Breaking Free, Loving Again -The Flash Marriage with Mr. CEO

Aiden paused, watching her stare out of the window. His heart ached at her weak request.

Here, he was willing to give her the entire world —yet all she craved was just … a hug.

Just how lonely had she felt in that crowd?

He didn't respond right away. His eyes remained fixed on her, watching in silence until she finally turned to him —looking so vulnerable it twisted something inside him.

"Please," she said again, wrapping her arms around herself, as if trying to shield herself from the coldness of the world.

She wasn't crying. But he could see the tears shimmering at the corner of her eyes, and it broke him to know she was trying so hard to hold them back —even around him.

He clenched his jaw, fighting the anger burning inside him —not at her, never at her, but at those who had pushed her to this edge.

Still for her sake, he forced a soft smile and opened his arms.

She hesitated only a moment before scooting closer, then slowly melted into his warmth.

Aiden wrapped his arms around her protectively, pulling her against his chest.

"You don't have to ask, Moon," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. "They are yours … I am yours."

But Arwen said nothing. She remained still, curled into him, her face buried in his chest —away from his eyes.

At this moment, she didn't want him to see her …

She didn't want him to look at her weak, vulnerable … when she had seen him making efforts to make her strong and powerful.

He would be disappointed —and she didn't want to disappoint him after disappointing everyone.

Aiden didn't push, either. He just let her be —however she needed to be —as long as she let him stay by her side.

The car soon pulled up in front of the Winslow Residence, the sleek gates parting silently to welcome them.

Neil, who had been driving all the way in thoughtful silence, finally spoke. "Sir. Madam. We have arrived."

Aiden gave a small nod, and understanding the instruction, Neil stepped out and circled to open the door for them. "Sir," he said, waiting.

Arwen stirred, starting to pull away, but Aiden gently held her in place.

"It's fine," he murmured, his voice low and calming. "Let me do it."

She looked up, uncertain. But she nodded, because somehow, in all the chaos in her life, she had come to trust him —even when she couldn't trust herself.

And then she felt it, his arms sliding under her legs and behind her back, lifting her up with quiet strength.

She didn't protest.

She let him carry her.

Her arms wrapped around his neck, and she let her head fall on the crook of his neck, taking in slow breaths.

Aiden walked her inside, and the moment he did, Mr. Jones came to greet them. However, he halted without approaching them at a distance.

Watching them ascend the steps, he stood behind until they disappeared from his vision.

"Mr. Jones, should we —" One of the house staff approached to ask, but even before he could finish his words, the butler shook his head, refusing it.

"Wrap up your work and leave."

Although no instructions were given, Mr. Jones knew something had happened. And all that the couple wanted at this moment was to stay together with just each other.

The house staff didn't ask further. Nodding, he just left.

Upstairs,

Aiden brought Arwen to their bedroom. Walking to the bed, he placed her down on her side before turning to walk away.

But just as he did, Arwen held his arm, stopping him. "You are leaving?" she asked, panic flashing subtly on her expression.

Aiden watched her, but then shook his head. "I am not," he said, "I am just going to help you prepare a bath. Washing up, you will feel better."

She nodded and let him go.

He also walked to prepare her shower.

When he returned, his suit jacket was off, and his sleeves were rolled up on his forearms. He didn't look tired, but there was a certain roughness in his features that made him look haggard.

Maybe it was because he had seemingly run his fingers through his hair countless times.

Arwen didn't mention it, but she noticed it all on his face. His demeanour looked calm and gentle to her, but she could see in his gaze —he looked frustrated, lost … all because of her.

But still …

Even noticing all that, she didn't want to acknowledge them.

Thus, she simply avoided his gaze and looked away.

Aiden's brows furrowed when he saw her, trying to close herself off from him. But he kept it in.

Walking to her, he sat in front of her and cupped her face, turning her eyes back at him.

Arwen stared at him, and just when she thought she would ask her …

He didn't.

Looking at her, he simply said, "Let's go. I have prepared the bath for you." Hye then lifted her off the bed again and walked to the bathroom.

Arwen wanted to speak to him, but couldn't. Hooking her arms around his neck, she let him carry her. Her thoughts wandered to think what she could say to him that would make her look better.

But everything about her felt so ruined and shattered …

She didn't realize when they got into the bathroom. Only when she felt him putting her down in the bathtub did she realize that he was there ready to help her wash up.

"Will you be helping me?" she asked, holding his hand that was ready to slide off the dress.

Aiden halted. His eyes stared into hers, brows furrowing slightly. "If you don't want me to, I will leave," he said and pulled his hand away, ready to turn and walk out.

But Arwen's arms were quick to wrap around him. Desperation was quite evident in her actions.

"Did I disappoint you as well?"