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

join you! heard about your promotion. Planning to make dinner solo? What about Marcus?

silently, pushing her

on the shopping cart, she asked casually, “And what about you? Aren't you spending the holiday

come over to your place tonight, and we can have dinner together” Melissa, without hesitation,

Jessie was eager to share a meal with Melissa as soon

Melissa paid the bill, the two of them exited the

wasted no time and hopped

of fruit for Jessie before starting

enjoying the fruit and 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

without a hint of irritation, “No matter how skilled I am in the

allure” Melissa paused her chopping, a self-mockery in her tone, saying, “Perhaps his eyes just weren't too sharp back then. Let's

snagged her favorite fruit with a

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

a constant game of cat and mouse.

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

you?" This remark left Jessie less

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

the partnership with Summit Ltd, there seemed to be no

Marcus that she could exit the Waston Group once she finished

when Melissa realized Marcus’ intentions

dollar partnership anyway? Melissa chose to

Melissa. Albert has no plans to marry. ALL you'll

Jessie was furious.

You throw your attitude around with me but turn into a lamb around Marcus, acting all innocent and

tasting it, Jessie admitted, “This is

sweet role around Marcus. Let's not bring

be ready in

an hour, Melissa prepared several delightful

“That bottles worth a fortune, isn't it? Melissa,

said, “You're using Albert as your ATM, aren't you?" Melissa didn't keep it from Jessie and said,

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

supposed to enjoy it.” But Jessie was undeterred.

same boat of loneliness. Stop

but courage in your pocket. You might not have been his choice, but you had guts. Now, that charm seems lost.” Melissa remained unfazed, her face a

old times, she also poured herself a glass of

to enjoy

hand, Jessie was intent on not

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

intoxicated state, Melissa couldn't help but

was clear that Jessie still had feelings for

fetched a damp towel from the bathroom and

Jessie clutched

tipsy 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

attempted to move her to the bedroom, hoping she'd calm

Jessie became agitated, clinging to the table, clamoring for more

a

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

streamed down

sank a bit,

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

saying, “Jessie's here with me, quite drunk and a bit over the top.” There was a quiet moment on

voice rough, “I'l be

after her until then. And Melissa, my apologies for the inconvenience.”

thoughts, yet he recognized he wasn't the one

taken aback, not having

a moment's hesitation, she acknowledged, “Alright. And by the way, Happy New Year,

his end, Albert

the villa he gave Jessie. His trip to Duefron

she was alright.

scenario, they could part ways

it was clear Jessie hadn't moved on despite her

a cigarette, and then got into his vehicle with a heavy heart, pondering over Jessie's future happiness. She deserved

Albert reached

him at the door and stepped aside, “Mr. Waston..” Albert

to the sofa and took a seat beside

Jessie slowly opened

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 followed

aren't you letting me £0? And why do you still haunt my dreams?” Albert

said gently, “I'l take you home. You need to rest properly.” But Jessie wasn't

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

me anymore. So why visit Duefron now, of all time? Why reach out to me? Did you want to see me struggle? Was this

a force fueled by a

her blows without complaint. Reaching into his coat pocket, he presented her with a gift box and said, “I just wanted to see you,

silently. She just

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

stood on her bedrooms tiny balcony,

with fireworks, and the air was filled with the sound of

It was very lively.

were exchanging New Year's wishes, Melissa

her only family, Matthew, at the Fowler

work to

phone lying

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

was devoid of warmth, saying, “Matthew can't sleep without his

Please bring it”

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

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