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

talking nonsense.” Marcus fixed her with a penetrating gaze before scoffing, “If you're feeling lonely and need some ‘comfort; I'm available to help!” “No,

snuggled against his

answer that question? Fortunately, the nurse

leave. As the nurse approached Marcus to take Matthew's temperature, her

chance to freshen up, washing

freshened up, Marcus entered and quietly closed the

whispered, “What are

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

to find a boyfriend. What does that have to do

her

turning on the tap and letting it

her against the

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

nurses just outside, she dared not make a

but to no avail; she

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,

with 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 know you desire me.” With a

cold water on her

had arrived, bearing clean clothes for Marcus along with a

Czanch. Otherwise, they would

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

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

Melissa sat beside Matthew. It had been a while since Sylvia 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 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

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

thankful to

a mental note to

from the bathroom, looking

Matthew gazed at him with

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

when she mentioned “dad,” melting

embraced his

about to depart, the

they entered, they noticed

powerful; he was also incredibly handsome. Shawn had

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

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

little Matthew. If your dad doesn't care about you, your Uncle Shawn and Aunt Janet can take

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

his words

Marcus adjusted his cufflinks.

boyfriend and can't manage Matthew, Ill take care of him." With that, he nodded at them and

he really believe no man desires Melissa? Men would fight for a woman like her.”

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

Julie looking after Matthew, it

to postpone it until tomorrow. She spent the morning reviewing documents and was occupied with the latest

afternoon, some

in their project and was considering investing

Melissa wanted to arrange a meeting with

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

the

to give Alan. However, beyond the gift, the

testing

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

pick me up?” She crouched down

you have to work too. Yet you always stay with me.” Smiling, she responded, “Aren't

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

feigned annoyance. “Watch your words. When you meet Matthew's 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.” 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

up the ringing

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

better than her, looking down on her. He was the one who flirted with her but also made fun

broke up, navigating their relationship was

him, her silence

talk to Matthew. Melissa passed the phone

okay? I already have a headache, and it's getting worse. I

gently, “Who put that in your head?” “I came up

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

a headache coming

now 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, a sensation he couldn't

turned down the boy's requests. Maybe it was because

Afew years ago...

descended the stairs and headed

driver promptly

barely stepped through the door when

grumbled, “Mom, you're so weak in front of Marcus. You can't stand up for

more restrained around men.”

unexpectedly. Despite Melissa's surprise, she chose to

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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