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.

surprise, Marcus didn't seem miffed at all. Instead, he just nodded

playing games.

time, theyd got

to be keeping her

the beans to Albert about Jessie and

ten o'clock at

a snappy report on her recent

she

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

spent a good chunk of time mulling over her next

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

Meanwhile, over in Heron.

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 a faint grin.

the servant had been working for

other words, she wouldn't

when she was out as there was no need

never consummated the marriage

issue. So he tested the waters with

out that he still had

just wasn't

Albert frowned,

even. But she just didn't doit for

door,

He yanked off his tie

mattress, motionless.

then, he was yearning for his days back

dull. Work piled up at the office and his missus never

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

lit up a cigarette and took

grabbed his attention.

to be burning

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, he

hard slap across the face! She left

went on, “Jessie’s dad's really sick, so no one’s handling the business. Marcus mentioned her dad's not great with that

in over her head

at

“Got it” Melissa

he ended the call right

stub of

picture was

so pampered, probably couldn't handle the

tore him up inside! Albert wasted no time in deciding

head office. But right now, all

at this hour. So he opted to drive, an

stairs, Daisy happened to

her flawless makeup, she looked

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

when he noticed a faint

the expression on her

put two and two

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

to sort out. Might take a couple

made

ready to head upstairs when the servant softly reminded her, “Maam, you can't keep coming in late

rolled her eyes and quipped, “Just play

out a wad of cash from her purse and

eight

SUV pulled into the hospital

Albert dialed Jessie's number on his phone. She picked up soon after.

things ages ago.” Before

dial

his cigarette and exiting the car, Albert made his way straight to the

In the VIP ward.

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

had given the grim

father had

that her family’s pillar would crumble so

let

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

spotted a slim figure at the end of the

It was Albert.

She hadn't expected him to

distance, they couldn't read each other's

hadn't seen each other in ages. Albert was now somebody

pause, Jessie slowly made her

they were about a meter apart, Albert

she'd taken

face hurt?" But Jessie just stared at him blankly. Her eyes, once full

hurts” Albert moved closer, as if to

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 for my wedding, huh?” In

wish it, Mr. Watson, I can apologize to

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

Goodbye, Mr. Watson!”

indifferent tone got

reached out and pulled

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

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

felt even

Jessie, nor did he spill the

figured his marriage choice was in the past,

he didn't regret it, even if

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