10.6 - Egan

*WARNING: The following content may contain sexual content.*

Mellie woke up with a sudden panic. The panic left just as quickly when she felt strong arm firmly around her waist. He was still holding her hand against his beating heart. Without words, Mellie lifted slightly just enough to press her lips up into his. The kiss was soft. The way their lips gently suck on each other was sweet.

"Morning..." Mellie pulled back slightly just to whisper against his wet lips.

Egan couldn't help but hug her, savoring the feel of her warmth against his. The sensation was familiar. But no matter how hard he tried to search for the memory, only pain entered his mind.

"Don't think about it..." Mellie sighed softly against his chest and patted his back as she could sense his pain. "Whatever time we have now, I'm your Mellie and you're my Egan."

Egan opened his eyes and no longer try to put reason to his feelings for Mellie. Right or wrong, he couldn't fight what his heart and soul felt. If it was wrong to be with Mellie, then Egan will happily be wrong.

"Waffles..."

Mellie's soft complains brought Egan out of his trance. With a chuckle, he sat up with her in his arms. After pressing a soft kiss under her eye, Egan got off of the bed and carried her off to the connecting bathroom suite. Needless-to-say, the two love birds enjoy their shower together before finally heading out to eat.

"Oh my!"

The old housekeeper had been in the kitchen when the couple appeared. What shocked the old woman was not her young master sudden appearance in the kitchen, but the young woman beside him. What's more, the young woman was wearing her young master's pajamas button up shirt. And because Mellie was short and petite, she was drowning in the taller man's shirt. Moreover, the love marks all over her neck line clearly let anyone see what had happened. Speechless and nervous, the old housekeeper stood frozen – unsure what to do or say. The situation was the first for her. Her stoic young master was infamous for having no interest in relationship. Never had the man been involved with anyone must less brought a young woman to the privacy of his home.

"Hi." Mellie smile without any awkwardness. "Is there anything in the kitchen to make waffles? Oh! There's an expresso machine."

With a short attention span like a goldfish, Mellie spotted a sleek triple expresso machine and quickly made her way to it. Comfortable around the kitchen as if she's lived there, Mellie hummed while making her coffee. The old housekeeper was stunned and watched in silent while Egan followed behind Mellie and wrapped his arms around her waist. Mellie smiled and leaned back slightly to look up at the handsome man. After receiving a soft kiss on her cheek, she asked Egan if he wanted any coffee as well. The two love birds were lost in their own world while the old woman was dumbfounded and lost.

"Mrs. Gina, the waffles." Egan glance over at the quiet old woman and spoke with his usual calm voice – as if nothing off about the situation.

"Y_ yes, my apologies young master."

Since her master had given the order, the housekeeper quickly went to work on making breakfast. All awhile, she recomposed herself. As one of Egan's people, the old housekeeper knew her place, and so, did not dare to question or judge. Soon after, Egan and Mellie sat at the large kitchen bar counter to enjoy the waffles and coffee. Although it was hard to keep a calm façade, the old woman was surprised to see the young woman boldly flirting and feeding the young master. It was even more surprising to see her young master accepting the waffle with a warm smile. Quietly, the housekeeper was smart to leave the two alone to their meals.

"I need a favor darling." Mellie said only after the housekeeper left them alone. "Could you find information on Mellie Trace?"

It was only because she trusted Egan that Mellie would ask such a strange question.

"Um." Egan replied softly while using his thumb to brush the crumbs off Mellie's lips.

And it was only because Egan trust Mellie that he did not question why she wanted information on her supposed self.

"So sweet." Mellie leaned in to kiss his cheek while wrapping her arms around his neck. "What will I do without you in this big scary world?"

Despite her teasing and flirtatious tone, there was some truth behind her words. She is after all thrown into the world without any information. At a basic level, she at least has to know who she was before she can adapt.

"I'll take care of you. Even if you don't need me to, I can..."

Egan spoke so seriously that Mellie couldn't help but give him another kiss on his cheek.

"Seeing how confident you are," Mellie teased was she leaned her cheek against his chest while wrapping her arms around his waist. "I bet you're pretty important around here."

"Some may say so." Egan replied softly with a smile – enjoying the way Mellie is leaning against him and holding onto him.

"Ehh... should I be worried then? Considering how important you are around here, little me may not be suitable to be your little girlfriend."

"You're not suitable to be my little girlfriend."

Mellie snapped her head up and gave the smiling man a glare.

"You're more suitable to be my little wife."

"Hmph," Mellie leaned back into his chest and pinched his back. "You're not concern your friends and family here will think you're crazy? We did just meet."

"Did we just meet?" He asked her quietly.

Mellie didn't answer. Instead, she lifted her head to kiss his jaw.

"No." Mellie answered honestly but did not elaborate.

"Are you concern?" Egan asked while their eyes locked intensely.

Is Mellie concern? What's her current identity? How Egan's family would react to her sudden presence in his life? Still, despite the lack of information and all the unknowns, she was not worried. Although... she is a curious.

10.7 - Egan

*WARNING: The following content HEAVILY contains sexual content that is unsuitable for children.*

It didn't take long before Egan gathered the information Mellie needed. Mellie's life was considered somewhat dull. The Trace family is a second-generation affluent family that is only known within the city. In terms of power or authority, the family barely enter the ranks despite their attempts for the last decade. Mellie was not the biological daughter of the current head of the Trace. Mellie's birth father had passed when she was very young and because her beautiful mother was not the sort to wallow in pain, she immediately searched for another to depend on. Mellie's mother remarried quickly within the year of her father's death – thus they became part of the Trace family. And because Mellie's mother depends very much on her new husband, she would follow his very bidding. That includes sending Mellie away for boarding school. From the age of four to eighteen, Mellie would only see her mother and her mother's family once or twice a year. By the time Mellie had to go to college, her mother and stepfather sent her off to another country to study. It was only recently, that the twenty-two years old was allowed to return. The reason? Her stepfather figured its time she pays off her debt and work for the family company. Dull, right?

Egan – on the other hand, has a much more interesting life. He came from a merchant family who existed since the country was founded. Partaking in various business all over the world, the infamous family, naturally, was well respected and revered. And so, Egan grew up into a world where the average person could never think to dream up. Additionally, his grandfather, the head of the family, favors him amongst the many, many children and grandchildren – both legitimate and illegitimate alike. Why? But despite being born into favorable conditions, Egan – surprisingly, grew up into a self-sufficient individual. Because he hates to live in obligation and restriction, Egan worked hard to break free from his family name. Moreover, Egan was able to make a name for himself without his family backing. The fact that the world knows him as only "Egan" is testament to people's reverence and respect for him.

"Interesting..."

In a spacious study-like room with floor to ceiling bookshelves at every wall, Mellie was lazily laying down on the couch while reading through the file of both Mellie and Egan's life information. The scene would have been considered ordinary until one notices her feet comfortably prompt on the handsome man's lap while he massages the bottom of her heel. Enjoying the man's pampering, Mellie leisurely read the file of information like a storybook. The moment had been wonderful until a soft knock at the large oak wood double doors, followed by the old housekeeper's nervous voice was heard. While Egan continued to rub at Mellie's feet, he allowed the old housekeeper to enter with a simple call. And so, the old woman entered the study room carefully – her expression carefully calm. Mellie had been at the mansions for nearly three weeks and so the old housekeeper already witnessed the young woman's importance to Egan. Egan rubbing and massaging Mellie's feet would not give the old woman a heart attack – although, she can't guarantee it wouldn't for others.

"Young master," The housekeeper kept her eyes carefully on the floor. "There is a call from Mr. Trace."

The housekeeper had done her best for weeks to divert the call for her young master. Unfortunately, it's no longer within her control.

"What did he say?" Egan asked with his usual calm voice, his eyes focused on Mellie's petite feet.

"He asked Ms. Mellie to return home immediately." The old woman replied. "Or he will resort to the authority to retrieve his daughter back."

Egan didn't respond to the obvious threats – his expression remained indifferent. The housekeeper understood that Mr. Trace's words held no meaning or threats to her young master. Still, the old woman had to warn her young master that unpleasant issues were heading his way.

"If he calls back, tell him, I'll head back in a few days." Mellie was attention was still on the files as she responded to the housekeeper.

Surprised, the housekeeper looked at the lazy Mellie before she glanced back at her stoic young master. With a soft nod, the housekeeper excused herself and left the room.

"Darling, pay attention to my feet." Mellie flipped through the page while using her feet to tap at the man's hands.

When Egan grab the file from her and set it on the end table, Mellie could only smile.

"What's wrong?" Mellie lifted slightly, only to lean against the couch arm to look up over at Egan.

"You don't need to go back."

"No, I don't." With her elbow prompt on the couch arm, Mellie set her cheek on her palm and flashed her dimple smile. "But it'll be fun to go back and see what he'll do. By now, he thinks I'm your little pet. If he's smart and makes me happy, I may consider giving him some benefits. But something tells me, he's the dumb type, so most likely, he'll upset me."

"Then why go back?" Egan frown slightly, feeling concern. "It's not safe."

"Afraid he'll lock me up?" Mellie teased.

"Mellie." Egan frowned more. "I'll go with you."

"It won't be fun." Mellie pouted.

"I won't let you go alone." Egan was adamant.

"Just let lend me some of your bodyguards." Mellie then gave a playful smile. "Make sure they'll tall and gorgeous_"

Mellie let out a yelp of surprised when Egan suddenly pulled her legs and had be pinned underneath him in seconds.

"Oh my..." Mellie giggled seeing Egan's dark eyes and boldly slid her hands from his waist up to his chest.

Egan's eyes darken as he felt her hands groping at his chest through the thin cotton shirt.

"You think I'm just going to give you everything you ask for?" Egan voice was dangerously calm.

"You're not?" Mellie's eyes gazed fearlessly into his. "You don't love me?"

Egan swallowed hard as Mellie hands now where inside his shirt.

"Who else other than you could consume my heart and soul?" Egan said softly.

Happiness could be seen through Mellie's soft smiles. Hypnotized by her dimples and her warm gaze, Egan's lips captured her. As soon as their lips met, Mellie turned her head so that their tongue could go deeper. The kiss consumed them both and before they knew it, clothes were discarded beside the couch. Mellie stared up at the high ceiling, gripping onto the back of the man's head as his mouth was all over her breasts. Her body burn to the erotic sound of sucking and swallowing.

"Egan..."

Her voice revealed her desperation. Egan sucked his way up to her neck, while Mellie wrapped her legs around the man's narrow hips. Soon enough, with Mellie's urging, Egan entered and moved in a rhythmically. Her hands were clutching around his neck, into his hair as she took his fierce love making. Egan, on the other hand, was gripping onto the back of the couch with one hand – the other holding onto the arm of the couch over their heads. Keeping the couch steady as his body rode Mellie, Egan swallowed her sweet moans. And just before he burst inside her, Mellie pulled sharply from his lips. Egan gave an impatient grunt, wanting to capture her lips. Mellie, instead, pulled him close to whisper into his ear. Egan's eyes widen before they glow with happiness.

"Mellie..." Egan pressed his lips against her ear lips and whispered. "I love you too..."

Then he pressed deep and gave her every last drop of him. Mellie moan echoed through the empty room as Egan held her shaking body underneath him. Long afterward, Egan lifted only his head to look down lovingly at the dazed Mellie.

"Jerk..." Mellie said as soon as he found her voice. "Can't you control yourself a little? At least pull out..."

Egan stop her pouting with a gentle kiss.

"I'm still young." Mellie pushed weakly at his hard chest as she continued to complain. "I don't want to have kids yet."

"Now or later, you'll have them eventually." Egan smiles were soft as he took her hand that was pushing weakly against his chest and kissed it.

"Hmph, you say that now. Once I do, you'll get all upset with my attention on your kids." Mellie smirked.

Egan's brow furrow as he couldn't refute Mellie's words. Something tells him that Mellie would pay more attention on the children and forget all about him. Seeing his conflicted expression, Mellie rolled her eyes and smack his chest.

"Can't you share with your own child?"

"I..." Egan didn't want to lie.

"You..." Mellie really couldn't help but smile. "Hopeless fool..."

Even so, the hopeless fool could not help himself from kissing Mellie and loving her all over again. In the spacious study room, the two love birds spend most of their days in the company of each other – forgetting the outside world.

10.8 - Egan

*WARNING: The following content may contain sexual content.*

Despite the old housekeeper attempts to keep Mellie's stepfather at bay, she had to, once again, report back to the young master. Even though Egan wasn't happy with Mellie's decision to go back, he conceded and sent her back with four bodyguards. And of course, the man made sure that the bodyguards were as Mellie requested, tall and gorgeous.

"You're becoming quite cunning darling." Mellie smiles were all fake as she wrapped her arms around the man's waist while staring up into his handsome face. "Giving me such gorgeous bodyguards."

Standing waiting by the black SUV was four very gorgeous young women – all in black suits and sunglasses. They look more like supermodels than guards, but Mellie doesn't doubt their skills. After all, her man trusted them enough to protect her.

"No matter what you ask, in the end I can only concede to your wishes." Egan smiles were filled with warmth.

Of course, Mellie could see the amusement in the man's dark eyes.

"Proud of yourself, aren't you?" Mellie continue to smile as she whispered sweetly to the man. "Although, I'm a person who don't discriminate between genders. Beauty is beauty."

Mellie made a point to glance over at the gorgeous group of women.

"Mellie." Egan voice revealed his alarm.

Laughing against the man's chest, she patted his back as if to ease his sudden panic attack.

"I'm joking." Mellie kissed his jaw and then his lips.

Egan made a point to kiss her deeper, using his tongue and all, not caring that they're outside and not alone. Only after Mellie went soft in his arms that he withdraws his tongue. Then he lifted her up and carried her like a princess to the car.

"Come back soon..." Egan gently stroke her cheek after putting the seat belt over her.

"Um." Mellie replied with a smile before the man closed the back door to the car.

And when she heard the man's low voice, ordering the bodyguards to take another car. She rolled her eyes again with amusement as the man told the group of women to maintain distance and only come close if there's danger.

"Let's go." Mellie sit back against the seat and told the driver.

As the car left the large estate compound, Mellie looked out the window to see the tall handsome man standing there watching after her. Even though it was too far to see his expression, Mellie could sense his distress. With a soft sigh, she knew to handle Mellie Trace's business as quickly as possible for the man do something foolish.

About an hour and a half later, she reached the Trace estate. A simple look at the exterior of the estate and Mellie could guess what sort of people they were – flashy. Even though Egan's estate was smaller, but everything from the white exterior limestone to the interior white oak walls, exude elegance and class. The Trace's estate – on the other hand, was mold with plaster to form arch buttress and mimic jewels and gold. Everything before her was purposely made to show off extravagance. For the weak hearts, the sight could be intimating – but for the current Mellie, it was too gaudy for her taste. After a minute of viewing the exterior of the mansion, Mellie could already guess what the inside would be like.

"Little bitch, you finally decide to come home?"

And of course, as soon as Mellie entered, she was faced with the scorn look of her stepsisters and their nasty words. Ignoring them, she faced the father of the two who was sitting like he was a king. Standing behind him was a beautiful woman who Mellie could guess was her mother. Even though they did not look alike, she did inherit the woman's eye colors.

"How dare you ignore me?" The older of the two sisters wanted to slap Mellie.

Of course, one of the four tall, gorgeous bodyguard stepped up and grabbed the woman's hand before it reached Mellie.

"You_" The woman tried to pull away but the trained bodyguard was stronger. "Let go!"

The bodyguard pushed her away, causing her to fall. Screaming with anger, both sisters now wanted to attack, but the bodyguards protected Mellie and easily subdue the two crazed women.

"Enough!"

Mellie had been watching the two crazy red heads with amusement until their father angry voice brought her attention to him.

"Daddy!" The girls cried out in pain. "They're hurting me!"

"You still don't let them go?" The man glared at Mellie.

"What can I do?" Mellie said innocently. "They don't work for me."

"If they don't work for you, who do they work for?" The man said angrily. "You dare to hurt my daughters right in my own home?"

"Like I said, they don't work for me." Mellie continued with an innocent sigh. "They work for Egan."

As soon as Mellie mentioned Egan – the two crazed women stopped screaming while their father looked at Mellie was disbelief.

"How can I afford such luxuries like bodyguards?" Mellie look at the man before her without fear. "You of all people should know."

What Mellie said was true. The young woman lived all her life in isolation with no money or backing. All she knew was school. It was only recently that she was allowed to come back to the country to work as a normal employee at the Trace company. The head of the Trace family – of course – knew Mellie had nothing to her name.

"Why would Egan send his bodyguards with you?" One of the red heads sneered with jealousy.

"Why?" Mellie sighed as if she felt troubled. "Well, my darling hadn't wanted me to come here at all, but I told him I'm obligated this once to return..."

"You're lying!" The woman refused to believe Mellie's words. "Egan finally got tired of you, didn't he!"

"Tired? Of me?" Mellie placed her hands on her cheeks and acted very shy as she bit her bottom lip. "How could he be tired? Just this morning, he..."

Mellie didn't need to finish her words, while the two women was green with frustration. They would have clawed at Mellie's face if not for the bodyguards' tight hold.

"Anyways..." Mellie giggled softly, completely ignoring the two stepsisters while turning to her stepfather. "Egan would have come here with me if not for an important business. He even begged that I wait another day when he's free. But how could I keep you waiting?"

Again, her stepsisters scream with frustration.

"Quiet!" The man looked at his daughters. "Have you two embarrassed me enough?"

Seeing their father's sharp eyes on them, they bit their lips and lowered their eyes.

"Let them go." The man looked at the bodyguards.

But the bodyguards would not answer to anyone but their employers.

"I said let them go." The man repeated, this time, his eyes went to Mellie.

Mellie only look at the man as if she didn't understand why he was looking at her.

"Mr. Trace, Egan expects me back home soon." Mellie said after being glared by the man for a while. "I came here out of respect for the money you've spent on my education."

The man was angry, yet he remained calm.

"Since you know you should respect me as your father, you allowed my daughters to be handle roughly by your people?"

"I think you're mistaken Mr. Trace." Mellie smiles were unreadable. "Like I said, these bodyguards work for Egan. How could little me order them around? Also, how could I shameless think of you, the great Mr. Trace as my father? At most, you're my birth mother's husband. We're not related at all."

"Now that you climb a higher tree," The man sneered. "You forget your place."

Mellie continues to smile and did not respond.

"You think that man will keep you long? Look at you, a plain girl with average backgrounds. A bed pet will always remain a pet until the man is bored. If you're skilled to keep his interest, will his family accept? If you were smart, you would obey me. If you made me happy, I would have helped you."

"What can I say? I'm just a little bird? If the tree isn't high, I'm not interested." Mellie held her hands behind her back and said innocently. "Plus, Egan's bed is warm, I'm more than willing to be there until he's bored. As for his family, well, Egan told me not to worry, so I won't. This little bird was told to be obedient by her master, so this little bird will obey."

The more Mellie spoke, the angrier the man sitting on the couch was.

"You see!" Since he couldn't argue with Mellie, he pushed blame to the woman behind him. "This is how you teach your daughter."

"I..." The woman spoke weakly as if she was hurt by his sudden blame – then she looked over at Mellie with pleading eyes.

"Don't blame on her. After all, she had no part in raising me." Despite Mellie smiling, her words were cruel. "If you must place blame, you should contact the boarding school teachers."

The man glared at Mellie who in turned, ignored him and glance down at her watch.

"Oh my, look at the time, Egan is waiting for my return." Mellie then reached into her handbag and pulled out a check. "My darling wrote you a generous check as a thank you for the all the expenses you've paid while I was in boarding school and university."

The check was ten times the amount that was spend on Mellie the last eighteen years of her life. Mellie simply placed the check down on the coffee table before the fuming man. Then she flashed her usual happy smiles and turned to leave.

"You think you can come and go without my permission? Do you think I can't drag you back here?"

The man was used to obedient women in his life. No one had ever dared to say no much less not listen to his orders.

"You're a Trace. I can_"

"Actually, I'm not." Mellie no longer cared to smile as she faced her so-call stepfather. "And legally, you have no control over me. If you did before, it ended as soon as I turned eighteen. Also, don't forget how powerful my darling is. Don't make me unhappy, I can have him ruin your business."

"You!"

"Don't look down on pets." Mellie said before walking away. "At least not the ones with powerful masters."

Only when Mellie walked away did the bodyguards let go of the two red heads now crying with anger and disbelief. Even from a distant, Mellie could hear the two women crying while their father reprimanded them before shouting at his wife for raising an insolate and ungrateful wrench. The whole situation only made Mellie skip off with glee. Meanwhile, the group of bodyguards following after all couldn't help but feel amazed. For the first time, they've seen a small woman with such a big gut.

10.9 - Egan

Mellie and Egan had several days of peace before they were once again interrupted. After Mellie's visit, the Trace's sisters went and spread rumors about Mellie presumptuousness. Things like her outrageous ways with men while she was away for school and how she abandoned her own mother and family for wealth – spread like wildfire. Whether it's true or not, in the high society where people – especially women always like to gossip scandalous natures of others, it soon reached Egan's immediate family. And because Egan's status and reputation, his family – especially his mother, would not allow such an immoral woman to be at his side.

Egan, on the other hand, quickly subdued the false rumors while keeping his family at bay. Every day, Mellie went about enjoying Egan's company. When the man is away at work, she would go out on her own to shop or indulge in good coffee at a café shop. Egan had bodyguards constantly tailing after Mellie, protecting her in secret so that she could enjoy her everyday life. But while Egan thought he was protecting her in secret, Mellie was well aware of her surroundings. She knew when she was being followed. She knew when eyes were on her. And she was quick to recognized when someone has ill intention toward her. Long before Egan, the soul with Mellie was already a self-reliant individual – capable of protecting herself.

"Ms. Mellie Trace."

In the middle of her coffee, a server appeared with a shark like smile. Mellie look at the man's smile before noticing his stature, posture, the Rolex in his hand, and the spotless Italian leather shoes. Even though the man was dressed in a waiter uniform, everything about him told Mellie the man never served coffee in his life. Hiding a smirk behind her cup of coffee, Mellie took a sip of the black liquid before setting the cup down on the saucer.

"Yes?" Mellie feint innocence. "Do I know you?"

"I was asked to escort you back."

"Oh?" Mellie didn't even need to ask where the man wanted to escort her to.

"Please don't make things difficult. I rather not embarrass you."

Basically, he didn't want to drag her kicking and screaming.

"I had such a long, hard day." Mellie sighed tiredly as she glanced over at all the shopping bags. "And I just got this cup of coffee."

"I do apologize." The man smiled without a change in emotion.

Mellie was impressed and guessed the man was someone well regarded in Egan's family. While sipping slowly at her coffee, she watched with interest how the man patiently waited and not a bit disturbed by her attitude. Long after Mellie finished the coffee, she stood up with her purse in hand.

"Be a doll and carry my bags." Mellie smiled as she walked away.

No women had ever dared to ask him to carry their shopping bags, but the man's expression remain calm as he picked up Mellie's things and followed quietly after her. Once outside, Mellie spotted the luxurious black car. She made her way to the back door and stood quietly.

"Is there a problem, Ms. Trace?" The man had caught up to her with her bags in both hands.

Mellie didn't say a word. Instead, she gave the man an unreadable smile. It took him a moment before he realized Mellie was waiting for him to open the door. His smiles nearly fell but he conceded and opened the door for her.

"Such a gentleman," Mellie sat back and did not make any move to closed the door.

The man, again, could only shut the door before dropping his smiles completely. Meanwhile, Mellie was sitting comfortable inside, looking out the window as if nothing was wrong. Down the corner of the streets, she noticed several figures looking her way before dashing away while speaking into their earpieces. With a knowing smile, Mellie sat back and enjoyed the car ride.

"Please follow me inside Ms. Trace."

Hours later, Mellie found herself standing before an enormous castle in the middle of nowhere. Surround the castle was nothing but forest and expansive land.

"Ms. Trace." The man repeated, his smiles remaining calm but his tone told her it's not good to have the people inside waiting for her.

Mellie gave her usual nonchalant smiles and followed after the man through the enormous castle. Soon, they reached the great hall – the main room of the castle decorated with precious arts and ornaments from all over the world. Strangely, for such an enormous space, only a few seats were arranged. There were ten people in the room, but only four people were sitting. Currently, there was two beautiful women – one who looks to be in her forties, the other in her twenties. Despite how close they were sitting together Mellie knew the two were not related by blood. Sitting across from them was a handsome man in his fifties whose face bore strong resemblance to Egan. They were all looking at Mellie with scrutiny but her eyes focused only on the old, elegant man sitting in center of them all. In silence, she watched as the man who took her there, went over and whispered something to the old man before taking his place behind the chair.

Dead silence. No one said a word. All eyes were on Mellie, but she stood there without any reaction – instead, her small smiles remained unreadable while her eyes carefully scanned the crowd, studying their features and expression. They were all expecting Mellie to be overwhelmed and begin her rounds of questioning like why she's there and who they were. Unexpectedly, they were faced with her bright and indecipherable eyes.

"Do you know why you were brought here?" The old man was the first to speak since no one dared to.

"I could take an educated guess." Mellie replied with a smile.

Her sassy response, of course, was met with multiple disapproval. Little did they knew Mellie never seek their approval to begin with. Why would she belittle herself and fawn to people who obviously did not like her?

"How much will it take for you to leave my grandson?" The old man went straight to the point.

"Umm..." Mellie tapped her chin as she if she was carefully considering his words. "How much are you offering?"

"300 million." The old man did not hesitate.

Because Mellie's smiles grew, many of the onlookers were disgusted – believing her to be a greedy promiscuous woman as rumor say.

"Wow, 300 million?" Mellie gave a soft giggle before looking to the side, glancing at the arts hanging on the walls. "That Mundi painting is worth about 500 million on the market. I wonder what Egan would say if he found out his grandfather sold him for only 300 million."

While some were startled by Mellie words, they were trained to hide their emotions. The younger ones still could not hide their sneer toward Mellie who they thought wanted to get more money from the family.

"My son, naturally, is worth more than monetary things. Do not insult him when you fully understand that it is you who is worthless." The woman spoke evenly with though her eyes held obvious anger.

Mellie said nothing in return. And because she said nothing, one-by-one they begin their onslaught of backhanded insults and demeaning words – wanting to drown Mellie with them. Things like Mellie's background, her past, her mother's past, her stepfather's past, and even stepsisters' life was all dug out and thrown at her like dirty water. In summary, someone one her background, her looks could never suit Egan. Egan's mother made a point to compare Mellie to the beautiful stunning woman sitting beside her. Long white blonde hair with shimmering blue eyes, the woman was like a fairytale princess.

"If you know what's best, I advise you to scram."

Feeling a bit bored by all the scolding, Mellie's eyes went back to the Mundi painting wondering if these people understood the meaning behind the image. They have been blessed in life, yet in return, they've deconsecrated others.

"If you wanted Mellie to scram, why bring her here to begin with?" A voice so deep yet so cold spread through the room that silence instantly followed.

At the entrance of the great hall was Egan, dress as if he had just come back from a business meeting. Behind him was two others, dress as immaculate as he was.

"Egan." His father was surprised to see him and frown. "You're supposed to be at_"

"The meeting ended short." Egan answered his father calmly. "Jackson send his regards to you father."

Then Egan went to Mellie side and took her hand. With a smiled, Mellie dove directly into his arms. Chuckling, Egan gladly except Mellie's embrace while she buried her cheek into his chest. Pressing a soft kiss on top of her head, he whispered loving words only she could hear. On the other hand, everyone in the room was stunned. They've had heard reports of Egan being infatuated with a woman out of nowhere. No one had believed it and thought the description given was exaggerated. But clearly, they saw how utterly smitten Egan was by the woman in his arms.

"You bad man." Mellie smack Egan's chest and said with fake tears. "You bad man. Look, just look, your whole family is bullying me."

Before anyone could speak to Egan, Mellie made her move. Playing the distressed little girlfriend of a rich man, Mellie outright complained to her doting lover.

"And your grandfather even tried to buy me out with 300 million dollars." Mellie pouted as she used her index finger to draw circles around his heart. "Count your blessing, if he would have offered me one billion dollars, I would have considered dumping you."

While others choked on their own spit, Egan sighed in distress. Despite her complains, Egan knew the woman was uncomfortable. Even if she never voiced her true feelings, he understood she had endured loathing and disapproval from his family. The people in the room, after all were his immediate family and close family friends.

"Silly woman, you already have hold of my wallet." Instead of anger, Egan gently sooth Mellie's bad mood by taking hold of her hand. "Isn't it enough?"

The so call "wallet" had more than 5 billion in the account – all his money that Mellie had complete access to without question.

"That's true." Mellie smiled and beamed at the old man innocently. "But if you offer me more, I may consider."

"Mellie..." Egan helplessly press a kiss on the hand he held. "Don't play around too much..."

"They started it." Mellie muttered but leaned her head on his chest.

No long interested in conversing or playing, Mellie hug the man around his waist with her cheek pressed to his strong chest. She did not care how everyone was staring. She did not care how the man's mother stood and begin to ask if Egan was irrational. She didn't even care when Egan's father spoke up, scolding the young man for being blind. Egan remained calm and rational, responding to his parent's question and reprimand. Because he respected his parents, he did not once raise his voice. Still, it didn't mean Egan allowed himself to be let around and obeyed their every commands and words.

"Because of this woman, you're going against your own family?" His mother was shaking with anger and disappointment.

"This woman is my wife. She is my family." Egan replied.

"What?" His mother was stunned. "She's your what?"

"My wife." Egan lifted Mellie hand with his, showing everyone there the simple, matching gold band.

"Are you crazy?" His father jumped from his seat and shouted. "What have you done?"

What's more shocking is no one knew when Egan married Mellie. No one had expected the normally level-headed man to act to irrationally. Did he not consider his parent's feeling? Did he not consider his family's reputation?

"Oh my god!"

The gold band around her son ring finger caused her so much distress that Egan's mother nearly passed out. The young woman beside Egan's mother screamed out in a panic and caught the older woman before she fell over. Seeing how the situation is spinning more out of control, Egan knew it was useless to stay and talk reason to his parents. Instead, he told them he'll come back another day to speak to them. And despite his mother angry cry, Egan did not falter as he led Mellie out.

10.10 - Egan

                As soon as Egan and Mellie left, the great hall was once again filled with silence. A mixture of anger and disbelief fill the air. Egan's mother was sitting angrily while the young woman was beside her, gently rubbing her back as if to sooth her fury.

"Dad," Egan's mother turned to her father with unwillingness. "Why didn't you stop Egan from leaving?"

"He wanted to leave." The old man showed so readable emotion on his face. "Who can stop him?"

"Dad! Do you not realize what just happened? Without any regards for his family's name, he went and married an unsuitable girl." Egan's mother was more than shock, she was disappointed. "How could our family agree to such a greedy woman as Egan's wife?"

"Since it's already done, what do you expect me to do?" The old man had long lost interest in the drama as he stood with his cane in hand.

"Dad, you don't care that your grandson married that kind of woman?" Egan's mother was startled to see her father relaxed attitude as if nothing was wrong.

"They're still young." The old man begins to make his way toward the door. "Let's see how long this so-call marriage would last."

Somehow, the off handed statement brought peace to many minds in the room. In the world of the rich and powerful, marriage isn't simple and easy. Marriages are rarely about love and almost always about connections for the family. Even if love was what started the marriage, it wasn't something that would last without sacrifice. And if one wasn't strong enough, sooner or later, the marriage that begin with love would eventually end in resentment and hate. This was their world.

"Father-in-law is right."

After the old patriarch left the great hall, Egan's father stood and look at his wife.

"They're still young."

The marriage won't last long. That was everyone's unspoken thought. Even though she did not want to end the conversation, Egan's mother bitterly nodded with understanding.

"Aunty..." The beautiful young woman beside Egan's mother looked very unwilling.

"We've wrong you." Egan's mother only patted the woman's gently on her hand, showing her regret.

"No aunty, it's not your fault." The woman gave a sad smile.

Seeing the beautiful woman's gentle yet sorrow smiles, Egan's mother only feel more bitter about the whole ordeal. Her perfect son should have been with a perfect woman. But instead of the perfect woman, her son foolishly married a woman who not only was unsuitable, she was unrefined and greedy. How could she accept that sort of woman as her daughter-in-law? How could that sort of woman raise her future grandchildren? The more she thought about it, the more unsatisfied she felt. Even though she believed her son's immature marriage was doom to fail, she cannot help but think of a way to speed the process. After all, she cannot have her chosen daughter-in-law wait like this. And while Egan's mother begins to contemplate ways to break the couple apart, the noted couple was already far away from the castle.

In the back seat of a large SUV, Mellie was sitting beside Egan with her arms around his waist and her cheek leaning against his chest. Egan, in turn, had an arm around Mellie's shoulders while leaning his jaw on top of her head. Ever since they left the castle, no words were exchanged. Instead, they found solace in each other embrace.

"I'll have more people around you." Egan said softly. "This won't happen again. No one can force you to go where you don't want to..."

"Um." Mellie responded half-heartedly.

The truth of the matter is, Mellie doesn't care nor does she mind Egan's people trailing after her. If it brings the man more mind of peace to protect her, Mellie will indulge him even if it's silly. Besides, the soul within Mellie was the sort to find advantage in any sorts of circumstances.

"Looks like your mother have a bride chosen for you." Mellie suddenly changed the topic. "That woman looks like the perfect daughter-in-law in every mother's dream."

"Don't worry about her."

"About your mother?" Mellie kept her arms around his waist while lifting her head to look at the handsome man. "Or about the beautiful woman?"

"Both."

Mellie stared at Egan until the man helplessly sighed and kissed the spot under her right eye.

"Your mother doesn't like me." Mellie stated simply.

Egan's eyes met Mellie's bright, clear ones. Egan understood the meaning behind Mellie's statement. How could he not understand? Considering how his mother was, there is a chance that Mellie would never be accepted. What's more, knowing his mother – his family, they will make things difficult for Mellie every time they see her. It was unfortunate and disappointing truth.

"It's still not to late to part ways."

Mellie's quiet words only darken Egan's eyes. Seeing that he's upset, Mellie tightened her arms around his waist and smile up at him.

"Not too late to part ways?" Egan fingers were tangled within Mellie's long hair. "I've given you my heart and soul. You've also given me your heart and soul. Tell me, how it's it not to late to part ways?"

Never the person to lose when it comes to words, Mellie found herself unable to answer Egan. Feeling embarrassed, Mellie's eyes flicker away from Egan's intense stare. Seeing that she was flustered, Egan did not make things difficult for her. Instead, he comforted her by pulling her onto his lap, holding her like she was his everything.

"I'm not someone who blindly obey nor am I someone who could be swayed by threats." Egan stroke her back tenderly as he continued to whisper against the top of her head. "Therefore, you do not need to worry about my reaction to my mother or my family... As for that woman who I have nothing to do with, why should you worry?"

Mellie didn't respond, instead, she twirled her finger on his chest, unable to stop herself from smiling softly at the man's assuring tone.

"Trust me." Egan's deep voice was soft.

"Okay." Mellie lifted her face slightly to press a soft kiss on his jaw. "I trust you."

"Not going to consider anyone's offer, no matter how much?" Egan arms tighten around her waist and back, while he looked down onto Mellie's smiling face. "Not going to believe anyone's words, except mine?"

No matter how much money was offered to Mellie, why would she accept when the man was precious treasure? As for other's words, why would Mellie believe others over her man? But because Egan asked those questions, Mellie understood his insecurity.

"I was only joking before..." Mellie again kiss the man's jaw and said with a soft laughter. "Silly man..."

"Whose fault to you think it is that I've become so silly?" Egan muttered.

Flashing her dimples, Mellie gazed up at Egan. Seeing her smiles, Egan felt helpless. All because he loves her dearly, he's unable to win against her. To others, Mellie may appear dull but to Egan who adore her, she was alluring. The familiar teasing manners and the way her eyes always sparkle with laughter – how could he ever win against her?

"Darling..." Mellie lifted her hands from around his waist and hook them around his neck. "I like the silly you... no... I love it."

Egan's heart suddenly jumped. It was the first time the stubborn woman said love so openly.

"Don't change, okay?" Mellie smiles was bright and sweet as her voice.

"You..." Egan couldn't stop his heart from beating fiercely against his chest.

And because of how close she was, Mellie could hear his wildly beating heart and saw how dark his eyes were becoming. With playful smile, she lifted her head just enough to whisper into his ear. No one but Egan knew what Mellie had said – but as soon as she was done, Egan suddenly shouted at the driver to hurry up and stop the car. Started by Egan's abrupt command, the driver jumped causing the car to slightly swerve before he expertly regained control.