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.

asked softly, Are you mad at me? To be honest, a little bit, Melissa said lightly. No matter how terrible Shawn was,

too. If it werent for you, he wouldnt have been able to leave Warsew, remember? Most

been beaten to death by his creditors, and Yvonne

Melissa was slightly stunned.

she wanted to say even without asking. 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

think? Think

would be to eliminate it

couldnt argue with his

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

arms and

Are you still mad?

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 at her with affection as he spoke

out for so

leave her face,

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? My lips are

air, Melissas annoyance still lingered and she resisted him. She leaned against

he looked at her. Heat crept over Melissas

living room, turning on the TV to

giant, Weldon Smith, has died in the hospital this evening

Melissas expression, but

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

grave expressions while others looked angry, mostly because of the unequal distribution

It was the

she was

He stood behind Melissa quietly for a long time before placing the mutton chop on the table. Dinner is ready,

her some time to snap out of her daze and look at

tears. Marcus smiled gently

and walked over to

wine bottle, she said, Go grab

in front of me. Theres no need for that. And that man I know you dont like him

at him, her chest

pulled her closer,

for you,

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

up, carrying her to their bedroom and pushing her down on the bed. Melissa didnt resist. Maybe they could both use an outlet,

held him tight, answering his hot kises. Her teeth sank

lowered his head, his forehead lined in sweat

ears. How about

their sx, both of them were sweating buckets. Marcus, with his arm snug around Melissas waist, pulled the

Their breathing slowly eased.

asked, Are you feeling

white pillow, giving it a

on, Are you perhaps feeling shy now? Why

nodded, satisfied with her

for a bit before Melissa turned

as a cucumber, Are you still hungry? Their gazes locked. After lingering moment, Melissa broke away first. Lets hit the shower and grab a bite to eat, okay? She snuggled into his embrace. We have

happened recently rattled Melissa a bit, she figured they shouldnt mess with her life. Matthew was at home waiting for her, and she had to keep

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

off once in a while, it wont

go home, Melissa murmured. Her voice barely above a whisper,

Youre not mad at me anymore? Marcus was talking about the Shawn situation. Melissa was actually pass that. But once he brought it up

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

whispered in her ear, But you

dodging him, she simply headed into the bathroom.

then drifted from the bathroom. From now on,

casually slipping on his pants. Instead of joining her in the bathroom, he strolled over to the French window, lit a smoke, and

one hand, he grabbed his phone and shot

Roger the boot and send him

in cash but he blabbered too much

Marcus

his phone aside. After finishing his smoke, he returned to the bed, grabbed his shirt, and began buttoning it

Melissa emerged, she spotted him dressing. She couldnt resist asking, Why not take

She smoothed his shirt and said softly, Lets

s this our spot for our secret

seemed preoccupied and

That wont do. You have to

head. I

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

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

felt a twinge of

received several calls. The first few were from Thomas, urging Melissa

Melissa and I arent married yet, so she wont attend the Smith familys

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

Thomas persistence, Marcus

final call came from Waylen, who got straight to the

handle even Thomas? He just called me.

Smiths. Your 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 said into the

up, glancing at Melissa. The

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

Melissa nodded silently.

Marcus sensed she needed space. Back home, he

so chubby that she now looked like a

Marcus bathed Minnie, she behaved well.

Minnie have these buttons on her

Matthew

Minnies expression was priceless.

sensing the scene,

to go back to her piano practice while he dried Minnies fur, drowning out the noise.

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

hear the

star streaked across the

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