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.

her surprise, Marcus didn't seem miffed at all. Instead, he just nodded and backed

playing games.

time, theyd got intimate in the

be keeping her at arm's length on

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

ten o'clock at

snappy report

the end, she added one more

by. She was all worked up and even slapped Jessie!

spent a good chunk of time mulling over

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

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

working for Daisy for years and

she wouldn't spill

felt more at ease when she

the marriage since their wedding

Albert figured it was his issue. So he

turned out that he still

just wasn't into

Albert

was attractive. s@xy, even. But she just

door, it hit him like a ton of

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

mattress, motionless.

then, he was yearning for his days back

up at the office and his missus never seemed to go

was starting to feel suffocating, the same old routine day

that on his mind, Albert lit up a cigarette

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

expected Melissa to be burning the midnight oil, especially on

of her email knocked him sideways! Something was up with Jessie's family?! After a moment's thought, Albert dialed Melissa's number. Cutting

across the face! She left

so no one’s handling the business. Marcus mentioned her dad's

over her head

at her words.

said, “Got

ended the call right

stared at the stub of his cigarette for

picture was Jessies

so pampered, probably couldn't

up inside! Albert wasted no time

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

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

stairs, Daisy happened

she looked like a vision of

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

he noticed a faint love

the expression

put two and

felt a weight off

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

place, Albert made a quick

reminded her, “Maam, you

her eyes and

of cash from her purse and handed it over to the

was eight

pulled into

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

now. And besides, we ended things ages ago.”

didn't dial her

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

In the VIP ward.

had gone home to rest after a sleepless night

the grim diagnosis of terminal liver

had only

that her family’s pillar would crumble so

brimming, she let out

gentleman outside asking for you. He's waiting” Someone wanted to see her? Jessie couldn't quite make out who it was.

ward, she spotted a

It was Albert.

hadn't expected him to pop up out

couldn't

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

long pause, Jessie slowly made her way

were about a meter apart, Albert noticed her swollen

she'd taken

a rough voice, “Does your face hurt?" But Jessie just stared at him blankly. Her eyes,

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 rush to Heron for my wedding,

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

“I just wanted to check if you're okay. And if there's anything I can do for you.” “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 to

Goodbye, Mr. Watson!”

indifferent tone got under Albert's

out and pulled her

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 her head

then sleep with you as payment? Or maybe I should become your secret lover... Albert,

Albert felt

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

choice was in the

even if

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

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