So what if they were seen dining together?
Ellinorâs imitation grew as she mulled over his words. âSo, you thought I was on a date with another man and decided not to interrupt, hoping Iâd develop feelings for him?â
Marcus fell silent for a few seconds. âIâm now a disabled man. How could I stand in the way of your pursuit of happiness?â
Ellinorâs face darkened. She glared at him and snapped. âTheo, what in Godâs green earth did I do in my past life to deserve you?â
Upon hearing her call him Theo, Marcus felt a familiar pain in his heart.
âIâm sorry I couldnât make you happy.â
Ellinor placed her hands around his neck, exerting some pressure. âI should just strangle you!â
Marcus closed his eyes, not resisting her grip.
Ellinor didnât continue her assault but instead looked at Marcusâ serene face. She stared at the man she hadnât seen in three years, who no longer remembered her, and she felt a lump form in her throat.
Suddenly, Marcus felt her breath hitch. He opened his eyes and found her face inches away from his.
He was startled.
In that moment, he understood why his past self had fathered three children with this petite woman.
She was indeed very beautiful. She was like a pixie.
Ellinor despised him, yet she couldnât bring herself to harm him. She couldnât control her desire to see and be close to him.
She even felt grateful that he was still alive, even if he didnât remember her and even with his physical disabilities.
As long as he was alive, it was a blessing.
During dinner earlier, Byranâs casual remark made her realize that when you find someone you love, you should cherish the time you have together without getting tangled up in trivialities.
She realized that she should cherish this man who had returned to her, lest she regret it.
Just as their lips were about to meet, Marcus spoke in a chillingly calm voice. âAre you sure you can accept me as I am now?â
Ellinor immediately lost her mood, furrowed her brows, and sat up straight. âWhatâs wrong with the way you are now?â
Marcus frowned, his voice stern. âI may never be able to stand like a man again, unable to provide you with emotional and physical happiness.â
Ellinor froze, understanding his meaning.
âItâs fine. We already have children. Whether or not we can make love doesnât matter. I donât have a strong need for it.â
Marcus looked at her intently. âIs it really that simple for you? Do you know how long a lifetime is? I canât protect or take care of you and our children. Instead, youâll have to take care of me. Iâll be a burden.â
Ellinor crossed her arms. âIs a lifetime that long? Itâs just a few decades. And I donât need anyone to protect or take care of me. As for you, despite your disability, youâre still very attractive. No woman would consider a handsome man a burden.â
Marcusâ face stiffened. He couldnât help but laugh at her serious flirting. âSo, you think Iâm good-
looking?â
Ellinor nodded unhesitatingly. âItâs not just me. Itâs a fact! Why else would Sophia do this to you and keep you by her side? Itâs because youâre so handsome, itâs criminal!â
Marcus, usually stoic, couldnât help but smirk. âAnd here I thought you were just sweet-talking me.â
Ellinor huffed. âIâm not flattering you. Iâm merely stating the facts.â
Marcus asked, âAre you really okay with me as lâarn now?â
Ellinor leaned in close, meeting his gaze. âYes, I am!â
Marcus was silent for a moment before he replied with a smile, âGood. If you donât mind, then Iâm more than happy.â