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.

Are you mad at me? To be honest, a little bit, Melissa said lightly. No matter

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

his creditors, and Yvonne would have lost

Melissa was slightly stunned.

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 himself

now, dont you think? Think

eliminate it

argue with his

thought his words made sense, but something about it 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 for

into his arms and said

Are you still mad?

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

out for

anger leave her

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

that for? My

lingered and she resisted

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

free and escaped to the living room, turning on the TV

Weldon Smith, has died in the hospital this evening due to stomach

change in Melissas expression, but her hands

There was also

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

finally dead. It was the only thought running in Melissas

was

He stood behind Melissa quietly for

time to snap out of her daze

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

stood up and walked over

wine bottle, she said, Go grab two

her. You dont have to pretend to 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 its completely understandable that you would be emotional after hearing his death. You dont have to

looked up at him, her chest

her closer, wrapping

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

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

down on the bed. Melissa didnt resist. Maybe they could both use an outlet, and this

kises. Her teeth sank on his shoulder when he

his head, his forehead

ears. How about now?

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

Their breathing slowly eased.

asked, Are you

white pillow,

shy now? Why should I be?

satisfied with

bit before Melissa turned around. Im

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

a bit, she figured they shouldnt mess with her life. Matthew was at home waiting for her, and she

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

once in a while, it

voice barely above a whisper, she

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

it all depends

in her ear, But you did

she got up. Without dodging him, she simply headed into the bathroom. Seeing her beautiful

on, you might find it hard to share

he strolled over to the French window, lit a

hand, he grabbed his phone

send him abroad with Ryan to

he blabbered

wasnt Marcus strong

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

couldnt resist asking, Why not take a shower? He

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

and grinned. s this our spot for our secret rendezvous from now on?

dinner, she seemed preoccupied and barely

gaze. That wont do.

her head.

decided not to push it but he also lost his appetite. As they got

replied, When youre not hungry, it Kills

felt a twinge of

The first few were from Thomas, urging Melissa to attend Weldons funeral but Marcus

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

to handle such things. Please, Mr. Smith,

Thomas persistence, Marcus

final call came from Waylen, who got straight to

even Thomas? He just

her and 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 funeral? This is just ridiculous! already told Thomas. Yeah, Melissa isnt going, Marcus

up, glancing at Melissa. The traffic light ahead turned

her hand a 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

Melissa nodded silently.

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

now looked like a little

Minnie, she behaved well.

these buttons on her belly? Can

letting Matthew

Minnies expression was priceless.

sensing the scene,

to her piano practice while he dried Minnies fur,

in the bedroom, Melissa sat on the balcony, gazing

the sounds

streaked across

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