"When Debra returned to the room, she saw Marion trying to get out of bed and


    walk.


    She hurried over to support him. ""The doctor said you shouldn''t be moving around


    right now. Why aren''t you listening?""


    Marion brushed it off. ""My physical condition is better than most people''s. I''ll heal


    faster.""


    ""Cut the nonsense,"" Debra retorted. ""The venom may have been neutralized, but


    you''re still weak. Don''t think I don''t know what you''re up to. You''re eager to go


    back and retaliate against the Buchan family.""


    The mention of the Buchan family made Marion pause, realizing she must''ve


    interrogated Robert.


    ""So, you know.""


    ""Of course, I know. Think you could handle things without me finding out?""


    She tapped his forehead and said, ""You didn''t have to fight them. If Theda wants


    the Nichols Group so badly, let her have it. I don''t care.""


    ""I know,"" Marion said, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. ""I just don''t


    want anyone to steal your things.""


    He could feel Debra''s obsession with the Nichols Group. He wanted to get it for


    her and make her happy.


    ""Robert told me something,"" Debra revealed. ""He said that when you first


    approached me, it wasn''t just because you were interested in me. Rather, it was


    because I was Juan''s wife, and you married me to take the top position in Seamar


    City.""


    Marion grew anxious, which was rare. ""No, I didn''t.""


    ""No?"" Debra asked deliberately, observing his expression. ""Then was it just


    because you found me attractive?""


    She sighed and added, ""Were there no beautifuldies overseas? Why me? Love


    at first sight?""


    ""It''s destiny," Marion said softly. ""I


    won''t deny that at first, I was drawn


    to you because you were Juan''s


    wife. But never wanted to use you.


    That night at the auction, when I


    deliberately challenged you, it was to


    get your attention. When you were


    kidnapped, I realized how much I


    cared about you. Debra, you''re the


    one I want to spend my life with. I


    would never use you for anything.


    Compared to you, status, money,


    and power meant nothing.""


    Debra was touched, though she hid


    her feelings well behind a cool


    expression. ""Men always know how


    to say sweet things, but action


    speaks louder than words. Let''s see


    what you''ll do.""


    ""Okay,"" Marion replied, his answer so quick it almost startled her.


    ""Think carefully. You agreed too quickly. Life''s long, and if you ever fail me..."" she


    said.


    Marion spoke solemnly. ""If I ever do that, you''re free to take my life.""


    ""I don''t need your life."" Debra covered his mouth. ""But if you stop loving me, I will


    walk away without looking back.""


    ""I won''t give you that chance,"" Marion said, taking her hand.


    Just as he leaned down to kiss her,


    she suddenly pushed him back,


    ""Wait. The doctor said you can''t


    exercise right now.""


    Marion chuckled, his kissnding on her forehead. ""I''ll get better soon, and then


    we''ll go back."""