Marcus was taken aback.

Then, his demeanor softened, and he inquired gently, "Who put that in your head?"

"I came up with it myself.

On TV, other dads are nice to their wives, but you're always so mean to mom. It makes me sad."

With that, tears streamed down the boy's face.

Marcus felt a headache coming on.

He paced back and forth, phone in hand, until he finally relented, willing to appease the boy. “Alright, I promise I'll be good to your mother from now on, okay?"

“Really? You're not just saying that, are you?"

“No! I'll stick to my promise."

Saying this, Marcus felt a twinge of sadness, a sensation he couldn't quite articulate.

Though he rarely spent time with Matthew, he never turned down the boy's requests. Maybe it was because Matthew echoed memories of Melissa from years past.

A few years ago...

After ending the call, Marcus descended the stairs and headed to the car. “Take me to see the boy."

The driver promptly ignited the engine.

Melissa and Matthew barely stepped through the door when Marcus arrived.

Observing this, Julie whisked Shawn off. Shawn grumbled, "Mom, you're so weak in front of Marcus. You can't stand up for Melissa like this.

Women should be more restrained around men."

"I know," Julie conceded.

Marcus appeared unexpectedly. Despite Melissa's surprise, she chose to maintain harmony for Matthew's sake. She carved out space for Marcus and Matthew, then retreated to the kitchen to prepare a meal.

Opening the fridge, she heard Marcus' voice behind her.