Ch. 31..40

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Cordelia was stunned. Confused, she looked at Annie.

Annie sighed and whispered next to her ear, "I'll just lay it out for you. The news has been spread all over the office, saying that you're married to a thug who was put behind bars...

"They also said that your husband was the one who beat up Jesse yesterday! The stories were vivid, saying that he was often arrested due to fights. He was imprisoned for years and was only released recently."

Cordelia was not sure whether to laugh or cry. She momentarily fell silent.

Annie was shocked to see her saying nothing. "Are you really married, Cordelia? Is your husband as they described?"

"Yes, I'm married." Cordelia was honest. "Also, he indeed doesn't come from a glorious background."

Annie stepped back when she heard that, staring at Cordelia in disbelief.

"But he treats me well." Cordelia's voice was soft, but each word she said was as clear beads falling onto the ground.

"I never planned to hide my marriage from all of you or not tell anyone. There's no need to hide. Instead, none of you asked. There's no rule in the company that says it doesn't hire married individuals, right?" Annie frowned. "True, but..."

"No matter what, my husband is a nice person." Cordelia had a calm face. "Perhaps he was put behind bars for fighting in the past, but ever since we got married, he has never done anything like that again. The past is in the past. Hand in hand, we venture into the present and future together."

Annie looked at her with a smile. If she were Cordelia, perhaps she would not have the same courage.

"If I can be honest, I admire you." Annie held her hand, realizing there was nothing on her finger.

"You're married, but why aren't you wearing a wedding ring? It makes sense that people would misunderstand!"

Cordelia was stunned and lowered her head to look at her hand.

The marriage was rushed. They had not had the time to buy wedding bands. Furthermore, they had not even had a ring exchange ceremony. She had gotten married muddleheaded. As such, she did not care if she had a ring or not.

However, there seemed to be a ring in the sandalwood box that Marcus gave her, right?

A shrill voice suddenly came as she was deep in thought. "Her husband spent half of his life in jail. How would he have money to buy her a ring?"

Cordelia snapped her head back. She saw Karine coming with a few people with a stare that could eat her alive.

"Say, you guys should learn from Cordelia. Her husband was in fights and in jail, he smokes and drinks, but he's still a good man! Haha!"

"That's right." Someone went along. "I heard he doesn't even have a proper job. He's spending his wife's money!"

"It's no wonder our dear Cordelia works so hard. She'd sleep with any man just to close sales!"

Karine gnashed her teeth.

She was shocked at first before she was pissed when she heard that Cordelia's husband had hit Jesse. She knew that if Jesse had not done something out of line, he would not have been beaten up. After all, that douchebag was a liar!

He was loyal to her on the surface, but he was insatiable in reality. He still had his eyes on Cordelia!

Although she was feeling defeated, she could only swallow all that. She sided with Jesse on the surface, but she was determined to mess with Cordelia!

"Cordelia..." Karine mocked, "Are you working so hard to save up for a diamond ring? Hah. If your husband can't afford it, you can ask other men! They'd always fall for your trick. It's a piece of cake for you to close sales. All you've got to do is to seduce them!"

"Karine!" growled Cordelia.

The few people who were giggling fell silent instantly.

They looked at her quietly. There was killing intent in her eyes, giving them chills.

It was their first time seeing the gentle and soft Cordelia serving a scary look like that.

They looked at each other. On the other hand, Karine revealed a vicious grin at the corner of her lips. She lifted her head and asked. "What are you trying to do?"

Cordelia shook, her fists clenched tight.

She repeated to herself rationally that she was in the office. There was a surveillance camera above them. She should not stir trouble.

Karine said all these things just to trigger her. If she really took action, she would be falling into her trap!

Cordelia took a few deep breaths, glared fiercely, and enunciated each word. "Karine, you're a supervisor. Please watch your behavior. As Jesse's girlfriend, please control your man! My husband made himself clear. If he dares to harass me again, he'll cripple him!"

"Wow, are you threatening me?"

"It's not a threat." Cordelia smiled. "I suddenly realized that having a husband like this is amazing. He'll do whatever it takes to protect me! Unlike someone who looks all sanctimonious on the surface, his objective of dating his girlfriend is just to get the uncle's company share!"

"You-"

In reality, Karine had her guess as to why Jesse dated her. However, it was humiliating to have Cordelia spelling out the truth before everyone.

Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Karine fumed. Her cheeks flushed.

Reputation was everything to her. Now that she was humiliated, she vented her rage on Cordelia. She lifted her arms to hit her, but the people around her stopped her.

They pointed at the surveillance camera on the ceiling, asking her to hold back.

Karine glared at Cordelia with a vengeance and said to her while gnashing her teeth a moment later, "What's there to flaunt about having married a poor man? A diamond ring aside, he can't even afford a copper or iron ring! Stay poor for the rest of your lives, you wretched couple!"

She turned to leave as soon as she was done. Cordelia grinned as she watched her leave in a rage.

It seemed she would not have peace in the office from now on.

She must plan ahead and come up with a backup plan.

On the next day...

Cordelia looked different than before when she showed up at the office again.

She, who did not wear makeup, put on light makeup today. She had something on her finger, too-a huge emerald ring.

Her colleagues stared with their eyes open wide. The ring seemed to be of pure gold with detailed carvings on it, and the emerald on it was translucent. It looked plenty magnificent. However, the design was rather old, like it had some years on it.

Cordelia caressed it softly with her head lowered.

She had taken the ring out of the box the previous night. Her fingers were slender, so it was slightly too big for her.

Marcus had said to wear it after they got the size adjusted at the jewelry store, but she could not wait anymore.

Had Karine not said that her husband could not even afford a ring?

She must show her what she had on her finger today!

"So beautiful, Cordelia!" The ladies in the office surrounded her and looked at the ring curiously. "I've never seen a ring of such a style. It must be custom-made?" "But it looks very old," someone said. "It looks vintage."

"Cordelia, I guess your husband gave you this? Why did he give you a ring that's too big? Did it belong to your mother-in-law? Is it an heirloom?"

Cordelia said nothing while smiling.

Karine passed her by and peeped at the ring.

Her eyes lit up. Although the ring had an old design, it was obviously good stuff with history. However...

How did Cordelia obtain such a precious thing?

She scoffed and commented with a snicker, "Don't tell me it's fake?"

The office suddenly fell silent. They had awkward looks on their faces as they returned to their desks.

"Cordelia, we came from the same school, after all. As your senior, I feel the responsibility to tell you this." Karine rolled her eyes. "The ring is old and used. You can tell from a glance that it's glass that has been dyed. What emerald? Hah! Your husband must have deceived you. You're convinced by a toy?"

Cordelia caressed the ring and responded flatly while staring directly into her eyes, "I'm wearing a ring just to prove I'm married. Nothing else. I don't care if it's glass or precious stone. It makes no difference to

me.

"Also..." She smiled calmly. "As long as it's given by my husband, I don't care if it's made of bronze or iron. It's the heart that matters. I'd love it no matter what!"

"Hah!" Karine mocked, "That's what a poor person would say!"

Cordelia did not take it to heart and dove into her stressful work.

As she was drafting the sales plan in the afternoon, she heard Annie mumbling softly, "She must be dying to close sales to be bringing just anyone to the office!" Stunned, Cordelia turned her head to look.

Annie pouted, directing Cordelia to lift her head. She then saw Karine leading a bunch of people in and out of the office.

If she were not mistaken, it was the fifth batch of clients the latter hosted this afternoon.

It seemed like she had taken it personally that she had lost the sales the previous time.

Cordelia chuckled. As she was going to bury herself in the sales plan, she heard Karine yelling while standing at her office door, "Come here, Cordelia!"

Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Cordelia felt her heart squeeze. She turned her head, and Annie and her locked eyes. The latter looked at her anxiously.

"Why did she ask for you?" Annie frowned. "She must be up to no good. Watch out, Cordelia!"

"Hmm, it's going to be okay." Cordelia walked to Karine's office calmly.

Karine pulled up all of the blinds in the office intentionally. She even left the door open with the intention of showing everything that was happening inside to everyone out there. Cordelia was suspicious. It seemed she was not trying to start something with her.

After all, all eyes were on them.

"Cordelia, this is Mr. Jones from the Star Group." Karine introduced her with a bright smile. "Mr. Jones, this is our company's top salesperson of the month!"

Cordelia nodded, smiling courteously. However, the more she looked at Karine, the more she thought what Annie said was right.

She was up to no good.

Oliver Jones was a gentle middle-aged man. From the moment Cordelia entered, he had his eyes on the ring she wore. He had been staring.

"It's your lucky day, Cordelia!" Karine smirked. "Although Mr. Jones is a businessman, he's quite the expert in jewelry appraisal. He's also a permanent member of the Jewelry Association. Many jewelry stores hired him for appraisal. Hah! Mr. Jones's eyes are as powerful as the precision instrument. With a glance, he can tell whether a piece of jewelry is authentic!

She turned to look at Oliver. "Mr. Jones, what do you think of the ring that Cordelia is wearing?"

Cordelia's heart was pounding. She instinctively covered the ring on her finger.

Oliver stood up, saying with a courteous smile, "Ms. Cordelia, I wonder if I can take a look at it?”

Cordelia hesitated. At that moment, some curious colleagues out there were watching.

Karine crossed her arms before her chest. There was a grin at the corner of her lips as if she was ready for a drama.

"Mr. Jones, this ring is worth nothing," Cordelia said softly. "It's just a dress ring. There's nothing special about it. It's not worth it to take a look at it."

"Really?" Karine's shrill voice echoed. "Hah! I heard someone telling me that this was her wedding ring!

"Why are you so petty, Cordelia? Mr. Jones is passionate about precious stones. Just show him! He's the company's VIP. Don't you dare offend him!"

Cordelia took a deep breath. She now understood the real purpose Karine had opened the windows and door.

She froze for a few seconds before removing the ring expressionlessly. She placed it on the desk.

Oliver smiled. He put on a pair of white gloves, and then he took the professional Chelsea Filter out of his bag. He picked up the ring carefully and looked at it thoroughly. However, the more he looked, the more dramatic his expression became.

Cordelia was nervous. Marcus had told her that the ring did not worth much the previous night.

Karine had brought a jewelry expert here for nothing else but to determine that it was defective so that she would be humiliated, right?

"Ms. Cordelia." Oliver suddenly spoke. "Where did you get this ring from?" Cordelia was confused when she saw his serious and shocked expression. "My husband gave it to me. It's my wedding ring. Is there a problem?"

Oliver's eyes widened. "May I know what your husband's name is?"

Cordelia frowned, finding the question that came out of nowhere strange. Nevertheless, she remained courteous as she replied softly, "Grist."

Oliver was stunned. Not only did the doubt in his eyes not go away, but there was more now.

How was it possible that he was a Grist? The tiny, inconspicuous totem on the ring was the symbol of the Hamertons from Centrolis!

If he were not mistaken, the ring was the Hamertons' heirloom. It was worn by their ancestors of noble status in the past.

Karine noticed the odd expressions on Oliver's face. Failing to hold back, she asked. "Mr. Jones, what's wrong with the ring? Hah, is it fake?"

More and more people gathered outside to watch and discuss among themselves.

Cordelia bit her lip and silently took the ring back. She put it on her ring finger again.

"Not only is the ring authentic, but it's priceless." Oliver removed the gloves. "This is an emerald, while the ring should be pure gold extracted from the Hume Gold Mine. Although the design is ancient, it's priceless."

"What!?" Karine had a change of expression. "M-Mr. Jones, are you sure about that?"

"What? Are you questioning my competency?"

"No, no. That's not what I meant..."

Displeased, Oliver glared at her. He then looked at Cordelia with all smiles. "Ms. Cordelia, this emerald's size, purity, and toughness is rare. The value would be immeasurable if you were to auction it at Christie's!"

Cordelia was surprised by what he said.

Meanwhile, those people who had assumed they were in for a show were shocked. They whispered among themselves. They had complicated looks on their faces as they looked at her now.

"I heard Ms. Cordelia is outstanding in sales. I'd like to speak to you about some businesses with my company. I wonder if you have time for that?"

Cordelia was stunned. She looked up and looked into Oliver's warm eyes.

She chuckled. Why would she reject business that came to her doorstep!?

"Please wait for me in the meeting room, Mr. Jones. I'll pour you a cup of tea and show you my sales plan."

Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Cordelia showed Oliver to the meeting room.

The gathered people at the door were gloating.

"Ms. Carmichael just wanted Mr. Jones to say that Cordelia's ring is made of green glass. Who knew it was an authentic emerald? She even got the client in the end!" someone whispered cheerily. "I suppose she suffered a double loss?"

"Pfft! More like penny-wise but pound-foolish!"

"Haha!"

Karine stood where she was, frozen. Her mind was empty, and she shook from rage.

She walked over quickly and slammed the door. The loud thud echoed.

The people gathered at the door dispersed, but peals of laughter lingered in the office. They were already displeased by her arrogance, but they allowed her behavior since her uncle was a major shareholder. They were secretly over the moon to see her defeated today.

After sending Oliver to the entrance of the company, smiling, Cordelia caressed the ring on her finger softly after saying goodbye.

Was it really an emerald?

She beamed, and two tiny dimples perked on her cheeks as if they contained all of the sweetness of the world in them.

Now that she thought about it carefully, her luck seemed to have improved after marrying Marcus. She was getting more and more sales. Not only that, but he would always appear to help whenever a crisis

arose.

The fortune teller had told her that she would bring her husband good luck.

Hah, more like Marcus brought his wife good luck!

She released a long sigh of relief. She would get off work soon, so she thought of making meatballs for Marcus tonight.

However, what welcomed her were Karine's bloodshot eyes as she turned around.

"Ms. Carmichael." Cordelia neutrally greeted her.

She heard Karine's raging mockery coming from behind just as she was going up. "Hah, an emerald! I'm sure you stole it somewhere?"

Cordelia snapped her head back and stared at her. "What did you say?"

"I say, what shady things has a man who has been put behind bars never done?" Karine went on with her mockery. "You have a strong will, Cordelia! Look at you and your husband. One steals things, and the other steals hearts. The two of you are a match made in heaven!"

Cordelia bit her lip while her face turned pale.

Karine scoffed and lifted her eyes to look up on purpose. There was a red light lit on the surveillance camera. It was recording everything that was happening.

She was actually smart. She would always pick somewhere with surveillance cameras every time she triggered Cordelia. In that case, no matter how she crossed the line, Cordelia would not use violence as long as she remained rational.

As soon as she hit her, she would have to stay out of the company forever!

"My dear junior." Karine looked at her ring. "It's nothing to be ashamed of to be poor, but it's too much to steal! You're a good lady, so why did you marry such a man?

"Ah, I know. A man who was imprisoned for a long time-"

Cordelia took a deep breath in. This time, she decided not to take the insult. She asked Karine softly after glancing at her. "Senior, can we have a proper talk?"

Upon seeing her humbled, Karine's rage finally subsided a little bit.

'Is she surrendering? Hah, she knows her limit, at least.'

"Senior," Cordelia continued gently. "You'll have Mr. Jones' business. I won't take it from you. You'll take all of the commission when the deal is closed. You'll take the credit. Are you happy with the arrangement?"

Karine scoffed. "You know your place, all right!"

"Can we talk somewhere else? There are too many people here. There are things that I can't say here."

Karine agreed. She followed the former through the office building and arrived at a remote space at the back.

Cordelia looked around. There was a grove-the spot was rather hidden, and nobody would pass by. Most importantly, there were no cameras around. She had spotted this 'perfect place' to talk from the beginning.

"Just spit it out!" Karine remained arrogant. "I'd like to get off work early!"

Cordelia had her head held low and was silent. Karine sensed the odd atmosphere. Just when she was going to urge the former again, a slap came!

Then a burning pain instantly rose on her cheek!

Karine was dumbfounded. Meanwhile, Cordelia served her a second slap with all of her might before the former could react!

Karine staggered and fell onto the ground.

"W-What are you doing?" She covered her cheeks that were slapped, looking at Cordelia in fear.

Cordelia stared at her coldly. She lost the softness that she usually had, as if she had armor grown on her body.

She snapped and grabbed Karine's collar to get her up. As she lifted her hand to give her the third slap, the latter screamed, shutting her eyes instinctively while wrapping her arms around her head. Cordelia's hand stopped in the air.

"The first slap was for humiliating me!

"The second slap was for humiliating my husband!

"The third slap..."

"Cordelia, if you dare hit me again, I'll—"

Cordelia gave a loud slap before Karine could finish yelling.

"The third slap serves as a warning to you!" Cordelia enunciated. "If you dare criticize my husband again, you'll suffer worse consequences than this! Don't think I won't dare to hit you again! I didn't slap you in front of people this time to save your reputation. If you dare to bark again, I'll show everyone how you got your swollen cheeks!

"Worse comes to worst, I'll just quit my job. You can tell the whole world that I, Cordelia, hit you. Hah! I'll proudly take responsibility since I've done it. But if you push me again, you'll bear the consequences!"

Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Nobody knew why Karine's cheeks were swollen, and there was even blood at the corner of her lips when she returned that day.

She looked as clumsy as Jesse when he was beaten up the other day.

The smart ones very soon thought of Cordelia when they connected the dots. However, as Cordelia was quite popular, kind, and hardworking, even if she had hit Karine, everyone would assume that the latter had crossed the line.

Given that there was no solid proof, they moved on pretty quickly.

Although no cameras captured the incident, Fredric had seen everything.

He had been running an errand at a nearby law firm. It was quite a scene to see Cordelia slapping someone.

He reported to Marcus instantly. As if he was influenced by Josiah, he had a similar tone when he spoke. "Z, your wife is a spicy little missy. The slaps she served were so precise! She even warned the person that she'd suffer worse consequences if she dared to criticize you again!"

Marcus raised his brow, and a smile appeared on his cold face.

No wonder Cordelia looked a little panicky when she got home the other day. She even asked about the prison sentence for assault...

He had assumed she was not actually scared, yet she braved all she had to protect him.

Marcus felt warm. His eyes softened as he looked at the little lady who was busy working in the kitchen.

He walked in slowly.

Cordelia was fighting a fish.

The fish was dying on the chopping board. She placed the kitchen knife flat and raised it high. Thud! It fell hard. The fish was stunned entirely. She scraped the scales instantly and cut open its belly as its mouth opened and closed slowly.

Marcus chuckled. It was his first time seeing the gory scene of a woman killing a fish, especially a soft woman like Cordelia.

"Why are you here?" Cordelia turned her head after hearing his chuckle. Some strands of hair covered her eyes.

"Why can't you just buy a dead fish?" he asked gently. "Why bring so much trouble upon yourself by getting a live fish?"

"You've got a lot to learn!" Cordelia reasoned. "The dealer might switch the fish if you get them to kill it. They might switch it to a stale, dead fish. That'd be horrible! I'd rather take up the work myself to have my peace of mind!"

Marcus smirked.

The weather had been warm lately. She wore a T-shirt and shorts at home. Her white T-shirt was see-through, showing her bra straps. Meanwhile, her long, fair legs beneath the shorts were right before him. He watched her for a little bit when he suddenly realized his heart was racing. He quickly looked away.

Cordelia adjusted the strap on her apron.

It landed right on her thighs.

Marcus felt his throat tighten. It was rather dry.

The kitchen, apron, her being busy, her naked legs, the sweat dripping on her forehead, and the tip of her nose-all these gave him a strange, tingling feeling.

He took a few deep breaths in to suppress those magical feelings.

He soon realized that he was being extra. The person before him was his wife! Having those feelings would make sense, and it would be legal if he were really to do something to her!

Seeing that he stood there quietly, Cordelia stood up straight to look at him. He was blushing and panting a little bit. The way he looked at her was odd.

She was stunned. She wiped her hands quickly and felt his forehead.

"What's wrong? Do you not feel well?

"Jeez! Why are your cheeks burning?"

Chapter 36

Chapter 36

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, "Okay."

Marcus entered the bathroom right after dinner. He usually took only ten minutes to take a shower, but he had spent nearly an hour this time.

Cordelia had already cut up some fruits and watched television but still did not see the man coming up. There was only the occasional sound of water running.

Her face heated up, and she went to change into her pajamas. As she sat by the bed anxiously, she had no idea where to place her hands.

What was he going to do to her later? He was tall and muscular, so he must be stronger than the average...

Cordelia giggled but hung her head in shame when she felt that her thoughts were too embarrassing.

It was then the running water in the bathroom stopped. She jolted and clutched the edge of her pajamas.

Marcus' footsteps could be heard coming closer.

Cordelia's heart thumped with intertwined feet as she was both nervous and anticipating.

She had only read what wedding nights were like in novels in the past. She used to look forward to these pleasant scenes when she was younger and to fantasize about marrying the person she loved and having an unforgettable night.

Although this was no longer her wedding night, it would be her first time with Marcus.

Cordelia could not help herself as a blissful smile stretched the corners of her lips. She hoped that everything would be like what the novels said and she could reminisce about it for life.

In spite of it, an urgent knock rang at the door.

Cordelia was surprised, even more so when she opened the door. Carter stood outside with a busted face and looked horrible, crying the moment he saw her.

"What happened?" Cordelia pulled him into the house. "Did you get into a fight?"

"Cordelia..." Carter looked at her with reddened eyes and kept sobbing, unable to speak a full sentence.

Cordelia was anxious, forgetting all about Marcus. It was until the latter coughed that she snapped back to reality and slowly turned around to see a confused frowning face. Her heart skipped a beat. She was currently Yelena, and the latter had no younger brother...

"T-this is my younger cousin." She forced a smile and discreetly gave Carter a look.

Carter jolted and immediately understood what his sister meant after a glance at Marcus. This man in front of them was the man his sister married in place of Yelena, so the man still did not know his identity. He must not ruin it for his sister.

"Carter." Cordelia said softly, "Greet your cousin-in-law!"

Carter greeted Marcus obediently and hid behind Cordelia right away. He looked at the man timidly, getting an inexplicable commanding presence from the latter. Did his sister not feel pressured while living with someone like this every day?

Marcus nodded and retrieved the first aid kit without a word. He made Carter sit on the couch and patched him up.

Carter was quite seriously injured. His forehead was bruised and swollen, and there was a large patch of skin scraped off his leg. His wound was sticking to his pants, and any movement caused him great agony.

Even when Marcus was being gentle, Carter was still pale and sweating from the pain.

"What happened? Who beat you up?" Cordelia cried, "Who did you offend?"

Carter kept his lips pursed without a word. It only distressed Cordelia even more, and she kept asking, but Carter said nothing, no matter how she interrogated him.

Marcus patted her shoulder with a look that asked her to relax before he helped Carter to the balcony. Cordelia watched the two of them close the door, and before long, Carter seemed to be talking to Marcus while wiping his tears.

When Marcus stepped out, Cordelia hurried to him and asked, "What's wrong?"

"He's being bullied at school." Marcus' expression was cold, with a hint of rage between his brows.

Cordelia felt her heart clench in pain, and the impulse to cry rushed up again.

"It's a few seniors who think your cousin's an easy target and encircle him before and after school to ask for money from him. If he doesn't have any, he'll get beaten up." Marcus bit his lips. "They didn't get any money from him just now, so they slammed his head against the wall, yanking his hair. That's why the wound on his forehead is quite bad."

Cordelia sucked in a cold breath. She wanted to check her brother out on the balcony but was stopped by Marcus.

"Don't go yet," he whispered in her ear. "Boys this age are prideful. He won't want you to see him like this. Wait for him to calm down first."

"Mm." Cordelia nodded but was suddenly puzzled. Her own brother refused to tell her that he was bullied but was willing to tell his brother-in-law, whom he had only met?

Marcus seemed to read her mind and smiled. "There are things that only men would tell men.”

Cordelia shook her head. "He's only 16. What kind of a man is that!?"

"Don't underestimate him." Marcus chuckled. "When I was 16, I had already-"

He swallowed his words back halfway through his sentence.

Cordelia looked up at him. "Already what?"

Chapter 37

Chapter 37

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 the living room.

Marcus was stunned for a few seconds. Realizing that something was wrong, he grabbed her wrist. "You... Why are you setting the sheets on the couch again?"

"What's wrong with that?" Cordelia turned to look at him.

"Everything!" He tried hard to make himself sound calm. "Didn't you say that I'll sleep in the room tonight? Aren't you going to... with me..."

"My cousin's beaten up, and you have the mind to think about that?" Cordelia glared at him. In addition to being angry about "whoever Marcus did not get to have back then", her attitude was curt. "Carter won't be able to go home tonight for sure. Who's taking care of him if I don't keep him around?"

Marcus did not know what Cordelia had been thinking about, so he only thought that her shift in attitude was... kind of fast.

"He's staying tonight? Is the couch for him?"

"For me." Cordelia wore a blank face.

"What did you say?" Marcus widened his eyes. "You're not asking me to—"

"Yeah." Cordelia was expressionless. "You and Carter take the room. I'll just sleep on the couch."

"There's only one bed in the room!"

"It's fine. You two will fit." Cordelia pushed the pillow to him. "You can even talk about 'things that only men would tell men'."

Marcus was rendered speechless by the retort and took a few deep breaths.

While he was in the daze, Cordelia had already gotten Carter back from the balcony and asked him to rest in the room after he washed up.

Carter actually obliged and went to sleep in the bedroom! Marcus felt his temples throb.

He forced himself into the room and lay down on the other side of the bed. Speaking of which, this was his first time sleeping on the bedroom bed since they had gotten married-but the person lying next to him was a man!

He let out a long breath. The one-hour-plus he had spent in the bathroom was wasted!

Carter heard Marcus tossing and turning. Since he was unable to sleep anytime soon, he sat up to chat with the latter.

"Bro, don't you think I'm kind of useless? I keep getting bullied."

Carter was kind and excelled in his studies. He was simply too innocent and had always had low esteem due to his family. He was scared the first time he saw Marcus, but when the latter called him to the balcony and patiently talked to him, even intending to avenge him, he suddenly thought this cold- and stern-looking man was actually dependable.

"You're right, Marcus," he said softly. "One should be independent and strong, men especially. I'm going to learn from you, so I can protect Cordelia and my family well in the future."

Marcus kept his back against him without a word.

"Marcus, why aren't you saying anything?" Carter took a closer look at him. "Are you not used to it because my sister isn't beside you?"

Duh!

Marcus harrumphed inwardly but forced a "No" out of his lips.

"Oh, that's good then." Carter chortled. "I'm really sorry for disturbing you both tonight... I didn't want to come to my cousin, but I was in a bad mood after getting beaten. I don't know who else I could go to aside from her.

"You won't blame me, right?"

"No." Marcus squeezed his eyes shut and prayed that his brother-in-law would stop talking.

"Marcus." Carter sniffed. "What did you apply? Why does it smell so good?"

Marcus did not respond.

"Do you always make yourself smell this nice before you sleep with my cousin?" "Shut up!" Marcus growled, "Sleep!"

Chapter 38

Chapter 38

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 happening and that he would have to go in....

Whatever it was this time, she would not let him act violently again!

"Stay out of this," Marcus said darkly. "Those bullies won't learn their lessons if they aren't taught one!"

"Must violence be stopped with violence?"

"What better ways are there?" Marcus looked at her with a determined and impassive gaze. "If decent conversations worked, this world would be much more peaceful.

"Don't worry. I know how hard to hit. Besides, the bullies won't dare pick on Carter again after beating them up for him. Carter's my cousin too. I can't just watch him get bullied!" Warmth filled Cordelia, and she held his hand softly. There was a moment of silence before she looked up at him. "Don't act rashly. I have a solution."

"What?" Marcus squinted. "What solution do you have?"

Cordelia grinned as she brandished her phone in front of him.

"We can't counter violence with violence in this case, or the troubles will be endless. My solution will put an end to all troubles! But Carter will have to suck it up one more time, okay?" Marcus paused and finally put down his stick. He listened to Cordelia and changed into his normal clothes. After breakfast, the two of them sent Carter to school together. Cordelia had asked Carter to go in front while she and Marcus followed him from a distance.

Before they got to the school gate, they saw a few senior high school kids approach Carter. They surrounded him, patting his shoulders and tugging his backpack with ulterior smirks. Carter trembled in fear the moment he saw them and did not dare make a sound when he was dragged off to a deserted corner.

Cordelia and Marcus kept up swiftly and hid at the side.

The school bullies surrounded Carter and began hitting him. As Carter crouched in the center, his cries echoed a while later.

Cordelia suppressed her heartache and the urge to stop them. Instead, she chose the best angle and recorded the scene clearly with her phone. When she had enough footage, she met eyes with Marcus, and the latter rushed over to kick the high school kids off.

Carter had new wounds on his face, but they were nothing serious. Marcus kept him behind and scanned the high school seniors with a strict gaze.

"Wow, Carter. H-how dare you get help!?" The fat guy who was the leader was brazen. "Just wait! Stay here if you dare. I'll get my guys and see if that'll kill you!"

"It's not quite possible for you to kill them," a soft voice said clearly. "The few of you should, instead, think if your parents will kill you when word about you being bullies gets out."

Chapter 39

Chapter 39

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 level-headed than you and knows her law. This was excellently executed!"

Marcus chuckled. Cordelia kept surprising him since they got married. It was just that... he contributed too, even if not a merit. He was the one who had beat up the kids, after all.

Based on Cordelia's character, she would reward him for sure or prepare a hearty meal for him, at least. However, she did nothing.

He also felt that she was much colder to him these days. She no longer brought up the matter of sleeping in the same room either. Marcus hinted her a few times, and Cordelia should absolutely get it given how smart she was. Yet she acted oblivious and gave various excuses!

The result of it was that he was still sleeping on the couch.

Marcus sighed. His frown was deeply etched on his cold face as he was deep in thought, not even noticing that his cigarette was about to burn him.

"Yo, Z!" Josiah speedily snatched the cigarette.

Marcus was startled before snapping back to reality.

This was Josiah's first time seeing Marcus in such a trance.

"What are you thinking about?" He waved a hand in front of Marcus. "Oh yeah, news from Centrolis. Hah... Your second uncle told your grandfather to pick a wife for you!"

Marcus' gaze darkened. He snubbed the cigarette in the ashtray with a stern look.

"Those people in your family? Troublemakers." Fredric said in worry, "If you go back one day, Cordelia..."

"She won't be with me," Marcus said in a low tone. "We're from two different worlds. It's impossible for us to blend."

Fredric and Josiah paused before they exchanged a look, knowing what one another was thinking.

Even a fool could see that Marcus liked Cordelia, but the man kept a straight face and kept saying "marriage is his disguise" and that he only felt responsible to Cordelia as a spouse.

He was lying to himself with such nonsense, but Cordelia had long grown on him. When the day they would part came and he would have to uproot Cordelia from his heart, who knew how he was going to endure the pain?

After a moment of silence, Marcus suddenly asked, "Do you have any ob-gyn doctor you're familiar with?"

Josiah and Fredric stared at him wide-eyed like they had seen a ghost.

"W-What?" Josiah wanted to laugh but dared not do so. He scanned Marcus from head to toe, arched his brow, and exclaimed, "Z! My man! She's pregnant already?!"

Marcus scowled and rolled his eyes.

Fredric narrowed his brows. "Can you let him finish first?"

Marcus coughed and said, "I just wanted to ask the doctor what's good for women's health."

Josiah failed to hold himself back this time, spitting whatever he was drinking as he guffawed.

Fredric looked at him like he was looking at a fool.

Marcus' glower grew darker.

The way the woman looked at him recently was sometimes doubtful and dejected. She seemed moody. However, he really could not recall what he said wrong or caused a misunderstanding-and the sanitary pads he saw in the bathroom this morning flashed in his mind just now.

He had heard that women were moody before their period. It was normal for that to happen. Was Cordelia cold to him because she was on her period then? It seemed to be able to explain their current situation.

Marcus had seen Cordelia suffer from period pain. She was all curled up on the bed, pale and sweaty. He did not know how it felt but wanted her to feel better.

"If you don't know one, I'll ask others." He looked at the two men flatly.

Josiah hooked an arm around his shoulder and chuckled, patting his chest. "Others? No need. I'm the expert!

"Let me tell you... I have a secret recipe!" He kept his voice hushed like he was telling a secret. "Give it to her, and I assure you that after she uses it..."

Chapter 40

Chapter 40

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 was he as considerate to his "first love" back then? A 16-year-old boy was in the prime of his youth, so he must have been so passionate.

Her smile froze as she thought of it. The knot in her heart wrenched tighter. In addition to the twisting pain in her lower abdomen after standing so long, she felt frustrated. It was a coincidence that Marcus turned back to glance at her. She glared back at him and spun on her heel to go back to her room, closing the door as well.

Marcus was bewildered. Were all menstruating women this moody? She was just smiling at him a second ago, and she glared at him the next second! How troublesome!

Josiah texted him to go to Regalia for a discussion. He turned off the stove and wanted to inform Cordelia when a few knocks came from the door.

Linda was the one standing outside. She had heard that Cordelia was not feeling well, so she came to visit while she was out for sales.

"You're... Marcus?" Linda was surprised when the door opened.

This was her first time meeting Marcus. He was unlike what she had imagined at all. She had been under the impression that a man who had fought and gone to jail would look somewhat thuggish or even demotivated, but this man was tall and handsome. His sculpted face was firm and cold, and his deep eyes gave off nothing to others about what was in his mind. He exuded a strong aura, and Linda could not help taking a few steps back.

"Mm, I am," replied Marcus. "Linda Quimby?"

"Nice to meet you." Linda chuckled.

Marcus stepped aside to let her in.

Once Linda stepped inside, she caught a whiff of the strong herbal scent and frowned.

"What happened? Is she very ill?" Linda looked at him. "Why is she taking medicine?"

"She's been having stomachache. I asked around for a recipe that says making soup with these ingredients will make it better."

"Oh." Linda nodded thoughtfully.

Her mother was a holistic doctor specializing in gynecology, so she grew up under that influence. She felt something was wrong just from sniffing the smell and thought she would check out what the pot was cooking when she had a chance later. After all, it was for consumption. She had to watch out for Cordelia.

"Linda, you're here?" Cordelia came out of her room. "I'm so sorry. It's just period pain, but I act like I've fallen so sick, and you have to come to visit me..."

"This isn't anything petty to women, though." Linda chuckled. "You don't look too good. Does it hurt a lot?"

"Mn." Cordelia's brows were scrunched together. "Can you get more painkillers from your mom for me? They're effective. I felt better right away after taking them the last time!"

"Do you still need painkillers?" Linda pointed at the kitchen and giggled. "Your husband made you an all-healing soup. It's so much better than those painkillers!"

Cordelia looked up at the man who stood by the side and smiled at him.

Marcus let her know he was going out. Like usual, he did not tell her who he was out with or what time he would be home, just that she did not have to wait up for him to eat if it got too late. Cordelia sighed while looking at his back.

"This doesn't sound right." Linda looked at her with a smile. "Our Cordelia looks like she's troubled?"

Cordelia bit her lips and spilled all about the man's supposed first love.

Linda could not help laughing after listening to her.

"That's it? Cordelia, you're putting yourself through so much suffering over a mere imaginary rival? You're hilarious!"

"I know it's like I'm making it up. There's no proof of it. It's kind of ridiculous that I'm thinking like this." Cordelia sat on the couch, hugging her legs, and rested her face in her hands. Her eyes were big and lost. "But I just can't control myself."

"You silly girl!" Linda counseled her, "This is all in your head! You can't misunderstand him over a sentence he didn't finish, right? He might not have anyone at all!

"Okay, so even if he does have a first love, that's old history. He married you in the end, didn't he? What are you worried about?

"Besides..." Linda pursed her lips and said, "A man like him has no family background, no job, and a mark on his record. Who do you think wants to fight for him with you? You're the only one treasuring him!" "What are you talking about!?" Cordelia glared at her without heat and chortled.

She did feel better after talking to Linda. Even her stomach hurt less.

It was then the pot on the stove gurgled. The herbal soup nearly bubbled over.

Linda darted to open the lid, but her gaze changed when she saw the soup's ingredients.