Melissa gently covered Marcus' mouth to silence him.

Softly, she spoke up. “Marcus, sacrifices aren't yours alone to make.

I'm willing to make them too, for our family." After a brief pause, she continued, "Marcus, I'd give up everything for you because you're the most important person in my life!"

After her words, the room fell into a brief silence. Eventually, Waylen broke the tension with a teasing chuckle. "You seemed so melancholic just a moment ago. Now that Melissa is here, you're displaying affection in front of us, huh? Don't tell me you orchestrated this entire scenario just to elicit those words from Melissa! Shame on you, Marcus."

Olivia cupped her face with a dreamy Look in her eyes and exclaimed, "But that's so romantic!"

Elva nodded enthusiastically and said, "Bravo, Marcus! You're quite something!"

Melissa felt a bit embarrassed; even though Marcus couldn't see her, he likely sensed her discomfort. Hence, he politely dismissed the others, saying, “That's sufficient. Since Melissa is here, you can all leave now."

After the crowd left, Waylen continued to jest with Marcus for a bit longer before Leaving the ward. However, being a concerned father, he visited the attending doctor's office to ensure Marcus' eyes would heal naturally, without the need for surgery, and he felt relieved once assured of this.

After getting into the car, Waylen couldn't help but mumble to himself, "Did Marcus orchestrate the accident? He can be quite scheming at times."

Rena was at a loss for words and countered, "You believe your son would intentionally harm himself?"

Waylen persisted. "You acknowledge that this boy is quite clever, don't you?"

Rena sighed in exasperation at his remarks.

In the ward, Marcus and Melissa found themselves alone. Unable to see Melissa's face, Marcus kept hold of her hand throughout.

"I'm sorry you couldn't try on the wedding dress today," he expressed.

Melissa peeled an apple for Marcus and offered it to him.

However, Marcus declined, instead tracing Melissa's arm and then her face with his hand.

In a husky tone, he murmured, "I don't crave this. I want to kiss you and feel your soft skin."

Melissa was taken aback. She hadn't anticipated Marcus would desire intimacy under such circumstances.

However, observing his longing, she bit her lip and reasoned, “We can wait until you're discharged from the hospital."

"But I want it now!"