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.

didn't seem miffed at all. Instead, he just nodded and backed off. Melissa briefly wondered if

playing games.

got intimate in the

to be keeping her at arm's length

fry. She was wrestling with how to spill the beans to Albert about Jessie

was now ten o'clock at

was a snappy report on her recent

the end, she

by. She was all worked up and even slapped Jessie! Mr. Watson, I might

chunk of time mulling over

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

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, blurting out, “Mrs. Waston popped out for coffee!” Albert checked his watch, giving a faint grin. “Coffee at

had been working

she wouldn't spill the

couldn't care less whether Daisy was home or not. He actually felt more at ease when she

consummated the marriage since

So

turned out that he

just wasn't into

stairs, Albert frowned,

attractive. s@xy, even. But

pushed open the bedroom door, it hit him like

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

mattress, motionless.

was yearning for

felt dull. Work piled up at the office and his missus never seemed to

suffocating, the same old routine day

on his mind, Albert lit up a

long after, a ping from his inbox grabbed his attention. He opened it up to find an email from

hadn't expected Melissa to be burning the midnight oil,

family?! After a moment's thought, Albert dialed Melissa's number. Cutting to the chase, he asked straight

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

handling the

her head with

heart twinged at her

said, “Got it” Melissa couldn't gauge

he ended the

stared at the stub of his cigarette for a

picture was

probably couldn't handle the pain...

the thought of it tore him up inside! Albert wasted no time in

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

So he opted to drive, an eight-hour journey that would get him there by

descended the stairs, Daisy happened to

her flawless makeup, she looked like

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

was when he noticed a faint love bite on Daisy's

the expression on

put two and two

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

something to sort out. Might take a couple

Albert made a quick exit

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

eyes and

she pulled out a wad of cash from her

eight in

pulled into

on his phone. She picked up soon after. “Why do you keep calling?

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

didn't dial her number

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

In the VIP ward.

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

given the grim diagnosis of

father had only

family’s

brimming, she let out a

her? Jessie couldn't quite make out

she spotted a slim figure at the

It was Albert.

expected him to pop up out of

a distance, they couldn't read each other's

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

pause, Jessie slowly

about a meter apart,

she'd taken

“Does your face hurt?" But Jessie just stared at him blankly.

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

“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

apologize to Mrs.

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

Goodbye, Mr. Watson!”

got

reached out and pulled her into a

I'm married, does it mean you have to

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

Albert felt even

did he spill the

his marriage choice was in the past, for better

even if his wife

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

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