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

playing games.

time, theyd got intimate

to be keeping her

about Jessie and her family. Especially now that Albert was hitched. It made things tricky, dealing with his

was now ten o'clock

a snappy report on her recent work, looking pretty

the end, she added

even slapped Jessie! Mr. Watson, I might not be able to look

spent a good chunk of time

she reckoned if Albert still harbored feelings for Jessie, he'd suss

Meanwhile, over in Heron.

clocking 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 checked his watch, giving a faint grin. “Coffee at this hour,

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

words, she wouldn't spill

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

never consummated the

So he tested the waters

that he

just wasn't

stairs, Albert

s@xy, even. But she just

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

of Jessie got Albert feeling a tad blue. He yanked off his tie and chucked it onto the bed, and

mattress, motionless.

then, he was yearning for his days back in

piled up at the office and his missus never seemed to go without makeup, even in her

suffocating, the same old

on his mind, Albert lit up

his attention. He opened it up to find

expected Melissa to be burning the midnight oil,

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

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

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

in over her head with

at

tone, he said, “Got

he ended the call

the stub of his

picture was

probably couldn't

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

Heron were still shaky, and he needed to stick around the head office. But

was that there were no flights at this hour. So he opted

stairs, Daisy happened to

makeup, she looked like a

grab his coat, she couldn't resist

was when he noticed a faint

the expression

put two and

discomfort, he couldn't care less. If anything, he felt a weight off his shoulders,

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

Albert made a quick exit from the

the servant softly reminded her, “Maam, you can't keep coming in late like this. Mr. Watson asked about it earlier. I

rolled her eyes and quipped, “Just play it

a wad of cash from her purse and

was eight

black SUV pulled

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

things ages ago.” Before Albert could respond,

dial her

stubbing out his cigarette and exiting the car, Albert

In the VIP ward.

home to rest after a sleepless night at the hospital. So Jessie

doctor had given the grim diagnosis of terminal liver

her father had

unimaginable that her family’s pillar would crumble so

brimming, she let out a

wanted to see her? Jessie couldn't quite make out who it was. After a moment's thought, she asked the nurse to keep watch

a slim figure at the

It was Albert.

of color. She hadn't expected him

a distance, they couldn't read each

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

Jessie slowly made her way

a meter apart, Albert noticed her

Like she'd

back, he asked in a rough voice, “Does your face hurt?" But Jessie just stared at him blankly. Her eyes, once full of life, now seemed devoid of

moved closer, as if to

she found out” Hearing this, Albert felt a twinge of annoyance. He shot back,

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

no thanks!” Jessie replied coolly, “I

Goodbye, Mr. Watson!”

indifferent tone got under Albert's

and pulled

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

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 that, seemed lost in

felt even worse.

did he spill the beans

was in the past,

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

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

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