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.

didn't seem miffed at all. Instead, he just nodded and backed

playing games.

time, theyd got intimate

be keeping her at

fry. She was wrestling with how to spill the beans to Albert about Jessie and her family. Especially now that Albert was hitched. It made things

ten o'clock at

was crafting an email. It was a snappy report on

the end, she added one more

worked up and even slapped Jessie! Mr. Watson, I might

spent a good chunk of time mulling over her

Jessie, he'd suss out what went down

Meanwhile, over in Heron.

The servant got all flustered, blurting

didn't press further. He knew the servant had been working for Daisy for years

other words, she wouldn't spill

care less whether Daisy was home or not. He actually felt more at ease when she was out as there was

never consummated the marriage

his issue. So

that he

wasn't into

Albert frowned, pondering

But she just didn't doit

soon as he pushed open the bedroom door,

feeling a tad blue. He yanked

mattress, motionless.

yearning for his days

office and his missus never seemed to go without makeup,

the

lit

after, a ping from his inbox grabbed his attention. He opened it up to find

burning the midnight oil,

up with Jessie's family?! After a moment's thought, Albert dialed Melissa's number. Cutting to the chase, he asked straight out, “What's the deal

slap across the face! She left with her

sick, so no one’s handling the business. Marcus mentioned her dad's

her

twinged at her words.

“Got it” Melissa couldn't

the call

stared at the stub of his

picture

so pampered, probably couldn't

up inside! Albert wasted no time

still shaky, and he needed to stick around the head office. But right now, all he could think about was getting back

problem was that there were no flights at this hour. So he opted to drive, an

stairs, Daisy happened to

she looked like a vision

Seeing Albert grab his coat, she couldn't resist asking, “Off

was when he noticed a faint love bite on Daisy's

the expression

two and two

he felt a weight off his shoulders, thinking maybe Daisy could find

out. Might take a couple

in place, Albert made a quick

ready to head upstairs when the servant softly reminded her, “Maam, you can't keep coming in late like this. Mr. Watson asked about it

eyes and quipped, “Just

of cash from her purse and

was eight in the

black SUV pulled into the hospital parking

dialed Jessie's number on his phone. She

we ended things ages ago.” Before Albert could respond, Jessie

didn't dial her

out his cigarette and exiting the car, Albert made his way

In the VIP ward.

mother had gone home to rest after a sleepless night

given the grim diagnosis

had only a

family’s pillar would crumble so

let out a soft

there's a gentleman outside asking for you. He's waiting” Someone wanted to see her? Jessie couldn't quite make out who

out of the ward, she spotted a slim

It was Albert.

hadn't expected him

they couldn't

been a short time, it felt like they hadn't seen each other in ages. Albert was now somebody else's husband, and she was

Jessie slowly made

about a meter apart, Albert

she'd

hurt?" But Jessie just stared at him blankly. Her eyes, once full of life, now seemed devoid of

flatly, “Obviously, it hurts” Albert moved closer, as if to

“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 cared about her feelings, why'd you rush to Heron

it, Mr. Watson, I can apologize to Mrs. Watson anytime.” Albert

anything I can do for you.” “Thanks, but no thanks!” Jessie replied coolly, “I appreciate your concern, Mr. Watson. But I can manage on my own... If that's all, I need to get back to my

Goodbye, Mr. Watson!”

tone got under

pulled her into a

winced in pain. Albert felt a pang of guilt and said firmly, “Just because I'm married, does it mean you have to treat me like a stranger?” Jessie lifted her

fired back, “What else should I do, Mr. Watson? Should I accept your help and then 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 gets, Il never ask for your help!” Jessie, after saying that, seemed lost in

felt

nor did

his marriage choice was in the

regret it, even if his

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