Marcus choked and pulled Cordelia into his arms. Her waist easily fitted in his hand, so he tilted her chin up with another hand.As he looked into her eyes, they were clear like pools of spring. Her cherry lips parted slightly like a soundless temptation.Marcus felt a ball of flame churning within him.Cordelia avoided his heated gaze as she blushed and panted. She could feel his unusually warm chest, powerful heartbeats, and the oozing manliness… She felt like melting. Before his kiss came, she pushed him away lightly.“Don’t.” She smiled embarrassedly. “I still have to cook.”Marcus stopped, a dark glint flashing in his eyes.“Tonight…” Cordelia’s voice was soft and weak. It was a challenge for her to utter that one word as she blushed bright red.“Don’t sleep on the couch tonight. It’s uncomfortable. Sleep in the room.”Marcus paused in a daze. This was probably the bravest thing she could say. He held back a chuckle and ran his thumb over her red ear, replying hoarsely, “
When Marcus was 16, he had already been accepted by Walton, the top of the world’s three best business schools. He was also the heir of the Hamertons. If he had not conspired against and encountered the plane crash, he would be the decision-maker of the Hamertons by now.Marcus could only smile in silence in response to Cordelia’s questioning gaze.The girl pouted and wondered if Marcus had met some girl he did not end up together with when he was 16. After all, people said that men could hardly forget their first love. He was quite excited when he brought up the topic but stopped halfway. It was obvious he did not want her to know.Other than someone he could not have, there was no better explanation for his action.Disappointment flashed in Cordelia’s eyes. Since he did not want to tell her, she would not ask either. Despite that, the matter left a sour taste in her mouth.She quietly went back to the bedroom to change new sheets and get another set of sheets for the couch in th
Cordelia barely had any sleep that night.She was both worried for Carter and troubled by her imaginary love rival. Moreover, it was her first time sleeping on the couch, so she kept tossing and turning. It was near dawn when she gradually fell asleep.Not too long into her slumber, though, she was woken up by some noises. When she opened her eyes, Marcus had already changed and was ready to head out. Carter had packed his bag as well and followed Marcus.“Where are you both going?” Cordelia asked in alarm.Marcus was dressed weirdly. He was dressed in black with a baseball cap. The stick he held was the one he usually used when he worked out at home.Cordelia did not have a good feeling about it.“Are you going to fight?”Marcus looked at her without saying anything.Cordelia was in distress. It seemed that he was really going to fight. Since they got married, it got to do with her each time Marcus fought, and it worried her every time. She was afraid of something bad happenin
Cordelia walked over slowly from the side, looking calm and composed.Marcus now understood her intention. She had recorded solid evidence of the bullies, and these high school seniors were already past 16 years old, so they would be legally charged. As long as the video recording was handed to the police and a court case was brought up, these students would have a criminal record for life.Cordelia looked at them coldly.“Carter isn’t the only one you guys bully, huh?” She spoke confidently. “I’ve called the police. They’ll investigate it when they’re here.”Everything was well within her control.The students were taken away by the police and were interrogated according to the regular procedure. They came clean about their bullying, and the charges went through. The outcome was gratifying.Cordelia finally avenged Carter.“Z, your wife’s pretty amazing.” Fredric, who had friends in the police station, heard about the matter and could not help giving a thumbs up.“She’s more l
Cordelia had a bad stomachache, so she took a day off and did not go to work. Despite that, her time at home was not restful either, as she smelled a strange herbal aroma coming from the kitchen since she woke up in the morning.Forcing herself to get out of bed, she went to the kitchen and saw Marcus busy inside. The breakfast he had prepared for her was spread out on the table—burnt eggs, burnt toast, and a bowl of watery oats. It was not bad for this man who had never gone in the kitchen…Cordelia chuckled wryly and told him softly while leaning against the kitchen’s door frame, “You don’t know how. Let me do it.”Marcus was startled and turned back to look at her. “You’re awake? You don’t feel well, do you? Go back to bed after breakfast. I’ll take care of this.”“What are you up to?”“Oh… I’m making you some soup.” Marcus was scrambling. “Go rest. I’ll serve the soup when it’s done.”Cordelia pursed her lips. His action warmed her, but her mind reminded her of something else
“Linda? What’s wrong?”Cordelia was afraid that Linda had accidentally burned herself as she took so long in the kitchen, so she got up to check on her. Unexpectedly, Linda was giggling at the pot of soup like a mad woman.“This is…” Cordelia froze. This was the scent she had been smelling since she got up in the morning!Linda held back her laughter and looked at her with a meaningful gaze. “Don’t react too badly if I tell you, okay?”“What’s the matter?”“So all these are herbs…” Linda picked up some ingredients and explained, “These are ginseng slices, this is black fungus, these are fennels…“The rest are common. You know them too. Goji berries, ginger…”Cordelia was confused. “What are these for? Why did Marcus make this soup for me?”“These enhance women’s libido!” Linda kept giggling. “Lucky, you haven’t consumed any. One bowl and I promise you’ll be insatiable like a starved wolf. Marcus wouldn’t be your rival!”Cordelia was stunned before she blushed.“So, what’s up
Not only did Linda’s expression change but the way she looked at Cordelia did as well. She genuinely did not think of this! If she were Michael, she would take it personally, too. After all, she was no saintess.“Looks like I still lack the most basic judgment of people!” Linda chuckled. “Cordelia, I didn’t expect you to be so sound in logic when you’re always so quiet!”“My judgment might not be right either.” Cordelia chortled. “But Marcus told me that I can’t not keep my guard up. He’s asked me to keep an eye out for whatever I do.“He also said that those who are in higher ranks had a tough time climbing up there, so they aren’t as simple as they seem.”“Oh, your husband became your mentor now, huh?” It was supposed to be a tease from Linda, but Cordelia could not stop showing off her husband.“Of course! Marcus knows a lot!” Cordelia could not hide how pleased she was. “Linda, I always see him browsing foreign sites, you know? He knows several foreign languages and keeps up
Cordelia was surprised. Jesse blocked her way with a sneer, and his gaze was hostile and disdainful.“Hah, my dear junior, you’re learned and skilled now! You even have your eyes on my position, huh?”Cordelia did not want to argue with him and went around him, but Jesse spoke up again behind her. “You think that sly old fox Michael sincerely wants to promote you? He’s just using you!”Cordelia turned to look at him.Jesse tugged his tie in annoyance. He slowly paced to her, but she could not help being nauseated by the pungent tobacco scent on him.“Cordelia, if you like my place so much, I’ll give it to you! Why come at me like this?”“I’ve never coveted your place.” Cordelia looked at him coldly. “Mr. Johnson asked me over and said that—”“Those who are capable work more?” Jesse scoffed. “That fox used me the same way back then!”Cordelia’s gaze dimmed as she leaned back to put some distance between them.“Centrolis is a piece of meat so hard to chew that the director is po
"Only Morpheus and Sephy aren't like that. They respect and understand me. Sephy told me once, 'One's appearance doesn't indicate anything. A clean heart is what truly matters!'"Rebecca chuckled dismissively."You're a psychologist, yet you fail to grasp this," Wynn said coldly. "Actually, I pity you. You could have stepped out, yet you insist on dwelling on the trivialities."Morpheus has psychological barriers, a consequence of returning from the battlefield. No one has cured his PTSD except Sephy... It shows that a true psychologist is never just a title."What truly heals everything is love!"-One particular morning a year later, sunlight streamed through sheer cream curtains onto the floor.Persephone was sound asleep when she suddenly felt something pressing down on her... Then, Morpheus' strong arms wrapped around her slender waist. She drowsily opened her eyes to find him sealing her lips with heated kisses.Over the year, his kissing skills had improved, and Persepho
With Morpheus' involvement, the police didn't slack off and quickly found Rebecca.That day, Rebecca was preparing to escape from a small port. The boat she had found was an illegally operating one.As she was about to board, piercing sirens sounded nearby.The boat owner, enraged upon hearing the sirens, grabbed Rebecca by her hair and pushed her into the water.Rebecca screamed for help, but he roared, "I didn't expect you to be sent by the cops!""I'm not..." Rebecca choked on water. "Sir, let's leave now. Your boat is fast. As long as we reach the open sea, no one will catch you!""Dream on!" The boat owner wanted to strangle her. "Do you not understand? These sirens are from the royal guards! Who did you bitch provoke?"Rebecca was dumbfounded. Being a foreigner, she naturally didn't understand the local affairs in the Southeast Aciatic region.The police and royal guards quickly caught up, armed, and surrounded them.Rebecca turned pale and trembled all over, her gaze gr
"You had no choice on the battlefield."Persephone looked at him with her crystal eyes. There was a magical power in them. Even if a devil was tearing him apart, her eyes would always bring him back to light.She smiled and caressed his cheek. "Though you killed your father, you saved the country.""Do you really… think so?"She nodded. "You're not at fault. He was the one who made a mistake. You were just fulfilling your job as a general to protect the country."But I also understand that he's your father who brought you up, after all. You guys must have had happy days before that happened, right?"Morpheus held his head low in silence."You did well as the protector of the country," she said softly. "But as a son, you can secretly pay homage to him."Persephone held his hand. "Reconcile with your father, Morpheus. You'll also reconcile with yourself by doing that, okay?"He was stunned for a long time and felt a lump in his throat.-Morpheus stayed with Persephone in the
"No way!" Christopher smirked, glancing at Morpheus. "To him, you're his only princess! I just got lucky for the princess carry, thanks to you!""Yeah, at least you're self-aware!" Persephone nodded, rubbing her chin."We've known each other for so long! What kind of person do you think I am?" Christopher laughed. "I can be a bit shameless at times, but..."But upon learning that the one she loved was the unbeatable god of war, he willingly stepped back, offering his blessings with a smile."Okay, okay. You two stop crowding around me!" Christopher waved his hand. "Sephy needs more rest, and I'd like to get some more sleep, too! Once we heal, let's go out and have some fun together!""You're still thinking about fun?" Morpheus' deep voice intervened with a wry smile. "With the factory explosion incident, the royal family is furious and will thoroughly investigate it. Many people will probably be coming to talk to you both in the next few days. After all, you two are the most direc
"Let's get out first!""Hey, wait..." Persephone pointed to the other side.In moments of life and death, it wasn't appropriate to laugh, but Morpheus still chuckled. The young Prince Christopher was sprawled on the floor in a very ridiculous pose, and they almost forgot about him!"Don't worry," Morpheus whispered. "I won't let anything happen to him."He had Persephone cling to his back and then carried Christopher.Christopher was a tall fellow, so it took some effort to carry them both to a safe place.Fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars rushed in. Their sirens pierced the sky, startling a flock of birds.The fire was soon extinguished, and Persephone and Christopher received timely treatment. Luckily, their burns weren't too severe, and even more fortunately, their faces were unharmed.When Christopher woke up, he felt bandages wrapped around his head, and his skin had a burning sensation. His heart sank, and he was almost on the verge of tears."Tell me the truth! A
There was fire everywhere. Flames rushed toward Persephone like menacing dragons. Her consciousness grew increasingly blurred, but the searing pain coursing through her body became clearer. She struggled to get up, the agony almost unbearable.Despite several attempts, it was futile...Something was pinning her feet down, and stones kept falling on her. She couldn't even muster a shout.Many images flashed through her mind in that fleeting moment, each frame featuring Morpheus' face…She remembered the times they had spent together in Flinge, how he had initially distanced himself from her, then later had exerted every effort to protect her. She recalled how he would gently ruffle her hair and call her "silly goose"..."Morpheus, I'm afraid I might have to go first..."The fire grew fiercer, explosions resonated continuously, and she could no longer hold on.Christopher, who was nearby, wasn't any better.Amidst the roaring flames, he couldn't see anything clearly, only pulling
"No need, you can go back first." Morpheus glanced at him. "I'll wait here for her a little longer.""Prince Christopher wouldn't do anything to Ms. Hamerton...""Alfred, what are you thinking?" Morpheus couldn't help but chuckle. "I know exactly what Christopher is like, but I just want to wait here for Sephy. Christopher mentioned that she'd specifically designed these fireworks for me. Hah! I'm the useless one. I don't even dare to go inside and take a look.""Sir, don't say that.""If I wait here, will it count as accompanying her in her efforts?"Alfred nodded.Morpheus smiled and sent Alfred back. He continued waiting under the tree.The air in Southeast Aciatic was hot and humid. The shade of the banyan tree offered some relief, but it couldn't completely dispel the oppressive heat.Morpheus took a deep breath, about to move elsewhere, when he glimpsed a suspicious figure swiftly darting through the factory's side gate.The security at the side gate was lax, making it e
Christopher struggled to swallow the bite of the sandwich in his mouth for what seemed like ages. He gazed at Persephone, his mind wandering back…He didn't just know Morpheus. He had been close since childhood to the children of the two prominent military families in Southeast Aciatic.Compared to the Harrises, he preferred visiting the Ortons, especially when he got to spend time with Morpheus. He considered Morpheus a friend, a brother even, having engaged in countless mischief together, much to their parents' dismay.In his memory, Morpheus was someone who smiled a lot, radiating warmth and brightness like the Southeast Aciatic sun when he did.However, from the moment Kaiden betrayed the country, Morpheus never smiled again, gradually growing distant from Christopher as well.It wasn't until that evening at the gates of the palace that Christopher felt like it had been a lifetime."I... I don't know him." Christopher forced a smile. "Where would I have met your boyfriend!"
Morpheus wasn't just an ordinary person!Christopher wholeheartedly accepted his defeat to Morpheus."Then... I'd like to invite you to come over to my place for a while as a friend. That's fine, right?"-A few days later, Persephone finally ran into Christopher, who had been missing in action for days, in the classroom."Hey, you finally showed up!" She dashed over, plopping down in the seat beside him and handing him breakfast. "You haven't eaten, right? Let's eat together!"Usually, Christopher would readily accept, but he waved his hands now. "No, no, no!""What's wrong?" Persephone widened her eyes. "This breakfast isn't poisoned!"Christopher awkwardly smiled. "You have a boyfriend, so maybe... we should keep some distance."Persephone burst into laughter. Then she remarked, "Strange... Morpheus was right!""Uh, what?""My boyfriend!" She chuckled. "He made this breakfast. I asked if he could also make a portion for you, and he said sure, just worried you wouldn't tak