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.

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 have

Youre talking as if youre not part of this too. If it werent for you, he wouldnt have been able to leave

been beaten to death by his creditors, and

Melissa was slightly stunned.

and I have crossed paths long ago. And I also care about Janet. If Shawn

well now, dont you think? Think

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

with his

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

Marcus pulled her into his arms and said in

Are you still mad?

do I think? Well I think that you

could only hold out for so

watched the anger leave her face,

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 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

was that for? My lips

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

burning as he looked at her. Heat crept over Melissas cheeks at his intense

the living room, turning on the TV to watch

Smith, has died

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

were played on the screen. There was also one of Vanessa wearing sunglasses, hurriedly walking away

them wore grave expressions while others looked

It was the only thought

she was

seen the news. He stood behind Melissa quietly for a long time before placing the mutton chop

to snap out of her daze and

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

stood up and walked

holding the wine bottle, she

that. And that man I know you dont like him and even hate him,

looked up at him, her

he pulled her closer,

kised her hair softly and whispered. Im here for you, and I

dont know, but It feels so surreal A crease

and pushing her down on the bed. Melissa didnt

Her teeth sank on

forehead lined in

echoed in her ears. How about now? Does it still feel

buckets. Marcus, with his arm snug around Melissas waist,

Their breathing slowly eased.

Marcus asked, Are

white pillow, giving it a

Marcus pressed on, Are you perhaps feeling shy now? Why should I

nodded, satisfied with

for a bit

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

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

Melissas hair. Hey, you dont need to stress.

once in a while, it wont ruin

murmured. Her voice

grinned. So Youre not mad at me anymore? Marcus was talking about the Shawn situation. Melissa was actually pass that. But once he brought it up again himself, it all flooded back

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

But you did let me share

headed into the

From now on, you might find

Instead of joining her in the bathroom, he strolled over to the French window,

phone

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

he blabbered too much for

Marcus strong

After finishing his smoke, he returned to the bed, grabbed

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

didnt push him. She smoothed his shirt and said softly,

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

preoccupied and barely

gaze. That wont do. You have to

shook her head. I

appetite. As they got into the car, Melissa asked, Arent you hungry? Marcus, you dont need to eat

replied, When youre

felt a twinge

the drive, Marcus received several calls. The first few were from Thomas, urging Melissa to attend Weldons funeral but Marcus

distant tone, Marcus told Thomas, Melissa and I arent married yet, so she wont attend the Smith familys

such

persistence, Marcus

came from Waylen,

He just

moms right. The Smiths didnt raise Melissa, so why should she go to Weldons funeral? This is just ridiculous! already told Thomas. Yeah, Melissa isnt going, Marcus

up, glancing at Melissa. The

page. Youre staying put. Dont sweat it. As long as we stand firm, the

Melissa nodded silently.

needed space. Back home, he

was so chubby that she now looked like a little French

behaved

why does Minnie have these buttons on her belly? Can

letting Matthew

Minnies expression was priceless.

sensing the scene,

her piano practice while

on the balcony, gazing at the

hear the sounds from

streaked across the

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

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