Chapter 8: Going to tame his little wild wife

Thirty minutes later, they arrived at the hospital, heading straight for the ICU where Eve’s mother was being treated. As soon as they stepped inside, they were met by familiar faces. Perry and Kelly.

"Sister!" Perry called, rushing toward her and wrapping her in an emotional hug. His tears streamed freely.

Eve swallowed back her own sobs and stroked his back comfortingly.

"It's alright. Mom will be fine," she whispered, though her voice was laced with uncertainty.

Kelly, unable to hold back her own emotions, also pulled Eve into a tight embrace.

"Thank God you're okay! We were so worried about what happened yesterday. Then you suddenly disappeared, and we couldn’t reach you! We almost called the police!" Kelly exclaimed, her eyes darting to the man standing beside Eve.

Her gaze lingered on Alex, whose overwhelming presence sent an involuntary shiver down her spine. He was undeniably handsome, but there was something chilling about his aura, cold and oppressive. Then recognition dawned.

She gasped. It’s him! The VIP customer from the pub. The same man Eve had offended. But… why were they together?

"Who is he?" Kelly asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.

Eve turned slightly and met Alex’s piercing gaze. She shot him a silent warning, practically daring him to keep his mouth shut. There was no way she was going to explain everything now, not when her mother was still in critical condition.

"He's a friend," she said flatly. "He’s the one who helped me last night."

Kelly raised a brow, clearly not convinced, but didn't press the matter further.

Eve then turned her attention to the ICU window, her heart tightening painfully at the sight of her mother lying unconscious, looking so fragile. If only she could take her place instead…

"The doctor said she needs to undergo surgery immediately," Kelly informed her softly. "But don’t worry. Your mom’s a fighter. She’ll make it through this."

Eve nodded, though the anxiety in her chest remained heavy.

"Alex!"

A familiar voice cut through the tension.

She turned to see another man approaching. Right. She recognized him. He was also a VIP customer at the pub.

The man smiled politely at her. "I believe you are Ms. Carson?"

Eve nodded hesitantly.

"I'm Dr. Travis Fraser, your mother’s attending physician." He extended his hand in greeting, but before Eve could respond, Alex shot him a sharp glare that it could have cut glass.

Travis smirked knowingly before turning back to Eve. "I just wanted to inform you that the specialist surgeon for your mother’s operation has arrived. She’ll be moved to the operating room shortly. Rest assured, we’ll do everything we can."

Eve exhaled a deep sigh of relief. "Thank you, doctor."

"Alex, can I have a word with you in private?" Travis asked.

Alex shot Eve a look, silently instructing her to follow.

"I’ll stay here," she said firmly, her tone carrying an unspoken message of resistance.

With that, Alex and Travis left the waiting area.

*****

In Travis's Office..

"You really surprised me, Alex," Travis said, leaning back in his chair and sipping his coffee.

Alex arched a brow. "What do you mean?" he asked indifferently, taking a sip of his own drink.

Travis smirked. "That woman. I thought you had already dumped her."

Alex’s expression remained unreadable. "I have my own plans."

Travis chuckled. "Oh? So what exactly is your relationship with her? You personally arranged for a top neurologist to perform her mother’s surgery. That’s a lot of effort. Do you… actually like her?"

Alex set his cup down and spoke without hesitation. "She’s my wife."

Travis choked. He had just taken a sip of coffee, and now he was nearly spitting it out.

"Your what?! Are you kidding me? We’ve been best friends for decades! How the hell did we not know about this?"

"Don’t tell anyone yet."

Travis stared at him, baffled. He had a thousand questions, but he knew Alex well enough to realize that pushing too hard wouldn’t get him any answers. Instead, he sighed and shook his head.

"Well, whatever your plan is, I just have to say I’m happy for you. It’s unbelievable, but hey, finally, you’re with a woman. Just don’t scare her away with that permanent scowl on your face."

Alex shot him a warning glare, but Travis only grinned in response.

"By the way, Hailee dropped by earlier," Travis added.

Alex remained unfazed. "I haven’t seen her. Grandma had dinner at the old house yesterday, but I was caught up with work."

Travis chuckled. "They’re going to be shocked when they find out you’re married. Hell, even I can’t believe it."

Alex smirked. "I gave them a beautiful granddaughter-in-law. What else could they ask for?"

Travis laughed. "You know, you could have just married Hailee instead of some random stranger. Your family would have loved that."

"You talk too much." Alex stood, clearly done with the conversation. "I should get back to my wife."

Travis nearly choked again. "Look who’s suddenly a devoted husband!"

Alex shot him a murderous glare before walking out.

****

Back in the Waiting Area.

Eve paced anxiously in front of the operating room, glancing at the door every few seconds.

"Sister-in-law!"

She turned abruptly, her brows furrowing. What?

Travis grinned at her. "Oh, pardon me! I didn’t introduce myself properly earlier. I’m Travis, your husband’s best friend. Since Alex is like a brother to me, that makes you our sister-in-law! It’s a pleasure to meet you."

Eve blinked. Husband? Sister-in-law?

She forced a small smile, unsure how to respond.

"I’ll leave you two alone," Travis said cheerfully, but as he walked away, he discreetly snapped a photo of Alex and Eve and sent it to their other friend, Luke.

Alex, who had been observing Eve quietly, finally moved to sit beside her.

The moment he did, Eve bolted to her feet.

"Where are you going?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Away from you. I can’t stand another minute near you. I feel sick," she spat.

Alex clenched his jaw. This woman… She was infuriating. Taming her would be a challenge, but strangely, he liked that. He liked a good challenge.

Before she could escape, he grabbed her wrist and yanked her back, making her land squarely on his lap.

Eve gasped in horror and struggled against his hold. "Let me go, you bastard!"

Alex wrapped his arms around her tightly, pinning her in place. "Have you forgotten who I am to you now?" he asked, his tone laced with sarcasm.

"Oh, I haven’t forgotten," she hissed. "How could I ever forget that you forced me to sign that marriage certificate? You’re the most selfish, egotistical, pathetic excuse for a man I’ve ever met!"

Earl, who had just arrived, nearly swallowed his tongue. He had walked in at the worst possible moment. Young Mistress, you have no idea what you’ve just done.

Alex’s expression darkened, his jaw clenching. Without a word, he dragged Eve out of the hospital.

"Where the hell are you taking me?! Let go of me!" she shrieked, struggling against his grip.

"Back to the house," he growled, shoving her into the car.

The ride back to the mansion was tense. Earl, who was driving, felt as if he were sitting on a ticking time bomb.

When they arrived, Eve was still putting up a fight.

Fed up, Alex threw her over his shoulder and spanked her in irritation.

"Ahhh! You bastard! Put me down! Help!" she shrieked, kicking wildly.

The butler’s eyes widened in shock as they entered. "Young Master, what’s happening?"

"Everyone, back to work! No disturbances today. My little wild wife and I are having our honeymoon."

And with that, he carried her straight upstairs. She was not escaping this time.