Lahat ng Kabanata ng MARRIED BY MISTAKE: Kabanata 41 - Kabanata 50

Monday at 6:34 p.m.Standing outside Marcus's apartment complex, Zara gazed up at the glass skyscraper that most likely cost more than her entire neighborhood.Dinner on Saturday had been tentative and careful. Two people testing boundaries.Tonight was different. He'd said he loved her.She'd said it back.And she'd said it back.It buzzed on her phone.Marcus: I take it you're downstairs? I can see you through the security camera. Come on, stop thinking too much.Zara: I'm not thinking too much.Marcus: It's been three minutes since you stood there. That's what overthinking looks like.Zara: Stalker.Marcus: Boyfriend. There's a difference. 32nd floor. I'll be waiting.Boyfriend.She felt warmth in her chest at the word.The elevator ride seemed to go on forever. Marcus stood there, shirt sleeves pulled up, barefoot, and without a tie, as the doors opened straight into his apartment."You actually came.""You doubted me?""No, after you declined ninety thousand dollars to continue w

Tuesday, 7:52 amWhen Zara arrived at the workplace, Marcus was already at his desk, speaking quickly in Mandarin while holding his phone to his ear.Startled, she paused in the doorway. She had read in his bio that he was multilingual, but hearing it was different.His whole countenance softened when he looked up and saw her. He resumed the conversation while holding up one finger, signifying one minute.He wiped his face with his hand after hanging up. "Singapore. The timeline is being pushed back. Want another three weeks to review contracts." "Can you give them three weeks?" "No.Monday is the day of the board meeting. My father will use this agreement as evidence that I'm not prepared to take over if it isn't signed by Friday. Marcus spoke in a frustrated, tight voice. "Three months of negotiations. Hundreds of hours. And they're stalling." "Why are they stalling?" "Politics.Chen-Hale is a family-run company. Succession planning is a concern for them. Regarding whether I'm gen

Wednesday, 8:34 a.m.When Zara got there, Marcus was already drinking his third coffee, surrounded by papers, and appeared to have not slept at all. How long have you been here? "Since five. Couldn't sleep. Kept thinking about the board meeting Monday." He gestured at the documents covering his desk. "I'm adding succession planning to the agenda. Officially. Today." "And your father?"Has not replied to my email. This shows that he is either planning something or he is angry." Marcus massaged his eyes. "Daniel believes I'm making a mistake. claims that I'm pressuring my father too early." "What are your thoughts?" I believe I have spent my entire life yearning for approval. He glanced up at her and said, "And I'm done waiting." "Your mother was correct. I have to build my own existence. Not for his approval." "So you're really doing this." "I'm terrified. But yes." He handed her a document. "Can you distribute this to the board? Revised agenda for Monday. New item: succession plann

Thursday, 9:43 AMZara was organising contracts when her phone rang. Unknown number with a Singapore area code."Ms. Thompson? This is Lin Wei from Singapore Holdings. I need to speak with Mr. Mercer immediately. It's urgent."Zara's stomach dropped. "He's in a meeting. Can I take a message?""No message. We need to speak now. The contracts—there's been a complication.""What kind of complication?"A pause. "One that might end the deal. Please. Get Mr. Mercer."Zara knocked on the conference room door. Marcus looked up from his presentation, angered at the interruption until he noticed her expression. "What's wrong?" Singapore. They say it's important. A complication with the contracts."Marcus made an explanation and followed Zara to his office. As soon as the door closed, his phone rang.Zara saw his expression alter as he listened.Confusion. Then shock. Then cold fury."I understand. Give me two hours. I'll fix this." He hung up, his hand shaking slightly. "Jackson Reid.""What ab

Monday, 7:43 AMWhen Zara got to the office, everyone was huddled around the elevators, staring at their phones. "What's happening?" she questioned Rebecca."Check the business news. You're trending." Rebecca's expression was a mix of concern and sympathy.Zara pulled out her phone. The top headline made her stomach drop:"Secretary to Executive: Chen-Hale's Marcus Mercer Promotes Girlfriend After Three Weeks"Below it are dozens of articles. Photos from the Singapore signing.People are guessing about their relationship. Comments that are both helpful and mean. Another woman getting to the top by sleeping with men."Three weeks and she gets director-level position? Must be good in bed.""Marcus Mercer following in daddy's footsteps—marrying the help and calling it love."But also:"She solved the Singapore crisis. Maybe she earned it?""Nobody would question it if a man got promoted this quickly." It's hard to believe how sexist these comments are.Zara's hands shook as she scrolled.