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.

She's so beautiful. Julie said Mom has to get smarter and

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

Dad?” Matthew snuggled against

Fortunately, the nurse arrived to take

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

freshen up, washing

freshened up, Marcus entered and quietly closed the door behind

she whispered, “What are you doing?”

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

What does that have to

her

turning on the tap and

her

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

Matthew and the nurses just outside, she dared not make

but to no

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

against

a hoarse voice after a Lingering glance. “Sorry, but you might have to contain your desires for now.” ‘s Angrily, she retorted,

on her face for an

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

would have come to visit Matthew in person.” Melissa

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

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

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

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

thankful to Sylvia for

made a mental note to repay

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

gazed at him with

him up, but Melissa gently intervened,

she mentioned

embraced

depart, the ward door

entered, they noticed a

powerful; he was also incredibly handsome. Shawn had

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

has time for his son! It took you days to realize he was

If your dad

age a woman quickly. She might struggle to find a decent

take his words to

Marcus adjusted his cufflinks.

glanced at Melissa, smiling. “No worries! I understand. But if Melissa decides she wants to find a boyfriend

closed, Shawn 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

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

it eased much

company that day but had to postpone it until tomorrow.

the afternoon, some good news

interest in their

Melissa wanted to arrange

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

the

to consider the perfect gift to give Alan. However, beyond the gift, the most crucial aspect was establishing

testing

she spotted Matthew standing next to the suitcase, dressed neatly and clutching a stuffed toy-his favorite

me up?” She crouched down

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 you glad I'm here with you? How about this? When I'm busy, I'l have Daddy keep

him. “My car

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

up the

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

like he was better than her, looking down on her. He was the one

their relationship was

to him, her silence spoke

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

it's getting worse. I need to take medicine when my head hurts. And the

his demeanor softened, and he inquired gently, “Who put

you're always so mean to

a headache

on, okay?” “Really? You're not just saying that, are you?” “No! Il stick to my promise.” Saying this, Marcus felt a twinge of sadness,

the boy's requests. Maybe it was because Matthew echoed memories

Afew years ago...

call, Marcus descended the stairs and headed to

promptly

barely stepped through

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

be more restrained around men.” “I know”

surprise, she chose to maintain harmony

She carved out space for Marcus and Matthew, then retreated to the kitchen to prepare a

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

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