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.

all. Instead, he just nodded and backed off. Melissa briefly wondered

playing games.

time, theyd got

he seemed to be keeping her at arm's length

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

was now ten o'clock

It was a snappy report on her recent work,

she added one

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

chunk of time mulling

feelings for Jessie, he'd suss out what went down

Meanwhile, over in Heron.

swung by the 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

servant had been working for Daisy for years and

other words, she

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

the marriage

his issue. So he tested the waters

turned out that he

wasn't into

stairs, Albert frowned, pondering

But she

pushed open the bedroom door, it hit him like

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

mattress, motionless.

yearning for his days

up at the office

was starting to feel suffocating, the same old

lit up a cigarette and took

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

hadn't expected Melissa to be burning the

a 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

a hard slap across the face! She left with her mom, all

handling the business.

Jessie's in over her

twinged at her words.

he said, “Got it”

he ended the call

stared at the stub of his cigarette for

picture was

probably

inside! Albert wasted no time

he needed to stick around the head office.

this hour. So he opted to drive, an eight-hour journey that

stairs, Daisy happened

she looked like a vision

was in high spirits. Seeing Albert grab his coat, she couldn't resist asking,

he noticed a

the expression on her

two

weight off his shoulders,

sort out. Might take a couple days” Daisy seemed even happier

place, Albert made a

“Maam, you can't keep coming in late like

rolled her eyes and quipped, “Just play

a wad of cash from her purse and handed it over to

eight

black SUV pulled

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

married now. And besides, we ended things

didn't dial her number

Albert made his way straight to the

In the VIP ward.

Her mother had gone home to rest after a sleepless night at the hospital. So Jessie sat there alone, staring

grim diagnosis

surgery, her father had only a

was unimaginable that her family’s pillar

she let out a soft

you. He's waiting” Someone wanted to see her? Jessie couldn't quite make out who it was. After a

she spotted a

It was Albert.

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

couldn't read

had been a short time, it felt like they hadn't seen each other in

Jessie slowly

about a meter apart, Albert noticed

looked Like she'd taken

hold back, he asked in a rough voice, “Does your face hurt?" But Jessie just stared at him blankly. Her eyes, once

Albert moved closer, as if

found out” Hearing this, Albert felt a twinge of annoyance. He shot back, “If

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

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

Goodbye, Mr. Watson!”

tone got under

pulled

her face, Jessie winced in pain. Albert felt a pang of guilt and said firmly, “Just because I'm married, does it mean you

Mr. Watson? Should I accept your help and then sleep with you as payment? Or maybe I should become your secret lover... Albert,

Albert felt

he didn't release Jessie, nor did he spill

marriage choice was in

regret it, even if his wife had cheated

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

Comments ()

0/255