MARRIED BY MISTAKE のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 31 - チャプター 40

Wednesday, 6:34 PM - Thompson Apartment, BronxZara walked into chaos.Kenya paced the tiny living room like an animal in a cage while MJ reclined on the ancient couch, an ice pack pressed to his sore eye. From the threshold, Zara could hear their mother, Lorraine, breathing heavily in her bedroom. What had happened? Weary from the day at the hospital, Zara dropped her suitcase.MJ said in a husky voice, "Some kids were talking about Mom." Though sixteen, his injured face and split lip made him look younger. "They said she would die. That we'd end up in foster care. I wasn't going to let them—""So you hit them?""He hit me first!" MJ shot back. "I was just defending myself!"Kenya stopped pacing. "The principal doesn't see it that way. Three-day suspension. And if it happens again, he's expelled."Zara sank into the chair across from her brother, her mind already calculating. Three days meant he'd miss midterms. Missing midterms meant failing classes. Failing meant no college. No col

Saturday, 8:52 AM - BronxMarcus stood outside the coffee shop in jeans and a simple Henley, feeling more nervous than he had before any business negotiation.This was insane. He was meeting his assistant for coffee. In the Bronx. Dressed like a normal person.His phone buzzed. Daniel.Daniel: Where are you? Thought we had racquetball at nine.Marcus: Rain check. Something came up.Daniel: Something or Someone? 👀Marcus: Daniel, goodbye.After putting the phone in his pocket, he pushed through the door.The coffee shop was nothing like the establishments Marcus frequently visited. No handmade pour-overs or marble counters. Only Formica tables, mismatched chairs, and the aroma of freshly baked goods and strong coffee.Wearing pants and a sweater, Zara sat in the corner with her natural hair falling loosely around her shoulders. When he came in, she looked up, her grin timid but genuine."You actually wore jeans.""I own jeans. Sometimes." He slid into the seat across from her. "Did yo

Wednesday at 1:47 p.m. Zara's hands were clenched at her sides as she stood outside Leon Mercer's office. Marcus stood next to her, body tense. "Don't take anything he says personally—my father isn't afraid to share his opinions." Is this about my work performance? "I'm not sure. But Zara," Marcus's voice faltered, "tell me immediately if he acts inappropriately or goes too far." The door opened before she could reply. They were asked to go inside by Leon's helper, an elderly woman with keen eyes. Marcus's office felt less intimidating than Leon Mercer's. Larger. Higher floor. Windows overlooking all of Manhattan, as he owned it. which he did in many ways. With silver hair and the same gray eyes as his son, Leon, who was fifty-nine years old and still attractive, sat behind his desk. But Leon's eyes were calculating, while Marcus's were warm. "Marcus. Ms. Thompson. Sit." They sat. Leon regarded them for a long time, his expression unreadable. Then he took out his iPad and held

8:54 AM, Saturday-BronxDespite the warm morning, Zara's hands were shaking as she stood outside the coffee shop.She had hardly slept at all. Marcus's confession had been repeated a thousand times. I'm in love with you.She was desperate and jobless three weeks ago. She was about to have a chat that may alter everything as she stood outside a coffee shop.Her phone buzzed. Kenya.Kenya: I hope your date goes well! MJ advises telling your partner that if he doesn't treat you well, he will kick his ass.It's not a date, Zara. MJ is sixteen. No one is being kicked in the ass.Kenya: Anything that makes you sleep at night.We love you.Be brave.Zara rushed through the door after putting her phone in her pocket.Marcus was already there, with two coffees on the table, seated in the same corner booth. He appeared anxious. which, in some way, reduced her anxiety. She sat in the seat across from him and remarked, "You're early. "Couldn't fall asleep.He pushed her coffee toward her. "Hazeln

Monday, 7:43 AMZara arrived at the office before Marcus, nerves making her hands shake as she rode the elevator.Today, they were telling HR. Making it official. Putting their relationship on record.Which meant it was real. Documented. No going back.Rebecca was already at her desk, coffee in hand. She took one look at Zara and smiled knowingly.“Something happened this weekend.”“What? No. Nothing happened.”“You’re glowing. And you never get here before eight.” Rebecca’s eyes sparkled. “Does this have anything to do with Marcus texting you at midnight on Saturday? Because I saw his office light on at two AM Sunday. Boy couldn’t sleep.”“How do you know he was texting me?”“I didn’t. Until just now.” Rebecca laughed. “Oh, honey. You’re going to have to get better at hiding things if you want to keep this quiet.”“We’re not keeping it quiet. We’re telling HR this morning.”Rebecca’s expression shifted to approval. “Good. Smart. Following the rules.” She stood, moving closer. “Can I