EPILOGUE PT.2 (ii)

Maybe replace me with a man? Is that why you haven't told me anything about your life?"

His grip on my wrist softens, sending utter dread through me.

"Please, please let me go now if that's the case. Please, I'm so tired of hurting, I don't want to hurt any longer." My voice cracks.

"How could you think this way?" Marcus's tone is dripping with disappointment. "How could you ever think that you're nothing to me? I told you, Yasmeen. I told you I belong to you, not the other way around. I told you I'm yours, I'm nothing without you. I bared myself out to you, handing myself over completely only for you to doubt me like this?"

"But you didn't," tears spill from my eyes.

"You didn't hand yourself over to me, did you? Everyone else knows more about your story than I do. It's like you shut me out because you don't think I'm important enough to say those things to, as if I'm just temporary in your life."

He lets go of my wrist, his expression is that cold and blank look that he had when I first met him. "If that's what you believe, then fine. Have it your way."

He's shutting me out, even more, he's distancing himself completely.

I feel my heart crack. I never noticed the heavy air around us, the unspoken words, the worries in the back of my mind. I didn't notice until right now. We're still not a fit for each other, our pieces still refuse to fully join together, yet I know I'll perish without him in my life.

The ride to our hotel was quiet. The next morning was quiet. Our 30-hour flight was quiet with Marcus asking for a separate cabin for himself. Our ride home was quiet.

We haven't spoken in days, maybe even over a week since we've gotten back. Neither of us is sure about where we stand in each other's life as of now.

Is this where we meet our end? Martial bliss transitioned into martial disaster.

• • •

Okay, maybe I should be the first one to say we need to talk this through. I know his stubborn ass won't budge. We can talk it through. We can try. We said a lot of things that night in Shanghai that should've been discussed at a better time.

Obviously, I became insecure after my conversation with Andy. It was like as if someone dropped me out of the highest window of the Empire State Building without a word. It not only hurt, my heart and mind began to shut down.

Just as I'm pacing back and forth in our room, Marcus walks in.

"Marcus!" I run up to him but his eyes are cold and dead.

"Listen, I have to tell you something," he sighs.

"I do too," I smile.

"I'll go first, just to get it over with," he says, his emotions are completely shut off.

I nod.

"I don't think we'll work. I think I made a mistake," he says casually.

I stumble back. "W-What?"

"I think Andy might've been right," he says. "I think I did rush into things looking for another thrill without actually meaning any of it. Besides, you can't keep up with my lifestyle anyways. You know how intense I can get during sex and you just can't satisfy all my needs."

"Marcus, are you done?" An unfamiliar voice calls out to him from the hallway.

"I'll be right there!" Marcus shouts back. Then, leans down and places a kiss on my forehead. "It was fun while it lasted but it's time for the both of us to move on. We weren't meant to be and we shouldn't have kept trying when it wasn't working. I wish you the best, Yasmeen."

He takes a couple of steps back as I feel my whole world shatter around me. The lump in my throat becomes painfully hard, making it harder for me to breathe. My chest tightens as it feels like someone stabbed me in the heart with a million pins. A bullet to the head would be merciful to me right now.

"Marcus..." I call out but my voice is barely audible.

"I'm sorry," he says right before leaving out the door. "Goodbye, Yasmeen."

"Marcus!" I scream. "Please, come back! Marcus!"

I crawl towards the door but the path seems to only get longer.

I'm sobbing uncontrollably, choking on my cries. "Marcus!" I shout louder. "I can't live without you, please, don't leave me like this! Marcus, I love you! I love you! I love you so much! I'll die... I'll die without you..." My words fade as my voice loses its sound.

• • •

"Yasmeen!" I hear a voice call for me.

"Yasmeen, wake up!"

I open my eyes and Marcus is holding me in his arms, a look of concern spreading through his eyes.

"Marcus? Please, don't leave me," I burst out into tears, throwing my arms around him. "I can't live without you. If you leave me, I'll—"

"Leave you?" He sounds confused as he pulls me away from him to look at me. "And go where?"

I blink away my tears a couple more times to focus on my surroundings. He wipes away the remaining tears with the back of his hand. I realize that I'm on our room sofa.

"You were screaming in your sleep and scared the shit out of me," he explains, coddling me in his arms.

It was a nightmare. Oh my God, it was a nightmare. It wasn't real. He didn't leave me for someone else.

I let out a loud sigh, not realizing I was holding in my breath the whole time.

Still, too afraid to let go, I clutch his shirt in an intense fear that he'll slip away. He's quiet, giving me time to get myself together. But I can't hold it in, I lean in and kiss him. I kiss him so fiercely that he almost topples over.

"You know," he says in between our kisses. "I'm still upset about that night."

I push him down further onto the couch, tracing my fingers all over his chest.

"We have to talk about it," he mumbles.

"Later," I murmur against his lips.

"Yasmeen..."

"Fuck me, Marcus," I plead. "Please, I'm begging you to fuck the daylights out of me."

"Say it again," his voice is raspy.

"Fuck me, Marcus," I moan as his fingers encircle around my abdomen.

"Fuck, Yasmeen. Say it again," he groans.

"I want your cock buried deep inside of me," I beg. "Fuck me so hard that I won't remember anyone's name but yours."

He picks me up and sets me down on the bed, all while taking off his shirt and pants revealing his toned, tatted-up body. He rips my clothes off in an instant, leaving me completely bare just for him.

He leaves his boxers on for a moment, eyeing my naked body.

"Takes these off for me," he says, looking down at himself. "I want to watch you take them off."

I lick my lips at the intensity of the situation. I tease him, slowly tracing the hem with my finger while not breaking eye contact.

"Fuck, Yasmeen. Take it off," he demands.

"Patience, my king," I giggle.

I start to leave a trail of kisses down the center as I pull down his boxers. Once it's completely off, his sizeable erect cock springs out in front of me.

"I see the big guy has missed me," I trace a finger down his length.

"You have no fucking idea," he grins, sitting on the edge of the bed. "I want to watch you shove my dick down your throat."

"Your wish is my command," I say as slide out of the bed. I position myself in between his legs on my knees before taking his cock into my mouth, wetting it with my saliva.

Marcus throws his head back, gripping my hair and occasionally pulling and pushing his cock deeper into my throat.

"Fuck, Yasmeen. Deeper, go deeper. Let me feel that pretty mouth of yours wrapped around my cock," he groans.

I do as he asks and takes in as much of him as I can into my mouth. My hands simultaneously get him off as my tongue and mouth work around the tip.

"Look at me," he demands. "Look at me while you suck me off."

I look up at him through my lashes, as my hand and mouth work alongside him continuously. "Is this okay?" I asked quite innocently, making him even weaker.

"Yes, fuck, yes! Just like that, baby. You're such a good girl, you're so fucking good at this," his praises are making me wet to a whole other level.

Before he can finish in my mouth, he pulls me off of him. I wipe my lips, looking up at him in confusion.

"I want to finish inside of you," he says hoarsely, pulling me up to my feet. "Fuck, I want to cum inside of you so fucking bad."

His mouth latches onto my breast as he uses his tongue and teeth to tease my nipple, earning him a loud moan from me.

His finger travels down to my center, feeling up my wet cunt. "You're so fucking wet already."

"Just for you," I whimper as he works his fingers around my pussy and then slips two fingers in.

"Just for me, my little dove?" He asks, repeating what I said.

His fingers slip in easily as he thrusts them in and out slowly then picks up the speed.

"Only for you, Marcus," I answer.

My legs feel like jello. Not being able to support myself any longer, I swing a leg over his thigh. His cock pressed against my stomach, aching to be released.

Marcus slips out the fingers from within me and pushes me onto the bed. He flips me over onto my front. "Ass up, pretty princess."

I prop myself onto my elbows and knees as Marcus moves my hair off of my back while placing kisses down my spine. He spreads my legs apart and lines himself up between my fold, teasing the entrance with the head of his cock.

He grabs my hip with one hand and wraps the other hand around my neck with slight force.

He pushes my head up to face the large mirror in front of us. "I want you to watch as I dick you down from behind."

He thrusts his cock into me, moving his hips slowly and sensually before picking up the pace. His fingers reach around to work my cunt as he thrusts, earning him a loud moan from me.

"Harder," I gasp.

"Harder what?" He dares me to beg.

"Fuck me harder, Marcus. Please, please," I beg, just as he wants.

His fingers work faster as his thrusts get more aggressive. My knees can't hold up any longer and I'm close to finishing.

His rhythm slows, getting a little erratic.

"Take my seed like the good girl you are," he moans into my ear while holding eye contact through the mirror, before cumming inside of me.

I feel my own cunt spasm with an orgasm as my legs give out and I fall flat against my cheek. Marcus places one last kiss on my bare back before laying down beside me, gathering my exhausted body in his arms.

"I can never get enough of you," I say, breaking the silence. "You always fuck me so good."

"I aim to please no one but you, my little dove," he smiles. "My techniques are solely reserved for your pleasure."

"I'm sorry for doubting you and your love for me," I say quietly. "I should've known better."

"I'm sorry for accusing you of wanting Andy. And most importantly, not being open about everything," he says with intent. "We could've avoided this whole mess if I just took some initiative."

"Yeah, you're right. This is all on you," I giggle, teasing him. "Wait, did you just apologize? Did Marcus Wang just apologize?"

"Very funny. Hilarious," he rolls his eyes.

"I'm just surprised, that's all. You don't seem to apologize often enough," I grin.

"I don't make mistakes," he states.

"Right..." I roll my eyes, smiling.

"Did you have a nightmare?" He asks.

"I did," my voice becomes quieter.

"Can I ask what it was about?"

I sigh, my heart aching at the remembrance of the details. "You left me for someone else. You told me that we were a mistake and you left me." Uncontrollable tears spill over because the thought itself breaks my soul as I tell him the full story.

"Oh, my beautiful Yasmeen," Marcus comforts me gently. He wipes away my tears with his thumb, brushing my cheek intimately.

"I felt my world end for a moment too long, Marcus. I was sure I was going to die from literal heartbreak," I say truthfully. "I don't think I'll survive if you ever leave me. You're my entire world, you're my everything."

"I don't want such a thought to ever cross your mind again," he says softly. This is the sweetest he's ever sounded. "I will never leave you, I will never think of such a morbid thought. I have no one but you. I need no one but you. I love no one but you. I told you before, Yasmeen, I belong wholly to you. You own me in every aspect imaginable."

I start sobbing, the fear of being abandoned being washed away with the tears.

"How about I tell you about my childhood while we go take a nice bath?" Marcus suggests.

I enthusiastically nod. "Only if you're ready."

He leads me away to the bathroom and does as he promised.

I find out about his emotionally and physically abusive father, his mother who was murdered by his father, and his inhumane upbringing. He explains why he was so reluctant to fall in love and why he fears losing me just as much as I feared losing him. He expresses how much he loves me over and over again, reminding me that I'm his entire universe—that without me, he'll cease to exist.

As I sat there, holding Marcus in my arms, I realize how important communication is amongst partners. Simply talking can make the biggest difference in a relationship.

I also realize how lucky I got with Marcus and I'll never take that for granted. Yes, he struggles to convey his love. Yes, he can be a little cold and unemotional. Yes, he still has lots to learn. But there is no doubt in my mind that he loves me unconditionally. And when he does show it, he gives it his all and sweeps me off my feet all over again.

I couldn't have asked for anything for more than the infinite amount of love he showers me with even when he thinks he isn't doing enough.

Though love can't be the only factor that contributes to a relationship, it's a pretty strong aspect.

• • •

- Two Years Later -

"The twins are starting to look more like me by the minute," I comment as I rock my little boy, Amaan, in my arms.

"Mhm," Marcus's attention is on our daughter, Amara, who's in his arms.

I frown. "Are you listening to me?"

"Mhm," he says monotonously.

I squint my eyes. "Liar."

When Marcus doesn't bother turning around to look at me, I sigh, feeling a little sad. "I'm going to lay Amaan down in his crib for his nap. Bring Amara up when she's asleep."

I don't wait for Marcus's answer and our son upstairs to his room. The twins still sleep with us at night, but for nap times, we usually have them sleep in the room they share.

Lucky for us—actually, extremely lucky for us—when the twins knock out for naps or bedtime, they sleep through it all. Not a single soul can wake them up from their slumber. Every parent I've ever met has been extremely jealous and some refuse to believe me. They've had this routine since they were a couple of months old and now at one year old, they are still sleeping wonderfully.

I lay down Amaan in his crib and look down at him lovingly. When we found out we were having twins, we were over the moon. In fact, Marcus kissed every part of me until he was worn out. I was totally nervous because I'd have to push out two whole babies, instead of one, but I was also overjoyed.

I do miss the time Marcus and I spent together by ourselves. And truth to be told, there are times I miss the me before becoming a mother but I wouldn't trade my babies for the world.

Today, Marcus's attention hasn't even lingered on me and it's driving me insane. It's been two years and I still can't live a moment without his attention. Maybe I'm being overly clingy and he's over it.

The door to the nursery clicks. Speak of the devil.

Marcus walks in with a sleepy Amara in his arms. The image of Marcus holding our kids still doesn't get old. It melts the depths of my heart every single time.

He lays Amara down in her crib and walks out without a glance.

Fine. Whatever.

I walk out after him and go towards our room while he heads towards the stairs.

"I don't deserve this lack of attention," I mutter as I stand facing our bed, smoothing out the blanket.

A pair of hands slide down my sides, resting on my hip. "No, you don't," Marcus's voice is low.

"Don't come crawling back for some pussy action. You're not getting any," I frown but my body can't help but lean back against his chest.

The stupid body always betraying me like this.

He pushes my hair to the side and leaves kisses down the back of my neck. "You're so beautiful," he murmurs against my skin.

"And you're a doofus," I roll my eyes. "Will you explain why I was being ignored or should I leave?"

His grip around my waist tightens as he pauses for a moment. Sometimes, it slips my mind how sensitive he can be when I mention things like this. The thought of me leaving him terrifies him and no matter how many times I've reassured him it's not happening, he's always on the edge.

I turn around to face him and bring his hands back in my waist. I lay my own hand against his cheek, caressing it with my thumb.

"I meant, leave the room, my sweet husband," I clarify. "Because you're not telling me—"

"You forgot," he simply states. There's no bitterness in his tone, just a hint of sadness as he leans further into my hand.

"Forgot?" I furrow my brows in confusion.

"Forgot wha—" I gasp, "Our anniversary. Our wedding anniversary is today."

I take a step back, panicking. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. It must've slipped my mind at some point. I've been so busy with the kids that I—"

Marcus pulls me into his arms, stroking his fingers through my hair. "It's okay, I know you're always occupied now."

And another realization hits me. It's not that he's been inattentive, it's me. I'm the the one who's been inattentive towards him. The kids take up most of my attention and I haven't given him enough. I even forgot our anniversary.

"Marcus, I'm so sorry. I'm so very sorry. You should've said something. Ugh, it's not even your fault. I should've noticed. I'm so sorry..."

"And I told you it's fine, didn't I?" He reassures me sweetly yet I know for sure he did get a little upset about it earlier. "You're working very hard to be a good mama and you're doing wonderfully. Priorities change after kids and that's okay."

I burst into tears as I grip his shirt harder. I couldn't help it. He's so understanding and so kind. I don't think I think deserve him, I really don't.

"It's okay, my little dove. Shhh, don't worry, I have a trip planned just for the two of us next week," he says as he holds me tighter.

I pull back and look at him through my blurry, teared-up vision, "Marcus?"

"Yes, my little dove?"

"I love you," my lips quiver as I try to calm down. "I love you more than I love anything in this world."

He wipes my tears away with his thumb, smiling softly. "I know. And I belong to you in every aspect imaginable, forever."

I kiss him hard, harder than I've ever kissed him ~probably~. I put my heart and soul into the one kiss, pouring my love for him into it. He stumbles back just slightly but quickly picks me up and places me on the bed without separating our lips.

"You're always in such a hurry, my little dove," he smiles against my lips as I slip off his shirt.

"It's not my fault I have a delicious husband," I giggle as I move on to undo his belt.

"Fuck, you drive me crazy," he moans as I slip my hand under his unzipped jeans.

He slips out of his last pieces of clothing and practically rips off the clothes off of me. He leans in for a kiss, placing his knees in between my legs. This makes me moan out in surprise.

"You're already so wet for me, baby," he whispers against my ear as his knee sways side to side against my cunt.

"That's because this pussy is always at your service," I smirk.

My comment makes him chuckle. He leaves kisses down my neck to my breasts and down to my stomach but I stop him from going any further.

"Who do you belong to, Marcus?" My voice is breathy but hell, I want to hear it one more time.

"To you, Yasmeen," he kisses the skin just below my stomach. "I belong to you body and soul. I belong to only you. You own me and there's not a damn thing I can do about it."

"Just those words are enough to make me come undone," I say. "I hope you know the power you hold, Mr. Wang,"

"And I will use my power responsibly, Mrs. Wang. Mostly," he smirks before diving in as if I'm the dessert he's been craving for years.

We've made it. Marcus and I made it out of our hell together. We fought and truly gave up but life just threw us back together. And I'm glad it did because without him, as insane as this sounds, I truly don't think I would've survived.

We unconditionally love each other and there's not a single doubt in that. We grew, changed, and adjusted for each other. We became better versions of ourselves and now, we have a family.

We did it. We truly did it.

- - -

- author note -

This is the official end to the whole story! I hope you enjoyed it! And I hope I scared you a little in the middle of this chapter LMAO!

I do have one more special update, which is coming right after this, so no worries!