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 in

keeping her at arm's length

to Albert about Jessie

ten

email. It was a snappy report on her recent

the end, she added one more

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

a good chunk of time mulling over her

Albert still harbored feelings for Jessie, he'd suss out what went down with the Green

Meanwhile, over in Heron.

Daisy? Is she out?” The servant got all flustered, blurting out, “Mrs. Waston popped out for coffee!” Albert checked

been working for Daisy for

words, she wouldn't spill

she was out as there was no need to put on a show

consummated the

his issue. So

turned out that he

just wasn't

stairs, Albert frowned, pondering

was attractive. s@xy, even. But she just didn't doit for

pushed open the bedroom door, it hit him like a ton

blue. He yanked off his tie and chucked it onto

mattress, motionless.

was yearning for

life here felt dull. Work piled up at the office and

suffocating, the

his mind, Albert lit up a cigarette

inbox grabbed his attention. He opened it up to find

burning the midnight oil,

Albert mulled over giving Melissa a raise, the last few lines of her email knocked him sideways! Something was up with Jessie's family?! After a moment's thought, Albert dialed Melissa's number. Cutting to the chase,

the face! She left with her mom, all

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

Jessie's in over her head with

twinged at

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

the call right

at the stub of his cigarette for a

could picture was Jessies

so pampered, probably

of it tore him up inside! Albert wasted no time in

the head office. But right now, all he could

hour. So he opted to drive, an eight-hour journey that would get him there by

stairs, Daisy happened

looked

high spirits. Seeing Albert grab his coat, she couldn't resist asking, “Off somewhere, Albert? It's

a faint love bite on

the expression on her

two and two

discomfort, he couldn't care less. If anything, he felt a weight off his shoulders, thinking maybe Daisy could find her own fun, something

to sort out. Might take a couple days”

in place, Albert made a quick exit

her, “Maam, you can't keep coming in late like this. Mr.

rolled her eyes and

she pulled out a wad of cash from her purse

was eight in the

pulled into the hospital

on a cigarette, Albert dialed Jessie's number on his phone. She picked up soon after. “Why do you keep

besides, we ended things

dial

the car, Albert made his way straight to the hospital's inpatient department.

In the VIP ward.

mother had gone home to rest after a sleepless night at the

grim diagnosis

her father had only a few months

her family’s pillar

let out a

pushed the door open gently. “Miss Green, there's a gentleman outside asking for you. He's waiting” Someone wanted to see her?

she spotted a slim figure at the end

It was Albert.

color. She hadn't expected him to pop up out of

a distance, they couldn't read

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

slowly made her

they were about a meter apart, Albert

she'd taken

voice, “Does your face hurt?" But Jessie just stared at him blankly. Her eyes, once full of life, now

hurts” Albert moved closer, as if to

turning colder. “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

can apologize to Mrs. Watson anytime.” Albert didn't want to air his dirty laundry in

And if there's anything I can do for you.” “Thanks, but no thanks!” Jessie replied coolly, “I appreciate your concern,

Goodbye, Mr. Watson!”

tone got

and pulled her into a

guilt and said firmly, “Just because I'm married, does it mean you have to treat me like a stranger?” Jessie lifted her head and offered a faint

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,

felt even

didn't release Jessie, nor did he spill the

marriage choice was in the past, for

even if his wife had cheated on

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

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