Marcus’s breakthrough arrived on an ordinary overcast Wednesday.[]
A gentle drizzle tapped against the windowpanes, the damp air carrying the first chill of approaching autumn.[
From his wheelchair, Marcus observed two rain–soaked strays huddled beneath the hospital’s entrance overhang, trembling pathetically. When they attempted to snatch a half–eaten bagel discarded by a visitor, the cafeteria manager emerged to chase them away with unnecessary hostility.]
Thunder cracked overhead without warning, sending the terrified dogs darting recklessly through busy traffic []
Something about these abandoned creatures struck a profound chord within him.[]
Their desperate companionship, their struggle for survival against overwhelming odds–it mirrored his situation with Aria with uncomfortable precision.
An overwhelming urge to save them seized him completely.[]
Marcus gripped the wheelchair’s armrests, summoning every fragment of strength remaining in his battered body.]
mitially, he managed only faltering steps, but gradually his movements gained confidence and speed until–miraculously–he found himself running through the downpour.
Wind whipped his hospital gown around his legs while raindrops pelted his face like tiny redemptive baptisms.
With astonishing agility, he reached the terrified strays, carefully gathering them into his arms before returning to the hospital lobby. He purchased roast beef sandwiches from the cafeteria, carefully removing all condiments before offering the meat to the ravenous pups.[]
Watching them eat with single–minded focus, warmth bloomed in his chest for the first time in months.
In that pivotal moment, his mission crystallized with perfect clarity: he needed power. With sufficient resources and influence, he could finally protect Aria from those who sought to control her.]
Meanwhile, the Sterlings had somehow tracked him to the rehabilitation facility and arrived unannounced.]
Mrs. Sterling swept into the therapy room like visiting royalty, her face contoured with expensive makeup, and unceremoniously kicked the door open when she spotted him.]]
Seeing Marcus confined to a wheelchair validated her prejudices, her contempt practically radiating off her designer outfit.]
“Well, well. The doctor says you’re essentially a cripple now–as if you weren’t pathetic enough already. A nobody from nowhere trying to social–climb your way into our family through my daughter? Dream on, loser,”
“I told Aria you died en route to the hospital. She completely fell apart–locked herself away, refused food–typical dramatic bullshit. I took a crowbar to her door and dragged her to the ballroom to announce her engagement to Morgan. Sentiment is for the weak. Emotions are just leverage for acquiring influence.“]]
“I’ll pay for your treatment and ship you abroad. Whatever you do with your worthless life afterward is your business, but if you ever set foot back here or contact my daughter again, I’ll destroy you so thoroughly they won’t find enough pieces to bury.“]
Mrs. Sterling’s venom–laced threats hung in the air between them.[]
Lacking any viable options, Marcus found himself exiled
to
California, where he scraped by translating technical documents between Mandarin and English.]
However, the dream of reclaiming Aria never dimmed. He immersed himself in studying Silicon Valley’s ecosystem, connecting with brilliant international students and ambitious entrepreneurs to launch an AI robotics venture.[]
Marcus frequently worked through the night, surviving on protein bars and cold brew while meticulously developing business frameworks that would eventually revolutionize the industry.[]
Against astronomical odds, his company exploded from obscure startup to global tech powerhouse.[]
Industry titans worldwide sought partnership opportunities, launching collaborative ventures that disrupted multiple sectors simultaneously.[]
Marcus had finally achieved what once seemed impossible–his personal wealth and corporate influence dwarfed both Sterling and Morgan empires combined. At last, he possessed the resources to bring Aria home where she belonged.]
My Ex Planned His Wedding On My Death Day?!
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Chapter 13
After delegating operations to his trusted deputy, he immediately returned stateside.[]
Upon landing, devastating intelligence awaited: Aria had endured systematic psychological abuse throughout these years. Ryan and his entourage had constantly humiliated her, while her parents extracted maximum value from her misery.]
She’d suffered frequent medical emergencies, her dignity repeatedly trampled beneath designer shoes.
The single ray of hope: she’d finally initiated divorce proceedings.[]
From this moment forward, Aria’s suffering would end. Marcus would ensure she received nothing but the absolute best life had to offer.]
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