Seated on a public bench next to the flower bed, Ellie glanced at Kaiden beside her. He stood to her right, thoughtfully shielding her from the sun.

“Don’t tell Marvin anything about Baylee in the future, Kaiden. I’ll be furious if I find out,” Ellie warned him.

Kaiden figured he could tell Marvin without Ellie catching on. He explained, “Marvin mentioned they had some misunderstandings.”

“Misunderstandings?” Ellie scoffed.

Kaiden gently patted her head, blending affection with reassurance.

“I didn’t say that. Why are you mad? I’m on your side, Ellie.”

“That’s more like it!”

Pleased with his response, Ellie wasn’t sure if he was being truthful or not. After all, men’s words aren’t always trustworthy.

Ellie had always felt there was something off about the relationship between Kaiden and Marvin. Although they didn’t interact much, they seemed to have an unspoken understanding… She couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Just then, Ellie noticed Marvin pulling Baylee into his arms.

Kaiden saw his wife frown, seemingly ready to intervene. Two seconds later, Baylee wrestled herself free from Marvin’s grasp.

When Kaiden saw Ellie stop frowning, she even looked like she wanted to give Baylee a thumbs up. Kaiden was at a loss for words.

“Marvin, you’re a man of high standing. Don’t make me punch you in public; it’ll ruin everyone’s day!”

To prevent being pulled into his arms again, Baylee stepped back cautiously. Her defensive move cut Marvin to the quick.

At this point, clear fingerprints marked Marvin’s left cheek, but they didn’t mar his handsome features or his dignified air. To the unknowing eye, this dashing man could seem like the epitome of romantic charm as he begged his girlfriend to reconcile.

“Baylee, since you refrained from slapping me again, you wouldn’t punch me now, would you?” Marvin said, knowing Baylee well. Despite her arrogant and domineering facade, she knew her limits.

“But seeing you now makes me sick, Marvin!” Baylee shot back.

The word “sick” made Marvin’s eyes narrow. Everyone had their pride, especially someone like Marvin.

“I’ve said all I needed to say. Stop hounding me; it’s embarrassing.” The word “hounding” stung too!

Ignoring Marvin’s reaction, Baylee walked over to Ellie and Kaiden.

“Mr. Thorpe, I need to borrow your wife for a while. I’ll have her back before nine.”

Before Kaiden could refuse, Ellie turned to him with a blink. “I promised Baylee we’d have dinner later.”

Kaiden pinched Ellie’s chin, gritting his teeth. “Ellie, why didn’t you tell me beforehand?”

Ellie asked Baylee to wait a moment, then pulled Kaiden aside. She led him to a spot where his tall frame could completely cover her from Baylee’s view. Ellie kissed him on the lips and held his hand, trying to appease him.

“Baylee’s in a bad mood. I don’t want her to be alone.”

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