Ch. 1921..1930

Chapter 1921

Chapter 1921

Even though Morpheus didn't show it on his face, he felt a wave of warmth inside.

"I'm not that fragile." He smiled. "Are you full?"

Persephone burped, wiped her mouth, and grinned at him.

"The weather is nice today." Morpheus glanced outside. "How about we go out for a stroll?"

Persephone happily agreed, quickly tidied up, and went out with him.

Morpheus took her to several streets in Flinge. It was her first time observing the city during the daytime. She found that Flinge was quite lovely in daylight, a city filled with sunshine and vibrancy. Each street was adorned with beautiful, nameless flowers competing in beauty.

Boys and girls in ethnic attire were playing around in groups, looking exceptionally cheerful.

The shops on both sides were bustling, attracting tourists from all around the world. Everywhere was a scene of joy and harmony.

Persephone mingled among the crowd, brimming with excitement.

Morpheus feared she might get lost and stayed close behind. He grabbed her hand just when she was about to hop off like a little rabbit.

She was taken aback, feeling as though an electric current ran through her, and she turned to look at him in a daze.

"There are many people." His voice was low. "Let's not get separated."

"Oh..."

Persephone obediently let him lead, her heart pounding hard.

"Actually, Flinge isn't too bad," she said, searching for something to say.

"Mm." Morpheus looked serious, his eyes fixed ahead without glancing at her.

"It's different from what I imagined. Everyone's life seems pretty calm."

"It's calm during the day," he murmured. "But everything changes at night."

Persephone bit her lip.

Their first encounter had been at night, on that street filled with vice, in the deafening underground arena. Perhaps only the night could conceal all the dirty things. "To be honest..." Morpheus paused. "Even our outing today is under surveillance."

"What?"

"We have people from Kourtney and Fat Jim tailing us."

Persephone was startled and was about to turn around when Morpheus quickly grabbed her head and turned it back.

"What's there to see?!" he snapped at her.

"Didn't you say... we're being followed?"

Morpheus took a deep breath, his voice muffled. "Don't look behind!"

"Oh..." Suddenly, Persephone felt his grip on her hand tighten.

She couldn't help but ask, "Morpheus, why are they tracking me?"

"Kourtney brought you here. Did you think she'd easily hand you over to me?"

Persephone didn't understand, and her clear gaze showed a hint of naivety.

"In a while, Kourtney will find a reason for you to join her."

"What do you mean by joining her?" she asked.

Morpheus looked at her helplessly. "Have you forgotten what Kourtney does?"

"Oh..."

He said in a low voice, "Frankly, your face will make lots."

Chapter 1922

Chapter 1922

"Are you praising my looks?" Persephone asked.

Morpheus remained silent and just ruffled her hair gently.

"But I'm your wife, right? How could she let a married woman..."

"These things are common here," Morpheus said casually. "Husbands accumulate gambling debts, and wives sell themselves to pay them off. It's a routine occurrence."

"But didn't you say you'd protect me?"

"That was under the premise that I'm alive." His voice grew deeper, his expression more serious. "But in those lawless underground rings, anything can happen. Everyone signs a life-or-death contract. Even death in those fights is deemed deserved!"

Persephone halted, staring at him blankly.

Morpheus paused when he noticed the coldness and tremors in her hand. Her pretty face paled with fear, too.

He frowned slightly and pulled her into his arms. He alertly scanned around, then led her to blend into the crowd swiftly with their heads down.

"Morpheus, I..." Persephone's voice trembled.

"I was talking about the worst-case scenario." He remained composed. "Rest assured. Before anything like that happens, I'll find a way to get you out."

Persephone's heart jolted. She knew Morpheus was a man of his word and was glad he was concerned. Perhaps soon, she would safely return to Centrolis. Yet, she felt unexpectedly sorrowful when he mentioned sending her away.

She would be back to her world while he would remain in this indulgent place. They would become two parallel lines, never to intersect again.

If she had never met him, she wouldn't have felt so down...

"Hey!" Suddenly, Morpheus raised his voice.

Persephone snapped back to attention, meeting his impatient expression.

"Did you hear what I said?"

"W-What?"

"I said I won't take you to make calls for the time being!"

"Oh." Persephone nodded, suddenly realizing. "Oh, so the previous times we went out to make calls, we were being followed?"

"How did you leave the house those times?"

Persephone froze, unsure how to answer.

"It was either me or Wynn. We checked the time beforehand!" Morpheus poked her head. "How could we let those people track us to where we made calls? Besides, Kourtney's people don't watch us 24/7! "Persephone, you'll drive me to despair with your foolishness someday!"

Persephone shot Morpheus a challenging look, being poked by him, then lowered her head and chuckled secretly.

Morpheus let go of her when he sensed they were out of sight of those people, striding ahead. She caught up like a little bird, chattering beside him.

While Morpheus remained aloof, a hint of a concealed smile flickered on his face.

As they walked, they tried various local snacks.

Persephone rubbed her gradually full belly. Even though she wanted more cupcakes, her stomach started protesting.

"If you can't eat, don't force it." Morpheus glanced at her. "Next time, I'll bring you again."

"Okay, it's a deal!"

Persephone wanted to make a pinky promise like a child.

Morpheus shook his head, refusing to do something so childish in public.

Despite his words, his body was honest. He raised his pinky, and they interlocked fingers and even sealed it with an imaginary stamp with their thumbs.

Persephone beamed with extra joy. Just then, she suddenly noticed the pendant on her bracelet glowing, and it... shone brighter than those faint lights from before!

Chapter 1923

Chapter 1923

Persephone suddenly halted, realizing there were familiar faces around her. A surge of joy filled her, but she cautiously avoided looking around. She silently trailed behind Morpheus, taking small steps forward. Morpheus turned around. "What's wrong?"

Persephone's heart raced as if it would leap out of her mouth. She looked up at him, unable to utter a single word. Her unusual expression and pale face puzzled Morpheus.

"Are you feeling unwell?"

"No..."

"Let's look around, then head back."

Morpheus squinted. He noticed the flickering light on her wrist and her distracted demeanor and then recollected her prescriptions and those exotic ingredients only found in Southeast Aciatic...

His doubts gathered like thick clouds in his mind. This bracelet was highly unusual as he had never seen her take it off. Could this flickering pendant be some sort of signal?

Just as this thought struck him, he abruptly grabbed her shoulder and embraced her tightly.

Startled, Persephone raised her head and bumped into his firm chest. His increasingly dark gaze made her heart race even faster.

"Morpheus, you..."

Morpheus looked at her quietly. He wanted to ask who she truly was, but he remained silent. He hadn't hurt her. It was merely an abrupt gesture that, from another angle, might have seemed rather impolite. And from that angle... Suddenly, someone emerged from the shadows!

Morpheus' gaze sharpened instantly. He pushed Persephone to the side, shielding her with his body.

Before the person could act, he landed a hook on his chin!

The man grunted but showed signs of being well-trained as he endured the heavy blow without faltering. His sharp gaze surprised Morpheus. Without much time to think, Morpheus raised his fist to punch again, but the man dodged and swiftly deflected his strong arm this time.

The two engaged in close combat, the air around them crackling with tension, akin to an erupting volcano.

"Stop fighting!" Persephone panicked. "Morpheus, stop!"

She desperately tried to pull him back. Fearing for her safety, Morpheus momentarily lost focus and received a hard punch on his back! "Stop fighting!"

Persephone exerted all her strength to push Morpheus away, then put herself in front of the man with her arms spread wide.

Morpheus paused, looking at her standing against him like an enemy. It felt as if a part was missing from his heart.

Persephone turned and checked the man's injuries anxiously.

"Ms-" Before he could finish, Persephone shot him a look. He swallowed the rest of the "Ms. Hamerton" he was about to say and smiled at her. "Don't worry. I'm fine." Persephone was still concerned.

After these days together, she knew how powerful Morpheus' punches were. The slayer of the underground fight scene could kill with a single blow. How could she let that happen to Seamus Rutherford, who had been with her for years, loyal and devoted?

"Are you really okay?" Persephone repeated the question multiple times.

Morpheus stared straight at both of them.

Chapter 1924

Chapter 1924

Persephone's worries were almost flowing out of her eyes!

Morpheus stood aside, straightening his back. The punch he had received wasn't much, but it surprisingly stung right now. Did she not remember that he also had injuries? Did she not realize these were a mix of old and new injuries?

He assessed Seamus thoroughly.

Seams was good-looking and refined. He appeared as a dashing young fellow. However, the viciousness in his punch moments ago contradicted his genteel appearance.

Seamus was fairer, leaner, and had more delicate features, yet his muscles were as developed as his. Morpheus grunted and cleared his throat.

Persephone finally remembered him and turned to look.

"This is..."

"He's Seamus Rutherford," Persephone introduced formally. "My... My good friend."

She couldn't say Seamus was her bodyguard. After all, how could a regular girl have a bodyguard?

In spite of it, the words "good friend" pricked Morpheus' heart.

He glanced at her wrist and then at Seamus'. They both wore identical bracelets with similar pendants.

'Ah, so they are the perfect match,' he thought. 'Good friends? This is probably her boyfriend.'

Morpheus furrowed his brow and crossed his arms. For the first time in his life, he felt a sense of displeasure.

"Seamus, this is Morpheus Orton." Persephone smiled. "During my time in Flinge, he's been taking care of me a lot!"

Seamus remained cautious, scrutinizing Morpheus multiple times before extending his hand with a smile.

Morpheus reluctantly shook hands, swiftly retracting his hand.

"Thank you for looking after Persephone." Seamus was gracious. "Now that I'm here, she won't trouble you anymore. She has caused you inconvenience during this time at your place. I'd like to compensate you if you're "

"Is this your first time in Flinge?" Morpheus interrupted. "Why don't you come to my place? I'll prepare some snacks, and we can have a chat!"

Seamus stayed vigilant and didn't respond.

Meanwhile, Persephone tugged at his arm and gave him a look.

Morpheus stepped forward to whisper in his ear, "The streets aren't a place to talk. Come to my place. We can discuss the 'compensation' then!"

Seamus looked at him.

Both men had a similarly dark gleam in their eyes.

Morpheus smirked, striding ahead, while Persephone pulled Seamus close behind.

Once inside, Persephone skillfully grabbed slippers from the cupboard for Seamus, who was taken aback. "Miss..."

"Shh!" Persephone put a finger to her lips, watching Morpheus head into the kitchen, then whispered, "Don't address me like that!"

"But you wouldn't have fetched slippers yourself at home in the past!"

Persephone wrinkled her face with pursed lips. "Enough already! Is your jaw still hurting? He has ointment for bruises. I'll get some for you."

"You..." Seamus was at a loss.

He surveyed the apartment. It wasn't sizable but relatively clean, except for the strong traces of a single man. The balcony was littered with sandbags, dumbbells, sports vests, and shorts.

Perhaps due to the old building, it was a bit damp. Some parts of the wall were swollen from the rainwater's soaking.

Seamus was filled with regret and self-reproach. He couldn't imagine Persephone, born into luxury, spending these days with a man resembling a wild beast.

"Food's ready." Morpheus' deep voice brought them back to reality.

Seamus went to the dining table. The food looked rough, and there were two cans of chilled beer. He thought Persephone wouldn't stomach this kind of fare, but to his surprise, the princess sat down, deftly opening the can. Beer fizzed out, and she laughed excitedly.

Chapter 1925

Chapter 1925

Seamus was utterly shocked.

Morpheus glanced at him with a slight triumphant smirk.

"Flinge is hot and humid," he casually remarked. "Having some cold beer relieves fatigue."

Seamus blinked, then watched as Persephone poured beer into a glass and drank it like it was a regular beverage.

Morpheus chuckled, almost talking to himself, yet with a calculated intent. "Sephy, you really like this, right?"

Persephone agreed cheerily, "Yeah!

"Seamus, you should try it too." She offered him a can. "I've never had this kind of drink before, but it's surprisingly good!"

Seamus smiled and shook his head. As a bodyguard, he needed to remain alert at all times.

"Sephy, perhaps... you should take it easy," he advised.

"It's fine!"

"After all, we're in someone else's home," Seamus emphasized the words "someone else's".

"Are you worried that she might get drunk and something could happen?" Morpheus cut in directly with a faint smile. "She's been staying with me all this while and hasn't treated me like an outsider. I haven't treated her like a guest either.

He pushed a plate of stir-fried beef toward Persephone. "Besides, she seems to really enjoy the dishes I make!"

Seamus' expression soured, and Persephone sensed something amiss about Morpheus beside her. He was smiling, but the darkness in his gaze grew deeper. He had even intentionally slid his chair closer to her, subtly moving it.

The square table, set for three people to sit separately, now appeared as if Persephone and Morpheus were sitting together, facing Seamus.

Persephone felt like laughing. She felt a sense of helplessness when she noticed Seamus' cutlery pausing in the air.

Then, there was a knock on the door. Wynn's timely arrival made the already awkward atmosphere even more peculiar.

When Seamus saw Wynn, he was initially taken aback. He then watched Persephone affectionately linking arms with Wynn...

Considering her experiences during this period in Flinge, he felt that everything was not as abnormal as it seemed. He blamed himself for not protecting her and not being by her side when she needed it the

most.

Wynn, as usual, brought a few of his signature dishes, warmly urging Persephone to eat. Then, he sat next to Seamus, much like how Morpheus and Persephone's chairs were placed, inching his seat closer to Seamus.

Seamus maintained distance, courteous yet somewhat aloof. He had never realized that a meal could feel this prolonged.

Finally, Seamus had the chance to pull Persephone outside after she finished the last sip of beer. Wynn got up to clean the dishes in the kitchen while Morpheus went to the balcony for a smoke. "Ms. Hamerton!" Seamus was slightly anxious.

"What's the matter?"

"You..." There were many things Seamus wanted to say but couldn't voice.

He was the son of the head steward of the Hamertons and had grown up with Persephone. To him, she was an untouchable moonlight, an unattainable dream. He was willing to sacrifice everything to protect her, like a knight by the princess' side, only to watch a true prince come and take her into happiness.

However, that prince could never be the beast smoking on the balcony!

Seamus took a deep breath, struggling to speak. "He... hasn't done anything to you, has he?"

Persephone looked at him for a while, furrowing her brow. "Of course not!"

Chapter 1926

Chapter 1926

"Ms. Hamerton, please don't be angry. I'm just worried about you."

"Enough!" Persephone was upset. "Worried? Where were you all when it mattered?! All of you are extraordinary experts, but the moment we arrived in Flinge, everyone went missing!" Seamus lowered his head, embarrassed by her scolding.

"If it weren't for Morpheus, I'd probably end up in the red-light district as a corpse!"

"Miss..."

Persephone turned her back in annoyance. "And, I've said it before. Drop the address in front of Morpheus!"

"Alright."

After a while, Persephone calmed down. She turned to him and asked, "You brought me out here. Was there something else you wanted to tell me?"

Seamus regained his focus, cleared his throat, and whispered, "After we arrived in Flinge, we were targeted by some factions here... This is the reason we lost contact with you earlier." Persephone's expression changed. "Who are they?"

"Faction forces," Seamus explained briefly. "The factions here are complex, and Flinge is far from Centrolis. Even if Mr. Hamerton came, he wouldn't be able to control these local powers immediately. They have their rules and criminal methods, making it challenging for the local police to handle them as well..."

"Are they targeting us?"

"Not exactly." Seamus shook his head. "Any new face on that street draws the factions' attention... In short, we've run into trouble this time.

"And Kourtney..." Seamus looked at Persephone with concern. "She might not know your true identity, but she has most likely investigated you. With her capabilities, discovering your identity should not be difficult. So, you mustn't fall into their hands. Otherwise, they'll use you to threaten the Hamertons and Thompsons! Do you... understand?"

Persephone frowned, biting her lip.

Since childhood, she had been well-protected and shielded from the world's malicious speculations, which made her live a somewhat self-centered life. Her focus was solely on finding her childhood friend, causing her to overlook the family supporting her and the harm that her recklessness brought upon them.

"Miss..." Seamus halted, changing his words. Sephy, we must leave this place as soon as possible!"

Seamus patted her shoulder. "Also, although our people were ambushed last time, we've learned some information... I'm afraid you won't find the person you're looking for here." "What?!" Persephone was taken aback.

Seamus hesitated before slowly saying, "Greta might have already been sold overseas."

Persephone's mind went blank as she leaned lightly against the wall.

Seamus didn't know how to comfort her. He did what he used to do when she was upset as a child-grabbed her hand and let her hold his ear, making her laugh again. But this time, that method seemed to fail.

Seamus sighed softly and whispered, "I've already arranged it. Three days from now, I'll take you by boat. This place isn't far from Southeast Aciatic, and our ship will circle through the Southeast Aciatic sea area before returning to Centrolis. Our people will be there all along the way, so don't worry."

He paused. "Sephy, hurry back home. Mrs. Hamerton is losing sleep worrying about you all the time. Can you bear to see her like that?"

"Yeah, I understand." Persephone nodded. "Three days later, I'll leave with you."

Seamus smiled. "Okay."

Persephone managed to force a smile and tugged at his ear.

The door creaked open at that moment, and Morpheus stood before them.

Chapter 1927

Chapter 1927

Persephone stared at him, seemingly feeling guilty as if she had done something wrong. She swiftly withdrew her hand from Seamus' ear and clasped them behind her back.

Morpheus glanced at them. He hadn't heard what they were saying. After finishing his cigarette and returning indoors, he found no trace of the two. Instinctively, he stepped outside to find them and faintly caught the words "leaving" at the door.

His heart felt as though it had been squeezed and dropped to the ground, but he quickly regained his composure. He ironically thought, 'What right do I have to feel hurt?'

Between Persephone and Morpheus, aside from being labeled as a couple, nothing else had happened. He didn't even understand how she felt about it.

Their paths might have only crossed that night when she tenderly attended to his wounds. On that particular night, she glimpsed his scars, and it was only then that her tears fell for him.

Wasn't that enough?

They belonged to two different worlds.

Now that her boyfriend had arrived to take her away from this troublesome place, that was fine.

Morpheus forced a smile that looked more terrifying than his straight face.

"Are you... leaving?" he asked in a low voice.

Persephone glanced at Seamus, signaling him not to speak.

"How are you planning to leave?" Morpheus asked further. "You're not familiar with this area. I'll escort you when the time comes." Seamus was somewhat surprised. "Really?"

"Of course." For some reason, Morpheus seemed displeased whenever he saw Seamus. His "of course" sounded particularly harsh. However, Seamus didn't seem to mind. "It's great if you're willing to help."

Morpheus glanced at him, then chose to ignore him. He walked straight to Persephone and asked, "When are you planning to leave?"

"Um... Three days later," Persephone replied, lowering her gaze.

"Oh," Morpheus said thoughtfully. "Are you planning to take a boat?"

"Yes."

"In that case, I'll take you to the dock when the time comes. There are also some of Fat Jim's people in that area. Just in case. I can assist you in getting past them." Persephone bit her lip, saying nothing.

Meanwhile, Seamus smiled. "Thank you very much, Mr. Orton. I've already made arrangements, but it'd be good to have a local around in case of emergencies... I'm truly grateful for your help during this time you've looked after Persephone."

"You talk too much," Morpheus retorted coldly.

Seamus looked embarrassed and coughed lightly.

Morpheus withdrew his icy gaze and softened when he looked at Persephone. After contemplating for a while, he finally said, "Stay here during these three days. You know that Kourtney and Fat Jim's people have been around. If you move out now, it might attract their attention. You might not be able to leave then."

Seamus scowled upon hearing this. "Mr. Orton..."

Ignoring him, Morpheus kept his gaze on Persephone's face. "If your boyfriend is concerned, he can stay here too. Just one condition. You have to keep an eye on him and prevent him from wandering outside to avoid trouble."

Seamus was stunned, looking at Morpheus and then at Persephone. Just as he was about to say something, Persephone interjected, "Seamus, do as Morpheus says."

"But-"

"For these three days, I'll stay here, and you won't have to." Persephone's voice was quiet but carried an unchallengeable tone. "I want to... bid farewell to Morpheus properly." Seamus stared at her for a while, feeling helpless. Finally, he had to find an excuse to leave.

Chapter 1928

Chapter 1928

Morpheus took considerable time to shake off the impact of Persephone's final decision and comprehend that the individual he disliked encountering had departed. Persephone had dismissed him, after all. A foolish smile played on his lips. He had never anticipated that Persephone's ultimate selection would be him.

"Your boyfriend..." He wanted to ask if Seamus was upset, but it seemed silly, so he swallowed the words back.

Persephone glanced at him and gently replied, "He's not my boyfriend."

Morpheus was dumbfounded once more.

"I introduced him as my good friend. When did I ever say he was my boyfriend?"

"Oh..." Morpheus was still baffled.

Persephone suddenly felt upset. She realized the urgency of leaving Flinge to ease her family's worries. With the absence of any news about Greta in Flinge, staying longer seemed pointless. Departing sooner might yield new leads.

Yet, a voice persisted within her blank mind-Morpheus.

She harbored numerous thoughts she wished to express but struggled to articulate. Silently, she entered the room.

Wynn had already organized the kitchen. Upon noticing she returned, he eagerly peeked behind her. However, he was somewhat disappointed when he spotted Morpheus accompanying her. "Sephy, your friend... left?" Wynn cautiously asked.

"Hmm?" Persephone paused for a moment, then nodded.

Wynn seemed awkward, forced a smile, and found a reason to leave.

Neither Persephone nor Morpheus paid much attention to Wynn's disappointment. They were preoccupied with their own thoughts.

Morpheus sat at one end of the couch, turned on the TV, which hadn't been used all year, and aimlessly changed channels, his mind in disarray.

Only three days left.

She had said she would bid him a proper farewell, yet he didn't know how to say goodbye. In his life, there had been no farewells, only abandonments. "Morpheus."

Suddenly, that gentle voice seeped into his ears, bringing his thoughts back.

"Yeah, what's up?"

"I'll be leaving in three days. Is there anything you want to tell me?"

Morpheus swallowed, his back straightened, and his eyes remained fixed on the TV. After a while, he uttered stiffly, "Have... a safe journey."

"Oh..." Persephone lowered her head, rubbing her hands, then intertwining her fingers.

"I think your family background must be pretty good." Morpheus smiled softly, his voice light. "Your parents must love you, eagerly awaiting your return."

"Yeah."

"Three days will pass quickly, and you'll soon be with your family."

"Mm."

"Sephy..."

Morpheus' hand rubbed his knee. He wanted to ask if she would forget about him, but his inner self quickly dismissed the question. What use was there in remembering when they would never meet again? Persephone lifted her head, gazing steadily at Morpheus beside her. "Morpheus, could you... give me a gift?"

Chapter 1929

Chapter 1929

"Sure!" Morpheus readily agreed. After a moment of being stunned, he chuckled to himself, wondering if he had agreed too quickly. Persephone pressed her lips together, pushing the stray strands of hair away from her forehead.

Meanwhile, Morpheus hastily rushed into his room, squatted in front of a cabinet in the corner, and rummaged through it for a while.

Being alone for so long, he realized he didn't have anything presentable to give her as a memento. There were either old boxing gloves or sportswear. On the balcony lay dumbbells and punching bags. He discovered that besides these, he had nothing else to offer.

He sighed softly and eventually came across an old photo-probably his only one. The photo was slightly yellowed. He was in military attire, his gaze resolute and confident. Morpheus froze, his hand trembling slightly. After a while, he stuffed the photo back deep into the drawer.

The next day, he took Persephone shopping, hoping to buy her something. He mentioned not having any souvenirs and suggested she pick something herself.

The weather was good that day, but Persephone's mood wasn't as high-spirited. She counted the days until leaving Flinge in her mind.

It was the first day, and the time she had with Morpheus was dwindling second by second. Suddenly, she felt like a terminal patient, hopelessly waiting for that moment to arrive.

Morpheus took her to the mall, where the air conditioning was strong enough to keep her from feeling the hot sun outside. It was a weekday, so there were few people in the mall during the day, leaving the vas space feeling somewhat empty for Persephone.

She walked behind Morpheus, keeping half a body's distance from him. She gazed at his tall, straight figure, angular profile, prominent nose... She observed how he walked, exuding a confident air, and how the sleeves of his T-shirt hinted at hidden scars.

Persephone suddenly felt very sad.

After returning to Centrolis, he would just be a dream to her.

She bit her lip and summoned the courage to reach for his hand, but he turned to her at that moment with a gentle smile. "Do you like this dress?"

Persephone was stunned, realizing he had brought her to a boutique. She shook her head silently and walked away.

Morpheus followed, then pointed at a bag displayed in the storefront, asking if she wanted it.

Persephone still shook her head.

He became a bit flustered, wanting to buy her something, but she refused everything.

"You said you wanted me to give you something." He grabbed her. "But if you don't want this or that, how can I give you anything?"

"I..." Persephone paused, catching a glimpse of a photography studio nearby.

There weren't many studios in large malls, and this particular one had a somewhat vintage decor, looking quite unique from the outside. Morpheus followed her gaze, understanding her intent. He smiled. Without a word, he took her hand and led her inside. Persephone's heart skipped a beat, and her cheeks were slightly flushed when she snapped out of it.

"Welcome! What kind of photos would you like?" The clerk warmly handed over a photo album, also mentioning some discount offers. The owner emerged from behind the door and instantly recognized Morpheus.

"You... you're..." Matthew Dilley, the chubby owner who looked like a meatball, smiled amiably. "Oh my, you're that fighter!"

Morpheus was taken aback, not expecting to meet an acquaintance there. Yet, he was unable to recall when they had met.

Chapter 1930

Chapter 1930

"I've taken photos of you during your matches before!" Matthew walked up cheerfully and gestured to his assistant, then led the two of them into the exclusive VIP photography studio. There, they had

specialized stylists and makeup artists.

This photography studio was a well-known establishment in Flinge, even attracting many celebrities who sought Matthew for photoshoots. Matthew was quite reputable in the industry. Whenever there wasn't a very famous star, he would hand the photography task to his assistant.

Today, he was hands-on, setting up the scene, selecting outfits for both of them, considering the photography ambiance, and thoroughly enjoying himself.

"I particularly enjoy watching you throw punches!" Matthew grinned. "Your boxing technique is sharp and satisfying!"

Morpheus recalled a time when he had faced off against a foreigner who was excessively arrogant before the match, boasting confidently, only to be soundly defeated in the ring by Morpheus.

Patriotic souls like Matthew loved watching these matches, even if they were held in underground arenas. Every time he bet on Morpheus. The latter had never lost, allowing him to earn plenty from the underground fights.

"I heard you got married?" Matthew glanced at him, then at Persephone. "Is this your wife?"

Morpheus neither confirmed nor denied it.

Matthew immediately had the assistant bring over a dozen wedding gowns.

"Today, I'll take a set of wedding photos for you two!" Matthew was ecstatic.

Persephone felt a bit awkward, glancing at Morpheus beside her, then smiling faintly. Subsequently, they dressed formally for the photos, changing outfits several times. However, Persephone liked the traditional outfit the most.

That particular attire exuded grace and magnificence, with the whole scene adorned in celebratory colors. Standing beside her, Morpheus wore the same traditional clothing, a stark contrast from his usual boxing style.

They faced the camera, both sporting the most contented smiles.

The photo session lasted quite a while. After it was over, Persephone carefully selected each photo, wanting to keep every single one. Finally, she picked the one with the traditional outfit. She patiently waited for Matthew to finish editing the photos and print them out. She then carefully tucked the picture into her pocket.

This was the best gift Morpheus had given her.

Three days passed quickly. As they neared the moment of parting, neither of them acknowledged it, not even raising their heads to glance at each other.

At midnight, Morpheus drove Persephone to the pier, where they saw Seamus already waiting.

"Get off," Morpheus said in a low voice.

After a silent journey, it was the first time he spoke to her.

Persephone didn't have much luggage. The most precious thing was the photo in her pocket. She reached inside and touched it. She then pulled her hand out, gently pressed the outside of her pocket, and looked at him.

Morpheus thought for a moment, then got out of the car and went around to open her door.

Seamus saw them and hurried over.

"Morpheus, you..." Persephone's voice was soft. "Will you remember me?"

Morpheus' heart clenched, and he managed a slight smile.

Persephone lowered her head. "I'll remember you for a lifetime."

"No need," he said gravely. "After you go back, forget everything here."

"Morpheus-"

"Hurry!"

He grabbed her hand, and Seamus arrived. He smoothly placed her hand in Seamus'.

That was his way of ensuring her safety. From then on, they belonged to two different worlds.

Seamus urgently reminded Persephone, "Let's go... Actually, the ship was about to depart, and I delayed it for a few more minutes. If we delay further, there might be unforeseen changes in the ship's route."