[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322E1C3D0-241":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},241,27,"Chapter 27: Playing House in the CEO's Office","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What did you just call me?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Looking into his hungry, expectant eyes, Evangeline didn't hesitate. \"Hubby～\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus pulled her into a crushing embrace, his eyes burning with a possessiveness so intense it felt as if he wanted to swallow her whole.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I thought… you didn't want to claim me.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">His voice was fragile and broken, like an abandoned puppy.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline finally understood the source of his moodiness. She smoothed her palm over his back. \"Marcellus, telling our families will take time. If we spring it on them out of the blue, we’ll only scare them.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Fine.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline pulled back, cupping his face between her hands, her expression firm and sincere. \"We are married, Marcellus. That isn't going to change for as long as we both shall live!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I know!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus felt the weight of her conviction; he believed every word she said.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"And stop stewing in silence. I can be a little slow when it comes to these things. If you’re unhappy, just tell me. I don't want to waste a single second of our time playing games.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Okay.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">As Marcellus pulled her into another embrace, a wave of sweetness washed over him. Suddenly, his phone buzzed, shattering the intimate atmosphere. Marcellus snatched the device, his irritation clear as he answered.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hello? Grandfather.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Marcellus, did you send the invitations to the Montgomery estate yet?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I did.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Is little Evangeline coming?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus glanced at the woman in his arms. Evangeline gave a small nod, confirming she would attend.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus replied, \"She’s coming. But… not as my girlfriend.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What? Does the Montgomery family refuse to let you two be together?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"No. They just don’t know yet.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Marcellus, you really are hopeless! Bring some gifts and go pay them a visit! If they don't say yes, keep pestering them until they do. Don't worry about saving face. Wait—don't tell me the girl is only with you because you forced her, and she’s too afraid to tell her family?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus listened to the rambling on the other end, his head throbbing. \"Grandfather! Just stay out of it, would you?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You need to step it up, grandson!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline, hearing the humorous and vibrant voice of the elder through the speaker, covered her mouth to stifle a giggle.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I know, Grandfather. Just don’t say anything off-script when we get there. Don’t ruin our timing!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Fine, fine, fine.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">After hanging up, Evangeline finally let out a laugh. \"Haha… your grandfather is so adorable! How did such a charming, humorous man end up raising someone as cold and ruthless as you?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus feigned anger. \"Does Evangeline prefer witty men?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"No! I like you! I love your gentleness, your favoritism, your possessiveness, your brows, your build—I love every single bit of you!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">With that, she planted a quick peck on his lips, dropping the teasing act to add in a serious tone, \"As long as it's you, I love it all.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus felt an incomparable sense of bliss. He hoisted the woman up and headed toward the executive lounge.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline hooked her arms around his neck, one eyebrow arched. \"Marcellus, not today.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He froze, looking at her with confusion.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Aunt Flo is visiting.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline pressed her lips together, her signature dimples deepening as she looked at him with a mischievous, intoxicating glint.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus felt his throat tighten. He leaned into her ear, whispering, \"Then we’ll settle for some appetizers.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He tumbled onto the bed with her, their breaths mingling in a tangle of limbs. The kisses were deep and lingering, filled with a frantic attachment. Marcellus, driven to the edge, felt his teeth graze her collarbone in a light, teasing nip.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">A sharp, electric jolt of sensation forced a soft moan from Evangeline. Marcellus felt like his brain had just ignited a firework; unable to hold back, he scrambled toward the bathroom to cool off.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline propped herself up on her elbow, watching the bathroom door. \"Heh, what a dork.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">By the time Marcellus emerged, Evangeline had already tidied herself up and was sitting on the office sofa, sketching on a notepad.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Hearing his footsteps, she looked up, beaming. \"Marcellus, back to work! Preston has been pacing around out there like a man possessed.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Right.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus obediently sat back at his desk, transforming into a cold, efficient working machine.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">At noon, when Preston Wright entered to drop off some files, he caught Evangeline’s eye and gave her a subtle thumbs-up. He genuinely admired her—her ability to \"tame the beast\" was truly top-tier.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The interaction didn’t escape Marcellus’s notice. Another wave of jealousy hit him, but he couldn't afford to be petty now. He shot Preston a scathing glare before walking over to sit beside Evangeline. He reached out to pick up the sketches on the table.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"This wedding dress…?\" Marcellus asked, his eyes gleaming with excitement.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It’s for the upcoming competition.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline caught the dip in his tone and gave him a strange look. His face was etched with a clear sense of abandonment and loss. She realized what he was thinking in an instant.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Marcellus, do you want to see me in it? As your bride?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline’s eyes crinkled with laughter. She leaned in, her pretty face hovering just two inches from his.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus, caught in the act, shifted uncomfortably, his gaze darting away. He cleared his throat. \"I was just asking…\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What do you want for lunch?\" he quickly changed the subject.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Let’s go for some Korean BBQ!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Alright, let's go.\" Marcellus reached out to ruffle her hair with a doting smile.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They arrived at a bustling BBQ joint downtown. It lacked the elegant, sterile silence of a business restaurant, replaced by a lively, smoky atmosphere filled with the scent of charred meat.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Fearful that Marcellus might be uncomfortable in such a casual setting, Evangeline apologized, \"It's a bit crowded here. Does it bother you?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus shook his head. \"It's nice. Look, everyone else is here for a date.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline scanned the room. He was right! Mostly young couples, whispering, laughing, and feeding each other.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The atmosphere, saturated with happiness, was infectious.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They found a quiet corner table, and Marcellus naturally took the tongs to grill the meat. The beef sizzled on the charcoal plate, curling and browning until the aroma filled the air.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline picked up a glistening slice of pork belly, dipped it in the spice rub, wrapped it in a lettuce leaf, and held it to his lips.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus took a bite, chewing slowly, savoring the flavor under her expectant gaze.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Well? How is it?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He rarely ate this way, usually deeming it greasy and unhealthy, but today, it tasted extraordinary.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Yeah, it’s good.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Seeing his satisfaction, Evangeline smiled contentedly.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They ate in a rhythmic dance of him grilling and her eating, until Evangeline clutched her stomach, declaring she couldn't take another bite.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Once they were back in the car, Evangeline wrinkled her nose, sniffing at her clothes. \"It's such a strong smell.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It's fine. We’ll go to the lounge, you can shower and take a nap.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"No, I want to go home. My stomach hurts.\" She pouted, looking a bit down.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"…Was the meat undercooked?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"No!\" Evangeline looked at him, giving him a look that clearly communicated *you know what this is*.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Seeing her pale complexion, Marcellus finally clicked. \"Right. Then go home and get some rest.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mm.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The two parted ways in the underground garage of the Alexander Corp building.\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272911892]