To her, Marcus was now like a distant moon, unattainable and not to be pondered upon.
She phoned the breakfast shop owner in Warsew.
The proprietress, sensing Melissaâs ordeal, offered no questions.
She simply welcomed Melissa back to work.
Melissaâs thanks came softly, tinged with relief.
After a pause, the proprietress advised, âDonât overthink.
Your job awaits your return.
â
Melissa had planned to return to Warsew that afternoon, but her departure was unexpectedly delayed.
A knock at the door broke the silence.
Opening it, she encountered a stranger, a man who appeared respectable.
He greeted her with a warm smile.
âYouâre Melissa Brown, arenât you?
Iâm Thomas Smith.
â
âs BunnyBookery
The mention of âSmithâ had Melissa quickly shutting the door.
Leaning against it, her heart raced.
She was puzzled and alarmed â why would the Smith family be seeking her out?
Thomas was the younger brother of that man.
Outside, Thomas remained patient.
Melissaâs reaction suggested she was aware of her connection to the Smiths but chose to deny it.
After another knock and a half-hour wait, Melissa finally opened the door.
Thomas greeted her with a smile.
âYou should call me your Uncle Thomas.
Letâs have a chat, Melissa.
â
They found themselves in a modest cafe.
Melissaâs expression was blank.
âI lost my parents as a child.
Mr.
Smith, Iâm not who you think I am.
Please, donât seek me out again.
I donât want my life disrupted.
â
Thomas wasnât taken aback by her cold demeanor.
His gentle smile remained, enhancing his handsome features.
There was a resemblance to Melissa, a similarity she found irksome.
Thomas then spoke softly.
âIâm aware of your involvement with Marcus.
Melissa, your father and I would like you to return to the Smiths.
You could rightfully claim your place in our family and then marry Marcus, bringing honor to both our houses.
â
Melissa was momentarily speechless.