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.

beautiful. Julie said Mom has to get smarter and she can't live as if she were a widow. Dad, what does that mean?” Melissa couldn't bear to

talking nonsense.” Marcus fixed her with a penetrating gaze before scoffing, “If you're feeling

Matthew snuggled

answer that question? Fortunately, the nurse arrived to take

koala, reluctant to leave. As the nurse approached Marcus

freshen up, washing

entered and quietly

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

you planning to find a boyfriend?” At the thought

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

gazed at her for

the

pinned her against

Marcus’ robust form looming over her. Echoes of the previous night, he grasped her chin, compelling her into

outside, she

bit him, but to no avail; she couldn't

suddenly released her. Stepping back, he began to adjust his shirt,

against

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 me.” With a brief glance, he opened the

on her face for an extended period

driver and Sylvia had arrived, bearing clean

Otherwise, they would have come to visit

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

merely caught a cold and had a fever. Kids got sick and there

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 things.” Sylvia affectionately patted her head and remarked, “So, you were just smitten by his appearance back then?” Melissa didn't refute the fact that she didn't really think things through when

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

Melissa felt deeply thankful to Sylvia

mental note to repay Sylvia's

Melissa and Sylvia conversed, Marcus emerged from the bathroom, looking sharp and mature as

Matthew gazed at him with

Melissa gently intervened, saying, “Your dad has a meeting. Can you hug him

she mentioned “dad,” melting Marcus’

Marcus embraced his

the ward door swung open, admitting Julie and

as they entered, they

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

seen as his own sister. That made Shawn hated Marcus

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

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

and fatigue can age a woman quickly. She might struggle to find a

manners. Please don't take his words to heart,

Marcus adjusted his cufflinks.

understand. But if Melissa decides she wants to find a boyfriend and can't manage Matthew, Ill

no man desires Melissa? Men would fight for a woman

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

it

until tomorrow. She spent the morning reviewing documents and was occupied

the afternoon, some good news

their project

arrange a meeting with

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

the

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

was testing

the call, Melissa found herself in a lighter mood. When she glanced over, she spotted Matthew standing next to the

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

ruffled 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 with me.” Smiling, she responded, “Aren't

winked at him. “My car is pretty cool, huh?

father in the future, keep your mouth shut” 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.”

up the

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 with work” “Melissa, am I just a spare part of your life? If Matthew

always acted like he was better than her, looking down on her. He was the one who flirted

their relationship was a mystery

to him, her silence

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

a headache, and it's getting worse. I need to

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

you're always so mean to mom. It

a headache

forth, phone in 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

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

Afew years ago...

the call, Marcus descended the stairs and headed to

promptly ignited the

stepped through the

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

around men.” “I

Despite Melissa's surprise, she chose to maintain

Marcus and Matthew, then retreated to

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

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