Melissa was left speechless by the accusation, finding no words to defend against the harsh judgment laid before her.

Throughout Jessie's relationship with Albert, she took care of everything from buying a villa to ensuring Jessie had all her necessities, a fact that only fueled Mrs. Green's anger.

As her tirade intensified, Mrs. Green raised her hand to strike Jessie once more.

It was then that Marcus intervened with a challenging question. “Mrs.

Green, do you truly believe the man you chose for Jessie would bring her joy? What if he declared their marriage open from the start, showing utter disregard for the union and Jessie herself? Jessie rejected such a marriage. How is that wrong?” Mrs. Green, momentarily taken aback by Marcus’ intervention, paused her advance.

In the midst of this, Jessie, overcoming her initial shock, declared her intention to return with her mother.

She recognized the sacrifices her mother had made.

With her father’s health declined, someone had to step forward and

shoulder the family business. Jessie knew she had to go back. Melissa looked on, concern etched on her face for Jessie, hesitating to see her leave under such conditions.

Jessie offered a brave smile, acknowledging, “I can't stay hidden here indefinitely. Melissa, 'm grateful for your kindness these past days.

Yet, this is your home, not mine.” Melissa was about to protest, but Marcus’ gentle tug on her arm stopped her.

He looked at Jessie, his expression softening. “It's commendable that you're choosing to face your responsibilities. Remember, you're always welcome here. Do come back for visits. Matthew and Yvonne are quite fond of you” Jessie understood the subtext in Marcus’ words all too well.

He was subtly assuring her mother that both he and Melissa supported her fully.

Despite this, Jessie felt she had earned her mother's rebuke.

She went upstairs to gather her things, dreading the goodbye with Melissa, who clearly didn't

want to see her go.

With a sad smile, Jessie acknowledged, “Leaving was inevitable.

Besides, it's time I took responsibility for my own life.” Their embrace was tight, filled with the unspoken acknowledgment of how much they had grown to rely on each other. Jessie, reflecting on their bond, felt her emotions swell. “We'll have to catch up soon,” she managed through tears.

Marcus, ever the stoic presence, offered his support with a simple, “If you need anything, just let me know.” as he casually stood by.

Jessie thanked him softly, her departure marked by a bowed head as she walked away with her mother.

The house fell into a sudden hush after their exit.

Julie couldn't help but express her sympathy for Jessie, despite her wealthy background. “Such a sad situation” she mused, her thoughts inadvertently drifting to Albert and his past attentiveness towards Melissa.

Recognizing the impropriety of gossip, she quickly excused herself and the children from the room, leaving Marcus and Melissa alone in the silence of the Living room.

After a moment's pause, Marcus broke the silence, his voice gentle.

“Isn't there something on your mind?”

Melissa, puzzled, responded, “What are you expecting me to say?” Marcus proceeded to prepare two cups of coffee, a deliberate act, before handing one to Melissa and settling down across from her.

Without mincing words, he addressed the heart of the matter. “Are You not considering informing Albert about Jessie's situation?” Melissa was at a loss, prompting Marcus to clarify with a slight smile.

“The Greens may seem well-off, but Jessie's father lacks the acumen for business, and the hotel sector has been struggling. Jessie herself hasn't been involved in the business at all. The Green family’s prospects are grim.” Concluding his point, Marcus noted, “Our ability to help is limited.” Melissa grasped Marcus’ underlying message.

He believed Albert, given his history with Jessie, might lend the necessary support to the Green family, perhaps as a gesture to amend past grievances.

After careful thought, Melissa resolved to take action.

When night fell, Matthew hit the hay early.

He couldn't shake thoughts of Jessie. He wandered around clutching his pillow, lost in a haze. Seeing him like that made Melissa a tad sad.

It felt Like everyone was used to having Jessie around.

Melissa tucked Matthew in with care.

Out of the blue, the door swung open. Yvonne strolled in, clad in her pajamas and whispered, “Is Matthew asleep?” Being close pals, the litle girl snuggled up to Melissa's lap naturally.

Melissa stroked her head softly and murmured, “Almost there.” Not wanting to disturb Matthew, Yvonne kept quiet and waited patiently.

After what seemed like ages, Matthew finally dozed off.

Melissa ushered Yvonne out who then whipped out her homework.

But math wasn't Melissa's forte. She wrestled with it for ages, ending up shaking her head in defeat.

Melissa felt quite embarrassed.

With wide innocent eyes, Yvonne asked, “Aunt Melissa? Do you know how to solve this math problem?” Melissa, of course, wasn't about to reveal the truth.

Just then, Marcus strolled in. Seeing Melissa awkwardly handling Yvonne's math book, he caught on. With a subtle grin, he plopped onto the couch, snatched the book, and explained the solution in the simplest terms.

Yvonne beamed after solving the math problem. “Thanks a bunch, Uncle Marcus!”

Marcus had a soft spot for the kid. He gave her a pat on the shoulder and said, “It's late now. Get some rest! Tomorrow, Il take you and Matthew back to my folks’ place” Yvonne dashed back to her room, bubbling with excitement.

Marcus only shut the door once Yvonne had hopped into bed.

‘s Catching Melissa tackling the math quiz, he couldn't resist tapping her head and quipping, “How'd you even make it into university with those math skills?” “Math's not my jam,” Melissa shot back instantly.

Sporting a grin, Marcus peeked in and asked, “Is Matthew asleep?” Melissa nodded in response.

She half expected Marcus to try something but he didn't push it after what had happened last time. It was handy for him, though, living under the same roof.

Sure, Marcus had hinted a few times, but Melissa wasn't having it.

he just nodded and

playing games.

time, theyd got intimate

he seemed to be keeping her at arm's length

the beans to Albert about Jessie and her family. Especially now that Albert was hitched. It made things

now ten

email. It was a snappy report

end, she added one more

up and even slapped Jessie! Mr. Watson, I might not be able to

of time mulling over

suss out what went down with the Green family

Meanwhile, over in Heron.

fancy villa and quizzed the servant, “Why's the bedroom light off? Where's Daisy? Is she out?” The servant got all flustered, blurting out, “Mrs. Waston popped out for coffee!” Albert checked his watch, giving

servant had been working for

words, she wouldn't spill

whether Daisy was home or not. He actually felt more at ease when she was out as there was no

never consummated the marriage

was his issue. So he tested the waters

turned out that he

just wasn't into

the stairs, Albert frowned,

attractive. s@xy, even. But she just

door, it

Specifically, her tears! Thinking of Jessie got Albert feeling a tad blue. He yanked off his tie and chucked it onto the bed, and then

mattress, motionless.

for his days back in

dull. Work piled up at the office and his missus never seemed to go without

feel suffocating, the same old routine day

his mind, Albert lit up a cigarette and took

a ping from his inbox grabbed his attention. He opened it up to find an email

burning the midnight oil,

moment's thought, Albert dialed Melissa's number. Cutting to the chase, he asked straight out, “What's the deal with the Greens? Jessie's mom... hit her?” Melissa had been waiting

across the face!

so no one’s handling the business. Marcus

her head with all

at

he said, “Got it” Melissa couldn't gauge Albert's

he ended the call right

stared at the stub of his cigarette for a

picture was Jessies

pampered, probably

Albert wasted no time in

he needed to stick around the head office. But right

flights at this hour. So he opted to

the stairs,

flawless makeup, she looked

resist asking, “Off somewhere, Albert? It's

when he noticed a faint

the expression on

two and

of discomfort, he couldn't care less. If anything, he felt a weight off his shoulders, thinking maybe

tone, he replied, “Got something to sort out. Might take a couple days” Daisy

smile in place, Albert made a

ready to head upstairs when the servant softly reminded her, “Maam, you

and quipped, “Just

pulled out a wad of cash from her purse and handed

was eight

pulled into the hospital

puffing on a cigarette, Albert dialed Jessie's number on his

now. And besides, we ended things ages ago.” Before Albert

dial her

his cigarette and exiting the car, Albert made his

In the VIP ward.

to rest after a sleepless night at

had given the grim diagnosis

her father had only a

that her family’s pillar would crumble so

she let out

there's a gentleman outside asking for you. He's waiting” Someone wanted to see her? Jessie couldn't quite make out who it was. After a moment's thought, she asked the

of the ward, she spotted a slim figure

It was Albert.

expected him to pop up

they couldn't

hadn't seen each other in ages. Albert was now somebody else's husband, and

pause, Jessie slowly made her way toward

a meter apart,

Like she'd

he asked in a rough voice, “Does your face hurt?" But Jessie just stared at him blankly. Her eyes, once full of life, now seemed devoid of

hurts” Albert moved closer, as

“Mr. Watson, I don't think it's appropriate. You're married now. I wouldn't want to upset your wife if she found out” Hearing this, Albert felt a twinge of annoyance. He shot back, “If you even

apologize to Mrs. Watson anytime.” Albert didn't want to air his

can do for you.” “Thanks, but no thanks!”

Goodbye, Mr. Watson!”

indifferent tone got under

and pulled

“Just because I'm married, does it

sleep with you as payment? Or maybe I should become your secret lover... Albert, is that what you want?” With tears welling up, Jessie continued, “No matter how tough it

Albert felt even

Jessie, nor did he spill the beans about

his marriage choice was in the past, for better or

even if his

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

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