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.

cast 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 if she were a widow. Dad, what does

scoffing, “If you're feeling lonely and need some ‘comfort; I'm available to help!” “No, thank you!” Melissa

Matthew snuggled against his

question? Fortunately, the

like a koala, reluctant to leave. As the nurse approached Marcus to

to freshen up, washing her

freshened up, Marcus entered and quietly

are you doing?” Marcus and she locked eyes

to find a boyfriend?” At the thought of their breakup and Violette, Melissa

to find a boyfriend. What does that have to do with you?” She

her

the tap

her against the

of the previous night, he grasped her chin, compelling her into a deep kis

just outside, she dared not

but to no

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

against the wall,

a hoarse voice after a Lingering glance. “Sorry, but you might have to contain your desires

with anger, splashing cold water on her face for an extended period

arrived, bearing clean clothes for Marcus along

Mrs. Fowler are still in Czanch. Otherwise, they would

a fever. Kids got sick and there was no need to fuss over it.

cold and had a fever. Kids got

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. But Marcus will tie the knot sooner or later. We don't see eye to eye on many

a reconciliation between Melissa and Marcus was unlikely, prompting her to switch topics. “I've heard you've been

thankful to Sylvia for her

mental note to repay Sylvia's

emerged from the bathroom, looking sharp and mature

gazed at

up, but Melissa gently intervened,

when she

embraced his

to depart, the ward door swung open, admitting Julie

they entered, they

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

girl he had always seen as his own sister. That made Shawn hated Marcus at the same

finally has time for his son! It took you days to realize he was sick. Well, you're

dad doesn't care about you, your Uncle Shawn

a woman quickly. She might struggle to find a decent man in the future.” He continued, incensed, until Julie

Please don't take his words to heart, Mr. Fowler,” Julie

Marcus adjusted his cufflinks.

boyfriend and can't manage Matthew, Ill

Shawn waved his fist, exclaiming, “What's he implying? Does he really believe no man desires Melissa? Men

mommy is both beautiful and capable,

it eased much

had intended to go to the company that day but had to postpone it until tomorrow. She spent the morning reviewing

the afternoon, some good news

in their

to arrange

scheduled for an auction in two days rather than a

were the

beyond the gift, the most crucial aspect was establishing a good rapport with

was testing her

she glanced over, she spotted Matthew standing next to the suitcase, dressed neatly and clutching a stuffed

“Will Dad come to pick me up?”

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 with me.” Smiling, she

into Shawn's car, he had already forgotten the recent unpleasantness, exploring the interior curiously. Shawn winked at him. “My car is pretty

right? Mom, don't fret. If he truly cares 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, right?” Just as Melissa was about to speak,

up the

discharged from the hospital. Why didn't you clue me in?” “I figured you'd be swamped with work” “Melissa, am I just a spare part of your life? If Matthew didn't know about me, would you prefer I

down on her. He was

they broke up, navigating their relationship was a mystery

him, her

before requesting to talk to Matthew. Melissa passed the phone to her son. “It’s your

okay? I already have a headache, and it's getting worse. I need to take medicine when my head hurts. And the medicine tastes really bad.” Marcus was taken aback.

softened, and he inquired gently, “Who put that in your head?” “I

are nice to their wives, but you're always so mean to

a headache

the boy. “Alright, I promise I'l be good to your mother from now on, okay?” “Really? You're not just saying that,

with Matthew, he never turned down the boy's requests. Maybe it

Afew years ago...

the stairs and headed to the car. “Take me to see

driver promptly ignited

and Matthew barely stepped through the

so weak in front of Marcus.

around men.” “I

Despite Melissa's surprise, she chose

carved out space for Marcus and Matthew, then retreated to

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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