Other kids have both Daddy and Mommy living with them⦠Daddy used to sleep with Mommy and me, but not anymore.
â
Marcus, touched by Matthewâs innocence, reassured him softly, âDonât worry.
Daddy will always be here for you.
â
Though Matthew nodded, his melancholy lingered.
Marcus contemplated saying something further, but considering Matthewâs young age, he wouldnât understand.
In the end, he said nothing.
Arriving at the Fowler family mansion, he parked the car.
As he glanced around in the twilight, he spotted Waylen patiently waiting for their arrival.
Marcus lowered the car window, and Matthew eagerly leaned out, catching sight of Waylen.
With a delighted squeal, he tossed his toy aside and pressed his face against the window as Waylen approached.
Waylen lifted Matthew from the car, planting a gentle ki*s on his cheek.
âFor my dear Matthew, may you grow taller in the new year.
â
Blushing, Matthew buried his face in Waylenâs embrace.
Just then, Daniel arrived, and the two boys hit it off instantly, joined by Evelyn and other children who gathered for a joyous time.
Even Ollie, the playful puppy, bounded over, adding to the merry chaos on the lawn.
Stepping out of the car, Marcus observed the childrenâs laughter with a mixture of nostalgia and detachment.
Waylen cleared his throat.
âWhereâs Melissa?â
Marcus nonchalantly lit a cigarette, taking a drag before responding coolly, âWe broke up.
â
Waylenâs expression soured as he slammed a document onto the hood of the car, demanding, âWhatâs the meaning of this, Marcus? Bargaining with your girlfriend? Youâve truly astonished me! How dare you degrade Melissa like this?â
His voice trailed off as he scanned the agreement, his indignation rising.
âTwo hundred thousand dollars for monthly allowance? Marcusâ¦
Is that how you value Matthew? This is unacceptable! How could you treat someone in such a humiliating manner? Iâve heard that Melissaâs annual salary is approximately eight million now.
Itâs no surprise she ended things with you! You scoundrel, stop bringing shame upon the Fowler family.
â
With a cigarette in hand, Marcus cast a fleeting glance at Waylen before quipping, âMatthewâs a boy; he doesnât need to be pampered like the girls.
â
Waylen scoffed.
âDoesnât need to be pampered like girls? Fine! How about giving me a granddaughter to spoil then?â He seethed with anger.
âIn just a few days, youâve not only alienated Melissa but also snatched the project she had been working for months.
Do you think all women will fall for that when you get dominant?â
Waylen was seething with anger, his body trembling with fury.
Marcus remained composed, puffing on his cigarette.
Unable to contain his indignation, Waylen pointed at the agreement, demanding, âWhat on earth were you thinking? If you still care for Melissa, how can you treat her so callously? No woman would tolerate such humiliation.
â
This time, Marcus didnât feign ignorance and replied flatly, âMelissa and I are done.
Thatâs all there is to it.
â
Waylen bristled, wanting to argue further, but he relented at the sight of Marcusâ resolute expression.