Magnus barely spared Jones a glance as he scooped Morgan into his arms. She was so light it made his brow furrow.

"M-Magnus…" Morgan's weak voice reached him. She looked up with heavy-lidded eyes, managing only those two words before everything went black.

As Magnus left, he passed Dariel. "Take care of it," he said, his tone ice cold.

Dariel rubbed his nose, wisely keeping his questions to himself. He had the place cleared out efficiently, then made his way to the hospital, where he found Magnus posted at Morgan's bedside.

Morgan had passed out from the pain—her lower abdomen a mess of bruises, a fever born of panic and fear keeping her unconscious.

"I dealt with Jones," Dariel reported. "He's being investigated for embezzlement and bribery. Doubt he'll bother her again. Your cover's still intact."

Magnus gave a curt nod.

Dariel slipped out, giving them some privacy.

Morgan was trapped in a nightmare, locked in a room with no way out, calling for help that never came. "Let me out… Please, somebody, help me…" she begged, desperate.

Then a hand reached through the darkness, gripping hers tight and pulling her to safety.

Consciousness came in waves. She blinked her eyes open to the sound of a soft, low voice.

Magnus held her hand in one of his, phone pressed to his ear with the other. The second he felt her stir, he ended the call.

"You in pain?" he asked, his voice gentle.

"How… how did I get here? Jones… he didn't hurt you, right?" Her voice was laced with worry and disbelief. Even with her eyes shut, she'd sensed some of what went down outside the club room.

Magnus had stepped in to protect her, risked a confrontation. A regular security guard shouldn't have stood a chance against Jones, and Morgan didn't want an innocent bystander getting dragged into her mess.

"Jones is under investigation for serious embezzlement. Cops have him under surveillance. He never got the chance to lay a finger on me before they hauled him in."

"That's such a relief!" Morgan let out a breath, grateful justice was being served. "Thanks for staying here with me. Isn't this going to mess with your job?"

"It's fine. I took a few days off."

Comforted by his presence, Morgan settled into the hospital routine. Magnus stayed with her for a day before the demands of Moore Enterprises pulled him away.

"The company's dealing with a security issue—they're tightening protocols. I'll try to bring you lunch if I can. If not, make sure you eat something, okay?"

Moore Enterprises had just launched a new project, and Magnus needed to oversee things.

"Go on. I'll be fine. It's just a few bruises, nothing serious," Morgan assured him, knowing how important his responsibilities were.

After Magnus left, Morgan decided to step outside and soak up some sunshine. The warmth on her skin lifted her spirits instantly.

Suddenly, a tap on her shoulder made her turn. A familiar face.

"Luke? Is that really you?"

Luke Collins looked just as surprised. "I didn't expect to see you here. I almost didn't recognize you from behind. You're still as tiny as ever—still not taking care of yourself, huh?"

"I thought you went abroad? What are you doing back?" she asked, remembering how he'd been the star of their fashion design program, two years ahead of her and a natural leader.

"Decided to chase some opportunities here. Nothing set in stone yet, but I'll let you know once things start moving."

Luke's voice was soft, his smile warm, making her feel instantly at ease. He'd been her idol back in college—the brilliant student who won a prestigious scholarship to study abroad and eventually became head designer for a major brand. She'd even seen him on the news when he bagged an Oscar for Best Design.

"I've always admired you," Morgan said, still in awe of his success. "What brings you to the hospital? You're okay, right?"

Luke tensed up, a flicker of worry crossing his face until he realized it was only injuries requiring a short hospital stay.

"What's your room number? I'll swing by during lunch," he offered.

Morgan gave it to him, figuring he was there to visit another patient.

When lunchtime rolled around, she was about to order when Luke showed up, thermos in hand. "You haven't ordered yet, have you?"

"I was about to," she said.

"No need. I brought something. I mentioned to my mom that a friend was in the hospital, and she insisted I bring extra. Try it."

As he popped open the container, the delicious smell made Morgan's eyes light up. "Your mom's cooking is unforgettable. I still remember how much I loved it when I visited your house," she said with a smile.

Watching her dig in with that much enthusiasm, Luke couldn't help but grin. "There's more for dinner. Mom's gonna be thrilled to hear what you think."

"Isn't it too much trouble? Cooking's no joke."

"She loves it. Coming home to empty dishes makes her day!"

"Please tell her thank you for me."

As they shared the meal, neither noticed they were being watched. Dariel Freeman stood nearby, a mischievous grin on his face. He'd come to the hospital for a meeting and decided to check in on Morgan. What a surprise to find her laughing it up with another guy.

Dariel discreetly snapped a photo, angling it just right to capture Luke's handsome face and Morgan's bright smile. He didn't rush to send it—first, he wanted a background check on Luke.

Soon enough, the report arrived, only deepening Dariel's amusement. Then he forwarded the photo and info to Magnus, with a cheeky note: "You'd better step up your game, or your wife might just run off with someone else!"

In the middle of his packed schedule, Magnus glanced at Dariel's message. His brow furrowed almost imperceptibly as he took in the photo and attached details.

Luke Collins shared Morgan's alma mater, major, and even her department club. He'd been the darling of the design department, studied abroad, and landed gigs at top international brands. Last year, he snagged an Oscar for Best Design as a head designer. And yet, here he was back in the country, leaving a promising career overseas.

Magnus studied Luke's gaze on Morgan—it was clearly full of tender, careful admiration.

Dariel called in a rush, afraid Magnus hadn't seen the message. But Magnus's voice was calm, betraying nothing.

"Did you see what I sent?"

"Yes."

"Then what are you doing just sitting there? Some guy's making a move on your wife!"

"Do you think a security guard who pulls in three grand a month can compete with a guy like that?"

"Uh…"

"If you were Morgan, who would you pick?" Magnus's voice held no bitterness, just resigned curiosity.

"Uh…" Dariel hesitated, completely thrown by the question.

If Dariel Freeman had been a woman completely in the dark about who Magnus Moore really was, she would have easily gone for someone like Luke Collins. Both in the same field, similar careers after graduation—clearly they'd share more interests and ambitions. From any angle, Magnus, the "security guard," was at a major disadvantage.

"So, you're just gonna let this slide? She's still your wife. That marriage gives you some leverage..." Dariel's attempt at advice was cut short.

"Thanks for the pointer. I'd better speed up the divorce. They can be together for all I care, but if Morgan cheats while we're still married, I won't let it go."

"Whoa, I wasn't talking about divorce! I meant you should fight for her—"

"I'm busy. Goodbye."

Magnus clearly had zero interest in Dariel's advice. He ended the call, took one last look at the photo, and powered off his phone.

As night fell over the city, Magnus arrived at the hospital, catching Luke Collins bringing dinner.

"Looks like I picked a bad time," Magnus said, his tone cool.

Morgan looked up, surprised. "You made it! Thought you'd be later. Everything squared away at work?"

Magnus nodded.

Luke glanced at Magnus and immediately asked, "Morgan, is he a friend of yours?"

"More than a friend," Magnus replied, sounding utterly unbothered.

It almost seemed like he wasn't even considered a friend anymore. Maybe he'd barged in on their date. Now divorce was urgent—couldn't risk any infidelity during the marriage. That would trash both his reputation and the Moore family name.

But just then, Morgan pulled Magnus over and flashed a warm smile. "This is my husband!"

Magnus: ...

Luke: ...

"Your husband? You... you're married?" Shock plastered all over Luke's face. Even Magnus was taken aback.

"Yes," Morgan answered cheerfully. "Let me introduce you. This is Luke Collins, my senior from college—two years ahead. He's crazy talented. They give his work to all the new students, and I have a copy too! Luke, this is my husband, Magnus Moore. We just tied the knot."

"And what does Mr. Moore do?" Luke inquired.

"He's a security guard."

"A security guard, huh... I just figured you'd end up with someone in the same field."

Luke's expression flickered. Not that he looked down on Magnus—it just felt like being a security guard was so... ordinary. Would they even have anything to talk about?

"I didn't expect you to get married so soon. I remember you once said you wouldn't even think about it until you were twenty-eight, so I thought..."

"You remembered that!" Morgan said, a little surprised. "Well, plans change."

"Now that Mr. Moore is here, I'll leave you two alone. I should get going."

Luke was momentarily flustered, but he quickly pulled himself together, flashed a polite smile, and left.

"Have you eaten yet? Perfect timing if you haven't. There's way too much food for just me," Morgan said, cracking open a thermos and pouring him a bowl of stew.

"You don't seem to have any problem with people knowing we're married."

"Why would I? It's the truth, right? In this digital age, whether it's your first marriage or your fifth, it's all easy to trace. Why hide it?"

Magnus listened, chewing on the logic of it. Made sense—why sneak around when Luke would eventually find out anyway? Better to just own it. Maybe this was her way of testing Luke. If he didn't care and still pursued her, she'd think about being with him for real. With that thought, Magnus shot Morgan a dark look. The Myers family really was a bunch of snakes.

...

Morgan spent another day in the hospital. Discharge day came, but Magnus was tied up and couldn't pick her up, so she caught a cab. She'd barely sunk onto the couch at home when a knock sounded at the door. Curious, she opened it—just a package sitting on the doorstep. No one in sight. "I didn't order anything. Maybe it's for Magnus?" She reached to bring it inside but froze. Her palm felt wet. She looked down and her heart nearly stopped. Blood. Bright red blood. The bottom of the box was already soaked through. What the hell was inside? Steeling herself, she held her breath and carefully picked the box back up. When she opened it, several dead rats greeted her, their blood seeping into a piece of paper. The note read: "Debts must be paid! Magnus Moore, if you don't cough up that $100,000, this is what's coming for you!"

Morgan's heart was in chaos as she read the words.

She was about to deal with it when Magnus appeared, his whole body tense, clearly already knowing something had happened.

"No one bothered you, did they?"

"No..."

"I'm not sure how they tracked you down, but don't worry. My debt won't drag you down. I've told them to leave you alone."

"How did you rack up so much debt? A hundred grand is insane!"

Morgan's voice cracked. She'd never seen that kind of money before. The Myers family might have, but she wasn't their biological daughter, and Rhonda had never wanted to spend a penny on her. Since high school, she'd scraped by, working every odd job she could find. Even now, with a decent position, she only brought in a thousand bucks a month.

"When my dad needed surgery, we were desperate and hit up loan sharks. I thought if I married Celeste Williamson, her family would cover it and I'd pay them back over time. But that blew up... I'm sorry I kept this from you. Maybe we should just get a divorce."

He threw the D-word out there so casually.

"And how are you supposed to handle that debt alone? How much do you have now?"

"Practically nothing. I'll figure it out, step by step. They won't actually kill me."

"Loan sharks are dangerous!"

"So, will you help me pay it off? See me through this?"

His question left her speechless.

Even if she wanted to, she had no money!

Her silence was what he expected. Magnus wasn't surprised or disappointed. "I'll be crashing in the employee dorms for a while. I've got things to take care of."

He left, taking the box with him, wiping the floor clean. If not for the faint coppery scent lingering in the air, she could've believed it was all a nightmare.

She stumbled back inside and collapsed onto the sofa, Magnus's cutting words echoing in her head. "So, will you help me pay off the debt and see me through?" His icy stare sent shivers through her.

But Magnus was her savior. If he hadn't shown up when he did, Jones would've violated her. She was the one who'd proposed marriage, not him. And the debt wasn't from some wild lifestyle—it was for his father's medical bills. That showed he was dutiful and responsible. Abandoning him now would make her less than human. He was cornered by loan sharks, all alone. What hope would he have?

The more Morgan thought about it, the more determined she became. She couldn't leave Magnus now.

She scrambled to borrow money, managing to scrape together ten grand from college friends. With her savings, that made fifteen thousand. Enough to hold off the sharks while she figured out the next move.

Determined, she went to Moore Enterprises, seeking out the security post.

"Excuse me, is Magnus Moore here?"