Chapter 6 The medical staff left one by one . The door wasn't fully closed , leaving a crack ajar . Marissa peeked through the gap and saw Matt standing by the hospital bed , slowly unbuttoning his shirt with trembling fingers , like he was struggling . Leah lay on the bed , cheeks flushed and eyes brimming with tears . Matt took off his shirt , revealing his toned body . With shaking hands , he leaned over and began unbuttoning Leah's gown , one button , then another … In the end , their bare bodies pressed tightly together in a deep embrace . Leah let out a satisfied sigh . " Mr. Holloway … your body's so cold … " In that moment , Marissa felt her whole world shatter . She stood outside the ward , staring through the slightly open door at the two of them - naked , clinging to each other . Matt held Leah close , their skin touching , their warmth entwined , like a real married couple . She suddenly remembered how Matt used to hate being touched . Once , a female assistant at work accidentally brushed his hand . He immediately went to wash it three times , then came back frowning and said , " Marissa , I can't stand anyone touching me , except you . " But now , he had stripped down without hesitation , using his own body to warm Leah . 0.00 % 22:53 Chapter 6 Marissa bit her lip hard , only letting go when she tasted blood . She turned and left , bought some fever medicine from the room next door , then went home alone . That night , she had one dream after another , all of which were of the 16- year - old Matt . He climbed the school wall and skipped class just to buy her milk tea . He stood on the basketball court , shouting , " Marissa , I love you ! " He dropped to his knees in the snow and said , " Will you marry me ? " In the end , 16 - year - old Matt held 16 - year - old Marissa's hand as they walked farther and farther away , until every memory faded with the wind . Three days later , Matt finally came back . They faced each other in the living room , tension thick in the air . Marissa turned to head upstairs , but Matt suddenly grabbed her wrist . " Marissa , about what happened that day , I need to explain- " " You chose Leah because she's pregnant , " Marissa said calmly . " I understand . " Matt paused , then let out a quiet breath , thinking she truly didn't mind . He smiled , his tone relaxing . " I'm glad you get it . Oh , and your birthday's coming up . I'll throw you a party . " Marissa was about to refuse , but he had already let go and turned away to make the call . The birthday party was as grand as the previous years . The glittering chandeliers , a glowing champagne tower , and guests raising their glasses in celebration . But Matt's mind was clearly elsewhere . 25.43 % 22:53 Chapter 6 He kept glancing at his phone , replying to messages nonstop . Marissa didn't have to guess ; he was worried about Leah and the baby she was carrying . Sure enough , before the party was even over , Matt hurried over and whispered , " Marissa , something urgent came up at work . I have to go . " Marissa said nothing , just quietly watched him walk away . She didn't feel like staying either and was about to leave when her phone suddenly buzzed . A message popped up from an unknown number . " Happy birthday , Marissa . Too bad no one really cares about your party . " Attached was a photo . In it , Matt , who was supposedly at " work , " was standing in another hall . It was Leah's birthday too . He had left in such a hurry to celebrate another woman's birthday . Another message from Leah popped up , " Come take a look . My birthday party's right next door , and there's a little surprise waiting for you ! " Marissa had meant to leave , but her legs moved on their own , carrying her toward the neighboring room . The moment she opened the door , it felt like a bolt of lightning struck her . Matt was gently caressing Leah's belly , and his gaze was so gentle . Cayden and Ava were slipping an emerald bracelet onto Leah's wrist . " Leah , this bracelet has been passed down to the daughters - in - law of the Holloway family . You've done so much carrying our grandchild . " To us , you're our only daughter - in - law . " 54,41 % 22:53 J Chapter 6 It felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over Marissa . Her whole body trembled . She recognized that bracelet . 11 Back when Matt first brought her home to meet his parents , Cayden and Ava had once held Marissa's hand with the same warmth and said , " Marissa , this bracelet has been passed down to the daughters - in - law of the Holloway family . One day , it'll be yours . " But after word got out that she couldn't have children , they never smiled at her again , and even asked for the bracelet in a roundabout way . And now , that same bracelet was on Leah's wrist . Marissa wanted to leave , but her feet felt rooted to the ground . Just then , Matt suddenly looked up from across the room . His eyes cut through the crowd and locked onto hers . His expression changed instantly . He rose to his feet . " Marissa ! " T