Explosion

David's voice immediately became lively. "No problem, Mary. I truly desire to be with you--"

"Beep beep beep." The phone call was abruptly disconnected. She didn't even have the patience to hear him out.

"Damn it." David muttered angrily and stormed off.

For the rest of the week, Brian continued his routine of inviting Marigold out with 800 excuses. Whether it was skipping work to go to the cinema, having a fancy dinner after work, or visiting the newly opened commercial street of the Bennett Group... Marigold firmly rejected any hint of a date, except for the necessary work-related engagements. However, this didn't stop Brian from sticking to her like glue. The moment he couldn't see her, he would call out loudly and bombard her with messages and phone calls. So, she rushed to him like an ambulance, regardless of her location -- be it the office, on set, in a meeting room, or at home.

Marigold expressed her exhaustion, determined to teach this ill-tempered young man a lesson.

On Friday afternoon, he once again ventured into the company, or rather, Marigold had grown accustomed to his sudden appearance on Friday afternoons. He would swiftly review the piled-up documents on the table, then drive off in his Maybach or another Porsche. Before leaving, he would always ask Marigold if she wanted to have a meal together. As expected, today he initiated the topic once again.

"Shall we go to Charlie's later? Their avocado burger is exquisite and perfect for you, who's on a diet."

Marigold gathered the documents from his desk, holding them close to her chest, and responded seriously, "I am not the CEO, so I cannot spend every day solely thinking about where to dine and hold banquets. I still have to go back and work overtime."

Brian snorted lightly, "Work overtime? I won't allow it. Accompanying me for meals and attending banquets is also part of your job. Isn't it written in your contract?"

"Sorry, it's not."

"Well then, let's sign a supplementary agreement and include it. Also, add a clause stating, 'If refused, there will be consequences. The punishment is to eat meals personally prepared by the CEO for three days.'"

Marigold glared at him, wearing a face of disbelief. What exactly was this man trying to achieve? But wait, the meals he cooked... she hadn't tasted the dishes prepared by the young master yet, she wondered what they would taste like.

"No need. Forget it. I do have something important tonight. Can I leave work early?"

"Is there anything more important than having a meal with me? It's just one dinner!"

"Go back to that place and get the remaining items."

Brian's face immediately turned green. He leaped up, snatching all the documents from Marigold's embrace and stormed out, slamming the papers heavily on a bewildered Lily's desk.

"Bang!" If there were many workstations on that floor, everyone would have rushed out to check if an earthquake had occurred.

Marigold seemed to know what he was about to say and interrupted, "Brian, don't be like this. I'm just going to get something. I won't stay there for long."

"In that case, I'll drive you." Brian furrowed his brows and forced out the words, "Don't refuse me. And..."

He reached out, touched his own neck, then pointed to Marigold's neck.

"The necklace, don't take it off."

Marigold had no choice but to let him personally drive her. In the car, Brian played loud and raucous heavy metal music, as if venting something. His attractive brows furrowed tightly, and his thin, sexy lips no longer carried the playful and elegant curve they had before. Occasionally, Marigold glanced at him sideways, and he pretended not to notice, turning his face away.

His sulking appearance was particularly adorable. It was a pity she couldn't give him that impression. People like him, born into wealth, would relentlessly pursue you one day and discard you the next. Beware of the generosity of the rich. She could never step into his world. He was just like her, momentarily confused after a heartbreak, seeking warmth in someone's embrace.

But she would not become such a harbor.

The Maybach parked steadily in front of the apartment building where she had lived for seven years. Marigold took out the prepared box and bag, ready to go upstairs. Brian instinctively took them over, and Marigold quickly stopped him.

"What are you doing? You don't need to come up."

Brian looked hurt and shouted, "Why not?! I'm your boss! I should accompany you upstairs! Is that scumbag at home? If he's there, I'll beat him to death... I didn't have a chance to hit him last time, that scum!"

"Therefore, you can't go up anymore. I don't wish to make another trip to the police station on a fine weekend." Marigold reached into her pocket and extracted a grape-flavored hard candy, prying open Brian's enchanting lips and slipping it in forcefully. It was a trick she used as a museum guide to pacify mischievous children, never imagining she would employ it against adults one day. "Be good and wait for me in the car."

Brian's eyes widened suddenly, surprised by the long-awaited reciprocation that came so swiftly. Reflexively, he grasped Marigold's hand and brought her fingers to his mouth. His plump cheeks moved a few times as he savored the taste of the candy and Marigold.

Observing his dewy eyes, Marigold forgot to retract her finger. She smiled faintly, "I promise, I will never return to this place again. I came to speak with David and clarify certain matters. There were some things left unsaid last time. It's necessary to address all remaining issues this time. I don't want him to think we still have a chance."

Brian nodded, releasing Marigold's finger and meticulously wiping it beneath his tailored Italian suit, worth thirty thousand dollars. "Five minutes, I'll give you only five minutes."

Only then did Marigold proceed to carry all her belongings upstairs. Brian remained concerned, assisting her with every box until he saw her enter the elevator before giving up.

"Thud, thud, thud," Marigold stood once again in front of the apartment she had lived in for years, her emotions running wild.

Seven years ago, she had just impressed all the professors with her groundbreaking thesis, successfully earning her doctorate. Unable to resist her curiosity for the vast world, she served overseas. In the nation of Boar, she was appointed as a naval communications officer, engaging in peacekeeping duties alongside ordinary sailors, undergoing rigorous training. It was there that she encountered David, who was also vacationing in Boar. They hit it off instantly, with her as the guide and him as the tourist, exploring all the attractions of Boar during her free time from training. She had fallen in love.

Later, she retired early and returned to Coral City, moving into David's home. Subsequently, she found employment at the museum, enjoying the love and care David showered upon her, never leaving this place again.

Two weeks ago, she left this apartment for the first time, and it was also her first time departing from this decaying prison.

This is for the best. It's the last time I'll come here, and from now on, I will completely sever ties with this place.

Lost in the tidal waves of memories, Marigold was interrupted by the sound of the door opening.

David stood there, elegantly dressed in a suit, appearing before her.

"Darling Mary, have you had dinner? Shall we go together for a meal? I've made a reservation at Kelly's Restaurant. Let me drive you there."

"No," Marigold's icy voice pierced David's eardrums. "I'm just here to retrieve my belongings."

"...Alright. We can have dinner after you've collected your things." David complied with her words and ushered her inside.

To be honest, Marigold hadn't left behind much—just some seldom-worn clothes, a record player, a few pillows, and a set of cutlery. She approached everything in an orderly fashion, with meticulous planning, so she had taken most of the important items during her previous visit. Soon, everything was packed up. Marigold was preparing to carry the cardboard boxes out when David hurriedly reached the door, blocking it with his body, and grabbed Mary's hand, pleading:

"Can you give me another chance, Mary? I can't be without you. These past few weeks, losing contact with you, I've been living like a tortured soul in hell, in agony, in pain. I was wrong, my dear Mary. It was a momentary impulse, a unforgivable mistake... I've cut ties with that woman now. Let's reconcile, shall we? We can get married next month and go on a honeymoon to the Maldives or wherever you desire. I won't anger you again, I beg you, Mary, please don't refuse me..."

Marigold disdainfully pulled away, saying, "Let go."

David still refused to let go, leaving Marigold unable to free her hands. So, she forcefully struck the soft object between his legs with her knee. David let out a scream and immediately crouched down, clutching his groin.

"Mary, hit me, go ahead. I deserve it. As long as you reconcile with me, you can beat me to your heart's content."

"I apologize. I could send you directly to the crematorium. You're no match for me," Marigold weighed the boxes in her hands, ensuring they were in the right and comfortable positions, and coldly looked down at the man on the ground. "If you truly valued me, you would never have had the heart to betray me. I accept your apology, but I'm sorry, we will never have a future together, not in this lifetime."

"Mary, you..."

"Ring, ring, ring," Marigold's pocket began to ring. She sighed and placed the boxes on the ground before taking out her phone.

As expected, it was Brian.

"It's been five hours! You still haven't come down!"

"Are you out of your mind? It's only been fifteen minutes! I'm coming, I'm coming."

David realized who was calling and suddenly leaned in, shouting loudly, "Is that the CEO of B.E.? Are you involved with him?"

Brian's voice immediately erupted with hostility, "That's right, it's me, Brian Bennett, your former boss, someone you can't afford to mess with! What, do you want me to come up and fight you?"

Marigold immediately pushed David away, turned around, and took refuge in the deep recesses of the living room's bathroom. She whispered into the receiver, "Don't be impulsive, I can handle it. Do you really want to fight and make headlines? Don't forget, you're a public figure."

There was a faint hum on the other end of the line, seemingly unconcerned. "Perfect, I want the whole world to know that I'm fighting for the woman I love."

Marigold blushed. "If you truly want to pursue me, then..."

"Then what?"

"Boom!"

Brian, who had been leaning on the Maybach outside, would never forget the scene he witnessed. On the floor where Marigold was located, a violent gust of air broke through the glass, accompanied by a deafening roar. Soon after, fierce flames erupted.

"Mary!!!!!!!!"