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 that mean?” Melissa couldn't bear to listen

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

snuggled

that question? Fortunately, the

the nurse approached

chance to freshen up, washing her face and brushing her

entered and

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

to find a boyfriend?” At the

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

her for

approached slowly, turning on the tap and

pinned her

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

Matthew and the nurses just outside, she dared

him, but to no

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

against the wall,

you might have to contain your desires for now.” ‘s Angrily, she retorted, “It doesn't concern you” “Stop denying it. I know you

cold water on her face

had arrived, bearing clean clothes for Marcus along with a hearty breakfast and

are still in Czanch. Otherwise, they would have come to visit Matthew in person.” Melissa paid no mind

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

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

With a faint smile, Melissa replied, “Thanks

between Melissa and Marcus was unlikely, prompting her

thankful

mental note to repay Sylvia's kindness in the

looking sharp and mature

at

lift him up, but Melissa gently intervened, saying, “Your dad

voice softened, especially when she mentioned “dad,” melting Marcus’ heart.

Marcus embraced his

about to depart, the ward door swung open, admitting

they noticed

was also incredibly handsome. Shawn had looked up to Marcus

had always seen as

has time for his son!

if you abandoned Melissa, you should care for your son. Poor little Matthew. If your dad doesn't care about you, your Uncle

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

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

Marcus adjusted his cufflinks.

But if Melissa decides she wants to find a boyfriend and

“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 causing

mommy is both beautiful

it eased much of

to the company that day but had to postpone it until tomorrow.

afternoon, some good

an interest in their project and was considering

wanted to arrange

scheduled for an auction in two days rather than a private meeting. Melissa understood

the

However, beyond the gift, the most crucial aspect

testing her

herself in a lighter mood. When she glanced over, she spotted Matthew standing next

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

to come today.” He pouted, saying, “But you have to work too. Yet you always stay with me.” Smiling, she responded, “Aren't

unpleasantness, exploring the interior curiously. Shawn winked at him. “My

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

up the ringing

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 with work” “Melissa, am I just a spare part of your life? If Matthew didn't know about me, would you prefer I stay away from your life for good?” A pang shot through her

was better than her, looking down on her. He was the one who flirted with her

up, navigating their relationship was

her silence

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

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

demeanor softened, and he inquired gently, “Who put

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

a

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 to my promise.”

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

Afew years ago...

ending the call, Marcus descended the stairs and headed to the car. “Take me to

driver promptly ignited

stepped through

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

more restrained around

Melissa's surprise, she chose to

sake. She carved out space for Marcus and Matthew, then retreated to the

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

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