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.

long while, Marcus turned to look at her and asked softly, Are you mad at me? To be honest, a little bit, Melissa said lightly. No matter how terrible Shawn was, you shouldnt

youre not part of this too. If it werent

beaten to death by his creditors, and

Melissa was slightly stunned.

once And well Anyway, Shawn and I have crossed paths long ago. And I also care about Janet. If Shawn doesnt change and straighten himself out, he would only cause his wife and

now, dont you think? Think of it

you recognize a problem, the most Logical thing would be to eliminate it so that it doesnt get in the way

couldnt argue with

sounded a bit off But then again, it was 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 go

his arms and said in a

Are you still mad?

think that you love me very much It was

hold out for so

the anger leave her face, her

and kised her before murmuring, Dont be mad anymore, okay? Things turned out for the best. Shawn wont likely do anything reckless in the future, and Janet has also found her own

for? My lips are

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

he looked at her. Heat crept over

escaped to the living room, turning on

report played. Business giant, Weldon Smith, has died in the hospital this evening due to

was no visible change in Melissas expression, but her

screen. There was also one of Vanessa

members of the Smith family were also there. Some of them wore grave expressions while

the only

she was

news. He stood behind Melissa quietly for

to snap out of her daze and look at

tears. Marcus smiled gently at

stood up and walked over

holding the wine bottle, she said, Go grab two

I know you dont like him and even hate him, but its completely understandable that

at him,

her closer, wrapping

Im here for

a trance, Melissa said, Somehow, I dont know, but It feels so surreal A crease appeared

carrying her to their bedroom and pushing her down on the bed. Melissa didnt

Her teeth sank on his

lowered his head, his forehead lined in sweat as he

echoed in her ears.

sx, both of them were sweating buckets. Marcus, with his arm snug around

Their breathing slowly eased.

asked, Are you feeling

a white pillow, giving it

perhaps feeling shy now? Why should I be? This is comfy,

nodded, satisfied with

a bit before Melissa turned

first. Lets hit the shower and grab a bite to eat, okay? She snuggled into his

they shouldnt mess with her life. Matthew was at home waiting for her, and she had to keep an eye on

fingers through Melissas hair. Hey, you dont need to stress. Matthews a good kid.

if Yvonne slacks off once in

voice barely above a whisper,

the Shawn situation. Melissa was actually pass that. But once he brought it

Well, it all depends on how you

in her ear, But you did let

dodging him, she simply headed into the bathroom. Seeing her beautiful figure, Marcus felt a Lump form in his throat.

then drifted from the bathroom. From now on, you might find

bathroom, he strolled over to the French

he grabbed his phone and shot a message to

to give Roger the boot and send

cash but he blabbered too much for

Marcus strong

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

She couldnt resist asking, Why not take a shower? He replied, I

She smoothed his shirt

our spot for our secret rendezvous from now on? She shot

seemed preoccupied and barely

wont do. You have to eat

head.

lost his appetite. As they got into the car, Melissa asked, Arent you hungry? Marcus, you

youre not hungry, it Kills my appetite

felt a

few were from

Melissa and I arent married yet, so she wont attend

handle such things. Please,

Thomas persistence, Marcus

final call came from Waylen, who

even Thomas? He just called me. Listen, Melissa has

The Smiths didnt raise Melissa, so why should she go to Weldons funeral?

glancing at Melissa. The traffic light

squeeze, he said, My dad and I are on the same: page. Youre staying put. Dont sweat it. As long as we stand firm, the Smiths wont dare to stir

Melissa nodded silently.

Marcus sensed she needed space. Back home, he bathed Minnie and

that she now looked like a

bathed Minnie, she behaved well. The kids stood

these buttons on her belly? Can I

letting Matthew touch

Minnies expression was priceless.

the

encouraged her to go back to her piano practice while

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

could hear the sounds from

streaked across the

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