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The CEO's Reluctant Wife
Everyone at the company was gossiping about how our married CEO had a first love.
He was head-over-heels in love with that perfect goddess, while treating his wife at home like she was invisible.
As Mrs. Shaw myself, I spent every day quietly watching the office drama unfold.
Until that perfect goddess returned to the country.
My office buddy from the executive department came to gossip with me:
"I heard Mr. Shaw and his first love were photographed shopping together. He spent several million dollars buying up all the photos to protect her."
She finished with a sigh:
"Poor Mr. Shaw, forced to marry a woman he doesn't love. This is the only way he can protect the woman he truly cares about."
1
Lily was still lamenting Sean Shaw's loveless marriage.
I stood there stunned.
Suddenly understanding what had been wrong with Sean Shaw these past few days.
Starting three days ago, he'd been distracted and absent-minded.
Staring at me blankly from time to time.
At night, he wasn't as talkative as before either.
Just putting in effort silently.
Last night after we finished, he lay against my neck for a long time.
When he finally got up, I felt tears on my neck.
I thought he was having problems at the company.
Now I realized our marital assets had just decreased by several million dollars.
He felt guilty toward me.
I wanted to laugh.
The corners of my mouth twitched, but no laugh came.
I slumped over my desk in defeat, thinking: Christine Chen really is something else—one appearance and she's completely demolished me.
While I was wallowing in self-pity, someone knocked on my desk.
Looking up, Sean Shaw stood in front of my desk.
He wore a black shirt.
The collar buttons casually undone.
Revealing two red marks on his collarbone.
Everything about him radiated effortless elegance and refinement.
And a hint of roguish sensuality.
I glared at him.
He ignored it completely, tilting his head to indicate I should follow.
"Come with me for a bit."
2
Sitting in the car, my mood was still terrible.
Sean Shaw glanced at me a few times, clearly noticing.
But he didn't say anything.
I snorted quietly to myself.
Staring out the window lost in thought.
When the car stopped in front of a private club.
Only then did I look at him questioningly.
Ever since Sean Shaw took over the company, he rarely arranged business meetings at places like this.
Why come here suddenly today?
He explained:
"Your sister asked us to come to a welcome party."
I froze.
Understanding immediately.
My sister had been close friends with Christine Chen since childhood.
With Christine just back in the country, it made perfect sense for my sister to throw her a welcome party.
Sean Shaw was afraid I'd see through his feelings for Christine Chen.
Using my sister as an excuse.
How considerate of my feelings.
I mocked myself internally.
Slamming the car door as I got out.
3
I stormed angrily toward the private room door.
Sean Shaw, who had been absent-minded all along, suddenly grabbed my hand.
He was gritting his teeth, his anger coming out of nowhere more than mine.
"Mandy Du, are you that eager? Walking so fast you're practically running! Do you even care about me at all?"
Talk about turning the tables and twisting the facts!
He'd spent millions of dollars behind my back buying photos of him and his first love shopping together, and I hadn't said a word.
Now I was just walking a little fast without waiting for him, and he was picking a fight.
The difference between love and indifference was crystal clear.
I shook off his hand, deliberately sarcastic:
"If you want me to step aside, just say so directly. No need to pick fights over nothing."
Hearing this, Sean Shaw visibly bristled.
But unusually, he didn't snap back.
He closed his eyes and took two deep breaths.
When he opened them again, he had regained his composure.
"No matter what, we're already married. Divorce is impossible—don't even think about it."
As I pushed the door open, I retorted: "Don't worry, until you earn back those millions, you couldn't divorce me even if you wanted to."
Just as I finished speaking, someone came out of the private room.
My hand pushing the door met empty air, and I nearly fell into the person.
Sean Shaw quickly caught me.
"Jason Zhang, what are you doing here?"
Seeing who it was, I was surprised.
Then somewhat worried.
"How is your mother doing..."
Jason Zhang smiled warmly, not picking up my conversation thread.
"Sorry I didn't tell you I was coming too."
His words seemed to come out of nowhere.
I didn't understand for a moment.
Just as I was about to ask.
He winked at me playfully: "I'm also here for Christine's welcome home party. After all, I came back a few days before her, so I've successfully shed my international student status."
I laughed, joking as we walked inside.
"No wonder everyone's fighting to study abroad—one trip and the junior becomes the senior."
Just as I was about to walk alongside Jason Zhang, the person behind me grabbed my arm.
With a slight force, I crashed into his embrace.
Sean Shaw held me, staring at Jason Zhang without blinking.
Like a leopard guarding its territory.
"What are you doing?"
I struggled twice but couldn't break free.
The atmosphere became strangely tense.
I looked back and forth between the two men.
Feeling something was off, though I couldn't put my finger on it.
After a long moment, Sean Shaw smiled.
The cold aura around him vanished completely.
He looked down at me and said: "Honey, I just remembered—he still hasn't given us a wedding gift. Shouldn't he make up for that now?"
I was instantly speechless, giving him an elbow jab.
"Don't slander him. He sent it to me the night of the wedding."
"We're all friends—how can you hold grudges over something like that?"
Sean Shaw smoothly took my hand.
Smiling brilliantly, "How was I supposed to know some people are so shameless, contacting my wife in private?"
"Though I guess that makes sense—he can only sneak around and contact you now, considering how things have changed."
I frowned.
Not understanding why he was being so nasty.
He and Jason Zhang were friends.
Wasn't I one too?
What did he mean by "sneaking around" and "things have changed"?
Did I need to hold a press conference to announce it to the world every time I contacted a friend?
4
Jason Zhang was good-tempered though.
He ignored the rudeness.
Looking down, he said quietly:
"I couldn't make it back for your wedding, so it's normal for Sean to resent me."
"But Mandy, you know my situation abroad wasn't great."
Jason Zhang looked down at me.
His eyes behind the gold-rimmed glasses flashed with pain and loneliness.
"Plus my mother's condition worsened at the time, so I really couldn't get away."
Oh god.
I felt guilty and wanted to smack Sean Shaw right then and there.
Jason Zhang's mother had been tormented by his father for years.
Her health had always been poor.
After finally escaping abroad with Jason Zhang.
Her mental state was also unstable.
One year when I went abroad with my parents for New Year's.
I passed through where they lived and visited his mother.
She was in a daze, insisting I was Jason Zhang's girlfriend.
In a blink, so many years had passed.
I wasn't good at comforting people.
So I could only deflect awkwardly.
"Sean Shaw didn't mean anything by it, don't take it to heart. Hey, let's not stand around anymore, let's go in quickly—my sister and the others must be getting impatient."
I dragged Sean Shaw inside.
Using my tried-and-true method of awkward topic changes.
I didn't hear what Sean Shaw said coldly as the two men brushed past each other: "Using your mother to gain her sympathy—how pathetic."
5
The private room was lively.
Christine Chen was still the center of attention as always.
I instinctively sat in the corner farthest from her.
Sean Shaw didn't come over with me.
He naturally walked up to Christine Chen and congratulated her on returning to the country.
I hesitated whether to go over and say something too.
Given our social circle's relationships, avoiding her like this was inappropriate.
But I really didn't want to face Christine Chen.
Before I could figure out what to do.
Jason Zhang came over and handed me a drink.
I took it and thanked him with a smile.
His gaze also fell on Sean Shaw and Christine Chen, and he sighed:
"Looks like after all these years, Sean still hasn't gotten over Christine Chen."
I instinctively wanted to defend Sean Shaw.
But I opened my mouth and had nothing to say.
I could only drink to hide my emotions.
Jason Zhang didn't notice, continuing on his own.
"Back then you said you wanted to try one last time, working hard to arrange the business marriage. Now two years have passed—did you get the result you wanted?"
Did I get it?
I fell silent, carefully thinking over two years of married life.
To be honest, Sean Shaw wasn't bad to me.
Gifts that never missed a business trip.
Milk kept at 113°F by the bedside.
Jewelry that appeared on my vanity after just a glance.
My closet always stocked with the latest from my favorite brands.
Plus his very attentive performance in our marital duties.
Except we'd never said we loved each other.
We were already happier than most couples.
But human desires are never satisfied.
The growing rumors at the company.
The media's speculation and reports.
Constantly reminded me.
Getting the person meant nothing.
Getting their love was what made you the winner.
I gloomily raised my glass again.
6
Before it reached my lips.
Sean Shaw strode over and snatched the glass away.
He slammed it down hard on the table.
The splashing alcohol drenched Jason Zhang.
I stared at him.
Not knowing what scene he was playing now.
He scratched his head left, then right.
Finally managed: "Alcohol is bad for your health."
...
"Then may I ask if what you just drank with Christine Chen was water?"
I meant to call him out.
But as soon as I said it.
He handed me his own glass.
Looking smug.
"Of course. I take very good care of my body—I avoid alcohol whenever possible."
"Unlike some people who've been abroad so long, they probably drink alcohol like water."
"I heard alcoholics don't have very good health."
As he spoke, he glanced sideways at the person nearby.
It was obvious who he was targeting.
Jason Zhang, who was wiping his clothes with tissues, paused.
He looked up at Sean Shaw.
I also frowned listening to this.
Jason Zhang's father often got drunk and beat his mother.
That word carried too many painful memories for Jason Zhang.
Sean Shaw knew this perfectly well.
Why bring it up deliberately?
7
Even the most patient person couldn't take this kind of provocation.
Jason Zhang's usually smiling eyes suddenly turned cold.
The light reflecting off his glasses carried a chill.
"Alcoholic?"
He laughed coldly and threw his alcohol-stained glasses on the table.
"Mr. Shaw doesn't know me very well. I may not have much, but I'm determined. I won't touch anything I despise, and I won't back down from anything I love."
"Only someone like Mr. Shaw has the luxury of being fickle, never knowing satisfaction."
"I'm devoted as hell..."
"What's going on here?"
The two were arguing heatedly.
Christine Chen came over.
Jason Zhang was ultimately a dignified person.
He stopped arguing with Sean Shaw.
Raising his hand to cut off his own words.
"Sean, I spoke out of turn. I apologize."
Sean Shaw was still angry.
Ready to keep pushing.
I forcibly pulled him back and pressed him onto the sofa.
"Sorry Christine, he's had too much to drink and isn't thinking clearly."
Christine Chen looked concerned, "Should I get him some sobering soup?"
I smiled and declined.
But Sean Shaw suddenly stood up, grabbing Jason Zhang by the collar and heading outside.
"Don't follow us—we're going to have some sobering soup alone."
I was worried and wanted to follow.
Christine Chen gently stopped me, saying:
"Let them handle their own business. Let's chat."
8
Chat?
I was forced to sit down.
My mind flashed through countless scenes of mistresses being provocative.
I clenched my fists secretly, ready to fight back at any moment.
But when Christine Chen spoke, she was even more careful than I was.
"Mandy, do you not like me very much?"
Me, still in battle mode: Huh?
Seeing no reaction from me, she frowned slightly.
Revealing a melancholy beauty's fragile air.
"Mandy, you probably sensed our relationship and that's why you've been so distant toward me."
"I know this might be hard for you to accept at first."
"But please believe me—we truly love each other and are ready to get married."
"If possible, I really hope to have your blessing."
Christine Chen's expression was determined, her tone sincere.
Her hands gripping mine were full of devotion to this relationship.
If this relationship wasn't with my husband.
I would definitely bless them.
What a pity.
I coldly pulled my hands away.
Cruelly and mercilessly rejecting her.
"Sorry, I'm really not that generous..."
Sadness appeared on Christine Chen's face.
It overlapped with Lily's regretful expression for Sean Shaw in my vision.
My newly risen confidence deflated.
I swallowed my original words.
"...I won't attend your wedding."
9
After saying that, I got up to leave.
Before I could get out the door.
Someone shouted: "Sean Shaw and Jason Zhang are fighting!"
I was shocked.
By the time I pushed through the crowd.
Sean Shaw was pinning Jason Zhang down and beating him.
Each punch carried fierce wind, as if he wanted to kill him.
My heart raced watching.
I rushed over to stop him.
Seeing this, others finally dared to help break up the fight.
Sean Shaw, even after being pulled away, was still trying to charge forward like a madman.
I caught sight of someone in the distance recording with their phone.
Shaw Corporation's CEO publicly assaulting someone.
If this video got out.
The board of directors could drown him in their criticism.
I signaled a friend to handle the person filming.
And slapped Sean Shaw's arm.
To make him calm down.
But after that slap.
Sean Shaw's eyes immediately reddened.
He looked at me with disbelief and grievance.
As if I'd committed some unforgivable crime.
"You actually hit me for him?"
"You actually hit me for him?!"
"You actually hit me for him!!!"
Each repetition more agitated than the last.
His voice getting higher and higher.
If the setting weren't so inappropriate.
I really wanted to compliment him on having the makings of a tenor.
10
Amid his accusations.
Christine Chen, who had rushed over in concern, covered her mouth and giggled.
I awkwardly tugged at Sean Shaw's sleeve.
Gritting my teeth quietly: "Keep your voice down, I'm doing this for your own good."
Sean Shaw was angry, but compliant.
He lowered his head, dropping his voice.
Warm breath lingered by my cheek.
"Right, you'll only use these empty words to placate me, just like in college."
How bizarre.
What did this have to do with college?
"Shaw Corporation's CEO publicly assaulting someone—you want to make the social news, but I don't."
A flash of pride crossed Sean Shaw's eyes.
He instantly stopped being gloomy.
"Don't worry, no media outlet will ever publish photos of us together."
Saying this, he looked at me smugly.
Making me furious.
So h