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.

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

playing games.

theyd got

be keeping her at arm's length

fish to fry. She was wrestling with how to spill the beans to Albert about Jessie and her family. Especially now

was now ten o'clock at

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

she added one more

dropped by. She was all worked up and even slapped Jessie! Mr. Watson, I might not be able to look after

chunk of time

if Albert still harbored feelings for Jessie, he'd suss out what went down with the Green family on

Meanwhile, over in Heron.

she out?” The servant got all flustered, blurting out,

been working for Daisy for years and was very loyal to

words, she wouldn't spill

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

had never consummated the

So

that he

just wasn't into

the stairs, Albert frowned, pondering

even. But she

the bedroom door, it hit him

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

mattress, motionless.

then, he was yearning for

office and his missus never seemed to go without

to feel suffocating, the same

on his mind, Albert lit up a cigarette and took

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

be burning the midnight oil,

mulled over giving 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 asked straight out, “What's the deal with the

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

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

her head with

heart twinged at her

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

he ended the call right

stub of his cigarette for

could picture was Jessies

so pampered, probably couldn't handle the pain...

inside! Albert wasted no time in

around the head office. But right now, all he could think about was

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

stairs, Daisy happened

looked

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

noticed a faint love bite on

the expression on her

put two

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

Might take

place, Albert made

him disappear, Daisy was ready to head upstairs when the servant softly reminded her, “Maam, you can't

rolled her eyes and quipped, “Just play

a wad of cash from her purse and handed

was eight

sleek black SUV pulled into

on a cigarette, Albert dialed Jessie's number on his phone. She picked up soon after. “Why do you keep calling?

ended things ages ago.”

dial her number

exiting the car, Albert made his way straight to

In the VIP ward.

after a sleepless night at the hospital. So Jessie

the grim diagnosis

had only a few

her family’s pillar would

she let

outside asking for you. He's waiting” Someone wanted to see her? Jessie couldn't quite make out who it was. After a moment's thought, she asked the

ward, she spotted a slim figure at the end of

It was Albert.

color. She hadn't expected him to pop

distance, they couldn't

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

long pause, Jessie slowly made

were about a meter apart, Albert noticed her swollen

Like she'd taken a

voice, “Does your face hurt?" But Jessie just stared at him

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

want to upset your wife if she found out” Hearing this, Albert felt a twinge of annoyance. He shot back, “If you

“If you wish it, Mr. Watson, I can apologize to Mrs. Watson anytime.” Albert

you.” “Thanks, but no thanks!” Jessie replied coolly, “I appreciate your concern, Mr. Watson. But

Goodbye, Mr. Watson!”

indifferent tone got

and pulled her

of guilt and said firmly, “Just because I'm married, does it mean

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

felt even worse.

he didn't release Jessie, nor did he spill the beans about

figured his marriage choice was in the past,

regret it, even if his

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

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