Wayne suppressed the uneasiness in his heart. After a brief pause, he continued, "Patricia, we were just caught off guard by the sudden appearance of such a stunning beauty in the office! Everyone was too dazzled to speak! Haha, don't get the wrong idea!"
He deliberately addressed her as "Patricia" in every sentence, his tone friendly but not overly familiar.
Marcia smiled faintly. "You really like to joke around. I've been on leave for personal reasons these past few days. If it caused any disruption to work, I hope you'll all bear with me. By the way, where's Kevin?"
Wayne quickly responded, "Oh, not at all! Work is a team effort! As for Kevin, I believe he's out at a meeting with Booth. He should be back later. Speaking of which, Patricia, the boss hasn't been in the office recently either. There are some documents that need his signature. What should we do about them?"
Marcia, hearing this, didn't hesitate. "Just give those documents to me. He's away
Marcia tidied up the documents on her desk, her fingers unconsciously fiddling with the necklace around her neck as she drifted into a daze. Ever since sending Elijah off at the airport last night, she had unexpectedly been unable to sleep.The empty side of the bed felt strangely vast. Her heart, too, felt hollow. When had she become so accustomed to his warm, firm embrace beside her, the comfort she needed to drift off to sleep?Struggling to stay awake until dawn, Marcia spent a long time in bed, lost in thought, before deciding to return to work at Azure. She couldn't bear staying home like a forlorn woman, haunted by Elijah's lingering presence in every corner of the house, which made her yearning for him inescapable.The busy pace at Azure, on the other hand, filled her with purpose.After successfully organizing the data and sending off her report, Marcia's gaze fell on the first name in her inbox: "Elijah."A sweet smile unconsciously spread
Marcia took a deep breath, her body trembling slightly as she stared at the sender's name: Elijah! It was a reply to the email she had sent earlier!Her gaze shifted back to the photo in the email body. In the bottom corner was a timestamp—it had been taken in the early hours of the morning. At that time, Elijah should have just arrived in Hong Kong. How could he have been with Rebecca?Something must be wrong! Clenching her fists tightly, Marcia muttered under her breath, "Even if Elijah really was with Rebecca yesterday, he would never be foolish enough to send me this kind of email!"There was no reason for him to do so!Yet why did she still feel so hurt? Unbidden, her mind returned to that day, the nightmare of walking in and seeing Alan and Kate in bed together.No! Elijah would never treat her like that!She didn't know how long she had been staring blankly at the photo before she finally snapped out of it. Forcing herself to pu
Marcia suddenly looked up, her gaze fixed on the man standing next to Shirley, who had just removed his baseball cap and sunglasses. No wonder he seemed so familiar—it really was Calvin.It had been so long since she'd seen him dressed so youthfully that Marcia almost didn't recognize him.Shirley noticed Marcia's surprised expression and, with a mix of shyness and happiness, said, "Cia, if I'd known you were coming today, I wouldn't have agreed to Myron's suggestion to bring Calvin out for dinner! It feels...a little awkward!"Calvin, as composed as ever, gave Marcia a gentle smile. "Cia, I didn't expect to see you here!"Not just Marcia, but Myron, Kevin, and Hayden were all equally stunned. The four of them stared at Calvin and Shirley in silence, forgetting to say a word."Hey, what's with you four? Are you really that shocked to see him with me?"Shirley, usually bold and carefree, felt a rare wave of nervousness at their reactions.
Although none of them voiced their suspicions, Shirley's cheerful expression lightened the mood.Myron raised his glass with a chuckle and said, "Shirley, if you want to show gratitude, you should thank the three of us properly! It was our idea to block the newlyweds' room, and that's how we got to enjoy that meal! Besides, Shirley, you've always known how I feel about you. Now that you've suddenly got a boyfriend, I'm officially heartbroken! Calvin, you'd better drink with me properly, or I won't acknowledge you as Shirley's boyfriend!"Shirley shot Myron a playful glare. "Myron, it's still broad daylight! Calvin doesn't drink much, so don't start your usual nonsense. And heartbroken? You're too old for such jokes!"Myron grinned and shrugged off her scolding, stubbornly holding up his glass and looking at Calvin, clearly unwilling to lower it until Calvin agreed to drink.Shirley glanced at Calvin, her concern growing. She knew Myron, having practically
Shirley's abrupt departure left the room in silence. No one spoke for a long time until Hayden suddenly scoffed, his laugh laced with disdain."Women in love truly lose all sense of reason,"he sneered, his gaze fixed on the two empty seats across from him, his eyes cold and indifferent.Marcia accidentally met Hayden's gaze and felt an inexplicable chill run through her. For some reason, she found herself unnerved by the man who was, inarguably, more beautiful than most women.His enchanting, almond-shaped eyes radiated an icy sharpness, causing the atmosphere at the dining table to grow even colder.Noticing this, Myron patted Hayden's shoulder, but as their eyes met, he found himself at a loss for words. This was the first time he had seen Hayden look so genuinely hurt.Having known each other for years, it was easy for Myron to discern between feigned indifference and real heartbreak. It had been so long—since that incident—sin
"The restaurant?" Marcia's heart skipped a beat."Yeah, a pretty famous one," Myron said casually. "I was wondering what Eli was doing there so late at night. It's so unlike him.Usually, when he's on a business trip, he just eats whatever's available at the hotel. Don't let his pickiness fool you—when it comes to food, he'll make do with whatever's at hand.Guess it's a habit his dad drilled into him!" Myron shook his head, exasperated. "By the way, Patricia, if you have time, try to visit Eli's family more often. I can tell his parents have it tough."Noticing Marcia standing silently, Myron scratched the back of his head, looking a bit sheepish. "Ah, what's gotten into me? I sound like an old busybody! Patricia, don't mind my rambling, okay?"By now, they had arrived in front of the Azure building. Myron parked the car and chuckled lightly. "Well, the roads were pretty clear today—got here in no time. Patricia, we're here! Patricia?"He hesitated, waving a hand in front of Marcia's
Marcia sank into her chair with a sigh, only to be interrupted by the sound of her phone ringing.Could it be Elijah?She quickly rummaged through her bag, but to her surprise, it was a call from Shirley."Shirley? What's going on?" Marcia asked curiously as she answered. Surely, Shirley should be with Calvin right now—what could be so urgent?"Cia, um...are you done with work?" Shirley's voice held a hint of hesitation.Marcia glanced at her watch. "Not yet. I'm off at six. Why, what's the matter?"There was a sigh on the other end before Shirley spoke gently, "Calvin got drunk... He's in the hospital having his stomach pumped.""What?!" Marcia was stunned, her pulse quickening with worry. "How did it get so serious?"Calvin wasn't a heavy drinker. The thought of him ending up in the hospital after just half a bottle of wine truly unsettled her.Shirley let out a soft hum of agreement. "The alcohol was too strong, and he hadn't eaten for days. It hurt his stomach. Cia, I know my atti
"Cia, do you have any idea how you look when you talk about Eli?" Shirley's lips curled into a playful smile as she leisurely observed Marcia."Hmm? Just my usual self. Why? Is there something wrong?" Marcia hesitated, touching her face.Shirley pointed above Marcia's head and sighed. "The aura of gloom around you is practically freezing the warm air in this room into ice! Cia, if something's bothering you, just tell me. You know I'm your greatest ally! If Eli's done anything wrong, I'll march over and give him a good thrashing!"Marcia shook her head. "It's nothing like that! He...he didn't do anything!"Before Marcia could react, Shirley had already raised her phone and snapped a picture of her with a crisp click. "Here, look at this—the face of a scorned woman! Patricia, I'm not blind. I could tell at lunch you weren't yourself. If it wasn't a fight with Eli, then you must be upset about me and Calvin..."Marcia waved her hands furiously. "You and Calvin? I couldn't be happier for
Elijah frowned. "Impossible?" He couldn't understand. "But then... how could you? No, we're going to the hospital right now! The doctors I know are far more reliable than him. I've always found him suspicious. Let's get you checked first, then we can talk about this.""Are you not happy that I can conceive?"Elijah shook his head. "How could I not be happy? But I don't trust him. Let's go to the hospital, okay?"He was overwhelmed with joy, but beneath that joy lay deep concern. If Jeff was lying, how would Marcia handle it? He could live without a child, but he couldn't bear to see Marcia fall into despair again.He never wanted to see her cry. That pain would be far worse than not having a child."Eli, sit down first." Marcia dared not let him take her to the hospital—if they found out she had recently lost a pregnancy, things would be disastrous."The surgery two years ago... Jeff was actually the lead surgeon." Marcia watched Elijah's expression darken as her voice unconsciously d
Marcia leaned against Elijah's chest, yet a slight unease crept into her heart.She still remembered Jeff's instructions—no intimacy for a month. But when she stole a glance at Elijah, his brows were tightly furrowed, his expression serious. For some reason, her heart softened again and again."Eli, what are you thinking about?"Hearing the slight anxiety in Marcia's voice, Elijah held her tightly, resting his head against her neck. His voice was low and gentle. "Nothing. I just think... it's really good that you're here.""Myron is really getting engaged? To... that Nancy?" Marcia traced her fingers over his firm arm, feeling a growing sense of security.She wished she could rely on him like this forever."Mm." Elijah's response was muffled, carrying a hint of an unspoken heaviness.Marcia thought for a moment. "His family has a rule that a man can only marry one woman in his lifetime, right? Does your family have a rule like that?"Elijah chuckled lightly and ran his fingers through
Elijah let out a soft sigh and gently pulled Marcia behind him. "What are you doing?"Marcia bit her lip, feeling a bit foolish for her reaction. Why did she assume Hayden would actually come to blows with Elijah?Elijah, standing tall and unwavering, met Hayden's gaze head-on, his expression calm. "To bring Myron back to Liverpool.""Back to Liverpool? If he's taking that woman with him, then what's the point? He might as well not come back at all! Damn it!" Hayden raised his fist but ultimately slammed it against the table instead."Hayden, sit down." Myron's voice was deep and hoarse. He seemed exhausted, yet his expression remained resolute. "I chose to marry Nancy on my own. It has nothing to do with my mother or Eli. I appreciate your concern, but enough with the arguments."He glanced at Kevin and chuckled. "What are you scheming now? Think I'm lying?"Kevin cleared his throat awkwardly. "Not at all. If you say so, then it must be true." He had initially suspected this was just
"Patricia, I thought you two would head straight to the second floor!" Hayden teased with a mischievous grin, taking a sip of his orange juice.Marcia ignored him, her eyes immediately landing on Myron, who sat beside Kevin with a face as dark as ink. At the head of the dining table sat a frail, pale-skinned elderly woman who was scrutinizing her with an assessing gaze.Marcia couldn't help but feel nervous."Auntie, this is Patricia. What do you think? Beautiful, right?" Elijah draped an arm over Marcia's shoulder, grinning proudly.Gloria took a sip of water before smiling lightly. "Hmm, she is beautiful. No wonder you've been so restless, eager to come home!""That's not true! I'm also happy to spend more time with you!" Elijah chuckled, then gently nudged Marcia forward. "Cia, come say hello to Auntie."His eyes were filled with warmth, a look that was second nature to him in front of Myron and the others. But for Gloria, it was the first time witnessing this side of him, and she
Marcia and Elijah walked hand in hand toward the villa. Since it was located in the suburbs, the fresh air was a rare luxury.A cool breeze brushed against Marcia's face, making her instinctively shrink her neck."Are you cold?" Elijah asked, his voice tinged with concern as he pulled her into his embrace. "I was worried you'd feel uncomfortable if we stayed in the car for too long. Looks like I miscalculated again!"Marcia shook her head and snuggled against his chest with a soft laugh. "Not at all. The air is refreshing, and the scenery is beautiful. But how did you know I was feeling restless in the car? Do you have some kind of mind-reading power? That would be incredible!"Elijah chuckled, gently ruffling her hair. "Your nose is all red. You look just like a little bunny. Makes me want to eat you up!"As he spoke, he playfully rubbed her cheeks. When Marcia looked up at him with a smile, he couldn't resist leaning down to kiss her cool lips."Aren't they waiting for us inside? Le
Seeing the two of them like this, Marcia couldn't shake the strange feeling growing inside her. She pulled out her phone to check for any messages from Elijah. The last thing on their chat was a simple "Good night" from both of them. A faint smile curved her lips.She casually snapped a photo of the highway scenery outside the car window and sent it to Elijah.Since it was still early, she hadn't expected an immediate response. But to her surprise, he seemed to have been awake all night—his reply came almost instantly."Already on the road? Are you tired? You should get some rest in the car!"Marcia bit her lip lightly and typed back curiously, "Did you not sleep? I'm not tired. I've been resting at home these past few days.""Hmm, I heard about that. Why are you so lazy and always sleeping?" Elijah chuckled, then added, "Even though I feel bad for you, my love, I'm so happy that I'll see you soon."Seeing him call her lazy, Marcia instinctively glanced at Kevin, who was driving. It h
Ever since that terrible experience, Marcia had developed a subtle aversion to "Calderstones."Elijah had been away for five days now. They spoke on the phone daily—sometimes just exchanging a few words, other times lingering as if they couldn't bear to hang up.The distance seemed to intensify their feelings, making them feel like a couple deeply in love.A call in the early morning. The phone was warm in her hand. Though sadness still lingered in her heart, Marcia felt as if Elijah was slowly healing her, piece by piece.Since her surgery, she had become more sensitive—more reliant on Elijah. She wanted him to return, yet at the same time, she hoped he wouldn't come back too soon. She longed for his embrace but also feared the warmth he brought.Torn between these emotions, her longing for him only grew stronger.Sometimes, as she lay in her empty bed, she couldn't help but imagine what it would be like if he were beside her&md
"He's just a wolf in sheep's clothing," Hayden remarked leisurely, pouring himself a cup of hot water. Watching the steam rise, he smiled faintly and casually asked, "Patricia, did you already know Myron was fine? Otherwise, how could you be in the mood to come out for a meal?"Marcia was momentarily stunned. After a brief silence, she chuckled. "I contacted Eli. Besides, there wasn't much to eat at home. Everyone's had a tough day—it's only right that we treat ourselves to a meal. Why? Do you think there's something wrong with that?"Hayden smirked. "Not at all. Just a funny coincidence." He blew on his cup, took a small sip, and added, "Anyone who didn't know better would think you hadn't been home at all."Shirley shot him a glare. "Hayden, your mindset is all wrong!""Oh?" Hayden raised an eyebrow and turned to look at her.Shirley shook her head dramatically and said with an air of seriousness, "Have you been spending too much time with Demon? You've picked up the nasty habit of
"Did she ask you anything? Or did she want you to do something?" Marcia sat up straight, her tone cold and sharp.Jeff snapped out of his thoughts and replied calmly, "She was curious if you were pregnant. Oh, that reminds me, was she the one at Calderstones that time...?"Before he could finish, he paused, realization dawning on his face. "No wonder!"Marcia stared at him intently. "What did you tell her? Did you take her money? What about Alan? Was he there too?"Jeff shot her a glare. "I'm a doctor. What do you take me for? She's pregnant, and Alan? Oh, you mean that man? No, I didn't see him."Pregnant? A sharp pain struck Marcia's heart. Kate was pregnant again, while she… she had lost her child.Fate was truly laughable. The heavens remained as unfair as ever.Perhaps sensing her hatred too clearly, Jeff coughed lightly and continued, "Alright, stop glaring at me. I'm on your side."Marcia eyed him suspiciously but said nothing.Jeff sighed. "I refused to be her private doctor,