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

playing games.

theyd got intimate in

keeping her at arm's length

to spill the beans to Albert about Jessie and her family. Especially now that

now ten o'clock at

email. It was a snappy

she added one

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

of time mulling over her next

feelings for Jessie, he'd suss out what

Meanwhile, over in Heron.

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,

servant had been working for Daisy for years and

other words, she wouldn't

felt more at ease when she was out as there was no need

never consummated the marriage

was his issue. So he tested the waters with

turned out that he

just wasn't

stairs, Albert frowned,

attractive. s@xy, even. But she

as he pushed open the bedroom door,

got Albert feeling a tad blue. He yanked off

mattress, motionless.

was yearning for

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

the same old routine

mind, Albert lit

long after, a ping from his inbox grabbed his attention. He opened

be burning

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?”

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

the

her head

twinged at her

said, “Got it” Melissa

the

stub of his

he could picture was Jessies

so pampered, probably couldn't

up inside! Albert wasted no time in deciding to

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

he opted to drive,

he descended the stairs, Daisy happened

flawless makeup, she looked like

couldn't resist asking, “Off somewhere, Albert? It's late” Albert paused, casting a glance

he noticed a faint love bite on

the expression

two

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

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

Albert made a quick exit

her, “Maam, you can't keep coming in late like this. Mr. Watson asked about it earlier. I was really

rolled her eyes and quipped,

cash from her purse and

was eight in the

black SUV pulled into the

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

we ended things ages ago.” Before Albert

didn't dial her number

and exiting the car, Albert made his way straight

In the VIP ward.

home to rest after a sleepless

the grim diagnosis of terminal liver

had only a

unimaginable that her family’s pillar would crumble

she let out a

you. He's waiting” Someone wanted to see her? Jessie couldn't quite make

out of the ward, she spotted a slim figure at the

It was Albert.

color. She hadn't expected

couldn't

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

a long pause, Jessie slowly made her way

about a meter apart, Albert noticed her swollen

Like she'd

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

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

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

Watson, I can apologize to Mrs. Watson anytime.” Albert didn't want to

if there's anything I can do for you.” “Thanks, but no thanks!” Jessie

Goodbye, Mr. Watson!”

indifferent tone got under

and pulled

he touched her 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

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,

felt even

didn't release Jessie, nor did

figured his marriage choice was in the past, for

if

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