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.

shades, Jessie remarked, “I

you! heard about your promotion. Planning to make dinner solo? What about Marcus? You still haven't patched things up with

her head silently, pushing her cart

cart, she asked casually, “And what about you? Aren't you spending the holiday with your boyfriend?”

without hesitation, accepted, “Sure, no problem. As long as you don't

Jessie was eager to share a meal with

the bill, the two of them

and hopped directly into Melissa's car.

apartment, Melissa prepared a plate of

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

a hint of irritation, “No matter how skilled I am

she wasn't deterred. “So, you're basically saying you have your allure” Melissa paused her chopping, a self-mockery in her tone, saying, “Perhaps his eyes

snagged her favorite fruit with

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 responsibility.” Melissa cracked a slight

it was a constant game of cat and mouse. He

charmer” “And yet, you're still drawn to him?” “He's a big spender and doesn't mind splashing the

though, are you?" This remark left Jessie

with Marcus if it's all about the money? As long as you say something nice, Marcus will swallow his pride for you. He just needs a little nudge.

the partnership with Summit Ltd, there seemed to be no turning back for him and

set off for Heron, she proposed to Marcus that she could exit the Waston Group once she finished assisting Albert, but Marcus didn't entertain

was when Melissa realized Marcus’ intentions

he just quit a multi-billion dollar partnership anyway? Melissa chose to stay

Let me tell you, Melissa. Albert has no plans to marry. ALL you'll end up with from him is some

Jessie was furious.

to mean, Melissa? You throw your attitude around with me but turn into a lamb around Marcus, acting all innocent and sweet.” Melissa set down a plate of

Jessie

don't play the innocent or sweet role around

will be ready in thirty

Melissa prepared several delightful

aback and said, “That bottles worth a fortune, isn't it? Melissa, aren't you being a bit extravagant?” Caressing

Jessie said, “You're using Albert as your ATM,

herself a glass of wine

enjoy it.” But

the same boat of loneliness. Stop the act,

courage in your pocket. You might not have been his choice, but you had guts. Now, that charm

poured herself a glass of wine and

aimed to enjoy

other hand, Jessie was intent on

her sorrows in alcohol, becoming thoroughly drunk before midnight struck. Slumped over the table, she

state, Melissa couldn't help but shake her

that Jessie still had

and gently wiped Jessie's forehead as she lay

Jessie clutched Melissa's

tipsy expression. She murmured, “What brings you here? 'm about to get married. I don't need your pity.

trying to soothe Jessie, Melissa attempted to move her

her sleep. Yet, Jessie became agitated, clinging

Melissa was at a

It was Albert calling.

if he's begging, ready to grovel for a second chance if he's having second thoughts

Tears streamed down Jessie's

heart sank a

up the call, saying, “Hello, Mr. Waston.” Albert paused, checking his phone to confirm he'd

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

responded, his voice rough,

apologies for the

recognized he wasn't the one for

not having expected Albert to be in

hesitation, she acknowledged, “Alright. And by the way,

Albert set

the villa he gave Jessie. His trip to Duefron

was alright. If he did get to meet her, he'd hand her

that scenario, they could part

moved on despite her

lit a cigarette, and then got into his vehicle with a heavy heart, pondering over Jessie's future happiness. She deserved a loving and kind partner, something he felt he couldn't provide.

minutes later, Albert

greeted him at the door and stepped aside, “Mr. Waston..” Albert understood what she

and took a seat beside Jessie. Tenderly, he placed his hand

slowly opened

at Albert before croaking out, “What brings you here? Weren't you busy battling for your family’s wealth? Didn't you tell me to find someone else to marry? Albert, I've

me £0? And why do

You need to rest properly.” But Jessie wasn't

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. I'm set to be engaged to him, with marriage

to me? Did you want to see me struggle? Was this all to torment me? Albert, you're such

anger unleashed. She hit him with a force

with a gift box and said, “I just wanted to see you, Jessie. Happy New

silently. She just held the

how could she not feel

her bedrooms

Lit up with fireworks, and the air

It was very lively.

exchanging New Year's wishes,

her only family, Matthew, at the Fowler

dealing with work to distract herself from the

she pondered, her phone lying on the bed started

in her scarf and returned to the bedroom to answer her phone, expecting a call from Julie.

the new year approached, Marcus's voice was devoid of warmth, saying, “Matthew can't sleep without

Please bring it”

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

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