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.

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

playing games.

theyd got

keeping

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

now ten o'clock at

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

end, she added

Jessie! Mr. Watson, I

spent a good chunk of time

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

Meanwhile, over in Heron.

“Why's the bedroom 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

had been working for Daisy

she wouldn't spill

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

consummated the marriage

So he tested the waters with

that

wasn't

the stairs, Albert

But she just

open the bedroom door, it hit him like a

got Albert feeling a tad blue. He yanked off his tie and chucked it onto

mattress, motionless.

was yearning for his

that, life here felt dull. Work 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,

on his mind, Albert lit up a

his attention. He opened it up to find an email from

expected Melissa to be burning the midnight oil,

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 call, clutching the phone

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

the business. Marcus mentioned her

over her head with all

twinged at her

“Got

the

at the stub of his cigarette

picture was Jessies swollen

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

thought of it tore him up inside! Albert wasted no time in deciding to head back to

still shaky, and he needed to stick around the head office. But right now, all he could think about was getting

at this hour. So he opted to

the stairs,

she looked like a vision

was in high spirits. Seeing Albert grab his coat, she couldn't resist asking, “Off somewhere, Albert? It's late” Albert paused, casting a glance her

a faint love

the expression

two and two

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

to sort out. Might take a couple days”

smile in place, Albert made a quick exit

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

eyes and quipped,

of cash from her purse and

was eight in the

sleek black SUV pulled into the hospital

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

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

dial her

out his cigarette and exiting the car, Albert

In the VIP ward.

lay in a coma. Her mother had gone home to rest after a sleepless

doctor had given the grim

surgery, her father had only a few months

her family’s pillar would

brimming, she let out a

door open gently. “Miss Green, there's a gentleman outside asking for you. He's waiting” Someone wanted to see her? Jessie couldn't

spotted a slim figure

It was Albert.

drained of color. She hadn't expected him

couldn't

each other in ages. Albert was now somebody else's husband, and she

a long pause, Jessie slowly made her way

were about a meter apart, Albert

Like she'd taken

he asked in a rough voice, “Does your face hurt?" But Jessie just

it hurts” Albert moved closer, as if

want to upset your wife if she found out” Hearing this, Albert felt a twinge of

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

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

Goodbye, Mr. Watson!”

indifferent tone got under Albert's

pulled her into a

face, Jessie winced in pain. Albert 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 her head and offered

your secret lover... Albert, is that what you want?” With tears welling up, Jessie continued, “No matter how tough it

Albert felt

Jessie, nor did he spill the

marriage choice was in the past, for better or

didn't regret it, even if his wife had cheated on

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

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