Chapter 25 The Painful Tr Chapter 25 : The Painful Truth Chapter 25 : The Painful Truth ( Sophia's POV ) Marcus left without staying long . I watched his retreating figure with clenched fists , almost grinding my teeth in anger . He had clearly said he would stay to accompany Oliver . But now he was leaving . Was it because of that b *** h Elena ? I consoled myself that it couldn't be true . After our ten years of relationship , with me only being away for six years , how could he possibly change his heart ? I understood Marcus's character too well . He was an Alpha who would rather have nothing than settle . He wasn't someone who would casually fall in love . His continued protection of Oliver and me reinforced my belief that I still held a place in his heart . Elena was merely a plaything unworthy of my concern . ( Elena's POV ) Meanwhile , in my office , I rolled up my pants to examine my knees . They were covered in bruises and floor marks from my earlier fall . David suddenly pushed open the door carrying a lunch box . He caught sight of my injuries immediately . " Sister , what happened to your knee ! " he exclaimed , setting the lunch box on my desk . He noticed the wound on my forehead as well . His anger flared immediately . " Who dared to bully you ? " he demanded , ready to storm out and confront someone . I quickly grabbed him . " I fell by myself . " David's face showed disbelief . " You couldn't fall so badly on your own . " " The hospital stairs are disinfected and mopped daily , " I explained . " I slipped without paying attention . " I smiled slightly . " Do you plan to fight the stairs ? " David brought old hen soup that our mother Patricia had made . " There was extra and Mom wanted you to try some . " As I looked at the warm soup , I fell into silence . I remembered how I could only eat my mother's hot , home - cooked meals when David was home . Even then , I could only have what he didn't want . The leftover meat , snacks , and fresh fruits . David had never known how biased our parents were . " Is the soup not to your taste ? " he asked when I hesitated . I smiled and shook my head , taking a sip . " It's delicious . " ( Marcus's POV ) 1/4 Chapter 25 The Painful Tr Outside the door , I was about to knock when I saw the warm scene between the siblings . Elena drank soup while David chattered about gossip , making her laugh several times . The relaxed , carefree smile on her face was something she had never shown in front of me . My expression suddenly darkened . I withdrew my hand and turned away . ( God's POV ) That evening , Elena drove David home . As he got out of the car , he asked if she wouldn't come in to see their parents . After a brief pause , she simply smiled . " With you taking care of Mom and Dad , I can rest assured . " She drove away without waiting for his response . Patricia came out of the yard just as the car disappeared from sight . Recognizing the familiar vehicle as her daughter's , she asked David about it . " Did Elena mention anything about her relationship with her mate ? " David casually replied that he hadn't asked . He would wait for his sister to speak when she was ready . Standing alone , Patricia's face showed worry . She still didn't know how to face the reality of her daughter's impending severed mate bond . She was concerned about how it might affect David's future prospects . ( Elena's POV ) When I returned to the estate , I went to take a bath first . After wrapping myself in a towel and stepping out of the bathroom , I unexpectedly encountered Marcus entering the Master Suite . After a moment of frozen staring , I quickly covered myself and turned away . " Why did you suddenly return ? " I asked in annoyance . Marcus , initially planning to look away , became irritated by my tone . It seemed to suggest I didn't want him there . He stepped closer , his gaze boldly scanning my body . " This is my home . I can return whenever I want . " As I instinctively tried to dodge , he pulled me into his embrace . ( Marcus's POV ) Her damp hair clung to her fair skin . Her clear eyes appeared even more pitifully beautiful in their panic . The deep brown beauty mark at the corner of her eye added an alluring charm that moved me to pity . My burning fingertips brushed over her beauty mark as my throat moved . I realized it had been months since I had touched her . My wolf couldn't wait any longer , yearning for my fated mate . Understanding my heated gaze all too well , Elena tried to push me away in panic . " That box of things is already used up . " " I bought more , " I replied in a husky voice . My palm gripped her waist as I buried my head in her neck . The sudden intimacy shocked even Elena . Before she could react , I lifted her up and placed her on the wed . 2/4 Chapter 25 The Painful Tr Trapped in my embrace , my body temperature burned her like a branding iron as always . ( Elena's POV ). Now , as he showed unprecedented tenderness with foreplay , I wondered what it meant . I closed my eyes as tears rolled down my cheeks . I neither welcomed nor rejected him , but Marcus sensed my body's resistance . At the crucial moment , he stopped . He looked down at my resentful , empty eyes that held a look of resigned martyrdom . " You don't want me to touch you ? " he asked coldly . I met his gaze calmly . " After forcing me to kneel today , Alpha still has the mood for this ? A slap followed by a sweet date ? " He immediately cooled down , loosening his tie as he sat up . " Haven't I given you chances ? " He paused , turning to look directly at me . " Is it so hard to admit you were wrong ? " Seeing his casual indifference , the thorn in my heart began to ache again . " But I wasn't wrong , " I said quietly . The desire in Marcus's eyes completely disappeared . As we argued about this matter again , his attitude grew increasingly cold . He sneered . " Elena , you really are unreasonable ." He got up and slammed the door as he left . I didn't try to stop him , maintaining my usual composure as if his attitude no longer mattered to me . ( Marcus's POV ) Downstairs , I smoked a cigarette to gradually calm my body when my phone rang . Seeing Sophia's call , I answered . She asked carefully if I would come over tonight . Oliver was asking about me . " I'll be there in a while , " I replied . After hanging up , Sophia finally breathed a sigh of relief . Marcus still cared about her and Oliver . When I arrived at the hospital at , Oliver was delighted to see me . He asked me to stay the night . " Uncle , please don't leave tonight , okay ? " Looking into the child's innocent eyes , I felt somewhat reluctant to refuse . " Alright , go to sleep . I'll stay with you . " Only then did Oliver close his eyes . When Sophia returned from her shower and saw this scene , she approached me with a smile . Comments H Vote 78 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!