Suddenly, Melissa felt a twinge of unease.

She delicately tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

This move held a certain allure, though Melissa remained oblivious to its seductive undertones.

As Marcus held Matthew in one hand, his gaze fixed upon Melissa.

Though Melissa remained unchanged in appearance, there was a subtle difference about her.

She had an alluring refinement due to her recent weight loss.

Melissa was clad in a light pink silk top paired with a knitted fishtail skirt, a combination that accentuated her figure flawlessly.

Breaking the prolonged silence, Marcus spoke flatly. “Yes, your mom's right” Melissa mustered a forced smile in response, waving at Matthew, who hesitated to leave, softly expressing, “I want Mommy... I want her to go with me.” Gently squeezing Matthew's hand, Melissa reassured him, “If you miss Mommy, I'l go get you back, okay?” Matthew, leaning against Marcus, clung to Melissa, not wanting to let her go.

“Matthew wants a hug, Mommy." Melissa stole a glance at Marcus, silently hoping he would pass Matthew over to her. Yet Marcus remained motionless. Reluctantly, she took a step forward and enveloped Matthew in a tender embrace.

In that close proximity, their breaths mingled.

After her afternoon shower, Melissa exuded the delicate fragrance. As she drew near, her hair brushed against Marcus's neck, evoking memories of their intimate lovemaking, a sensation that stirred Marcus’ emotions. He always felt the softness of her hair against his skin as they intertwined in their embrace.

With that thought Lingering in his mind, Marcus was absent-minded, his expression shifting subtly.

After releasing Matthew, Melissa stepped back, stroking his head affectionately, urging, “Now listen to Daddy and be a good boy, okay?” Matthew, with innocence in his voice, declared, “Matthew wants Mommy to be happy too,” causing Melissa's heart to flutter.

Casting a brief glance at her, Marcus took Matthew and left.

Descending the stairs, he reached the car and secured Matthew into his child's seat. Meanwhile, Matthew's eyes roamed around, captivated by the car's pink interior, his fingers exploring with curiosity.

As Marcus fastened his seatbelt, Matthew's innocent inquiry pierced the silence.

“Daddy doesn't like Mommy now?” Marcus, with a tender smile, dismissed the notion. “Don’t be silly, you little rascal” Matthew, engrossed in his thoughts, continued, “It seems like it!

Other kids have both Daddy and Mommy living with them... Daddy used to sleep with Mommy and me, but not anymore.” Marcus, touched by Matthew's innocence, reassured him softly, “Don’t worry. Daddy will always be here for you.” Though Matthew nodded, his melancholy lingered.

Marcus contemplated saying something further, but considering Matthew's young age, he wouldn't understand. In the end, he said nothing. Arriving at the Fowler family mansion, he parked the car.

As he glanced around in the twilight, he spotted Waylen patiently waiting for their arrival.

Marcus lowered the car window, and Matthew eagerly leaned out, catching sight of Waylen. With a delighted squeal, he tossed his toy aside and pressed his face against the window as Waylen approached.

Waylen lifted Matthew from the car, planting a gentle ki*s on his cheek.

“For my dear Matthew, may you grow taller in the new year.” Blushing, Matthew buried his face in Waylen's embrace.

Just then, Daniel arrived, and the two boys hit it off instantly, joined by Evelyn and other children who gathered for a joyous time.

Even Ollie, the playful puppy, bounded over, adding to the merry chaos on the lawn.

Stepping out of the car, Marcus observed the children’s laughter with a mixture of nostalgia and detachment.

Waylen cleared his throat. “Where's Melissa?” Bears Marcus nonchalantly lit a cigarette, taking a drag before responding coolly, “We broke up” Waylen's expression soured as he slammed a document onto the hood of the car, demanding, “What's the meaning of this, Marcus? Bargaining with your girlfriend? You've truly astonished me! How dare you degrade Melissa like this?” His voice trailed off as he scanned the agreement, his indignation rising.

“Two hundred thousand dollars for monthly allowance? Marcus...

Is that how you value Matthew? This is unacceptable! How could you

treat someone in such a humiliating manner? I've heard that Melissa's annual salary is approximately eight million now. It's no surprise she ended things with you! You scoundrel, stop bringing shame upon the Fowler family” With a cigarette in hand, Marcus cast a fleeting glance at Waylen before quipping, “Matthew's a boy; he doesn't need to be pampered like the girls” Waylen scoffed. “Doesn't need to be pampered like girls? Fine! How about giving me a granddaughter to spoil then?” He seethed with anger.

“In just a few days, you've not only alienated Melissa but also snatched the project she had been working for months. Do you think all women will fall for that when you get dominant?” Waylen was seething with anger, his body trembling with fury.

Marcus remained composed, puffing on his cigarette.

Unable to contain his indignation, Waylen pointed at the agreement, demanding, “What on earth were you thinking? If you still care for Melissa, how can you treat her so callously? No woman would tolerate such humiliation.” This time, Marcus didn't feign ignorance and replied flatly, “Melissa and I are done. That's all there is tot.” Waylen bristled, wanting to argue further, but he relented at the sight of Marcus’ resolute expression.

Meanwhile, Marcus lifted his gaze and fixed it upon the horizon.

As he reflected on their tumultuous past, he realized their falling out was because they both hurt each other. There seemed to be a lack of willingness to compromise. Yet, amidst the bitterness, he couldn't shake the feeling that perhaps, with a bit of understanding, their story could have unfolded differently.

But neither he nor Melissa had been willing to yield, convinced it was futile to try.

Marcus had no intention of pursuing Melissa any further. During the month that she was away, some girls from decent families extended invitations for dinners and various events, all of which Marcus

accepted. Yet, amidst these social engagements, he never found the right connection.

He didn't engage in a game of cat and mouse with Melissa, nor did he wait for her to return to him.

In fact, the more successful Melissa became, the less likely they seemed to reconcile.

Both had changed, growing increasingly proud, until eventually, they lost all feeling for each other.

On New Year's Eve, households bustled with preparations for the feast.

Suddenly, Melissa felt an urge to cook something herself.

She drove to the grocery store, only to realize it was the very place she used to frequent with Marcus. The familiarity of the store remained unchanged, evoking memories of their past together.

Despite going to celebrate alone, Melissa filled her cart with alot of items.

(Bears) 's (Bears) As she approached the cashier, a familiar voice called out from behind.

“Melissa!” Startled, Melissa turned to find Jessie.

“I spotted you outside and

make dinner solo? What about Marcus? You still haven't patched

her head silently,

cart, she asked casually, “And what about you? Aren't you

place tonight, and we can have dinner together” Melissa, without hesitation, accepted, “Sure, no problem. As long as you

share a meal

paid the bill, the two of them exited

hopped directly into

a plate of fruit for Jessie before

and savored the aroma of the delicious chicken soup, she teased, “No wonder Marcus has a crush on you. Your cooking skills are amazing!” After voicing her

I am in the kitchen, I can't compare

“So, you're basically saying you have your allure” Melissa paused her chopping, a self-mockery in her tone, saying, “Perhaps his eyes just weren't too sharp back then. Let's not dwell on

Jessie snagged her favorite fruit

against the sofa, eyes fixed on Melissa. “But you have a son together. Consider this: with a kid in the picture, cutting off Marcus entirely isn't easy. If Marcus swings by to see Matthew and it's nasty weather, you could offer him to crash for the night. Freshen up after a shower and see how he reacts. I bet he won't resist you in his thirties. If he sleeps with you, he should take

a constant game of cat and mouse. He had a knack for courting women, juggling several

to him?” “He's a big spender and doesn't mind

you?" This remark left Jessie less than

Marcus if it's all about the money? As long as you say something nice, Marcus will swallow his pride for you.

had initiated the partnership with Summit Ltd, there seemed to be no turning

that she could exit the Waston Group once she

was when Melissa realized Marcus’ intentions

dollar partnership

Melissa. Albert has no plans to marry. ALL you'll end up with from him is some cash.” In response, Melissa asked, “Is that what happened

Jessie was furious.

You throw your attitude around with me but turn into a

Jessie admitted,

a modest smile, “I don't play the innocent or sweet role around Marcus. Let's not

ready in thirty minutes.” Jessie

an hour, Melissa prepared

wine, suggesting, “It’s chilly. How about alittle wine?” Jessie was taken aback and said, “That bottles worth a fortune, isn't it? Melissa, aren't you being a

winery. They gave me as a gift” Seeing Melissa in a new Light, Jessie said, “You're using Albert as

commented, pouring herself a glass of wine and downing half

intervened, “That's not how you're supposed to enjoy it.” But Jessie was

the same boat of loneliness. Stop the

courage in your pocket. You might not have been his choice, but you

also poured herself a glass of wine and had

enjoy the wine

the other hand, Jessie was

becoming thoroughly drunk before midnight struck. Slumped over the table, she started muttering

Melissa couldn't help but shake her

was clear that Jessie still

and gently wiped Jessie's

clutched Melissa's

expression. She murmured, “What brings you here? 'm about to get married. I don't need your pity. Albert, it's over. From now on, our paths won't cross again.” Melissa

to soothe Jessie, Melissa attempted to move her to the bedroom, hoping she'd

agitated, clinging

at a loss, Jessie's phone began

It was Albert calling.

her phone, Jessie implored, “Melissa, that's Albert on the line. Answer the phone for me. I want to know if he's begging, ready to grovel for a second chance if he's having second thoughts about me marrying someone else... But his ego

streamed down Jessie's face

sank a bit,

up the call, saying, “Hello, Mr. Waston.” Albert paused, checking his phone

her voice soft, saying, “Jessie's here with me, quite drunk and a

his voice rough,

then. And Melissa, my apologies for the inconvenience.” He was well aware of Jessie's fiery

thoughts, yet he recognized he

not having expected Albert to be in

way, Happy New

Albert set down his

front of the villa he gave

check on Jessie and see if she was

scenario, they could

moved on despite

heavy heart, pondering

later, Albert reached Melissa's

aside, “Mr. Waston..” Albert understood what she

a seat beside

Jessie slowly opened

busy battling for your family’s

you letting me £0? And why

need to rest properly.” But Jessie wasn't ready to leave just

rested her head against the sofa, her eyes reflecting a deep melancholy. “You're taking me back? To that villa? Albert, my feelings for this new person may not be deep, but I won't dishonor our agreement.

of all time? Why reach out to me?

hit him with a force fueled by

complaint. Reaching into his coat pocket, he presented her with a gift box and said, “I just wanted to see you, Jessie. Happy New Year.” Jessie looked at the

silently. She just held the gift in

three years with Albert, how could she not feel sad? Melissa stepped

on her bedrooms

midnight approached, the night sky Lit up with fireworks, and the air was filled

It was very lively.

New

family, Matthew, at the Fowler family

with work to distract herself from the

lying on the bed started

wrapped herself in her scarf and returned to the bedroom to answer her phone, expecting a call

devoid of warmth, saying, “Matthew can't sleep

Please bring it”

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255