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 and backed off.

playing games.

time, theyd got intimate

seemed to be keeping her

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 was hitched.

ten

email. It was a snappy report on her recent

the end, she added

Green dropped by. She was all worked up and even slapped Jessie! Mr. Watson,

chunk of time mulling over

he'd suss out what

Meanwhile, over in Heron.

Is she out?” The servant got all flustered, blurting out, “Mrs. Waston

He knew the servant had been working for Daisy for years and was very

she

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

the marriage since their

figured it was his issue. So he tested the waters with ‘other

out that he still

just wasn't into

Albert frowned, pondering

attractive. s@xy, even. But she just didn't doit for

soon as he pushed open the bedroom door, it

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

mattress, motionless.

then, he was yearning for his days back in

that, life here felt dull. Work piled up at the office and his missus never

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

Albert lit up

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

be burning the midnight

Albert 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 Greens? Jessie's mom... hit her?” Melissa had been waiting for

face! She left with

handling the business.

in over her

heart twinged at her words.

low tone, he said, “Got

ended the call right

stub of his cigarette for a

picture was Jessies

was so pampered, probably couldn't handle the

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

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

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

the stairs, Daisy happened to stroll

her flawless makeup, she looked like a vision of

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

a faint love bite on

the expression

put two

less. If anything, he felt a weight off his shoulders,

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

Albert made a quick

“Maam, you can't keep coming in late like this. Mr. Watson

rolled her eyes and quipped, “Just play

out a wad of cash from her purse and handed it

eight in

SUV pulled into the hospital parking

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

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

dial her number

his cigarette and exiting the car, Albert

In the VIP ward.

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

grim diagnosis of terminal

father had only a few

unimaginable that her family’s pillar would crumble

let

pushed the 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 at

It was Albert.

of color. She hadn't expected him to pop up out of

they couldn't read each other's

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

long pause, Jessie slowly made her way

meter apart, Albert noticed her

she'd taken

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

Albert moved closer,

Jessie stepped back, her tone turning 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 her feelings, why'd you rush to Heron

apologize to

“Thanks, but no thanks!” Jessie replied coolly, “I appreciate your concern, Mr. Watson. But I can manage on my own... If that's all, I need to get back

Goodbye, Mr. Watson!”

got under Albert's

and pulled her into

pain. Albert felt a pang of guilt and said firmly, “Just because I'm married, does

“What else should 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 your help!” Jessie, after saying

felt even worse.

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

was in the past, for better or

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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