Married a Secret Billionaire

On the day of the match, Morpheus held the banned drug in his hand. After hesitating backstage for a moment, he unscrewed the cap and swallowed it. His throat felt as though it had been sliced open by this tiny pill. He seemed to envision a version of himself, gutted and covered in blood, utterly grotesque.

Even on the battlefield, he had never resorted to underhanded methods. He had always been upright. He could fend off others' hidden attacks, but he couldn't bring himself to harm someone with deceit. Today, however, he broke his rule for Persephone for the first time. All his principles and beliefs collapsed when he saw that tiny figure in the crowd.

All he knew was that she was watching him from the stands, and he didn't want her to witness him being defeated.

He grabbed the nearby bottle of water, gulped it down, slammed the cup to the ground, and stormed into the ring.

Persephone sat somewhat uneasily in the stands. Amidst the uproar, she recalled her first meeting with Morpheus.

It was also in this dim place, where the air was murky with a nauseating stench. The surroundings were filled with beastly men and snake-like women. They would leer at her maliciously, goading Morpheus to have his way with her then and there.

Morpheus had hoisted her over his shoulder, like an ancient chieftain carrying war spoils, and strode back home.

Persephone bit her lip. Perhaps the pain in her lip could overshadow the pain in her heart if she bit a little harder. After today, Morpheus' name would completely disappear from her life. They would return to their respective paths, never to intersect again.

"Here." Seamus handed her a bottle of mineral water with a gentle smile.

Persephone glanced down. Although not her usual brand, this brand was the most expensive available in this area.

"This was the only one I could find," Seamus said apologetically. "Deal with this first, okay?"

Persephone smiled, accepting it, but didn't open it.

Seamus then brought her a few pieces of cake, and she looked at them but didn't eat.

Living a carefree life at home previously, she always had a good appetite. Only now did she realize that one could lose the desire to eat during times of agitation and confusion.

Seamus' face darkened slightly. "You haven't eaten in the morning, and this match takes an hour. I worry that you can't stand it."

"I'm fine." Persephone didn't look up.

"Miss, is this person truly worth all your distress?"

In the dim light, Persephone kept her head lowered.

Seamus couldn't clearly see her face, but he could sense that her heart had long flown away-not to the boxing ring, but to meet Morpheus' under the sunlight, soaring far away hand in hand. Seamus clenched his fist, his expression growing even more somber.

After a long silence, Persephone finally spoke. "Do you think I should thank you?"

Seamus was taken aback.

"You, Mr. Rutherford, have always been devoted to protecting me. Now you've 'permitted' me to come to a place like this to watch a boxing match, 'permitted' me to have a final meeting with Morpheus. I should keep all these favors and rewards in mind. Once back in Centrolis, I should completely forget everything here. That's how I won't let you down, right?"

"Miss..." Seamus was somewhat surprised.

"Hold your tongue, Seamus!" Persephone glared at him. "My affairs are none of your concern! My parents have only assigned my safety to you! My eating habits and worries are not within your jurisdiction, are they?"