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.

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

playing games.

time, theyd got intimate in the

keeping her at

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

now ten

was a snappy report on her recent work, looking

end, she added one more

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

a good chunk of

suss out what went down with the Green

Meanwhile, over in Heron.

bedroom light off? Where's Daisy? Is she out?” The servant got all flustered, blurting out, “Mrs. Waston popped out for coffee!”

further. He knew the servant had been working for

words, she

care less whether Daisy was home or not. He actually felt more at ease when she was out as there was no need

had never consummated the marriage since their

it was his issue. So he tested the waters with

turned out that

just wasn't into

the stairs, Albert

attractive. s@xy, even. But she just

he pushed open the bedroom door, it

Albert feeling a tad blue. He yanked off his tie

mattress, motionless.

yearning for

the office and his

starting to feel suffocating, the same

on his mind, Albert lit up a cigarette

inbox grabbed his attention. He opened it

expected Melissa to be burning the midnight oil, especially on

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

a hard slap across the face! She left

sick, so no one’s handling the business.

her head with all

heart twinged at

“Got it” Melissa couldn't gauge

ended the

the stub of his cigarette for

picture was

so pampered, probably couldn't handle the

tore him up inside! Albert wasted no time in deciding to head

Heron were still shaky, and he needed to stick around the head office. But right now, all

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

stairs,

looked

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

he noticed a faint love bite on Daisy's

expression

put two and two

If anything, he felt a weight

he replied, “Got something to sort out. Might take a couple days” Daisy seemed even happier

made a quick exit

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

her eyes and quipped, “Just

she pulled out a wad of cash from

was eight in

black SUV pulled into the hospital parking

on his phone. She picked up

now. And besides, we ended things ages ago.” Before

didn't dial her

the car, Albert made

In the VIP ward.

gone home to rest after a sleepless night at

had given the grim

with surgery, her father had only a few months

that her family’s pillar

she let out

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

out of the ward, she spotted a slim figure at the end of

It was Albert.

expected him to

distance, they couldn't read

other in ages. Albert was now somebody else's husband, and she was no longer

long pause, Jessie slowly made her

a meter apart, Albert noticed her swollen

she'd taken a

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

it hurts” Albert moved closer, as if to touch

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

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

gently, “I just wanted to check 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

Goodbye, Mr. Watson!”

indifferent tone got under Albert's

pulled her into

firmly, “Just because I'm married, does it mean you have to treat me like

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

Albert felt even

release Jessie, nor did he spill the beans

marriage choice was in

regret it, even if his

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

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