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.

you mad at me? To be honest, a little

not part of this too.

by his creditors, and Yvonne would

Melissa was slightly stunned.

Marcus nodded and said, When you left that year, I went to Warsew once And well Anyway, Shawn and I have crossed paths long ago. And I also care about Janet. If Shawn doesnt change and straighten

now, dont you think? Think of

be to eliminate

argue with

about it sounded a bit off But then again, it was true that Marcus had spent a lot of money

her into his arms and said in a

Are you still mad?

and answered, What do you think? He stared at her for a long time before speaking slowly. What do I think? Well I think that you love me very much It was difficult to stay mad-not when his handsome face was so close, his eyes looking

could only hold out for so long before

leave her face, her

okay? Things turned out for the best. Shawn wont likely do anything reckless in the future, and Janet has

What was that for? My lips are

resisted

looked at her. Heat crept over Melissas cheeks

turning on the TV

died

no visible change in Melissas expression, but her

of Weldon were played on the screen. There was also one of Vanessa wearing sunglasses,

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

dead. It was the

was

walked 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 called

her some time to snap out of her

unshed tears. Marcus smiled gently at her

up and walked

she said,

I know you dont like him and even hate him, but its completely understandable that you would be emotional after hearing his death. You dont have

looked up at him, her chest

he pulled her closer, wrapping

hair softly and whispered. Im here for you, and

dont know, but It feels so surreal A

bed. Melissa didnt resist. Maybe they

Her teeth sank on

forehead lined in sweat

low and smooth voice echoed in her ears. How about now? Does it

Marcus, with his arm snug around

Their breathing slowly eased.

her, Marcus asked, Are

a white pillow, giving it a

pressed on, Are you perhaps feeling shy

nodded, satisfied with her

bit before Melissa turned around. Im

still hungry? Their gazes locked. After lingering moment, Melissa broke away first. Lets hit the shower

shouldnt mess with her life. Matthew

through Melissas hair. Hey, you dont need to stress. Matthews a good kid. Julie can handle

Yvonne slacks off once in a while, it wont ruin

want to go home, Melissa murmured. Her voice barely above a whisper, she added,

was talking about the Shawn situation. Melissa was actually pass that.

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

in her ear, But you did let me share

into the bathroom. Seeing her beautiful figure, Marcus felt a Lump form in his

then drifted from the bathroom. From now on, you might find it hard to share my bed

pants. Instead of joining her in the bathroom, he strolled over to the French window, lit a smoke, and stood there

hand, he grabbed his phone and

HR to give Roger the boot and send him abroad with Ryan to expand

in cash but he

Marcus strong

finishing his smoke, he returned to the bed, grabbed his shirt, and began buttoning it up at

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

didnt push him. She smoothed his shirt and

tousled bed and grinned. s this our spot for our secret rendezvous from now on? She shot him a

she seemed preoccupied and barely

his gaze. That wont do. You

her head.

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

replied, When youre not hungry, it Kills

felt a

calls. The first few were from Thomas,

and I

such

Thomas persistence,

final call came from Waylen,

with you? You cant handle even Thomas? He just called me. Listen, Melissa has nothing to do with the Smith

Melissa,

up, glancing at Melissa. The traffic light ahead turned

are on the same: page. Youre staying put. Dont sweat it. As long

Melissa nodded silently.

sensed she needed space. Back

was so chubby that she now

she behaved well. The

on her belly? Can I poke

chuckled, letting Matthew

Minnies expression was priceless.

the

back to her piano practice while he dried Minnies fur, drowning

on the balcony, gazing at the

the sounds from

shooting star streaked across

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