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 the

he seemed to be keeping her at

how to spill the beans to Albert about Jessie and her

was now ten

was crafting an email. It was a snappy

end, she

She was all worked up and even slapped Jessie!

good chunk of

if Albert still harbored feelings for Jessie, he'd suss out what went

Meanwhile, over in Heron.

Daisy? Is she out?” The servant got all flustered, blurting out, “Mrs. Waston popped out for coffee!” Albert checked his watch, giving a faint grin. “Coffee

further. He knew the servant had been working for Daisy for years and

words, she

she was out as there was no need to put

never consummated the marriage

it was his issue. So he tested the waters

that he still had

wasn't

Albert

But she just didn't

door, it hit him like

tad blue. He yanked off his tie and chucked it onto the bed, and then flopped down on the

mattress, motionless.

was yearning for his days back

piled up at the office and his missus never seemed to go without makeup,

was starting to feel suffocating, the same old routine day in, day

his mind, Albert lit

inbox grabbed his attention. He opened it up to

Melissa to be burning the midnight oil, especially

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, he asked straight out, “What's the deal with the Greens? Jessie's mom... hit her?” Melissa had been waiting for his

the face! She left

no one’s handling the business. Marcus

in over her

heart twinged at

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

ended the

the stub of

picture was

so pampered, probably couldn't

Albert wasted no time

shaky, and he needed to stick around the head office. But right now,

that there were no flights at this hour. So he opted to

the stairs, Daisy happened to

her flawless makeup, she looked like a vision

grab his coat, she couldn't resist asking, “Off somewhere, Albert? It's late” Albert paused,

he noticed a faint love

expression on

two

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

Might take a couple days” Daisy seemed even

Albert made

her, “Maam, you can't keep coming in

eyes and quipped, “Just

she pulled out a wad of cash from her purse and

was eight in the

black SUV pulled into the hospital parking

Jessie's number on his phone. She picked up soon after. “Why do you keep

you're married now. And besides, we ended things ages ago.” Before

didn't dial

cigarette and exiting the car, Albert made his way straight to the hospital's inpatient

In the VIP ward.

to rest after a sleepless night at the hospital. So Jessie sat there alone, staring blankly at her

grim diagnosis of terminal

father had

family’s pillar would

she let out a soft

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

a slim figure at the end

It was Albert.

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

they couldn't

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

a long pause, Jessie slowly made her way

about a meter apart, Albert

she'd taken

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

Albert moved closer, as if to touch her

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

now, she simply said, “If you wish it, Mr. Watson, I can apologize to Mrs. Watson anytime.” Albert didn't want to

if you're okay. 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 manage on my own... If that's all, I need to get back to my

Goodbye, Mr. Watson!”

got

and pulled

felt a pang of guilt and said firmly, “Just because I'm married, does it mean you have

Albert, is that what you want?” With tears welling up, Jessie

Albert felt

release Jessie, nor did he

marriage choice was in

even if his

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