The woman leaned close to him, undeterred by his glum expression.

She had schemed to be there, claiming that her car had broken down before asking him to give her a ride home.

Marcus hadn't refused out of respect for her father, but he wasn't expecting to be seen by Melissa, of all people.

Not that he should be bothered by this — they had broken up, after all.

The problem was, he did feel bothered. He was flustered and angry and evenalittle regretful.

As soon as Melissa's car disappeared in the distance, Marcus got out of the car and slammed the door closed behind him.

He turned to his driver, instructing him to drive the girl home.

Feeling aggrieved, she also got out of the car and demanded, “Is it because of her?” Marcus stood tall and brooding in his black suit.

He lit a cigarette and took a couple of drags before asking, “Her, who?” “Melissa! From the Watson Group.

I heard that she got her position through Mr. Watson's help. She wouldn't have been promoted so fast if there was nothing going on between them.

So, are you rejecting me because of her? You can't possibly be unaware that I'm trying to pursue you. Do you honestly think that woman is worth more than I am?” She was shaking with emotion, and her tone turned aggressive with every word she spoke.

Instead of answering her, Marcus put his cigarette out and got back inside the car. The girl tried to do the same, but he stopped her.

“She is the mother of my son,” he said, his tone icy. “While you are a nobody to me. What made you think you can insult her to my face?” He pulled the door closed, forcing her to back away, and then snapped at Ross, “Drive!” Ross had overheard every bit of their conversation, and couldn't be more pleased with its result. Still, he wasn't as cruel as his master. “It may not be a good idea, Mr. Fowler.” he said as he started the engine. “What if she runs into some hooligans if we leave her all by herself?”

“I don't care!” Marcus glanced at the rearview mirror and saw the girl stamping her feet, no doubt throwing a tantrum.

Ross grinned. “Well, it's not her fault. This is on you, really, you ladykiller.

Despite being a father, you still have a flock of women constantly chasing after you. If I were Melissa, Id be furious, too.

Ah, where are we headed, by the way?” Marcus clicked his tongue and leaned back in his seat. He didn't care for Ross’ words, either.

He fiddled with his phone for a while before asking James out for a drink. It was cold, and it was late. James dragged himself out of bed and did not hesitate to give Marcus a piece of his mind. “Look here, you may be single, but I have a wife and children to keep me company in my nice, ‘warm home. Seriously, if you weren't helping with my business, I would never go out in the middle of the night just to drink and listen to your woes. Tell me, did you have another fight with Melissa? Why don't you just go straight to her and ask her if she still loves you, huh? Be a man and beg on your knees!”

James’ mockery almost made Marcus hang up in anger. But before he could end the call, James stopped him with an apology.

Late that night, they met at a bar they frequented.

They sat at one of the tables in the corner. Despite choosing a low-key place, several women quickly took notice and sent flirtatious glances at them, with some going as far as accosting them.

Marcus was unimpressed and ignored every single one of them.

James held a cigarette between their slender fingers, showing his ring.

“I'm married.” With a chuckle, the beauties left them alone.

James narrowed his eyes and took a drag of the cigarette. As he slowly blew out smoke, he gently knocked on the table and said, “Since you can't get over her, your only option is to get her back.

You've been together for so long. You just need to rekindle the feelings that are already there. Don't forget, there are many other men pursuing Melissa even now. If she wanted to, she would have plenty of options.” Without saying a word, Marcus clinked his cup with James's.

James let out a sigh. “And stop acting like you don't care” The two drank until two in the morning. When they finished, James felt tired and drunk. He had work early the next day, so he left first.

Marcus sat there for a moment, alone with his thoughts.

Ross grew sleepy in the car.

When Marcus sat in the car, Ross shivered and asked, “Are we going back to your parents’ now?” Marcus leaned back against his seat and answered, “Let's go back to my apartment.” Ross wiped his face, spunk up and drove.

After a while, he said, “No one uses that place. Itd be perfect if Melissa moves in with your son. It's near your company, so you would be able to have Lunch with them even on weekdays.” Marcus turned his head and stared at the night outside the window.

Ross didn't press the matter anymore.

The car rolled to a stop in front of the apartment building. Marcus asked Ross to leave first, and then went upstairs.

The apartment had been cleaned regularly. Everything looked the same as before.

However, the place had been vacant for a long time, so it seemed empty and desolate.

Marcus had drunk too much tonight, and he was starting to feel uncomfortable. Still, he did't want to go to bed yet. A Lonesomeness.

took hold of him as he thought about life. He had a thriving career, but what good did that do him? At the end of the day, he was still alone.

He walked to the guest room.

Then, he sat on the edge of the bed and lay down.

The heating in the apartment was off, but Marcus didn't want to get up and turn it on. He lay outstretched on the bed for a long time before taking something from his pocket.

Itwas a diamond ring for Melissa.

She had casually put it aside in the drawer when they broke up. He took it back and never told her.

They didn't need words to understand what it meant.

Until now, Marcus had never regretted a single decision he had made in his life... But now he was just miserable. There were plenty of beautiful ‘women surrounding him, but he had no interest in any of them.

Now, he was lying on the bed, feeling hollow and dejected.

His eyes were fixed on the diamond ring for a long time before gently putting it back into the drawer.

Melissa...

In the dark night, Marcus quietly stared at the ceiling.

Thoughts came rushing into his head, his memories with Melissa filling his mind.

he regretted nothing

his chest was tight

left home quietly and was

The door to the driver's seat was half-open, and

it.

ignore him. She opened the door and got in

called from the other vehicle.

around to face him. “What are you doing here?” Marcus got out of the car and came to her. He raised his

her guess was right, he was here trying to salvage whatever was left from the wreck

But Marcus was already retrieving his wallet

company.” Melissa almost laughed in her exasperation.

As soon as she came down, she heard them. She brightened at the sight of them and said, “Matthew didn't eat much earlier. With you here, Mr. Fowler, 'm sure Matthew would cheer up.” Marcus was always nice to

instantly. Marcus looked at Melissa and said in a clear voice, “I want to eat breakfast with Mom and Dad.” Melissa got up early that morning. She could clear out in half

refuse Matthew, so she silently locked the

to be the third wheel,

made up most of the customers inside. The aroma of food and the low hum

sat beside his father obediently. Marcus’ hangover was yet to subside, but he endured the throbbing in his head in

commented, “It's alright, but it's not as good as Julie's” Melissa had

barely tasted her cooking. Did you drink last night and drive here?”

his attention and said softly, “Dad, last night, I got

she wouldn't have to work so hard” Marcus knew that Matthew had learnt

dark circles under her eyes

necessary? You'll wear yourself out if you keep that up.” Melissa didn't want to talk about it in front of

argue while they were with their son, so he held back and

Matthew away, and Marcus got into the passenger seat

her face, Marcus asked her softly, “Is Albert that important to you? Is that why you're working so hard for him?” She turned

yourself of, you're wrong. 'm not doing this for Albert or for the Watson Group. I have a kid, and I have to put food on the table. I won't

eyes softened, feeling guilty. “Melissa...” he

wanting him to see the tears glistening in

know what you want, coming here at midnight, but... I don't think it's gonna work out between us.” She paused for a moment, letting her words sink in, and then said indifferently, “You've always disliked my work. Then, you went and invited Violette into your house. You let any woman sit in your car because each one of them is just as replaceable as the next. They don't mean anything to you. I'm scared, Marcus. One day, if you got upset, I'd be just like them to you.

myself to death than have to rely on you” After a long while, Marcus said softly, “You do mind those women, don't you?” “Get out!” Melissa said angrily, getting a catch in her throat. “'m

This time, Marcus didn't make things difficult for her. He exited the car without another word, and then closed the

the space now that she was

a firm resolve, but that didn't mean that the separation didn't affect her. She grieved the relationship, but no matter how sad she was, she wouldn't go back on her decision, especially when

Melissa arrived at

work to do. At 10 AM, she asked her secretary to make

things according

Alan hung up and devised

was an old friend,

he grew to admire her and thought that she

her background, but that didn't matter. So what if Melissa had a child. As far

wanted her for

hesitated for a while, but ultimately decided to do

waited for her to pick up. When she did, he explained

he wanted Melissa to marry

believe her own

she would make a great wife! Melissa is capable, and my son is absorbed in his research. She can manage the family business

son. I've seen the boy's photos. He's adorable. Don't worry, Mrs. Fowler. The boy will be

nice ring

to them, couldn't help but curse, “What a shameless person! Rena, you made a terrible mistake by

wanted to help Melissa, but she had

was indeed an excellent prospect- handsome, well-mannered and from a good family. Thinking of her own arrogant son, Rena

for a change of

he entered,

this morning” A mix of complicated feelings filled her chest. “Why didn't you bring Matthew back here?” There was a pause before Marcus answered, “I have to go to the company later” He was about to go upstairs when Waylen, unable to help himself, sneered at him. “Your wife is going to be taken away by other men, and here

I'm talking about! He wants Melissa

you can and even better, especially

then why couldn't you be more understanding when she went to Heron? You went as far as stealing her client and putting

next. “We have to find a

against us? Teach him a lesson. That's what you do best,

said indifferently,

son? Since when had he been

gaped at

Marcus went downstairs. After freshening up, he seemed more energetic, which made his father jealous. “His youth makes me envious. It's such a pity he's wasting it away, with no wife beside him.” Marcus lowered his head, buttoning his jacket. “I'l have one soon.” “Bullshit!” With a faint smile, Marcus walked out. Ross was already waiting by the

made an appointment with Alan

arrived at the

the door, she was

about thirty years old. He had a strong

Thomas and Weldon were also

it had been in the past, she would have left immediately. Just because she didn't have any contact with the Smith family didn't mean that she didn't mind what

weren't for him, she wouldn't have been

mother wouldn't have

like a set-up.” Melissa

your brother too.”

very much. To his

came to Alan, Alan knew

immediately agreed to

unify by marriage, it would

one here is an outsider. Mr. Smith is your uncle, right? Oh, by the way, let me introduce you. This is my son, Jaime

is your son. This project must really be important, seeing how you brought him for

Scott.”

the situation to

inwardly smiled. He knew what she was doing, and instead of being offended, his

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