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.

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

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

Dad?” Matthew snuggled against his

Marcus really answer that question? Fortunately, the nurse

reluctant to leave. As the nurse approached Marcus

the chance to freshen up, washing her face and

up, Marcus entered and quietly closed the door behind

mirror, she whispered, “What are you doing?” Marcus and she locked eyes

softly, “Are you planning to find a boyfriend?” At the

I'm going to find a boyfriend. What does that

gazed at her for

approached slowly, turning on the tap

her

her back pressed against the wall, Marcus’ robust form looming over her. Echoes of the previous night, he grasped her chin, compelling

and the nurses just outside, she

and bit him, but to no avail; she

suddenly released her. Stepping back, he began to adjust

against the wall,

rage as she cursed, “You bastard!” Marcus, 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

was seething with anger, splashing cold water on her face for an

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

still in Czanch. Otherwise, they would

got sick and there was no need

and had a fever. Kids got sick

last saw Melissa, and after exchanging a few pleasantries, she couldn't help 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. 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 excelling

felt deeply thankful to Sylvia for

mental note to repay Sylvia's kindness

looking sharp and mature as he prepared for a business

at him with

up, but Melissa gently intervened,

especially when she mentioned

embraced

about to depart, the ward door swung open, admitting Julie and

as they entered, they noticed a group of

also incredibly handsome. Shawn had looked up to Marcus

abandoned Melissa, the girl he had always seen as

for his son! It took you

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

to balance work and family alone. Stress and fatigue can age a woman quickly. She might struggle to

don't take his words to heart, Mr. Fowler,” Julie interjected with a

Marcus adjusted his cufflinks.

at Melissa, smiling. “No worries! I understand. But if Melissa decides she wants to find a boyfriend and can't

waved his fist, exclaiming, “What's he implying? Does he really believe no man desires Melissa? Men would fight for a woman like her.” “Be quiet. You're always

Matthew. “Matthew, don't you agree? Your mommy is both beautiful and capable, isn't she?” Matthew chuckled,

after Matthew, it eased

tomorrow. She

some good news

interest in their project and was

to arrange

However, it was scheduled for an auction in two days rather than a private meeting.

the most

consider the perfect gift to give Alan. However, beyond the gift, the

was testing

Melissa found herself in a lighter mood. When she glanced over, she spotted Matthew standing next to the suitcase, dressed neatly and clutching a stuffed

asked, “Will Dad come to pick me up?”

saying, “But you have to work too. Yet you always stay with me.” Smiling, she responded, “Aren't you glad I'm here with

recent unpleasantness, exploring the interior curiously. Shawn winked at him. “My car is pretty cool, huh? While it's not as fancy as a limo, it

Shawn grinned. “Melissa is stunning. She shouldn't sacrifice her dignity for any man, 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, her phone rang. It was Marcus

up

you'd be swamped with work” “Melissa, am I just

talk to Marcus. He always acted like he was better than her, looking down on her. He was the one who flirted with her but also

their relationship

her silence spoke

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

stop fighting with mom, okay? I already have a headache, and it's getting worse. I need to take

his demeanor softened, and he inquired gently, “Who put that in your

to their wives, but you're always so mean to mom. It makes

felt a headache

hand, until he finally relented, willing to appease the boy. “Alright, I promise I'l be good to your mother from now on, okay?” “Really? You're not just saying that, are you?” “No! Il stick

rarely spent time with Matthew, he never turned down the boy's requests. Maybe it was because Matthew echoed memories of

Afew years ago...

the call, Marcus descended the stairs and headed to

driver promptly ignited the

stepped through the door when

this, Julie whisked Shawn off. Shawn grumbled, “Mom, you're so weak in front of Marcus. You can't

more restrained around men.” “I

unexpectedly. Despite Melissa's surprise, she chose

Marcus and Matthew, then

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

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