The moment Adrian heard the mention of the toy, he couldnât resist. He placed his tiny hand on the hand of the girl who introduced herself as âAuntâ and followed her out.
The balcony door in the bedroom was left ajar, allowing a cool breeze to sweep in.
Upon entering, Sophia immediately went to close the door. âMarcus, no wonder youâve caught a cold.
Itâs cloudy today, and you left the balcony door wide open. You mustâve caught a chill from the wind.â
Marcus glanced at the balcony, his deep eyes unfathomable.
Had he forgotten to close the door when he came in after his physiotherapy session?
Thankfully, Sophia didnât seem suspicious.
Having closed the balcony door, she turned around to assist him. âCome, let me help you to the bed.
Cover up and keep warm. The doctor will arrive soon.â
Marcus lifted his hand, denying her aid. âIâm fine. Thereâs no need for a doctor. Go accompany your father. You havenât seen him in a while; you surely have lots to catch up on.â
Sophia shook her head. âItâs okay, Marcus. Dad and I had a long talk on the way to the hotel. Iâll stay here and take care of you.â
Marcus furrowed his brows. âI told you, Iâm fine. I donât need you fussing over me.â.
Sophia looked innocent. âMarcus, Iâm just worried about you⦠Are you⦠Are you mad at me?â
Marcus was annoyed, not mad.
âCanât you see your father was upset that I didnât meet him at the airport? If you stay here with me, it will seem like Iâm keeping you from him. He might dislike me even more. Will he even approve of our relationship then?â
Sophia paused. So thatâs what Marcus was worried about â his image as a son-in-law.
âMarcus, youâre overthinking. My father always listens to me.â
Marcus replied sternly. âWhether I am or not, I think itâs best if you go be with your father now. And while youâre at it, make my apologies. I donât want to risk spreading my cold to him and your stepmother, so I wonât be joining them. Please ask him not to hold it against me.â
Sophia nodded. âAlright, Iâll do as you say. Marcus, rest well. If youâre against calling the doctor, Iâll have someone fetch some cold medicine for you later.â
With a hum, Marcus acknowledged her.
Sophia looked at Marcus for a moment before reluctantly leaving the room.
Assuming that her father and stepmother had left, she headed to their suite.
Marcus watched Sophia leave the room before he lacked the door.
Then he turned around and called out in the direction of the bathroom. âYou can come out now.â
After a few seconds of silence, Ellinor stepped out of the bathroom. âHow did you know I was here?â
Marcus looked at her sternly. âThe balcony door. I remember closing it.â
Ellinor glanced at the balcony and shrugged. âSo, Thaddeus is here. Looks like your attempt to cut ties is becoming more complicated.â
Marcus didnât bother with her comment. His eyes stared at her. âWhy are you here at this hour?â
It was early in the morning. Wasnât she afraid of being caught red-handed?