Chapter 79
Cordelia took out her phone and showed Marcus all the texts Oliver had sent her recently. “He seems to care about me, but he’s really just asking about you,” she said, analyzing the situation. “He also gave me five sales when I was promoted to supervisor, and now everyone’s talking about it in the office. It’s obvious—he’s working with me for one reason only: to get information about you.”
Marcus squinted, piecing everything together. He’d become suspicious after seeing Oliver at the ball the other night, especially when he showed such unusual interest in Cordelia’s emerald ring. That made him feel even more on edge. It seemed Oliver might be working for Matthew.
Marcus scoffed. His second uncle, Matthew, was too impatient. Even if he had someone watching, he should have chosen someone who wouldn’t expose himself so easily. Still, if Matthew found out he was in Jangasas instead of Melorian, there would be serious consequences.
He glanced at Cordelia. This young woman was kind, pure, and definitely not a match for someone like Matthew. He had to protect her.
“I just think he’s so strange,” Cordelia continued, frowning. “But I can’t figure out what he wants from me. Why does he keep asking about you? Did you offend someone who knows Oliver?”
“No,” Marcus chuckled. “I’ve cut ties with my past. I don’t talk to those people anymore, so don’t worry.”
Cordelia nodded, reassured. “And you don’t have to worry either. I didn’t tell Mr. Jones anything about you!”
“What?” Marcus was surprised.
Cordelia smiled. “I always dodge his questions. When he asked about which gym you go to, I recommended a different one. When he offered to send me home, I told him I was taking the train. No way am I telling a stranger anything about us!”
Warmth flooded Marcus’s chest as he gazed at her. This smart, sweet, family-oriented woman made him feel incredibly protective. He would give up his freedom for the rest of his life just to keep her safe.
However, there was something else on his mind.
After Cordelia cleaned up the balcony and the room, Marcus had just gotten out of the shower. They snuggled on the couch, their bodies close. Cordelia rested her nose near his neck, breathing in his scent, feeling charmed by his presence. As she watched the slight movement of his Adam’s apple, she was momentarily distracted by her own feelings, but she quickly blushed and pushed those thoughts away.
Marcus didn’t notice the change in her expression. He continued to play with her hair and spoke softly, “I’ll be busy the next few days. I won’t be home, so take good care of yourself.”
Cordelia’s eyes widened in shock. “What? What are you going to do?”
“I have a competition,” Marcus answered flatly. “I’ll be focused on my training for the next few days, so I won’t be home every day.”
“Oh.” Cordelia was slightly disappointed but nodded, still leaning on him.
Marcus paused, and after a moment of silence, he chuckled. “Is that it? Aren’t you going to ask why I won’t be home every day? I’ve heard that other wives are more tense—they call their husbands if they come home even a little late. But you… you’re different!”
Cordelia, her voice playful, responded, “But you said you’re going to a competition. What else can I do but give you my full support?”
Marcus was intrigued. He smiled and pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her. She leaned into him, resting her small face against his chest, her voice soft and coy. “Will you really… not come home every day?”
“Yes,” he replied.
“How many days?”
“The competition lasts a week, so I’ll be in intense training for five to six days.”
“Then… can’t you come home every day, even if it’s late?”