A soft knock at the door signaled Sylviaâs entrance.
She carried a stack of documents and offered an apologetic smile as she said, âMr.
Fowler, these are for tomorrowâs meeting.
â
Marcus inclined his head slightly, indicating for her to place them on his desk.
Sylvia noticed Marcusâ somber mood and surmised that it was likely related to Melissa.
Half a year had passed, yet there had been no word or trace of Melissaâs whereabouts.
Suddenly, Sylviaâs brows lifted, and she remarked, âMr.
Fowler, itâs snowing outside.
â
Marcus turned to gaze at the snowflakes falling beyond the French window.
Sylvia continued, âDuefron hasnât experienced such heavy snowfall in several years.
By the time we get off work, Iâm afraid the ground will be covered in a thick layer of snow.
â
Marcus remained silent as he contemplated the falling snow.
He then proposed, âHow about we make everyone end work at 4:00 today?â
This offer surprised Sylvia.
In the past, even in adverse weather conditions, employees werenât allowed to leave work before 6:00.
Marcusâ change in attitude was quite unexpected.
Sylvia left promptly with the approved documents in hand.
As Marcus was about to peruse the documents, his phone rang, and it was Leonel calling.
âMarcus, Iâm stuck in a snowstorm in Tashkao,â Leonel informed him.
âAlexis and Daniel have a hospital appointment scheduled tomorrow.
If you have the time, could you accompany them? I donât think Iâll be able to make it.
â
Marcus responded tersely, âAlright.
â
Leonel had learned about Melissa from Elva, and though he wanted to inquire further, he ultimately decided against it.
The following morning, as the snowfall subsided, a delicate layer of winter snow blanketed the ground.
Marcus, donning a dark gray overcoat, carried little Daniel in his arms, while Alexis trailed behind him.
Opening the back door of the car, Marcus carefully placed Daniel in Alexisâ waiting arms after she got in.
Danielâs cherubic features and tender demeanor captured Marcusâ attention.
He found himself another at the stealing glance baby, lost in thought.
A pang of melancholy washed over Marcus as he contemplated what could have been.
If there had been no misunderstandings between him and Melissa, perhaps they would also have a child by now.
Being a mother of two, Alexis, sensing the turmoil in Marcusâ expression, ventured quietly, âYou still havenât found her, have you?â
Marcus offered a faint, resigned smile in response.
He didnât delve into the topic any further.
To ensure the babyâs warmth, he promptly closed the car door.