Chapter 7

After taking a guess, Marcus went on to say, sounding unfazed, “Go to the drawer in the room. There’s a box inside. Bring it over.”

Cordelia did what she was told, finding a carved wooden box in the deepest part of the drawer. The pattern carved on the box was exquisite and gorgeous, while the box had a vague refreshing scent to it.

Marcus took it from her and opened it, only to reveal a few pieces of gold jewelry: a necklace, a pair of earrings, a ring, and a bangle. The bangle was especially unique, as it was made of gold and jade. The jade that was embedded in the gold was radiant in color and cool to the touch.

Cordelia’s eyes widened as she looked at the man in confusion.

“This is…”

“I haven’t given you a decent gift for the wedding,” Marcus said as he picked up piece after piece of jewelry and looked at them nonchalantly.

“Consider these a present from me. Have a look and see if you want anything else?”

Cordelia clenched her hands under the table repeatedly. She felt rather nervous. As she peeked at Marcus’ stoic face, she somehow felt doted on.

These pieces of jewelry were perfectly beautiful. It was just that… How had he gotten them?

Marcus, who read her mind, could not help chuckling. “Don’t worry, I didn’t steal these. They were acquired the rightful way!”

Cordelia went red in an instant. How could she suspect her husband like that?

“Keep them.” Marcus closed the box and pushed it toward her, his deep eyes watching her silently.

“These are all I can produce and everything this house has. We’re already married, and you’re the woman of the household, so I’m giving all the valuables of the house to you!”

“Marcus, I—”

“One more thing.” He interrupted her. “I won’t be going back to visit your family with you today. Apologize to your family for me.”

Cordelia was surprised at first. Then, she let out an abrupt breath of relief and relaxed.

“Hmm, okay,” she replied with a smile. “Go ahead and do what you have to do. I can go back on my own!”

Marcus shook his head and chuckled inwardly, taking in how relieved the girl looked. What an interesting wife he had gotten himself. She wore her feelings on her sleeve, unable to hide even the tiniest secret. It would be strange if she managed to avoid being bullied this way!

Bullied?

Marcus paused and felt his guard go up. What if she actually got bullied by the family when she went back today? Then again, what did her being bullied have to do with him…

Frustrated with his thoughts, he shoved some food down his throat and pulled his jacket on to go out.

Cordelia did not know where he went. She cleaned up the house for a bit and went to catch the bus, receiving a call from Linda Quimby on the way. She listened to the latter grumble the entire ride, and the girl was still muttering when she got off the bus.

“Come on, aren’t you too carefree? What day is it today? You’re going back for a visit! And your husband’s missing? Does he even care about you or your marriage?!”

Cordelia was only giggling on the other end of the line.

Linda was two years her senior, and they had been best friends in school. The girl was loud and straightforward, and Cordelia had always said that if Linda had been born way earlier, she would have made a handsome female knight.

Currently, said knight was at her wit’s end as she bombarded Cordelia with words. “A broke *ss like him must’ve saved the world in his past life to be able to marry you! And he can’t even appreciate his good luck. How could he not go with you? He—”

“Alright!” Cordelia winced. “I didn’t want him to come with me anyway. I’m going to… I’m going back to ask for money today. Everything would be exposed if he came with me!”

The woman on the other end of the call went quiet momentarily. Then, Linda sighed heavily.

“Cordelia, you’re saying goodbye to lifelong happiness!”