The assistant stammered nervously:
“Um, sir, the certificate is real…
“I checked with the civil affairs bureau. The divorce agreement was signed on May 8th.”
May 8th…
Marcus’s pupils constricted.
He had signed something that day, supposedly related to Lily.
Realizing what had happened, Marcus flew into a rage.
Melody tried to calm him down:
“It’s okay, Marcus. It’s better that she left. You two didn’t love each other anyway, why keep torturing each other?”
Melody felt a secret thrill of joy.
She did have a moral compass and truly didn’t want to be a man’s mistress.
How could she not be moved by such a powerful, handsome man doting on her?
But Marcus had never mentioned divorcing his wife to marry her.
Even the wedding ceremony was just for show to placate her.
She knew deep down that without that official document, she would always just be ti
Now things were different. Marcus was divorced, so she..
the woman Marcus kept on the side.
6:03 AM
But Marcus ruthlessly cut off Melody’s train of thought.
His voice was harsh and tinged with anger
“I don’t agree to this. She has to stay by my side for the rest of her life”
Melody was stunned, unable to react for a long moment.
Meanwhile, Marcus was already ordering his men to find Olivia,
“Go find Olivia Reed and bring her to me.”
After giving the orders, Marcus appeared outwardly calm.
But only he knew the dull ache in his chest that he couldn’t suppress.
Marcus didn’t understand why
by he felt so suffocated and panicked.
He had even forgotten Melody was still there, lighting up a cigarette.
Melody had asthma and couldn’t tolerate smoke.
It wasn’t until he heard her coughing severely that Marcus belatedly put out the cigarette.
He turned back to see Melody’s tear–filled eyes staring at him.
She looked at him quietly. “Marcus, you can’t let her go.”
“No, that’s not it.”
Marcus denied it reflexively, sounding somewhat guilty.
Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps came from behind Marcus,
He had barely
It was R
y turned his head when someone slapped him hard across the face.
Ryan, Marcus’s younger brother.
Melody screamed and covered her mouth in shock.
Marcus gritted his teeth and punched Ryan in retaliation.
“Are you looking to die, brat?”
Ryan fell to the ground, struggling to get back up.
He had just turned 10, with features similar to Marcus but softer and more youthful.
“I hit you because you’re a bastard. You knew all along that Olivia was 02. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“You knew I’ve been searching for her all this time!”
But Marcus just smirked, looking down at Ryan condescendingly.
d, you’re still hung up on that after all these years? Have you forgotten she’s your sister–in–law?”
Ryan’s gaze flickered, his face flushing red:
“Don’t talk nonsense, I just Olivia and I are innocent. Don’t try to slander us.”
<
Ryan was so angry he puffed up like a blowfish, ready to attack again.
This time Marcus was prepared. He swiftly pinned Ryan’s arms behind his back,
Ryan’s face went pale from the pain, but he refused to make a sound.
Melody tried to intervene.
any harm. You’re family, why fight over a woman-
“Ryan, your brother didn’t mean any h
up” Ryan snapped, veins bulging on his forehead in rage.
“Shut up!”
“You’re just a kept woman. What right do you have to meddle in my business?”
Those words ripped away Melody’s last shred of dignity, leaving her mortified and ashamed.
Neither Ryan nor Marcus paid any attention to her as they continued attacking each other.
Ryan used all his strength to shove Marcus away.
“Marcus, be honest with yourself. Hasn’t Olivia been good to you all these years?””
“That first year you were married, when you were hunted by your enemies, Olivia risked her life to save you.”
“You torture your wife just because of a few provocative words from Grandfather. Have you lost your conscience?”
Marcus kept smoking, his eyes complex and heavy.
“But she’s 02!”
“So what? Whether as 02 or as your wife, she’s been loyal to you.”
Ryan’s voice rose.
Marcus’s eyes turned dangerous. He even pulled out his gun.
Melody’s coughing intensified. Seeing the gun, her legs went weak.
But Ryan showed no fear pressing his forehead right against the muzzle.
“02 saved my life once. I failed to recognize her all these years. I deserve to die. Go ahead and shoot if you want.”
“And Marcus, I’ve always believed 02 never betrayed you. I believe in herf
“I can have faith in her, so why can’t you? You’ve been through life and death together. Why did you so easily believe someone else’s lies?”
“Marcus, have you considered this might all be part of Grandfather’s plan? Grandfather would never allow you to have a weakness. So why would you think he’d tolerate 07’s existence?”
Ryan’s words were heartfelt, each one striking at Marcus’s core.
The gun slipped from Marcus’s hand, clattering to the floor.
Ryan gave a bitter smile. He turned to look at Melody.
“What do you even like about this woman? Is it because she’s the complete opposite of Olivia?”
“Is this what you wanted Olivia to become weak, docile, pure–looking, sheltered and protected?”
Ryan stormed off after saying his piece.
