2025-03-02 06:23:00The room felt increasingly cramped, and a sense of nostalgia warmed the otherwise tense atmosphere. Evelyn knew that beneath his tough exterior, Marcus harbored deep emotions, even as he tried to shut them away.
She wanted to explore further, to remind Marcus of the beautiful moments they had shared, but the fear of rejection held her back. In the hanging silence, they stood facing each other, trapped in uncertainty, each struggling to find a way out of the darkness that had engulfed their relationship.
"I know you're hurting," she said, her voice slightly breaking. "And I know... I know I hurt you. I made mistakes, Marcus. I realize that now. I just... I thought maybe, after everything, we could try—"
"Stop." His voice was sharper this time, cutting through the tension like a knife. He took a step back, creating space between them. "Don't do this. Don't come here and act like you suddenly care."
"I've always cared," she said, her eyes shining. "I just... I didn't know how to show it."
Marcus laughed bitterly, his voice harsh and hollow. "You have a funny way of showing it, Evelyn. Leaving me, running off with Prescott—yeah, that really screams 'I care.'"
Evelyn's face hardened at the mention of Daniel's name. "You don't understand."
"Oh, I understand perfectly," Marcus said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You chose ambition over love. Over me. And now, what? You're here because you've had a change of heart?"
"I'm here because I still love you," she said, her voice rising. Those words hung in the air like a weight, pressing down on both of them.
Marcus stared at her, his expression unreadable. For the first time in years, he felt something crack inside him. But it wasn't forgiveness—it was anger, pain, and something else he couldn't name.
His heart raced, and he struggled to contain the emotions threatening to overflow. The reality that Evelyn still felt the same stirred his thoughts. Yet, beneath it all, the pain of the past overshadowed every feeling that arose.
Evelyn, standing before him, looked vulnerable. She knew this confession could be a turning point or a destruction, but she couldn't hold back any longer. She wanted to reach out, but uncertainty bound her in her inability to move.
In this cramped room, time felt like it had stopped. They were both trapped in a tangle of emotions—love still present, but also deep pain. In that tension, Marcus fought to find the words that could encapsulate everything he felt, but nothing seemed enough. He knew the next step could determine everything, and he felt the heavy weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
Marcus turned his back to her, running a hand through his hair. "You don't have the right to say that," he muttered, his voice low. "Not after everything that's happened."
"Marcus," Evelyn said softly, stepping closer. "I'm not asking for forgiveness. I'm just asking for a chance."
Marcus didn't respond. Instead, he walked to the table and picked up a photo of himself, holding it up for her to see.
"Do you know why I kept this?" he asked, his voice quiet but filled with emotion. "Because for years, I couldn't let go of the idea of you. Of us. But now..." He paused, shaking his head.
Evelyn looked at the photo, then back at him. "You don't need to let go," she said. "We can start over."
He laughed bitterly. "Start over? With Prescott in the picture? With your family pressuring you? Do you really think it's that easy?"
"It could be," she said, her voice trembling. "If you just let it."
Marcus turned to look at her, his eyes dark and intense. "You don't understand, Evelyn. I'm not the same man you left. I'm not the man who begged you to stay. I've changed."
"I've changed too," she said, her voice firm. "I'm not the same woman either."
They stood there, the silence between them heavy with unspoken words. For a moment, it felt like the world had stopped, as if nothing existed except for the two of them.
Marcus's phone vibrated on the table, breaking the moment. He grimaced and picked it up. The screen lit up with an unknown number.
"Who is that?" Evelyn asked, her voice cautious.
Marcus didn't answer. He answered the call, holding the phone to his ear. "Who is this?"
A voice on the other end, deep and unfamiliar, sent chills down his spine.
"Marcus Carter," the voice said, calm but threatening. "You've been busy."
Marcus's grip on the phone tightened. "Who is this?”
"Let's say I'm someone who knows what you're planning," the voice said. "And I'm here to tell you—stop. Before it's too late."
Marcus's heart raced in his chest. "Is that a threat?"
"It's a warning," the voice replied. "You're not the only one playing this game. And if you're not careful, you'll lose more than you think."
The connection dropped.
Marcus stared at his phone, his mind racing. Evelyn stepped closer, concern etched on her face. "Marcus? What was that?"
He looked at her, his expression unreadable. "Nothing," he said, slipping the phone into his pocket. "Just someone trying to scare me."
"Who?" she pressed.
"It doesn't matter," he said, his voice cold. "What's important is that there's more going on than I thought."
Evelyn frowned. "Marcus, if you're in trouble—"
"I can handle it," he cut her off. "I don't need your help."
She opened her mouth to argue, but the look in his eyes stopped her. It was the same look he had when he had made a decision—unyielding, immovable.
But as he watched her, he couldn't shake the feeling that something bigger was at play, something they didn't fully understand.
As Marcus turned back to the window, his mind was filled with various thoughts. The voice on the phone, the warning—everything pointed to one thing: there was a new player in this game. And they weren't just after him—they were after everything he cared about.
He glanced at Evelyn, who stood silently near the table, her arms wrapped around herself. For the first time, he wondered if involving her in his plans was a mistake. But it was too late to back down now.
Outside, the city lights flickered, and somewhere in the darkness, a storm was brewing.
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
Poor Son-in-law 22
The soft hum of the city echoed outside as Marcus Carter leaned back in his leather chair, his fingers interlocked beneath his chin. The office lights cast a gentle glow on his sharp features, the tension in his jaw betraying the calm he was desperately trying to maintain. He had spent the last two years rebuilding himself, brick by brick, after Evelyn left his life. However, he did not anticipate the storm that would follow her departure.Every corner of this room reminded him of the beautiful moments they once shared. The photos on the walls, the neatly arranged books, even the strong aroma of coffee—all brought back painful memories. He remembered how Evelyn would sit on the sofa, laughing freely, sharing stories about her day. Now, all of that felt like an illusion, an ungraspable memory.Marcus struggled to forget, but Evelyn's shadow always haunted him. He recalled her smile, the way her eyes sparkled when she talked about their
Poor Son-in-law 23
Each second felt like it slowed down, and Marcus felt an overwhelming wave of emotion. The beautiful memories with Evelyn, the moments when they dreamed about the future together, now loomed in a dark light. He felt as if he had been betrayed not just by Evelyn, but also by the world he believed in.In the silence of the room, Marcus struggled to maintain his composure. The pain stung, reminding him of all he had sacrificed. He remembered how hard he fought to move on after Evelyn's departure. Now, hearing that she was involved with Prescott made everything feel futile.His colleagues' eyes were on him, filled with attention and concern. They sensed the tension hanging in the air. Marcus knew he had to regain control of the situation. He couldn't let his emotions take over; he had to act wisely.He looked at Richard, trying to suppress the anger bubbling within him. Deep down, he was determined to find the truth. He coul
Poor Son-in-law 24
Richard looked at him for a moment before speaking. “You need to decide, Marcus. Are you fighting for revenge, or are you fighting to protect what’s yours? Because those are two very different battles.”For a moment, Marcus said nothing, his mind filled with conflicting emotions. He respected his uncle’s wisdom, but the thought of Prescott and Evelyn together ignited a fire he couldn’t extinguish.One side of him urged immediate action, to retaliate against all the pain caused. Yet the other side recognized that revenge would only add to the chaos, ruining everything he had built. He knew he had to find balance—a way to protect what was precious without getting trapped in a cycle of hatred.The tension deepened, and Marcus felt the weight of the decision pressing on him. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his swirling thoughts. He needed to think clearly and plan his next moves care
Poor Son-in-law 25
Marcus stepped toward the corner of the street, the sound of his footsteps muffled by the cold concrete floor. He took a deep breath, trying to capture the fresh night air, even though a hint of worry lingered in his heart.This city, usually bustling, now felt quiet, as if waiting for something unexpected. He looked around, ensuring no one was watching him. Despite the risks of this meeting, he felt it was the right step.In the pocket of his coat, his hand brushed against a note he had written earlier. The information was invaluable and could change everything. Marcus knew that if he failed tonight, the consequences could be severe.He felt his heartbeat quicken as their eyes met. The woman had a mixed expression, as if waiting and worried at the same time. He stepped inside, taking in the warm and intimate atmosphere of the café, a stark contrast to the darkness outside. Soft lights cast a warm glow, creating a
Poor Son-in-law 26
The fact that Daniel Prescott was a real threat only emphasized the urgency of their meeting. Without a doubt, Marcus knew that Prescott wouldn’t stop until he got what he wanted. If Margaret had information that could help him, he would be foolish to dismiss it.He studied Margaret’s expression, searching for signs of honesty behind her calm demeanor. Despite the tension, Marcus couldn’t overlook the potential benefits of this collaboration. Leveraging Margaret’s strengths and information could be a strategically smart move, even if it meant entrusting part of himself to this enigmatic woman.With his decision becoming clearer, Marcus felt compelled to explore this possibility. He knew that every step had to be taken carefully. The choice to work together could lead them both down a dangerous path, but if it was the only way to protect Evelyn and confront Prescott, then he had to be prepared to face the risks.
Poor Son-in-law 27
"Because I'm telling the truth," Evelyn said desperately. "I know you have no reason to believe me, but you need to listen. Daniel is not who you think he is. He… he’s not just targeting your business, Marcus. He’s targeting you."Marcus's heart raced in his chest, although he kept his voice steady. "What do you mean?""He's planning to hurt you," Evelyn said, her voice almost a whisper. "Physically. I heard him talking to someone last night. He… he’s angry, Marcus. He feels you’ve humiliated him, and he wants revenge."Before Marcus could respond, the call suddenly dropped. He pulled the phone from his ear, frowning as he tried to call back, but there was no answer. A sense of discomfort enveloped him, making him restless.He stood and began pacing his office, each step filled with anxiety. Thoughts of Evelyn kept swirling in his mind. He knew all too well that
Poor Son-in-law 28
Marcus stared at the message on his phone, his knuckles whitening as he tightened his grip on the device.Unknown Number. *[You can't trust anyone, Marcus. Not even those closest to you.]*The words hit him like a hammer. A wave of anxiety washed over his mind. Who sent this message? What did it mean? He felt trapped in a game far larger than himself.Marcus felt tension in his neck, and his mind began racing. He couldn't let this uncertainty take control. Carefully, he started considering who might be enemies around him. Daniel was clearly a threat, but who else could be involved?He tried to recall his last conversations with friends and colleagues. Were there any signs that they couldn't be trusted? Paranoia began to creep in, and he knew he had to be cautious.Marcus shifted his gaze from the phone and looked around the room, feeling an urgent need to secure the place. He wou
Poor Son-in-law 29
Richard turned, his expression unreadable. "You’ve started, then?"Marcus shrugged off his jacket and placed it on the back of his chair. "If you’re asking whether I’ve attacked Prescott Enterprises, the answer is yes," Marcus said bluntly, sitting at his desk.He looked at his uncle seriously, feeling the weight of responsibility grow heavier. Every step he took now had consequences, and he knew this battle would not be easy.Richard nodded, realizing Marcus's decision was a bold move. "Alright. We need to ensure we have all the necessary information to proceed."Marcus opened his desk drawer and pulled out several documents. "I’ve gathered data on Prescott and the people around him. There’s plenty to exploit."Richard approached, examining the documents. The serious expression on his face indicated that he understood the significance of this moment
Latest Chapter
29
Richard turned, his expression unreadable. "You’ve started, then?"Marcus shrugged off his jacket and placed it on the back of his chair. "If you’re asking whether I’ve attacked Prescott Enterprises, the answer is yes," Marcus said bluntly, sitting at his desk.He looked at his uncle seriously, feeling the weight of responsibility grow heavier. Every step he took now had consequences, and he knew this battle would not be easy.Richard nodded, realizing Marcus's decision was a bold move. "Alright. We need to ensure we have all the necessary information to proceed."Marcus opened his desk drawer and pulled out several documents. "I’ve gathered data on Prescott and the people around him. There’s plenty to exploit."Richard approached, examining the documents. The serious expression on his face indicated that he understood the significance of this moment
28
Marcus stared at the message on his phone, his knuckles whitening as he tightened his grip on the device.Unknown Number. *[You can't trust anyone, Marcus. Not even those closest to you.]*The words hit him like a hammer. A wave of anxiety washed over his mind. Who sent this message? What did it mean? He felt trapped in a game far larger than himself.Marcus felt tension in his neck, and his mind began racing. He couldn't let this uncertainty take control. Carefully, he started considering who might be enemies around him. Daniel was clearly a threat, but who else could be involved?He tried to recall his last conversations with friends and colleagues. Were there any signs that they couldn't be trusted? Paranoia began to creep in, and he knew he had to be cautious.Marcus shifted his gaze from the phone and looked around the room, feeling an urgent need to secure the place. He wou
27
"Because I'm telling the truth," Evelyn said desperately. "I know you have no reason to believe me, but you need to listen. Daniel is not who you think he is. He… he’s not just targeting your business, Marcus. He’s targeting you."Marcus's heart raced in his chest, although he kept his voice steady. "What do you mean?""He's planning to hurt you," Evelyn said, her voice almost a whisper. "Physically. I heard him talking to someone last night. He… he’s angry, Marcus. He feels you’ve humiliated him, and he wants revenge."Before Marcus could respond, the call suddenly dropped. He pulled the phone from his ear, frowning as he tried to call back, but there was no answer. A sense of discomfort enveloped him, making him restless.He stood and began pacing his office, each step filled with anxiety. Thoughts of Evelyn kept swirling in his mind. He knew all too well that
26
The fact that Daniel Prescott was a real threat only emphasized the urgency of their meeting. Without a doubt, Marcus knew that Prescott wouldn’t stop until he got what he wanted. If Margaret had information that could help him, he would be foolish to dismiss it.He studied Margaret’s expression, searching for signs of honesty behind her calm demeanor. Despite the tension, Marcus couldn’t overlook the potential benefits of this collaboration. Leveraging Margaret’s strengths and information could be a strategically smart move, even if it meant entrusting part of himself to this enigmatic woman.With his decision becoming clearer, Marcus felt compelled to explore this possibility. He knew that every step had to be taken carefully. The choice to work together could lead them both down a dangerous path, but if it was the only way to protect Evelyn and confront Prescott, then he had to be prepared to face the risks.
25
Marcus stepped toward the corner of the street, the sound of his footsteps muffled by the cold concrete floor. He took a deep breath, trying to capture the fresh night air, even though a hint of worry lingered in his heart.This city, usually bustling, now felt quiet, as if waiting for something unexpected. He looked around, ensuring no one was watching him. Despite the risks of this meeting, he felt it was the right step.In the pocket of his coat, his hand brushed against a note he had written earlier. The information was invaluable and could change everything. Marcus knew that if he failed tonight, the consequences could be severe.He felt his heartbeat quicken as their eyes met. The woman had a mixed expression, as if waiting and worried at the same time. He stepped inside, taking in the warm and intimate atmosphere of the café, a stark contrast to the darkness outside. Soft lights cast a warm glow, creating a
24
Richard looked at him for a moment before speaking. “You need to decide, Marcus. Are you fighting for revenge, or are you fighting to protect what’s yours? Because those are two very different battles.”For a moment, Marcus said nothing, his mind filled with conflicting emotions. He respected his uncle’s wisdom, but the thought of Prescott and Evelyn together ignited a fire he couldn’t extinguish.One side of him urged immediate action, to retaliate against all the pain caused. Yet the other side recognized that revenge would only add to the chaos, ruining everything he had built. He knew he had to find balance—a way to protect what was precious without getting trapped in a cycle of hatred.The tension deepened, and Marcus felt the weight of the decision pressing on him. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his swirling thoughts. He needed to think clearly and plan his next moves care
23
Each second felt like it slowed down, and Marcus felt an overwhelming wave of emotion. The beautiful memories with Evelyn, the moments when they dreamed about the future together, now loomed in a dark light. He felt as if he had been betrayed not just by Evelyn, but also by the world he believed in.In the silence of the room, Marcus struggled to maintain his composure. The pain stung, reminding him of all he had sacrificed. He remembered how hard he fought to move on after Evelyn's departure. Now, hearing that she was involved with Prescott made everything feel futile.His colleagues' eyes were on him, filled with attention and concern. They sensed the tension hanging in the air. Marcus knew he had to regain control of the situation. He couldn't let his emotions take over; he had to act wisely.He looked at Richard, trying to suppress the anger bubbling within him. Deep down, he was determined to find the truth. He coul
22
The soft hum of the city echoed outside as Marcus Carter leaned back in his leather chair, his fingers interlocked beneath his chin. The office lights cast a gentle glow on his sharp features, the tension in his jaw betraying the calm he was desperately trying to maintain. He had spent the last two years rebuilding himself, brick by brick, after Evelyn left his life. However, he did not anticipate the storm that would follow her departure.Every corner of this room reminded him of the beautiful moments they once shared. The photos on the walls, the neatly arranged books, even the strong aroma of coffee—all brought back painful memories. He remembered how Evelyn would sit on the sofa, laughing freely, sharing stories about her day. Now, all of that felt like an illusion, an ungraspable memory.Marcus struggled to forget, but Evelyn's shadow always haunted him. He recalled her smile, the way her eyes sparkled when she talked about their
21
The room felt increasingly cramped, and a sense of nostalgia warmed the otherwise tense atmosphere. Evelyn knew that beneath his tough exterior, Marcus harbored deep emotions, even as he tried to shut them away.She wanted to explore further, to remind Marcus of the beautiful moments they had shared, but the fear of rejection held her back. In the hanging silence, they stood facing each other, trapped in uncertainty, each struggling to find a way out of the darkness that had engulfed their relationship."I know you're hurting," she said, her voice slightly breaking. "And I know... I know I hurt you. I made mistakes, Marcus. I realize that now. I just... I thought maybe, after everything, we could try—""Stop." His voice was sharper this time, cutting through the tension like a knife. He took a step back, creating space between them. "Don't do this. Don't come here and act like you suddenly care."
