Chapter 63
Cordelia suddenly stopped cutting the meat, her lip trembling as a complicated expression crossed her face. Her eyes filled with tears after a moment of silence.
“I’m sorry… I’ve been deceiving you,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I’m not Yelena. I’m Cordelia. I’m not the Jenners’ heiress. I’m just a disgraceful illegitimate daughter. I’m poor…”
She paused, her voice faltering with shame.
“If you’re mad, I’ll make it up to you. Just tell me what you want. I’m only asking that you don’t stay mad at my mom and Carter. They don’t know I married you. I…”
“Whatever you want?” Marcus smirked, walking over to her.
“Huh?”
He grinned, his eyes warm yet playful. His voice deepened as he teased, “My compensation is expensive.”
Cordelia’s heart raced, but she held her ground. “It’s okay. Just tell me, and I’ll do it.”
Intrigued, Marcus stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her waist. He met her gaze seriously, speaking each word with intent. “I want you to compensate me forever.”
Cordelia blinked in surprise.
“What? Is forever too short?” He chuckled softly. “Then let’s make it for all our lives to come.”
She stared at him for a while, feeling as if a weight had been lifted. A soft smile spread across her face, and she leaned into him, wrapping her arms around him tightly.
As always, Marcus gently patted her head, his voice soft with affection. “I want you, not some Jenners’ heiress. And… I didn’t come from a prestigious background. Honestly, I think I hit the jackpot that you’re not disgusted by me.”
“You’re my husband. Why would I be disgusted by you?” Cordelia responded with a smile.
“That’s right.” He looked at her fondly. “You’re my wife. Why would I be mad at you?”
Cordelia’s smile grew wider, her dimples showing as she looked up at him. But Marcus’ expression shifted slightly—he knew he wasn’t the only one who had been lying.
…
After putting the meat and vegetables back in the fridge, Cordelia changed into a pretty dress. She took Marcus’s hand, and they headed out together.
At the Regalia Hotel, they sat at the table near the window. Cordelia ordered lobster risotto, this time opting for a large portion that would be enough for both of them.
“Order whatever you want!” she said playfully. “I got a raise. I can afford to feed you with the commissions and rewards I got!”
Marcus smiled and reached over to gently scratch her nose. “I’ll let you feed me, then.”
“Of course!” she grinned.
He chuckled, adding two more dishes and a soup to the order, but then he asked the attendant to pack the food.
“Why did you do that?” Cordelia asked, confused. “Is it not enough for you to eat here that you want more to go?”
“I ordered these for your mom,” he said quietly, his gaze steady on hers. “I suppose she hasn’t eaten yet. Let’s eat quickly so we can take the food to her.”
Cordelia’s heart skipped a beat at his words.
“She’s my mom too. We’ll take care of her together,” he added softly.
“Hubby…” Cordelia’s emotions overwhelmed her, and she struggled to find the right words. A lump formed in her throat as she gave him a weak smile.
“Thank you for your kindness, but I’ll visit her myself. You should go ahead and head home,” she said, her voice soft but firm.
Marcus’ expression darkened. “What’s wrong?”
Cordelia forced a smile, trying to hide her emotions. “My mom… she’s scared of strangers. To be honest, she sometimes doesn’t even recognize me. If you show up out of nowhere, I’m afraid she might be triggered.”
“What’s wrong with her?” Marcus asked, his concern growing.
“She has a mental illness,” Cordelia explained quietly. “She’s hardly ever clear-headed. Most of the time, she’s delirious. Her condition has caused several organs to fail. She almost lost her life once.”
Cordelia took a deep breath, looking down at the table. “This is the reason I replaced Yelena to marry you. My dad promised that if I agreed to marry you, he’d give me enough money to treat her.”