Marcus remained silent. What happened back then was indeed his mistake. But he genuinely wanted to make amends and spend the rest of his life seriously with her. "Sweetheart, don't overthink it. One day, I'll bring your mommy back." Casper stared at Marcus for a long moment, then turned away with a huff and sat by the window, gazing expectantly toward the villa entrance. He often sat there when alone at home, hoping he'd be the first to spot his mommy if she ever suddenly appeared. Marcus's heart twisted at the sight of his son's lonely silhouette. In these moments, he couldn't help inwardly complaining," Where the hell did that woman go?" Their son was falling ill from missing her, and she still hadn't returned. How could she abandon them without a second thought? Didn't she ever feel guilty? "Casper." "Leave me alone." With a sigh, Marcus withdrew. The moment he walked out the door, his expression changed immediately. He was about to ask where Brenda was when she appeared in the first-floor living room, red-eyed. Seeing him emerge from Casper's room, she rushed over, feigning concern. "Marcus, how is Casper now?" Marcus's face remained cold, but he didn't lash out. After all, Brenda had saved Casper's savior. Years ago, she'd found Casper on his doorstep, saving the baby's life. He had been skeptical. How could it be such a coincidence that Brenda was the one who found Casper? Menu Did Brenda hide Casper's birth mother to get close to him, then deliberately carry Casper to his doorstep after he was born, pretending to save his life so he would be grateful to her? Such plotlines abounded in novels and TV shows. But after a thorough investigation, Marcus confirmed Brenda had indeed found Casper by chance, and she had nothing to do with the disappearance of Casper's mother. For years, though he disliked Brenda, he'd treated her with courtesy, Due to the mother's absence, he never prevented Brenda from visiting Casper at home, which gave rise to the perception that he harbored feelings for Brenda. Rumors even swirled that Brenda was Casper's birth mother. Only those close to him knew the truth: his heart belonged solely to Casper's mother, and he'd never given Brenda any hope, just as he'd told his son. 16:10 1.4% < Chapter 10 Face frozen, Marcus descended the stairs. Noticing the white gauze wrapped around Brenda's arm, he said flatly, "Sorry, Casper hurt you." Menu Brenda waved him off quickly. "It's nothing. I'm just worried about Casper. Why did he lash out at me today? Did he grow distant because I was away filming for so long?" She feigned deep concern, pretending ignorance. Marcus shot her a sideways glance. He knew exactly why Casper had erupted: Brenda had told the boy they were getting married. "No," he said icily."He's missing his birth mother." Brenda silently clenched her fist. She knew Marcus and Casper both ached for the same woman, and jealousy gnawed at her. Years ago, when she'd found Casper by chance, she'd been overjoyed. She finally had a chance to get close to Marcus. When he'd offered to repay her, she'd suggested marriage, claiming a single-parent home harmed the child's well-being. Even a nominal wife would do. But Marcus had refused, citing his still-married status, so remarrying would be bigamy. He could only offer other compensation. The rejection had infuriated her. She couldn't win his heart over, nor could she secure even a formal title. The three people she hated most in life were Casper's mother, Marcus's legal wife, and Casper himself. She thought about killing the three of them every day! Recommend for you Her Disim Her Decision to Move On Move On Gemma Copeland had been Joshua Farley's secret wife for five years. They would make love, but they didn't love each other. Second Chance Read