Chapter 196 Impulsive Vow To An Enigmatic Husband

• If he hadn’t chosen to go to the States early on, if he had valued her enough back then, their relationship might not be what it is now. He should’ve been by her side, within easy reach, but he didn’t even have the right to embrace her. “Bro, Bro.” Briana’s call pulled Marcus back from his memories. “The midnight bell is about to ring, and you haven’t given out your gifts yet.” She waved the gift in her hand excitedly. “Bro, even Dr. Dawson has given us gifts. As the helmsman of the Hartley Group, you should give us presents too.” Marcus hadn’t prepared anything. In the past, he’d either be working or spending the holiday with his grandma, who would prepare the gifts. He glanced at everyone, his gaze finally falling on Cornelia. She, too, had received a gift from Dr. Dawson and seemed quite pleased. If a gift could make Cornelia so happy, why wouldn’t he give her a gift card to make her even happier? “I didn’t prepare anything.” “I knew you wouldn’t have.” Briana said, pulling out several gift cards from her bag. “I’ve prepared the gift cards for you.” “Hold on a sec.” Marcus got up and walked upstairs with a graceful stride.
• When he came back down, he had noticeably more gift cards in his hands than before. Briana was the first to rush over. “Bro, I wish you and your wife a blissful marriage and a child soon.” Marcus rapped her on the head with a gift card. “Your sister-in-law will have a kid if she wants, and won’t if she doesn’t. Don’t use that as an excuse to bind her.” Briana sn atched the gift card, looking him up and down. “Bro, whether or not you have a child is indeed up to the two of you. But some things you can’t hide on your own, you should tell your wife sooner.” “You’re sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong.” He thought Briana was suggesting he be honest about his identity with Cornelia; the last thing he expected was her thinking about that. Marcus handed out the gift cards to Ben, Dr. Dawson, and the others. Everyone who received a card was thrilled. “Thanks, President Hartley! We wish the Hartley Group continues to reach new heights under your leadership!” Marcus just nodded, then carefully handed the last and most valuable gift card to Cornelia. “Cornelia, I hope your wishes come true.” “Thank you, President Hartley!” Cornelia said, a smile spreading across her face as she accepted the gift card. “I hope your wishes come true too! Wishing you and your wife a lifetime of love and unity!” Marcus gently responded, “We will.” Cornelia couldn’t take her eyes off the gift card. With the gifts distributed, everyone went back to eating and watching the show. It wasn’t so much that the show was particularly captivating; it’s just that this show had been going on for decades and had become a kind of emotional bond. Even if they didn’t watch, they’d have the TV on while they all ate together, making the atmosphere feel all the more festive.
• The show lasted for hours, and they had dinner for hours too. By the end of the show, it was still early. Briana raised her hand and suggested, “Hey bro, while it’s still early, should we do something else?” Marcus turned to Cornelia and asked, “Do you want to do anything else?” Cornelia had been busy for most of the day and had a long dinner in the evening. She was very tired. When Marcus looked at her, she was yawning and said, “President Hartley, I don’t really feel like doing anything.” Marcus said, “Alright then, let’s call it a night and head home.” Comelia was about to start cleaning up the leftover food on the table when Marcus quickly stopped her, “I’ve already called someone to clean up; you can just go rest.” It would take some time to clean up the leftovers. Cornelia felt relieved now that she didn’t have to do it herself. After saying goodnight to everyone, she went back to her room. Once in her room, she immediately took a shower. After the shower, she laid down on her bed, picked up her phone, and opened the group chat with the other two. It was almost 2 a.m. there, and Zack and Abigail had not yet responded to her new year’s wishes that she had sent at midnight. In the past, they would always send greetings in the group chat at the moment the New Year’s bell rang.