After along pause, he murmured, You still blame me for what happened, dont you? But Melissa, it was my backing off that led you to Marcus. If I hadnt let go of us, what would you have done? This is pointless.

Melissa tossed her briefcase into the white Bentley and moved to getin.

But Ryan grasped her hand suddenly, leaving her stunned.

He released her hand quickly, a bitter smile on his lips. Im leaving the country and will be transferred to some remote place. I heard it was Marcus idea and that it was arranged through HR. I think its because of that wedding gift I gave you. Melissa, Im not out to cause trouble. I just need a chat. Theres stuff you might not know, like what went down with Shawn last time. Doesnt it seem fishy? Howd he score that gig and cash? And hooking up with his boss girl? Plus, whod go for him with that mug? Melissa asked icily, Whats your point?

Finally seated in a cafe across from her workplace, Ryan passed her a recorder pen. He grinned, saying, Got a good rapport with Mr.

Roger Hill from Fowler Group. I recorded him blabbing while he was sloshed. Turns out, Marcus set Shawn up from the get-go. Even arranged for Shawns fling with that woman. And when Shawn got busted, Marcus bailed him out big time.

Melissa gazed at Ryan in silence for a moment, and then flicked on the recorder pen.

She recognized Rogers voice, though it came in bits and pieces. Yet, the message was clear.

Finally, Roger stuttered, Shawns like a puppet in front of Marcus Fowler. Marcus handed him twenty million as hush money but Shawn kept tight-Lipped. He tried crawling back to his wife but she wouldnt have a bar of it.

Ryan smirked, remarking, Do you hear that, Melissa? Your man isnt what he seems. Hes just a slimy snake, willing to do anything for your forgiveness.

With a sigh, Melissa switched off the recorder and slid it across to Ryan.

Ryan looked stunned. Arent you mad? Dont you want to grill him on this? Melissa replied calmly. This is between us. None of your business.

She rose to leave but Ryans voice stopped her in her tracks. If I swapped places with Marcus, would you still love him? You wouldnt, right? Melissa hesitated.

Then she answered. The truths, I never loved you.

Ryans face paled, his body seemingly crumbling. He didnt know why hed done this. Even if he could play dumb, hed still angered Marcus.

He had no clue what repercussions awaited him.

Perhaps he wasnt ready to let go just yet.

He envied Marcus seemingly perfect life. Ryan wondered, if he had it all, would Melissa choose him instead? Melissa slid into her car.

After a moment of silence, her phone buzzed. It was Marcus calling.

You had coffee with Ryan? Yeah. I see youve still got your guys tailing me. No one likes being watched, Marcus.

There was a pause before Marcus asked, What did he say? Thinking for a beat, Melissa replied, Lets head to the apartment.

Im craving your lamb chops.

Marcus, ever perceptive, sensed the underlying tension. Are you mad? Why would you think that? Melissa countered.

Silence lingered on the line.

Eventually, Marcus spoke softly. Lets talk later, alright? Take it easy on the road.

Melissa agreed and ended the call.

She realized her calmness wasnt from lack of anger but rather her growing feelings for Marcus overriding her logic.

Starting the car, she made her way to their old apartment.

Unlocking the door, Marcus stood waiting, a quiet intensity in his gaze. The scent of lamb chops filled the air. Ive got a bottle of fine wine too, he announced.

As Melissa dropped her bag and bent to change her shoes, she mused, Your words sound like youre seeking forgiveness.

Marcus pulled her close, his nose brushing hers.

Ina husky voice, he teased, Really? Did Ryan suggest I did something and need to make amends?

Melissa thought for a while and said, Lets cook first! Marcus stared at her for a moment, and then gave her a peck on the cheek. Go get changed. Ill be quick.

Melissa came out wearing comfortable home clothes.

Marcus was still in the kitchen. Her eyes lingered on the wine on the table before she entered.

Why dont you just wait in the dining room? lll be done here soon.

Marcus turned around at the sound of her footsteps.

Melissa leaned against the counter beside him, watching him cook.

Her face was calm, like the still waters of a lake on a day without wind.

Ina soft voice, she asked him, About Shawn Did you help him in the very beginning? His eyebrows arched at her question.

His movements slowed, a faint smile curving on his lips. Did Ryan

tell you that? Roger seems unable to keep his mouth shut.

Melissa went straight to the point. Did you ask Roger to do it? And That woman Was that also your doing? Marcus continued cooking.

Despite doing housework, he still managed to look elegant. His tone remained even as he answered, Julie was a big help to us. I dont see anything wrong with me giving his son a better job. As for that woman, it was a test of Shawns loyalty to his marriage.

Unfortunately, its clear that he cant resist temptation.

A low chuckle came from Melissa, her anger seeping out to her voice.

Was that really necessary? Do you know how heartbroken Janet is? Marcus hands stopped their movements and he put down the kitchen knife.

His deep eyes turned to Melissa. Then tell me one thing. Has Shawn always been loyal to Janet? Has he never betrayed her even once in all these years they were together? If you can tell me yes, then Ill

apologize.

Melissa knew that Marcus was being unreasonable, but she couldnt find words to refute it.

A brief, tense silence passed, and then Marcus turned on the tap.

Amidst the gurgle of the water, his voice came gently, Besides, Ive made up for it, havent I? I funded Shawns new business. As long as he shows Janet that hes sincere about winning her back, theyll work things out.

Melissa let her weight rest against the counter, staring at him without a word.

to look at her and asked softly, Are you mad at me? To

lifted at that. Youre talking as if youre not part of this too. If it

his creditors, and Yvonne would have lost

Melissa was slightly stunned.

left that year, I went to Warsew once And well Anyway, Shawn and I

you think? Think of it Like

recognize a problem, the most Logical thing would be to eliminate

with

true that Marcus had spent a lot of money on Shawn, and he did care for Yvonne like she was his own She sighed, deciding to let it

into his arms and said in a

Are you still mad?

think that

for so long

leave

the best. Shawn wont likely do anything reckless in the future, and Janet has also found her own goal for herself. I heard from Julie that she got promoted recently. Shouldnt we be happy for them? Melissa nodded in acquiescence. The next moment, she bit his

for?

lingered and she resisted him. She leaned against his shoulder and said, Youre supposed to be

Heat crept over Melissas cheeks at

free and escaped to the living room, turning on the TV to watch the news before dinner was

died in the hospital this evening

visible change in Melissas expression, but her hands trembled as she gripped the

screen. There was also

were also there. Some of them wore grave expressions while others looked

was the only thought running in Melissas

she was

over to her. He had also seen the news. He stood behind Melissa quietly for a long time before placing the mutton chop on the table. Dinner is ready, he

to snap out of her daze and

eyes were filled with unshed tears. Marcus smiled gently at her and reached out.

and walked over to

the wine bottle, she

be calm in front of me. Theres no need for that. And that man I know you dont like him and even hate him, but

at him,

her closer, wrapping his arms around

her hair softly and whispered. Im here for you, and I want you to always

know, but It feels so surreal A

down on the bed. Melissa didnt resist. Maybe they could both use

kises. Her teeth sank on his

forehead

ears. How about

with his arm snug around Melissas waist, pulled

Their breathing slowly eased.

Are you feeling

nestled her face into a white pillow, giving

silence, Marcus pressed on, Are you perhaps feeling shy now? Why should I be? This is comfy,

satisfied with

a bit before Melissa turned around. Im

hit the shower

mess with her life. Matthew was at home waiting

Melissas hair. Hey, you dont need to

off once in a while, it wont ruin her

go home, Melissa murmured. Her voice barely above

Marcus was talking about the Shawn situation. Melissa was actually pass that. But once he brought it up again himself, it all flooded

pondered for a second before saying, Well, it all depends on how you handle things later. Consider yourself under

her ear, But you did let

the

bathroom. From now on, you might find it hard to share my bed

bathroom, he strolled over to the French window, lit

he grabbed his phone and shot a message to

to give Roger the boot and send him

raked in cash but he blabbered too much for Marcus

Marcus

phone aside. After finishing his smoke, he returned to the bed, grabbed

emerged, she spotted him dressing. She couldnt resist asking, Why not take a shower? He replied, I

push him. She smoothed his shirt and

the tousled bed and grinned. s this our spot for

dinner, she seemed preoccupied and barely

his gaze. That wont do. You

head. I

then decided not to push it but he also lost his appetite. As they got into the car, Melissa asked, Arent you hungry? Marcus,

smiled and replied, When youre not hungry, it Kills my

felt a twinge of

drive, Marcus received several calls. The first few were from Thomas,

distant tone, Marcus told Thomas, Melissa and I arent married

too fragile to handle such things. Please, Mr. Smith, dont push

persistence, Marcus

came from Waylen,

handle even Thomas? He just called me. Listen, Melissa has nothing to do with

Matthew on our own. We wont take a dime from the Smiths. Your moms right. The Smiths didnt raise Melissa, so why should she go to Weldons

Melissa. The

are on the same: page. Youre staying put. Dont sweat it. As long as we stand firm, the Smiths wont dare to

Melissa nodded silently.

she needed space. Back home, he

was so chubby that she now looked like a

Minnie, she behaved

Minnie have these buttons on

letting Matthew touch

Minnies expression was priceless.

the scene,

piano practice while he dried Minnies fur, drowning out

in the bedroom, Melissa sat on the balcony, gazing at the stars in the night

hear the sounds

streaked

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

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