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

to be keeping her at arm's

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

ten o'clock

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

she added one

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

chunk of time mulling

feelings for Jessie, he'd suss out what went down

Meanwhile, over in Heron.

out, Albert swung by the fancy villa and quizzed the servant, “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

been working for Daisy for years and was very loyal

words, she wouldn't spill the

home or not. He actually felt more at ease when she was out as there was no need to put on a show and play

never consummated the marriage

figured it was his issue. So he

that he still had

just wasn't

Albert frowned,

even. But she just didn't doit

as he pushed open the bedroom door, it hit him like

was because of Jessie. Specifically, her tears! Thinking of Jessie got Albert feeling a tad blue. He yanked off

mattress, motionless.

was yearning for his days back

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

starting to feel suffocating, the

his attention. He opened it up to find an email

burning the midnight oil, especially

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

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

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

over her head

twinged at

“Got it” Melissa couldn't gauge

ended the call right

at the stub of his cigarette for

he could picture

probably

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

he needed to stick around the head office. But right now, all he could think about

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

he descended the stairs, Daisy happened

she looked like

couldn't resist asking, “Off somewhere, Albert? It's

he noticed a

expression

put two and

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

nonchalant tone, he replied, “Got something to sort out. Might take a couple days” Daisy

smile in place, Albert made a quick exit from the

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

eyes and quipped, “Just

from her purse and handed it over to the

eight

sleek black SUV pulled

on a cigarette, Albert dialed Jessie's number on his phone.

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

didn't dial her number

the car, Albert made his way straight to the hospital's inpatient department.

In the VIP ward.

a coma. Her mother had gone home to rest after a sleepless night at the hospital. So Jessie sat there alone, staring blankly at her

had given the grim diagnosis of terminal

father had only a

unimaginable that her family’s

she let out a soft

her? Jessie couldn't quite make out who it was. After a moment's

she spotted a

It was Albert.

color. She hadn't expected

distance, they couldn't

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

a long pause, Jessie slowly

a meter apart,

looked Like she'd taken a

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

replied flatly, “Obviously, it hurts” Albert moved closer, as if to touch

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 for my

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

to check if you're okay. And if there's anything I can do for you.” “Thanks, but no

Goodbye, Mr. Watson!”

tone got

pulled

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

I should become your secret lover... Albert, is that what you want?”

felt

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

in the past, for better or

didn't regret it, even if his wife

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

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