The air hung heavy, a palpable tension between them.
Melissaâs earlier passion, once aflame in Marcusâ indifferent embrace, now felt like a distant memory.
The heat of their intimacy had faded, leaving a cold, awkward silence.
Embarrassment washed over Melissa.
Her lips quivered as she struggled with the desire to reveal her true identity to Marcus, yet each time the words neared escape, they retreated unspoken.
Marcusâ harsh declaration that their fleeting encounter was worth two million dollars severed any lingering ties.
In that moment, their relationship crumbled to dust.
Regret gnawed at Melissa.
Perhaps her journey to Duefron was a mistake.
Maybe it was better to let Marcus harbor his disdain, believing her to be superficial.
Hatred, she reasoned, would eventually fade, leaving her as the sole custodian of their shared memories.
Clutching the quilt closer, Melissa removed her ring, placing it on the bedside table.
It never truly belonged to her.
Rising from the bed, she dressed unhurriedly, indifferent to her exposed skin.
Her clothes, damp from the rain earlier, clung uncomfortably to her body, but her desire to leave overshadowed any discomfort.
Escape was all she yearned for now, as fervently as she had once craved his presence.
Her hands trembled slightly as she fastened the last buttonâ¦
Marcus watched her, his gaze unyielding.
Finally clothed, Melissa bid him farewell, a finality in her tone.
This, she believed, was their last encounter.
âIâm leaving.
You wonât be troubled by me again.
â
Marcus remained still, the dim light casting shadows across his once tender, now indifferent features.
His eyes, once warm, now held traces of animosity.
As Melissa approached the guest room door, Marcusâ voice halted her.
âyadt.
â
Her body tensed.
Approaching, Marcus extended a check from the tea table.
It was for ten million.
He placed it in her hand with a chilling detachment.
âRemember to take the pill.
â
Tears brimmed in Melissaâs eyes, but she lifted her head slightly, refusing to let them fall.
After a moment, she steadied her voice and replied, âMr.
Fowler, Iâll remember the pill.
As for the check, I donât need it.
â