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.

her shades, Jessie remarked, “I

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

head silently,

“And what about you? Aren't you spending the holiday with your boyfriend?” Upon hearing her question, Jessie appeared somewhat

and suggested, “I'l come over to your place tonight, and we can have dinner together” Melissa, without hesitation, accepted, “Sure, no problem. As long as you don't have other engagements, I don't mind.” Unbeknownst to Melissa, Jessie’s family assumed she

meal with

the two of them exited

and hopped directly into Melissa's car.

apartment, Melissa prepared a plate of fruit for Jessie before

eagerly anticipating dinner. As she watched Melissa skillfully prepare the ingredients 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

matter how skilled I am in the kitchen, I can't compare to the Fowler

have your allure” Melissa paused her chopping, a self-mockery in her tone, saying, “Perhaps his eyes just weren't too

is closed” Jessie snagged

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

Albert, it was a constant game of cat and mouse. He had a knack for

you're still drawn to him?” “He's a big spender

struggling financially, though, are you?" This remark left

not reconcile with Marcus if it's all about the money? As long as you say something nice, Marcus will swallow his

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

the Fowler Group before she set off for Heron, she proposed to Marcus that she could exit the Waston Group once she finished assisting Albert, but Marcus

Melissa realized Marcus’

dollar partnership anyway? Melissa chose

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 to

Jessie was furious.

around with me but turn into a lamb around Marcus,

tasting it, Jessie admitted, “This

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

will be ready in thirty minutes.” Jessie nodded

hour, Melissa

of 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 bit extravagant?” Caressing the wine bottle, Melissa smiled

gift” Seeing Melissa in a new Light, Jessie said, “You're using Albert as your ATM, aren't

its perks.” “Opportunist,” Jessie commented, pouring herself a glass of wine and downing half in

supposed to enjoy it.” But Jessie was undeterred. “Doesn't

both in the same boat of loneliness. Stop the act,

more endearing back then, chasing after Marcus with nothing but courage in your pocket. You might not have been his

also poured herself a glass of wine and had a

enjoy the wine without

other hand, Jessie was intent

sorrows in alcohol, becoming thoroughly drunk before midnight struck.

Jessie's intoxicated state, Melissa couldn't help but shake

was clear that Jessie

fetched a damp towel from the bathroom and gently wiped Jessie's forehead as

clutched

I don't need your

to move her to the bedroom,

sleep. Yet, Jessie became agitated, clinging to the table, clamoring for more

as Melissa was at a loss, Jessie's

It was Albert calling.

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

Tears streamed down Jessie's face

heart sank a bit,

before picking up the call, saying, “Hello, Mr.

quite drunk and a bit over the top.” There was a quiet moment on the other

his voice rough, “I'l

until then. And Melissa, my apologies for the inconvenience.” He was

thoughts, yet he recognized

having expected Albert to

she acknowledged, “Alright. And by the way, Happy New Year,

Albert set down his

the villa he gave Jessie. His trip

wanted to check on Jessie and see if she was alright. If he did get to meet

scenario, they could part ways

hadn't moved on despite her tough

his car, Albert lit a cigarette, and then got into his vehicle with a heavy heart, pondering over Jessie's

minutes later, Albert reached Melissa's

at the door and stepped aside,

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

slowly opened

out, “What brings you here? Weren't you busy battling for your family’s wealth?

£0? And why do you still haunt my

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

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. I'm set to be engaged to him, with marriage planned for the end of

all time? Why reach out to me? Did you want to see me struggle? Was this all to torment me? Albert, you're such a

with a

with a gift box

just held the gift

not feel

bedrooms tiny balcony,

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

It was very lively.

exchanging New Year's wishes,

with her only family, Matthew, at the Fowler

with work to distract herself from

she pondered, her phone lying

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

warmth, saying, “Matthew can't sleep without his pillow.

Please bring it”

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

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