Suddenly Became CEO's Wife Paralyzed

Emelia's POV"Marry Mr. Samuel, Emelia!"

I fell silent as I heard my father ask me to marry a man I didn't know at all. I looked calmly into his face. I knew for sure something wasn't right, considering that my father had always spoiled Bianca, my younger sister, more than he had me. It should have been Bianca who was asked, not me.

"Why me? Why not Bianca?" I asked with a blank expression.

"Your sister is still too young, Emelia!" replied Mom, who had just come in carrying a cup of hot tea for Dad.

Hearing that, I smiled cynically. Too young? That's a completely ridiculous excuse, considering we're only two years apart. Just last year, I had to give up the man I liked for Bianca, who it turned out also loved him.

"I'm sorry, I can't, Dad. I don't want to get married," I refused outright.

"You dare to talk back, Emelia? You have to marry Mr. Samuel, whether you like it or not! You have to be the collateral because your father owes his company a huge debt!" Mom said in a raised voice.

I smiled bitterly. So, the reason is the debt? How heartbreaking. I even found myself wondering if I was really their daughter or not. All this time, it's only Bianca who's received affection, while I've been treated like a servant in my own home.

"Marry him, Emelia. What Mom said is true! You won't just be collateral-your life will also be better after this. You'll marry the richest man in this country," Dad replied, glaring at me sharply.

"Then why not just Bianca? Why doesn't Dad's favorite daughter marry him so she can live comfortably?" I challenged him directly.

"No way! I don't want to be arranged to marry that paralyzed CEO! Let my sister marry him-he's a perfect match for her ugly face!" Bianca retorted, suddenly appearing.

I smiled cynically. Maybe if I took care of myself, my face would be as beautiful as Bianca's. But I've never had that chance-not even a single skincare product has ever touched my skin. No wonder I look dull and unkempt.

So that's the reason. Because that man is paralyzed, they're sacrificing me.

I nodded slowly, agreeing to the arranged marriage without a second thought. This is my ticket to escape this house that feels like hell.

I don't care if that man is paralyzed or even a monster. I'm getting married just so I can get out of here. After that, whether I'm divorced or cast out, I don't care-as long as I'm free from the family that's treated me like a slave for the past twenty-five years.

"All right, I'm willing to marry him. But I have one condition: after we're married, you're no longer my family. I'm done with you all!" I said firmly.

Everyone agreed, especially Bianca. She even leaned in and whispered in my ear that my future husband was a monster. I just stared at her blankly. I wasn't afraid-I'd already spent twenty-five years living with monsters in this house.

***

Who would've thought that the very next day, I'd be forcibly taken away by a group of men in black suits. I was ushered into a luxury car without knowing where we were headed.

Last night, I'd managed to look up some information about my future husband online. Samuel De Leon, a thirty-five-year-old man who'd been in a tragic accident three years ago. Rumors said Samuel was completely paralyzed, and his face was reportedly mangled like a monster's due to the explosion.

Not only his body, but his personality had also taken a terrifying turn. Samuel had become a hot-tempered man who flew into rages because of his condition. Reportedly, if he didn't like someone, he wouldn't hesitate to kill them on the spot.

It's terrifying, isn't it?

I should have run away that night. But no, I didn't care. Even if I had to die at his hands, I'd consider it fate. I'm just too tired of this life.

The car stopped in front of a magnificent mansion heavily guarded by dozens of bodyguards. I stood transfixed, staring at the opulence before me.

"Please step out, Ma'am. The Master is waiting for you inside," said a servant as he opened the car door.

I nodded. Suddenly, my heart began pounding. With slow, deliberate steps, I followed the guard into the house, whose interior was almost entirely lined with gold.

My steps halted when the loud sound of a plate shattering echoed through the vast room. I didn't tremble. I was used to rough treatment at my old home; my mother would often snatch my plate away and toss it aside just because I dared to eat without permission. The sound of a shattering plate wasn't something that could scare me.

"Sir, what was that noise?" I asked softly to the bodyguard beside me.

"That's Mr. Samuel, the lady's husband. He's probably angry at the servant because this morning's meal didn't suit his taste," he replied calmly, as if this were an everyday occurrence.

"Husband?" I repeated, since I thought our status was still that of fiancés.

"That's right, ma'am. He's already legally registered your marriage. You're officially Mr. Samuel's wife now."

I nodded slowly. So everything had been planned out this way. "Is he always like that?"

"No. He used to be very gentle. Everything changed after that accident."

I started walking again, wanting to see what kind of chaos my husband was causing. But I froze when I saw the man in the wheelchair. Where was the monstrous face everyone had been talking about?

What I saw was actually a very handsome man. His skin was smooth, clear, and radiant, without a single scar. I'm sure if Bianca saw this, she'd fall to her knees crying, begging to take my place.

There was no monster's face here. All there was was a gaze that was truly terrifying-cold and sharp like an eagle ready to pounce on its prey.

"Why did you throw away the food?" I asked directly, without a hint of fear. After all, I'm legally his wife now, right?

I saw the remains of food scattered on the floor. "What do you want to eat? I can make it for you. Don't waste food."

"Who told you to speak?" he hissed sharply. He stared at me with a gaze capable of freezing the blood in my veins.

I took a slow breath, steeling my resolve not to waver in the face of his intimidation. In fact, I wanted to soften that icy glare so that when he looked at me next, his gaze would be gentle.

"I'm your wife, so it's only natural that I speak," I replied calmly.

"Even though you're my wife, you have no right to boss me around! Especially since you're just a collateral wife. Your father couldn't pay his debts, so he sold you to me!"

I nodded, not the least bit offended or afraid by his words.

"True, my father did give me to you as collateral. But since I'm now your wife, I have the right to speak my mind-or even run this household."

"Don't even think about it!"

"Fine, then divorce me right now. I don't mind! I'll leave here this very second," I challenged him.

Samuel sneered. "It won't be that easy. You have to stay here and be a servant in this house!"

I gave a faint smile, then stepped closer and bent down slightly so our faces were level. "Ah, you mean a servant whose job is to serve you in bed as well, my husband?" I teased boldly.

***

"This is your room, Ma'am..."I looked at the room the maid had just shown me. It was quite large-in fact, very spacious compared to my room in my old house, which had only a thin mattress that left my whole body aching every morning.

"Am I sleeping alone?" I asked right away. Given that I was now a lawful wife, shouldn't I be sharing a room with my husband?

"Yes, Ma'am. Mr. Samuel's room is on the third floor," the servant replied politely.

I let out a long sigh and nodded. My eyes fell on a corner of the room, where several sets of maid uniforms were neatly arranged. Ah, so they really do want to turn me into a maid in this house.

Suddenly, a brilliant idea flashed through my mind. Without a word, I immediately stepped out to find my husband's room on the third floor.

I was panting as I climbed the stairs one by one. Still, I kept pushing myself. Damn it, why am I taking the stairs when there's an elevator? I grumbled to myself when I reached the second floor and saw a servant just stepping out of the elevator.

I immediately stepped into that metal box. My legs were already too tired to climb another floor.

As soon as the elevator doors opened on the third floor, I looked around. There were three large doors there. Which one was Samuel's room? I should have asked first, instead of just heading out. With hesitant yet determined steps, I tried opening one of the doors. It sounded rude, I know. But screw it-I'm the lady of the house here, even if they think of me as a kept wife.

The door opened. I stepped inside cautiously, taking in the room's interior, which was dominated by dark gray. The room was enormous-even the bed looked big enough to fit five people at once. Not a single photo was hanging on the walls.

My body suddenly went stiff when the bathroom door swung open.

Samuel rolled out in his motorized wheelchair. His upper body was completely bare, not a single thread in sight; only his lower half was covered by a white towel. I was transfixed. His body looked incredibly athletic and sexy, even though a few scars adorned his skin.

"What are you doing in my room?!" Samuel snapped, startling me.

Instantly, I composed my expression. I couldn't let him see that I was captivated by my own husband's body.

"Oh, I was just going to help you. You just finished showering, right? Do you want me to help you get dressed?" I offered as I stepped closer. However, my movement was halted by his firm refusal.

"No need! Get out! I don't like strangers entering my private space!"

Instead of leaving, I gave a faint smile. "Why call it a private room? Have you forgotten? I'm your wife. We're supposed to sleep in the same bed and share a room so I can help you, so I can..."

"Shut up, Emelia! Don't you have any fear? Everyone trembles in my presence!"

I shook my head slowly. "No. You're human, aren't you? Why would I be afraid of another human being?"

"You don't know me, Emelia. I could kill you right now!" he threatened in a low voice that made the air tremble.

"Want to kill me? Go ahead. Want to shoot me? Stab me? I'm not afraid to die," I replied calmly, though deep down I was cursing my own words. How could I have said something like that! I knew the man standing before me could act brutally if his wishes weren't obeyed.

"Get out of here, Emelia!"

"Why? I'm just trying to help!"

"Get out! Or I'll truly lose my patience and order my men to take turns with you!"

Instantly, my body froze. I felt a cold chill run through my veins. I'd rather be killed than be abused by a bunch of men.

"You're crazy! I'm your wife-how could you possibly pass me off to other men!" I snapped angrily. I immediately turned around and walked away as fast as I could before Samuel actually carried out his insane threat. Considering my status as merely a collateral wife, he might very well be that ruthless.

***

With a heavy heart, I put on that waitress uniform. When I was forcibly taken earlier, I hadn't had a moment to pack anything. Just a small bag containing my wallet and an old cell phone, which I'd now left abandoned on the nightstand.

Strangely, the outfit fit my body perfectly, as if it had been custom-made for my measurements.

My reverie was shattered by a loud knock on the door. As soon as I opened it, the bodyguard who'd picked me up yesterday was standing there, at attention.

"What is it?" I asked curtly.

"The master requests that you carry out your duties immediately," he replied flatly.

I furrowed my brow. Duties? What kind of duties did he assign me? Considering that my offer of help had just been flatly rejected, it seemed impossible that this could be a task involving bed service.

"Please follow me, Ma'am," the guard said again. I could only nod and trail behind him.

Curiosity gripped me as he led me to the vast backyard. As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but a vast expanse of grass and lush, towering trees.

"The Master instructed that you must pick up all the fallen leaves in this courtyard," the guard said expressionlessly.

My eyes widened instantly. "Sir, is this a mistake? I have to pick up all these leaves? This place is huge, Sir! Especially now that it's fall-the leaves won't stop falling!" I complained in frustration.

"That's what the master said, ma'am. This is your punishment for being insolent earlier," the guard added before finally striding off, leaving me alone.

I let out a long sigh, staring at the carpet of dry leaves covering the green grass. "Why does my life have to be like this? I have a family that's no good, and a husband who's out of his mind. Crazy!" I cursed in annoyance.

However, instead of picking up those leaves, I chose to lie down under the shadiest tree. I enjoyed the cool breeze brushing against my face.

There's no way I could clean all this up by myself. It's a futile task. Besides, I'd barely slept the night before because I'd been busy searching for information about my mysterious husband. My eyes felt incredibly heavy, so I decided to close them for a moment.

I don't know how long I'd been asleep. Suddenly, a piercing chill swept through my entire body. I jolted awake, gasping for air as if I'd been hit by a massive wave.

As soon as I regained my senses, I glared at a guard standing in front of me holding an empty bucket. My anger was about to explode, but I held back when I heard a deep voice from behind me.

"You're really enjoying sleeping here, aren't you!"

I turned and saw Samuel in his wheelchair. I glared at him angrily because he'd doused me until I was soaking wet.

"What? Don't like it?" Samuel challenged coldly. "That's your punishment for falling asleep on the job. Now get to work! Pick up all those fallen leaves with your own hands!"

"Why do I have to do it?" I retorted.

"Because you're the servant in this house! A servant's job is to clean!"

I let out a harsh breath, then stepped toward the man who was my husband, even though my clothes were still dripping with water. "But I'm your wife, Samuel."

"No. You're just collateral. You're just a servant!" he asserted, his gaze sharp.

I gave him a wry smile, then leaned in until our faces were only a few centimeters apart. The strong scent of his masculine cologne filled my nose.

"In that case, why not just make me your servant in bed? I'm ready, you know!" I teased in a bold tone that made Samuel's jaw clench instantly.

***

I really felt like the man who is now my husband was crazy.

Yes, crazy! Samuel De Leon had absolutely no compassion. My whole body felt shattered, especially my lower back, which felt like it was about to snap from having to rake up thousands of fallen leaves in that vast yard all this time.

I let out a long sigh as I lay down. At least there's one thing I can be grateful for: tonight I can sleep on a soft bed. My suffering doesn't feel quite as bad as it did at my parents' house. Here, I can also eat as much as I want without having to wait for their leftovers or ask Mom for permission.

"It seems I really am not their biological child," I murmured softly.

That thought always crossed my mind whenever I recalled how they'd treated me over the past twenty-five years. But I quickly pushed it aside. It's all in the past now. I'm free from that hell and am officially part of the De Leon family.

Now, I have only one focus: survival. But how? Am I going to let myself continue to be a lowly servant, just as Samuel wants? Or should I fight to make him see me as a wife?

I closed my eyes, letting a faint smile play on my lips. I decided to try something crazy-I'm going to seduce my own husband.

Even if it turns out he's truly cold or can't give me what I want because of his condition, at least I'll have tried. I want to see just how far that arrogant man's defenses will hold when I start entering his world.

***

The next morning, I was awakened by a loud knock on my bedroom door. I jolted awake-it wasn't like me to sleep in. Maybe it was because my whole body felt like it was falling apart from yesterday's grueling work, or because the mattress was so soft?

"What is it?" I asked curtly to the guard behind the door.

"The master is waiting for you by the pool right now," he explained briefly.

I nodded while letting out a long sigh. Without changing my clothes or even taking a shower, I immediately stepped outside. All along the hallway, the servants stared at me with various expressions. Some bowed respectfully-after all, I was the homeowner's wife-but others sneered cynically at my disheveled appearance.

I didn't care. I was determined to change. I was no longer the weak, easily bullied Emelia Perez.

"What?" I asked immediately upon reaching Samuel.

"That's rude. It's this late and you've just woken up and haven't even showered yet!" Samuel snapped, glaring at me with a condescending look.

"It's your own fault. Yesterday I was forced to clean that huge yard all by myself-it's only natural that I'm exhausted," I replied calmly, without a care in the world.

"Now, clean this swimming pool!" he ordered sharply.

I turned toward the pool and my eyes widened instantly. How could this be? The pool was full of floating dry leaves, even though I'd seen it perfectly clean yesterday afternoon. Besides, there weren't any large trees growing right at the edge of the pool. This was clearly done on purpose.

"Why is the pool this dirty?" I asked, demanding an explanation.

"Clean it up. Don't talk so much!"

I let out a huff. I knew this was definitely his doing, just to torment me. But instead of complaining, I gave a faint smile. Cleaning the pool meant I could play in the water to my heart's content.

Without a moment's hesitation, I ran straight over and plunged into the clear water. I swam back and forth nimbly, letting the cool water wash away the fatigue from my body.

"What are you doing?! I told you to clean the pool, not swim!" Samuel's loud voice stopped what I was doing.

I just clicked my tongue. I moved toward the edge to grab the cleaning net, but my steps halted when I heard Samuel's next command.

"Stop right there!" Samuel turned to his men. "All of you, get out of here now! Don't anyone dare look in the direction of the pool. If anyone's caught peeking, I'll gouge out your eyes!"

I swallowed hard at that brutal threat. The guards quickly scattered. Once it was quiet, I realized something. I was wearing thin white pajamas. Soaked as I was, the fabric clung tightly to my body and had become see-through. I wasn't even wearing a bra.

The curves of my body and my breasts were clearly visible through the wet fabric. Oh, so that's why he chased everyone away?

Suddenly, a crazy idea popped into my head. Instead of grabbing the pool cleaning supplies, I stepped closer to Samuel with slow, seductive movements. I deliberately unbuttoned one button on my pajama top to expose more of my cleavage.

"What are you doing, Emelia?" Samuel snapped as I stood right in front of him. His breathing seemed a little ragged.

"Nothing. I just wanted to say good morning to my husband," I replied calmly, looking him straight in the eye.

I smiled smugly as Samuel looked away when I bent down in front of him. Boldly, my hand brushed against his thigh, clad in expensive slacks. I knew his leg was paralyzed, but I was curious if the rest of his body was numb too.

"Why are you looking away? Are you scared?" I asked teasingly.

"Get away, Emelia!"

"Get away where? I just want to see my husband's face up close. Turns out you're really handsome, especially when touched like this..."

Just as my hand was about to touch his cheek, Samuel swiftly grabbed my wrist. "Don't you dare touch me!" he snapped, his gaze sharp enough to kill.

Far from being scared, I actually chuckled softly. I pulled Samuel's gripping hand toward me and pressed it firmly against my damp chest. I wanted to see just how long this man could hold out.

The corners of my lips turned up as I watched Samuel's face suddenly go pale. His eyes widened in shock when he felt the warmth of my skin beneath his palm.

"Why? I'm your wife, aren't I? Didn't you send all the bodyguards away because you didn't want them to see this asset of yours? So, don't you want to give it a try?" I whispered right into his ear.

THUD!

My body was sent flying backward as Samuel shoved me roughly. Without saying a single word, he immediately spun his motorized wheelchair around and left me there.

"Ouch! Damn it!" I groaned in frustration as I rubbed my butt, which had slammed hard against the floor. "That guy is really stubborn!"

***

"Hey, you! You're just sitting here enjoying your meal. Go work like everyone else!"

I was in the middle of enjoying a slice of fresh fruit when I turned my head. I looked at a female waitress who seemed younger than the others, standing there with her hands on her hips.

"Why aren't you saying anything? Hurry up and go work-don't just freeload on food!" she snapped again.

I didn't budge. I had absolutely no intention of getting up from this plush chair. My principle now was simple: I would only work if Samuel told me to. Otherwise, I would enjoy the amenities of this palace like a queen-at least until Samuel showed up again. Ever since the incident by the pool this morning, that man had vanished without a trace.

None of the other servants actually dared to reprimand me. They were probably confused or hesitant, seeing how bold I was to be relaxing during work hours. However, the girl in front of me seemed to have lost her mind. Or did she not know who I was?

"This new girl is crazy! Told to clean up, and she's turning a deaf ear! You have to work like the rest of us-don't just sit around and eat! You're just a servant here!" she yelled as she grabbed my wrist and yanked it roughly.

"Ow!" I yelped as her grip squeezed my skin so tightly.

"Feel that! So you know what it's like. Get to work! You're just a servant!" he said, shoving me with all his might until I fell to the floor.

I let out a harsh breath. Rage was boiling in my head. I was just about to get up to retaliate, but that intention vanished when a deep, baritone voice echoed from behind.

"What's going on here?"

It was Samuel. The man appeared in his wheelchair, staring at us with an icy glare. Behind him were several bodyguards following him.

"Sir, I'm sorry for causing a commotion," the young servant immediately bowed his head in fear, his voice trembling. "I was just trying to tell this new servant to do his job properly, instead of sitting around relaxing and munching on snacks."

I remained silent. I slowly stood up, wincing in pain. Damn it, today my butt had already hit the floor hard twice because of that man and his servant.

"Do you know who she is?" Samuel asked in a flat, inscrutable tone.

I curled my lips into a cynical smile inside. My heart suddenly began to race. This was the moment. I couldn't wait to hear Samuel announce in front of this insolent servant that I was his wife, the lady of this house.

However, the words that came out of Samuel's mouth hit me harder than the servant's shove earlier.

"She's my personal servant," Samuel said firmly. "She only works when I tell her to. Otherwise, she doesn't have to do anything. Don't you ever dare give her orders again!"

My lips instantly curled into a pout. The pride that had briefly surged in my chest vanished instantly, replaced by a suffocating tightness.

Personal servant?

I wanted to laugh bitterly. It turned out that even in front of others, Samuel was still reluctant to acknowledge my status as his wife. To him, I was still nothing more than collateral who had merely been promoted to the rank of special servant.

***