?Chapter 362:


    Merlin possessed nopass for navigating what their next encounter might bring. Each meeting with her unfolded like unwrapping an enigmatic present, its contents forever shrouded in delicious uncertainty until the final moment of revtion.


    Throughout his existence, Merlin had cultivated himself into a master architect of control, sketching blueprints for every corner of his destiny. His vision crystallized around a solitary existence, unmarred by romantic entanglements or matrimonialplications, maintaining the pristine simplicity of independence.


    His meticulous nning had even extended to selecting his eternal resting ce. Such was the thoroughness of his life’s choreography.


    But then Hailee had materialized like morning mist, and from that inaugural moment when their eyes met, both his rational mind and physical form had staged aplete rebellion against his carefully constructed authority. The mutiny left him reeling in uncharted waters. Since Hailee’s entrance into his carefully ordered universe, his masterfully crafted life blueprint had dissolved into scattered fragments, carried away by unpredictable winds. Now, he wandered through each day without knowing which horizon would eventually im his journey’s end.


    Completely oblivious to the tempest raging within Merlin’s mind, Cole’s fingers danced across his phone’s surface. “But surely you still maintain your stance against marriage, correct? Please tell me you’re not simply toying with Hailee’s affections like some careless predator.”


    “Consider this your official warning, Merlin,” Cole’s message read, his tone protective, like a storm ready to break. “With any other woman, I’d maintain diplomatic neutrality, but Hailee holds a cherished ce in Elliana’s circle of friendship. Should Elliana’s fury ignite over your actions, don’t expect me to serve as your shield. If she decides your destruction is necessary, I’ll likely hand her the weapon myself.”


    Merlin fired back, “Look at you! Now fully house-trained by a woman who’s not even good-looking. You probably can’t keep your hands off her at home—and hey, that’s your business. But now you’d throw me under the bus for her? Some friend you turned out to be.”


    Cole didn’t miss a beat. “What can I say? Friends are great, but my wife? She’s the whole damn universe. If ites down to choosing, I’d rather lose a buddy than lose her.”


    Elliana, still leaning on Cole’s shoulder, read his message and burst intoughter. Her giggles shook her body, which in turn made Cole bounce with her. He looked at her and couldn’t help butugh along—sometimes joy was just that contagious.


    Find the next part on g??????ον??????.??????


    Then, as theirughter quieted down, another message from Merlin lit up the screen.


    Merlin texted, “Your wife is something else. What do you even see in her?”


    Cole replied immediately, “That’s none of your business, Merlin.”


    Merlin’s response came just as quickly, “Then you stay out of my business. If your wife has a problem with me, let her say it to my face. I want to see if she’s got anything more than throwing a rock my way.”


    Cole raised an eyebrow as he read the message. He nced at Elliana, who was resting against his shoulder. “What’s this about you throwing a rock at Merlin?” he asked, confused.


    Elliana blushed and let out a dryugh. Then, she told him the whole story.


    .


    .


    .