Chapter 93
Oliver was about to say something, but Seth stepped forward and blocked his path. He gave him a calm smile but didn’t move away from the door. “Mr. Jones…”
Oliver and his men seemed uncertain about how to proceed. Josiah and Fredric had been watching from the side, and when they saw Oliver storm off in frustration, they relaxed.
Once they were sure Oliver wouldn’t return, Josiah tried to head out, but Fredric stopped him.
“Why are you stopping me? I want to see Z!” Josiah protested.
“Don’t go,” Fredric replied firmly. “Z should be fine with Cordelia and the doctor looking after him.”
Still looking uneasy, Josiah glanced at Fredric, who gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder and added with a chuckle, “If you really want to help Z, go see what Oliver is up to.”
After thinking for a moment, Josiah nodded. They left the boxing arena in a hurry.
…
When Marcus opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was a blur of white. The smell of medicine filled the air, and he could faintly hear a woman crying.
His heart skipped a beat. Just as he tried to sit up, a hand landed on his shoulder.
“Stay put,” Cordelia’s voice came, thick with sobs. “You’re badly injured, so you should rest.”
Marcus blinked and looked at her. He didn’t know how long he had been unconscious, but it felt like forever since he last saw her.
Thankfully, the first thing he saw when he woke up was her.
He reached for her hand and caressed it, just like he always did in the past. She looked even thinner now, her skin pale, and her eyes were red, as though she had been crying for a while. It made him want to love her even more.
“Honey—”
“Have you forgotten our promises?” Cordelia said, tears streaming down her face. “Marcus, I’ve told you not to fight too hard! It doesn’t matter if you win or lose. I just want you to be safe! Have you forgotten all of that?”
Marcus chuckled softly. How could she know why he stood motionless in the ring, allowing his opponent to beat him?
“I’m sorry for making you worry about me,” he rasped. “When I’m better, I’ll get you a pair of boxing gloves. You can stand on the balcony and beat me up like a punching bag until you’re satisfied.”
“What are you talking about?” Cordelia glared at him, snorting in disbelief.
She gently dabbed water on his lips with a cotton swab, then carefully peeled an apple and fed him small pieces bit by bit. She wouldn’t let him leave the bed, constantly urging him to rest.
Marcus knew his body well. These injuries were nothing serious. What truly mattered was the care and attention Cordelia was giving him. He felt a deep satisfaction that she was worried about him, that she cried for him.
No matter what she did, he couldn’t take his eyes off her.
Finally, Cordelia shifted uncomfortably under his gaze.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked, pouting. “Do you think I’m being unreasonable? Then don’t get yourself hurt so badly.”
“No…” Marcus paused and then added, “Honey, am I a disgrace to you?”
“What?”
“I got beaten up in front of everyone and lost the match. Won’t you feel ashamed?”
“You!” Cordelia glared at him, her anger mixed with a deep ache in her heart. She was upset with him for breaking their promises, and she felt pain seeing him so injured. But she didn’t feel ashamed of his loss.
“Why would you think like that?” she said softly. “It’s just a match. I don’t care if you win or lose. Even if you become a world champion, you’re my husband. And even if you’re a nobody, you’re still my husband!”