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.

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

playing games.

got intimate in the

keeping her at arm's length

to fry. She was wrestling with how to spill the beans to Albert about

now ten o'clock at

an email. It was a snappy report on her recent work, looking pretty

end, she added one more

was all worked up and even slapped Jessie! Mr. Watson,

good chunk of

suss out what went down with the Green family

Meanwhile, over in Heron.

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. “Coffee at this hour,

servant had been working for Daisy for years

other words, she wouldn't

not. He actually felt more at ease when she was out as there

consummated the marriage since their

So he

that

wasn't

the stairs, Albert frowned,

was attractive. s@xy, even. But she

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

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

mattress, motionless.

then, he was yearning for his days back in

life here felt dull. Work piled up at the office and his missus never seemed to go without makeup, even

suffocating, the

Albert lit up a

ping from his inbox grabbed his attention. He opened it up to find

be burning the

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

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

sick, so no one’s handling the business. Marcus mentioned her dad's not great with that stuff.

over her head

twinged at her

“Got it” Melissa couldn't gauge Albert's

ended the call

stub of his cigarette for

he could picture was

was so pampered, probably couldn't

Albert wasted no time in deciding to head

needed to stick around the head

there were no flights at this hour. So he opted to drive, an eight-hour journey that would get

stairs,

makeup, she looked

Seeing Albert grab his coat, she couldn't resist asking, “Off somewhere,

a faint love bite

expression on

put two and

anything, he felt a weight

replied, “Got something to sort out. Might take a couple days”

in place, Albert made a quick exit

upstairs when the servant softly reminded her, “Maam, you can't keep coming

eyes and quipped, “Just

cash from her purse

was eight in the

black SUV pulled

dialed Jessie's number on his phone. She

And besides, we ended things ages ago.” Before Albert could respond, Jessie hung

dial her

exiting the car, Albert made

In the VIP ward.

gone home to rest after a sleepless night at the hospital.

given the grim diagnosis of

with surgery, her father had only a few

her family’s pillar would

brimming, she let out

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

the ward, she spotted a slim figure

It was Albert.

color. She hadn't expected him to

they couldn't read each other's

like they hadn't seen each other in ages. Albert was now somebody else's husband, and she was no

pause, Jessie slowly made her

they were about a meter apart,

looked Like she'd taken

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

flatly, “Obviously, it hurts” Albert moved closer,

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 back, “If you even cared about

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

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 I can manage

Goodbye, Mr. Watson!”

tone got under Albert's

out and pulled her into

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 her head

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, “No matter how tough it gets, Il never ask for

Albert felt

release Jessie, nor did he

in the past, for

even if his wife had

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

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