Chapter 568:

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The early summer night carried a gentle breeze, casting long shadows beneath the streetlights. After sending a message, Renee looked up and met Marcelo’s cold gaze.

“Howard’s going to Crestmont University for further studies,” she explained. “He’s catching a flight tomorrow morning, so he can’t see me tonight.”

She had just been texting Howard, who likely claimed he was busy to spare her any awkwardness—especially since she was with Marcelo, who was known to be possessive.

Marcelo, looking unusually serious, said nothing. It seemed he hadn’t expected Howard to want a proper farewell with Renee.

“Are you upset, Marcelo?” Renee asked, slipping her phone into her pocket and gently holding his arm, her smile bright. “The juniors picked such great songs for us. Come on—lighten up.”

Marcelo stayed silent until they returned to the warmth of their cozy home.

𝖡𝗲 pа𝘳𝗍 𝗈f 𝘰u𝗿 𝗰𝗈𝘮𝗆u𝗇𝘪𝘁y 𝘰ո 𝘨𝖺𝗅n𝘰𝘷𝖾𝘭𝘴.𝘤𝘰𝗆

Just as Renee was about to slip off her shoes, Marcelo pressed her against the door. His breath, warm against her cheek and neck, sent shivers down her spine. He stared at her with an intensity like a predator eyeing its prey, poised to strike.

“If I hadn’t intervened, would that boy from the Lee family have changed his mind?” Marcelo asked.

“What boy are you referring to? Howard is a few months older than me!”

Marcelo gave a soft scoff, his fingers brushing the tender skin just below her waist. Frustration and restraint were woven into the touch.

“Renee, do you really want to attend class tomorrow?”

She stiffened at the implied threat, then playfully wrapped her arms around his neck, mischief glittering in her eyes. “My dear Mr. King, I never knew you harbored such jealousy!”

“I’m not jealous,” Marcelo denied, though his actions said otherwise.

Renee fought back a laugh, tempted to tease him further, but she knew better than to push her luck. Even without another word of teasing, Marcelo taught her a lesson in bed later that night.

The air grew thick with heat and desire.

Lying on the bed afterward, still catching her breath, Renee noticed the neatly arranged condoms in the bedside drawer and couldn’t help finding it absurdly amusing.

His readiness was impressive.

Marcelo handed one to her, clearly hinting that she should make the first move.

“I… I can’t,” she stammered, cheeks burning as she tried to set the condom aside.

“Darling, it’s a necessity. Why be shy?” His voice was gentle, coaxing her to push past her hesitation.

But remembering where Marcelo’s fingers had been earlier, Renee recoiled in disgust and turned her head away. “Please don’t touch my face with that hand!”

“Do you despise yourself? Well, I don’t.” He chuckled at her reaction, clearly amused by her discomfort, and deliberately brought his finger to his lips.

Renee couldn’t stop him in time. She covered her eyes, mortified.

Once he’d had his fill of teasing, Marcelo’s expression turned serious.

“Did Howard learn the violin for you?” he asked, gaze intense, breath heavy.

Renee froze. Was he really interrogating her at a moment like this?

“Of course not!” she replied quickly. “Damian learned the violin when he was young too.”

Learning the violin and piano was common among children from wealthy families. Renee couldn’t understand why Marcelo looked even more displeased the moment Damian’s name left her lips.

Was it wrong to mention Damian?

Unsure whether she had said something she shouldn’t, Renee felt Marcelo was using the chance to teach her a lesson.

“Enough, Marcelo, please!”

After three rounds, Renee reached her limit. She stopped him abruptly, pressing her palm against his chest to hold him back.

Marcelo’s eyes—dark as spilled ink—locked onto hers, deep enough to make her breath catch.

He still didn’t look satisfied.

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