilt and ascended the stairs with heavy steps. “I’ll keep her company.”
After some hesitation, Angelina questioned, “Mr. Harper, how will you deal with Ms. Zoe?”
“Angelina, do you ever think I’m a failure?” Landon pondered with his back turned to her.
Angelina was taken aback by the question. Having served him for a decade, she had always seen him as rebellious and haughty. She had never seen him so defeated and unsure.
“Mr. Harper, I always hold you in high regard
Why do you ask?”
“But I can’t keep Zoe under control, and Lauren is hurt because of that. Angelina, I really have no ideal what to do,” he confessed. Zoe’s sickening scowl when she had bullied Lauren had left him feeling powerless.
He added. “The best I can do is to send her to Yoarkley, but that won’t solve the problem.”
“Mr. Harper, take it one step at a time. As long as you don’t give up on Ms. Lauren, Ms. Zoe will eventually accept your decision.”
Landon gathered his thoughts and opened the door to Lauren’s room. He called out, “Lauren? I’m back.”
Only a lamp was switched on by the headboard in the quiet room. Lauren curled up at the edge of the bed, burying her head between her knees.
He removed his black fur coat and laid it on the couch to avoid letting in drafts. Then, he tiptoed over and joined her by the bed.
“Lauren, does it still hurt?” He gently tousled her soft hair. She shook her head.
“Shall we sleep?” Landon blurted it out without much thought, but he instantly regretted it.
He sounded like a pervert whose only thought was to get it on. That wasn’t what he had intended.
“I’m not sleepy,” Lauren finally said softly.
“I just wanted some quiet tim
“Oh. I’ll keep you company,” he offered, gently caressing her nape.
“I won’t sleep if you’re awake. If you find me bothersome, I’ll sit beside you quietly. You’ll need someone to get you drinks and food when you’re thirsty or hungry, isn’t that right?”
“What if I stay up all night?”
“I’ll stay up with you.”
“Alright then. Go ahead and sleep,” she softly urged him, still not looking up
Feeling dejected, he sighed heavily and said, “If you’d rather I leave, I will.” With that, he made a move to get up.
Lauren suddenly grabbed his arm and held it tightly as her breathing quickened.
“Lauren?” He was taken aback.
“Please don’t go, Landon! Don’t leave!” she pleaded, looking up with trembling lips and tear-streaked cheeks.
She admitted, “I lied to you. I was wrong. I want you to stay. Landon, I want you by my side!”
Feeling touched, he wiped away her tears and assured her, “I’m not leaving. I never intended to. I was just teasing you.”
Lauren knelt on the bed and stared at him through tears like a pitiful kitten. She said, “Landon, hold me.
Tears brimmed in his eyes. He pulled her into his embrace, his heart bursting with affection. “Here’s a hug.