Mr. CEO, Leave Me Breathless のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 31 - チャプター 40

Everything went dark.Please, someone help me!I tried to move my arms, to kick upward, but the weight of the water dragged me down. My lungs burned as I struggled, bubbles escaping my lips. I reached out, hoping to feel something or anything, but there was only the cold, endless blue swallowing me whole.Then, faintly, I saw a shadow cutting through the water. Strong arms. A rush of movement. And before my mind could process what was happening, warmth pressed against my mouth. It was soft and desperate.My heart jerked, and suddenly, air flooded into my lungs.I gasped, eyes snapping open just as the world blurred again. The last thing I felt was his hand on my cheek, firm and trembling at the same time.Then everything went black.**When I opened my eyes again, I was no longer by the pool.White sheets. The faint scent of clean linen. The soft hum of the air conditioner. I blinked slowly, trying to gather my thoughts.I was back in our hotel room. But this wasn’t my room. It was Et

We flew back to Los Angeles the next day. I kept my eyes on the window most of the time, pretending to be asleep so I wouldn’t have to talk. Ethan didn’t speak either. He just sat beside me, silent, scrolling through his phone every now and then.When we landed, he carried my bag without a word. The air between us was awkward. Outside the airport, his driver was already waiting.The ride home was quiet too. I looked out the window while the city lights passed by. Ethan sat beside me, his gaze fixed straight ahead. Neither of us tried to start a conversation.Is he still upset because of Ingrid’s interview last night? The thought kept replaying in my head, but I didn’t have the courage to ask.When the car stopped in front of my place, I unbuckled my seatbelt and reached for the door. “Thanks, Mr. Blake,” I murmured.He only gave a short nod.The car drove off, leaving me standing by the curb. I watched the taillights disappear before finally turning toward the building.As soon as I s

I’d been stuck in the hospital for almost two and a half days, following every single instruction the doctor gave me. With my phone broken, I had no idea what was happening at work. One thing I did know: Dana had Ethan completely wrapped around her finger.“So… you have to wait for your replacement before you can actually quit?” Melody asked, sharp as always, while helping me pack up my things for discharge.I nodded, taking a bite of orange. “Yeah. If I don’t find someone reliable to take over, there’s no way he’s letting me go.”Melody raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “I thought he was supposed to be nice. You’ve been with him for years. And now you’re telling me he’s been giving you a hard time this whole time?”I laughed quietly. She’d been furious with Ethan yesterday after I told her everything about him.“He really is nice,” I mumbled.Melody gasped and shook her head dramatically. “Sure, you say that because you like him. That’s how it always goes, right? When you have

I stepped into the interview room, feeling Ethan’s eyes on me wherever I went, but he didn’t speak. I closed the door and tried to focus.What’s wrong with him?Ever since I arrived at the office this morning, he had been like that—just watching, barely saying a word.I called in the first applicant. She smiled nervously, twirling her hair, but as soon as she started answering questions, it was clear she wasn’t ready for the role. Her examples were vague, she stumbled over basic questions, and she couldn’t explain her experience clearly. I made a note and signaled politely when her time was up.The second candidate came in practically glowing with energy. She laughed at everything I said and nodded too eagerly. It felt more like a performance than real answers. I kept my tone neutral while she spoke, but I noticed Ethan’s reactions. His disapproval was obvious.The third applicant was quieter, professional, and answered clearly. She wasn’t perfect, but she had potential. By the time th

The morning started like any other. Papers stacked high, deadlines closing in, and a dull headache pressing behind my eyes. But it wasn’t the numbers that bothered me. It was the quiet tension that came every time Selina walked into my office.She wasn’t late today. She’s always precise and calm like she’s used to. But there was something different in the way she stood in front of my desk this morning. The usual polite tone was gone and replaced by a firm, steady voice that almost sounded like she didn’t care whether I approved or not.“The final batch of applicants is ready for the last interview,” she said, setting a folder on my table. “Their schedules are arranged for Friday. I’ve already emailed HR to confirm.”Her words were professional and clipped. I looked up from my laptop, studying her face. No hesitation, no warmth. She didn’t even wait for me to answer before turning to leave.“Selina.”She stopped, her hand still on the doorknob. “Yes, Mr. Blake?”The title again. Cold a