Chapter 2

Hudson opened his mouth, looking a bit flustered as he tried to explain. "Vicky, it's not what you think. I only helped her today because I didn't want any drama at our wedding, that's all."

I pressed a finger to his lips, cutting him off before he could say more. "These bottles were gifts for me. Honestly, I can't really hold my liquor.

"But I haven't forgotten my husband is the most loyal guy around.

"Two cases of booze? It's not a big deal. You could drink for a friend, so doing it for your wife should be a piece of cake, right?"

I gave his cheek a gentle pat, my smile warm and caring, my tone soft but with a hint of mischief.

I said, "Even if this is an arranged marriage, I really don't like my husband trying to play knight in shining armor for another girl when I'm right there watching.

"I'm a little possessive, you know. I get jealous."

The moment I turned away, my smile vanished.

Back in my room, I took off my makeup and stretched for half an hour.

Only then did I lock the door and finally go to sleep.

*****

The next morning, as I headed downstairs for breakfast, I glanced into the living room.

Only two bottles had been touched. The rest hadn't been moved.

I clicked my tongue and shook my head.

It was two cases, and he couldn't handle that.

Wasn't he supposed to be Mr. Show-off?

Wasn't he always the one who loved to play the hero and drink for others? Was that all?

Hudson only emptied two bottles, then he was gone.

It was the butler who told me Hudson had been rushed to the hospital around three in the morning with a bleeding ulcer.

I raised an eyebrow. So Naomi was actually telling the truth.

I nodded, showing I got the message.

The butler stood off to the side, waiting until I finished breakfast before finally speaking up. "Mrs. Rivers, do you want me to call you a car?"

I shot him a confused look. "Mr. Rivers' sick. Aren't you going to check on him at the hospital?"

I thought it was something major.

I grabbed a napkin, wiped my mouth, and stood up, calm as ever.

I said, "First, he's not dead yet, so there's no need for me to play undertaker.

"Second, I'm not a doctor. What am I supposed to do there? Play nurse?"

Some people weren't as important as my morning paperwork or my first cup of coffee.

Unfortunately, my husband from this marriage of convenience was another name on my list right now.

As the head of Jordan Enterprises, my schedule was packed, so much so that I only took two days off for my own wedding.

Honestly, I'd rather pour my energy into work than waste it worrying about a man.

*****

I went straight back to Jordan Enterprises.

Today, the CEO was waiting to update me on next year's strategy.

Everyone was waiting for my final decision.

After a marathon meeting that ran from morning till afternoon, I had to rush off to a business party.

Representing Jordan Enterprises, my presence there was key.

So when my driver asked if I was heading back to our home, I was still a bit out of it.

It completely slipped my mind. My husband was in the hospital.

I shook my head and gave the driver the name of Hudson's hospital.

I was beat.

I might as well enjoy the show.

This totally had nothing to do with Jordan Enterprises and Rivers Corp bidding on that piece of land together.