Kelsey's POV
I was just trying to provoke him into agreeing to the divorce.
Marcus's lips pressed into a thin line. "I've said it before, I only did this for Moira. Especially after being manipulated into mating once, I won't be coerced again."
I froze, realizing he was referring to our mating.
Seeing the contempt in his eyes, I suddenly grasped how much he detested our mating. My chest tightened.
I dropped my gaze. "We can keep the divorce from Moira, and I won't mention your relationship with Angela. She won't know a thing before her surgery."
I'd come to my senses and wouldn't cling to him any longer.
Marcus frowned. "Kelsey, our mating isn't for you to decide when it ends! Drop your schemes!"
With that, he left the dining room.
I sat down and started eating the untouched food.
The meal I usually enjoyed now left a bad taste.
That night, I tossed and turned in the master bedroom.
Marcus didn't com
Third Person's POVKelsey was handed a steaming breakfast by a pair of long, elegant hands.Glancing outside, she saw the sky beginning to lighten—the early dawn of summer.She'd lost track of time, but daylight had already arrived.Taking the breakfast, she said, "Thanks.""Once you're full, we can head to the town hall," Marcus said.Kelsey lowered her lashes and simply replied, "Okay."After finishing her meal, the lightheadedness from earlier subsided, and she felt more energized.The two left the hospital together.Once in the car, Marcus handed her a document. "Sign it," he said.Kelsey saw the familiar document and knew exactly what it was.She didn't take it. "I told you, I don't want anything."She didn't need any money or property from him.Marcus frowned. "I don't have time for your games.""I'm not playing games. I mean it," Kelsey insisted.Turning to him, she
Kelsey's POVI was just trying to provoke him into agreeing to the divorce.Marcus's lips pressed into a thin line. "I've said it before, I only did this for Moira. Especially after being manipulated into mating once, I won't be coerced again."I froze, realizing he was referring to our mating.Seeing the contempt in his eyes, I suddenly grasped how much he detested our mating. My chest tightened.I dropped my gaze. "We can keep the divorce from Moira, and I won't mention your relationship with Angela. She won't know a thing before her surgery."I'd come to my senses and wouldn't cling to him any longer.Marcus frowned. "Kelsey, our mating isn't for you to decide when it ends! Drop your schemes!"With that, he left the dining room.I sat down and started eating the untouched food.The meal I usually enjoyed now left a bad taste.That night, I tossed and turned in the master bedroom.Marcus didn't com
Kelsey's POVMy mood turned complicated. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.I paused, then said, "I had no idea about any of this."I had assumed all along that Angela's brother would be performing Moira's surgery.Sidney snorted, "The doctor Marcus arranged got into a car accident on the way here. His wrist is broken, so he can't operate. The surgery's been delayed. Kelsey, after all Moira's done for you, how can you use her health to blackmail Marcus?""I've never used Moira to threaten Marcus.""Then divorce Marcus now, let he get engaged to Angela, and have Angela's brother do the surgery," Sidney demanded.My mind was in chaos. "I know what I need to do.""See that you do," Sidney said before leaving.I stood there, stunned, replaying Sidney's words in my head.I couldn't believe Marcus had rejected Angela's brother's offer—it shouldn't have been a tough call for him.Regaining my composure, I entered the ward and found Moira asleep.I stood quietly by her side, holding her c
Third Person's POVKelsey straightened her back and said, "Just because I'm poor, does a single photo prove I'm mixed up with some rich man?""How do you explain that photo? Whose luxury car is it?""It's mine."A cold, deep voice cut through the office tension.Kelsey turned to see Marcus standing in the doorway. His tall, slender figure blocked the light outside, yet her heart fluttered unexpectedly.She watched as Marcus entered, his presence commanding the room.The principal quickly said, "Mr. Marshman, what brings you here?""I'm here to explain," Marcus said. "The car in the photo is mine."The principal's face froze in surprise. He hadn't expected the car to belong to Marcus.Stammering, he replied, "Mr. Marshman, we were merely investigating this matter, nothing more."Taking a seat on the sofa, Marcus said, "Carry on with your investigation."Kelsey turned to the principal again and handed
Third Person's POVMarcus sat alone on the sofa. He checked his phone and saw his assistant's reply, "We haven't found a suitable doctor yet."He massaged his temples, his brow furrowed with fatigue.The next day, Kelsey went to class but felt the students' gazes on her were odd.Soon, her close friend Melissa sent her a campus forum link. It said, "Exposing the truth behind mysterious designer Ms. Z's award—turns out she had a sugar daddy backing her."Kelsey clicked on the post. It accused her of winning the award only because of a wealthy backer and included a photo of her bending down to open a luxury car door—the picture from when she'd gotten into Marcus's car after dinner.Fortunately, Marcus's face wasn't visible.Kelsey closed the link and messaged Melissa back, "I know who's behind this."Yesterday, Loretta had probed her out of the blue, claiming to know her "secret." Loretta had always been the type to k
Kelsey's POVI turned back into the restaurant, hid for ten-odd minutes until most of the crowd thinned out.My phone buzzed—a call from Marcus.His deep voice ordered, "Come out.""On my way," I replied.After hanging up, I lingered for a few minutes before stepping out. Seeing the coast was clear, I headed for Marcus's sleek black sedan.I slipped into the car quickly."School requires much networking?" His eyes narrowed."It's normal to dine with old classmates. It's called maintaining social connections, not networking," I shot back.The ride back to the villa was quiet.As expected, Suzie greeted us. Without our act, Marcus wouldn't have bothered tracking my movements.The following days flew by with classes and library study sessions—I barely had time to think.While reviewing in the library, I got a call from Professor Harper. "Kelsey, don't miss the award ceremony this afternoon."