I Slept With My Boss Then Married Him

Maximilian Carter caught the look in Elizabeth Cox's eyes but didn't call it out—not right away. He just leaned back like he was at some casual get-together.

"Grandma, get well soon, okay? We need you at the wedding," Maximilian said, calm and collected.

"Wedding?" Elizabeth blurted. That was news—there hadn't been a word about a wedding before. Her eyes went wide as she looked at him.

Maximilian met her shocked stare with a gentle one. "But we're keeping it low-key. Just a small ceremony at home."

Elizabeth let out a relieved breath. A small family thing she could handle.

"Yes, yes, I'll recover fast. Now I've got something wonderful to look forward to," Grandma Carter said with a warm chuckle, her gaze resting fondly on Elizabeth.

"That's right—and don't forget, there's a great-grandbaby to look forward to!" Sue added brightly.

A great-grandbaby? No one had mentioned that either. Elizabeth's brows drew together, and she shot Maximilian a quick glance for reassurance.

Maximilian gave her a soft smile that said, Don't worry. Elizabeth slipped out of the room, cheeks burning, not daring to lift her head. She hadn't taken the expensive bracelet Grandma offered, so the older woman had given her a small wooden box instead, insisting it held something any young woman would cherish.

Maximilian carried the box and caught up with Elizabeth as she hurried to put on her mask outside.

"It's a private hospital. Completely secure," he reassured her.

"I know," Elizabeth said softly, eyes down.

The upscale surroundings were obvious everywhere.

"Then why do you look so guilty? Like you did something wrong," Maximilian asked, giving her a sidelong glance.

He opened the box casually. Diamonds flashed inside, and Elizabeth's attention snagged on them.

"It was my grandma's coming-of-age gift. She must be fond of you," he said.

Elizabeth stared at him, stunned. "Isn't that too extravagant? Should we return it?"

"That bracelet was a wedding gift from my grandfather. If you like it better, we can swap," Maximilian offered, his tone gentle enough to leave her speechless.

"No, no—they're both way too extravagant for me," Elizabeth whispered, shaking her head hard.

For someone pulling in about three thousand a month, luxury like that was intimidating. Unattainable.

"You were brave enough to chase me, but a few gifts scare you?" Maximilian teased lightly.

Elizabeth's face flushed even hotter. Embarrassment flooded through her.

"The elevator's here. Let's go," she murmured.

Maximilian followed, one brow arched, the box in his hands.

Outside, while they waited for the valet to bring the car around, Elizabeth hesitated. "Um... Mr. Carter, are we going to the office now?"

"We are."

"To avoid drawing attention, maybe I should take a separate cab," she suggested. Her eyes were still red and puffy from yesterday's tears.

Next to Maximilian's sheer presence, she looked exactly like what she was—the humble assistant.

"How do you usually get to work?" Maximilian asked, eyes narrowing slightly.

"I usually ride a Vespa. Or take the bus when it rains," Elizabeth answered earnestly.

Maximilian's lips curled into an amused smile. "Do you have a driver's license?"

"Yes," Elizabeth said, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

"Ride with me today. Tomorrow you can pick a car from the garage," he said, leaving no room for argument.

Elizabeth was completely thrown. Driving one of the CEO's luxury cars on her modest salary? That was a recipe for gossip.

"You're being too generous, Mr. Carter. Even your cheapest car is above my means," she protested, shaking her head.

Maximilian frowned at the formal address. Watching her timid expression, he let out a soft chuckle.

He stepped closer and gently tipped her chin up until her eyes met his. "You weren't shy when you were pulling at my clothes and feeling my muscles that night, were you?"

Elizabeth turned bright red. Her cheeks burned. Her eyes danced with embarrassment, lashes trembling slightly, as if protesting.

"Mr. Carter, we have to maintain professionalism in public!" she pleaded, panic edging into her voice. If anyone saw them, she'd be in trouble. Maximilian was popular—he drew attention from wealthy suitors wherever he went. If rumors started, her life would be anything but peaceful.

"Elizabeth, you're here as my wife, not a stranger," Maximilian said smoothly.

Elizabeth's face seemed to wilt. "I... I know, but... I'm nervous. I'm just an ordinary person, and you're in a different league."

Their unequal social standing meant that if they split, his life would go on unchanged—but hers would be picked apart, her privacy invaded. Their relationship had no real emotional foundation, and she wasn't sure he'd protect her if things went sideways.

Thinking about it, Elizabeth regretted her impulsive decision. Maybe the alcohol had clouded her judgment.

The valet brought the car around and opened the door for Maximilian with a polite bow.

"I'll go hail a cab," Elizabeth said, already turning to leave.

"Get in. Let's find you a car that's actually suitable for driving," Maximilian insisted.

"What?" Elizabeth said, confused, as he gently steered her into the passenger seat and set the wooden box on her lap.

She held it carefully, as if the slightest jolt might damage what was inside.

A moment later, Maximilian was behind the wheel. "What kind of car do you like?"

"You don't need to get me a car," Elizabeth said, surprised. "I'm fine with my Vespa."

"Your Vespa's too slow for the commute from my place," Maximilian remarked, his eyes lingering on her.

Elizabeth bit back a smile, touched by the thought. No one had ever shown her that kind of care before. Her heart warmed before she could stop it.

"Think fast."

Elizabeth remembered the route from his villa had no public transportation. Riding her Vespa would make her stand out even more. "Let me check," she said, pulling out her phone to look up the car she liked.

It was a compact, stylish two-seater.

"I've had my eye on this one, but it's a little expensive. I didn't want to splurge," she said.

"How much?"

"About fifteen grand."

Maximilian stared at her. "...That thing can actually go on the road?"

"Yes, it's electric. Really cute," Elizabeth defended, showing him the picture.

Maximilian looked at it, deeply unimpressed. "Aim higher."

A fifteen-thousand-dollar car next to his fleet of six-figure vehicles?

"How about this four-seater? Bigger model, better trim, around twenty-five thousand," she suggested, showing him another option.

Maximilian stared at her, his expression caught somewhere between disbelief and pain.

"Pricey cars are beyond my reach, so maybe I shouldn't get anything," Elizabeth said, pocketing her phone.

"Let's go with that one," Maximilian decided, catching the flicker of disappointment she tried to hide. He was already preparing to take her to buy it.

When the CEO pulled up to a budget car dealership in a Rolls-Royce, the staff went into a frenzy.

"A Rolls-Royce! That could buy out several of our entire inventories," a salesperson whispered.

"Wait—are they here to buy a car?" another added, excitement rising in their voice.

The whole team was practically glued to the windows.

Elizabeth was about to step out when she realized everyone was snapping photos. She urged Maximilian, "Mr. Carter, drive forward! They're taking pictures of us!"

Her panic hit its peak. She almost shook him.

Maximilian, halfway through unbuckling his seatbelt, glanced up. Her anxiety was obvious. He let out a slow sigh. "Am I really something to be ashamed of?"