Having spent two days in the hospital since Matthew fell ll, Melissa was exhausted and really wasn't up for an argument. Finally, she replied with a hint of resignation, “Fine. If you insist on staying, then I'll come back ‘tomorrow morning to take over.” It seemed like the only reasonable option to Melissa at that moment.

Marcus continued to gaze at her intensely, yet remained silent.

Melissa looked down, ready to gather her belongings, when suddenly Marcus caught her wrist... In an instant, she was in Marcus’ embrace.

Through his coat, she could distinctly feel the rhythm of Marcus’ heartbeat.

Melissa was taken by surprise, completely thrown off balance.

She hadn't anticipated Marcus cornering her like this. After a brief moment of shock, she tried to pull away, but Marcus gripped her hand firmly, showing no signs of letting go.

Their faces were inches apart, his breath warm against her ear, causing her to feel increasingly uncomfortable.

“It's just a reflex. Don't read too much into it, Miss Brown.” Melissa clenched her teeth, replying sharply, “I'm not thinking anything! Let go of me, right now.” Yet, Marcus didn't release her. He drew her even closer... Despite their son sleeping on the bed nearby, Marcus seemed utterly indifferent. Now he only had eyes for Melissa.

The bright light made Melissa's cheeks turn a deep shade of red.

Her voice shook with anger as she demanded, “What are you trying to do, Marcus?” Being under Marcus’ control made Melissa lose her usual confidence.

Her words sounded more like a plea than a question.

Marcus, with one arm wrapped around her waist, tenderly caressed her face with his other hand, overwhelming Melissa completely.

Feeling embarrassed, Melissa turned away. She wanted to argue with Marcus but felt too self-conscious to do so. After a tense moment, Marcus leaned in and ki*sed her passionately, leaving her breathless.

Melissa tried to resist, but Marcus was much stronger.

He gently held her chin, making her face him as he continued to ki*s her repeatedly.

Then, Marcus reached under her dress, causing Melissa to cry.

Suddenly, the moment lost all its romance.

Melissa hung her head, crying, clearly not enjoying his advances.

After a pause, Marcus looked at her and mumbled, “Sorry about that.

Fm drunk”

His apology seemed weak, and he didn't offer any further explanation.

Melissa got up quietly, her hands trembling as she straightened her clothes. Marcus gently touched her waist and suggested, “Why don't you sleep on the bed with Matthew? I won't touch you again, I promise.” Melissa couldn't help but think he was such a jerk.

But pushing him away now would only cause more drama.

Without a word, Melissa went to bed fully clothed. Once the lights were off, the room fell silent, filled only with the Lingering scent of Marcus.

The night stretched on endlessly.

It marked Marcus and Melissa's first time sharing a room since their breakup.

Tension permeated the room.

Melissa lay on her side, hugging Matthew tightly. It was very quiet at night, and she could almost hear the gentle sound of snowflakes drifting outside. Time slipped away unnoticed as she slowly drifted into slumber.

Marcus was less than two meters away, lying quietly as well From the corner of his eye, Marcus observed Melissa sleeping beside Matthew, who occupied most of the bed. Her slender form lay partially exposed, her back bare beneath the quilt. Marcus noted her fragility, realizing he could encircle her waist with a single hand.

Marcus was just an ordinary man.

Just moments ago, he had ki*sed and touched Melissa, and those memories flashed through his mind like scenes from a movie.

Uncomfortably, he turned over, attempting to conceal his desire.

The narrow sofa made it difficult for him to sleep well.

Later, he checked on Matthew and discovered that Melissa was also awake.

However, they exchanged glances without uttering a word.

Matthew awoke early the next morning.

The little boy felt considerably better. Quietly, he slipped out of bed and

made his way to the sofa, plopping down on his father’s stomach.

Marcus groaned, his eyes fluttering open.

“Daddy!” Matthew called out affectionately and nuzzled his head against Marcus’ neck, clearly expressing his joy.

Despite the warmth in the ward, Matthew was clad only in a thin hospital gown. Marcus reached out, grasping Matthew's arm, and enveloped him in his embrace. Together, they shared the warmth of a woolen overcoat.

Matthew complained, “Your coat smells like wine.” Marcus rested one hand behind his head, gently patting his son's back with the other. Matthews small frame radiated warmth and softness, exuding undeniable adorableness.

He said softly, “Daddy had to meet clients, and we drank wine while talking” Resting against him, Matthew pondered for a moment before asking, “Will there ever be a beautiful lady sitting on your lap like I see on TV?" Marcus frowned, retorting, “What kind of TV shows have you been watching?” Coincidentally, Melissa woke up just then, overhearing their ‘conversation.

Matthew was pleased by the response, yet soon after, he pouted. “I forgot you have a girlfriend.” Marcus fell silent.

Matthew buried his face against his father's neck, murmuring softly, “Mom said I don't have to call your girlfriend ‘mom’! So when Mom finds a boyfriend, I won't have to call him ‘dad either.” He displayed remarkable consideration and open-mindedness.

a meaningful glance at Melissa and remarked casually, “Oh, does your mom have a boyfriend?” Matthew sighed. “There will be. She's so beautiful. Julie said Mom has to get smarter and she can't live as

with a penetrating gaze before scoffing, “If you're feeling lonely and need some ‘comfort; I'm available to

snuggled against

really answer that question? Fortunately, the nurse arrived to take

As the nurse approached Marcus to take Matthew's temperature, her face

chance to freshen up, washing

up, Marcus entered and quietly closed the

in the mirror, she whispered, “What are you doing?” Marcus

asked softly, “Are you planning to find a boyfriend?” At the thought of their breakup and Violette, Melissa

a boyfriend. What does that have to do with

gazed at her

approached slowly, turning on the

pinned her against the

previous night, he grasped her chin, compelling her into a deep

Matthew and the nurses just outside, she dared

kicked and bit him, but to no

wanted, he suddenly released her. Stepping back, he began to adjust his shirt, casting a leisurely gaze at

against the wall,

with a lazy and arrogant demeanor, finally spoke in a hoarse voice after a Lingering glance. “Sorry, but you might have to contain your desires for now.” ‘s Angrily, she retorted, “It doesn't concern you” “Stop denying it. I know you desire

splashing cold water on her face for an extended

she emerged, Marcus’ driver and Sylvia had arrived, bearing clean clothes for Marcus

mentioned, “Mr. and Mrs. Fowler are still in Czanch. Otherwise, they would have come to visit Matthew in

had merely caught a cold and had a fever. Kids got sick and there was no need to fuss over it.

had merely caught a cold and had a fever. Kids got sick and there was no need

but express her concern. “The Finch family is quite distressed. Violette has visited the Fowler family two or three times already this past week.” With a faint smile, Melissa replied, “Thanks for the update.

and Marcus was unlikely, prompting her to switch topics. “I've heard you've

felt deeply thankful to Sylvia

note to repay Sylvia's kindness in

Marcus emerged from the bathroom, looking sharp and mature as he prepared for a business

gazed at

lift him up, but Melissa gently intervened, saying,

she mentioned “dad,” melting Marcus’

embraced

was about to depart, the

entered, they noticed a group of people

admired Marcus greatly. Marcus wasn't just powerful; he was also incredibly handsome. Shawn had looked up

always seen as

“Oh, look who finally has time for his son! It took you days to realize he was sick.

Poor little Matthew. If your dad doesn't care about you, your Uncle Shawn and Aunt Janet can take care of you

have to balance work and family alone. Stress and fatigue can age a woman quickly. She might struggle to find a decent man in the future.” He

his words to heart, Mr. Fowler,” Julie interjected

Marcus adjusted his cufflinks.

she wants to find a boyfriend and can't manage Matthew, Ill take care of him." With that, he nodded at them

no man desires

agree? Your mommy is both beautiful and capable, isn't

looking after Matthew, it eased much

to postpone it until tomorrow. She spent the morning reviewing documents and was occupied with the latest financing

some good news

their project

arrange a

was scheduled for an auction in two days rather than a

were the most

give Alan. However, beyond the

testing

lighter mood. When she glanced over, she spotted Matthew standing next to the suitcase, dressed neatly and clutching a stuffed toy-his favorite teddy

asked, “Will Dad come to pick me up?” She crouched down

his hair, replying, “He's working. He might not be able to come today.” He pouted, saying, “But you have to work too. Yet you always stay

him. “My car is pretty cool, huh? While it's not as fancy as a limo, it can fit seven people. Perfect for us”

about Melissa, he can handle criticism. And what I said is true” Melissa muttered, “'m done with him.” Matthew said sadly, “My dad has a girlfriend.” Shawn scratched his head, adding, “His loss,

up the

door of the ward, Marcus stood, one hand resting on his hip while the other gripped the phone. “Matthew has been discharged from the hospital. Why didn't you clue me in?” “I figured you'd be swamped

than her, looking down on her.

up, navigating their

her

talk to Matthew. Melissa passed the phone to her son. “It’s your dad.” Matthew's mood soured

and it's getting worse. I need to take medicine when my head hurts. And the medicine tastes really bad.”

his demeanor softened, and he inquired gently, “Who put that in your head?” “I came up with it

always so mean to mom. It makes me sad” With that,

felt a

finally relented, willing to appease the boy. “Alright, I promise I'l be good to your mother from now on, okay?” “Really?

boy's requests. Maybe it was because

Afew years ago...

and headed

promptly ignited the

stepped through

Julie whisked Shawn off. Shawn grumbled, “Mom, you're so weak in front of Marcus. You

restrained around men.” “I

appeared unexpectedly. Despite Melissa's surprise, she chose

Matthew, then

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