Silence greeted her question, stretching out uncomfortably.
Melissa pressed on with a faint, resigned smile.
âYou canât deceive yourself, Marcus.
â
Perhaps, deep down, Marcus might regret his actions once he realized the truth.
Maybe he would seek her out.
Yet, as time passed, Melissa understood that Marcus had closed himself off to love.
He had chosen Violette as his companion, fueled by bitterness towards Melissa for disrupting his perfect life after breaking up with him.
But who would mend the fractures in her own life?
ALL Melissa desired was a semblance of a normal life, to raise her son, Matthew, without sacrificing herself for anyone elseâs happiness.
Another prolonged silence filled the airwaves.
Finally, Marcus spoke up.
âLetâs discuss this in person.
â
Suppressing her emotions, Melissa replied coolly, âThat wonât be necessary, Mr.
Fowler.
Iâll leave the key at the front desk.
You can retrieve it at your convenience.
As for my car, kindly have your driver bring it to me once itâs fixed.
â
Without waiting for his response, Melissa ended the call abruptly.
Inside the Fowler Group lobby, she placed the key on the front desk, preparing to hail a taxi.
Suddenly, a sleek sports car pulled up before her.
The window rolled down to reveal Jessieâs familiar face behind a pair of sunglasses.
âIâll give you a ride.
â
Without hesitation, Melissa accepted the invitation.
As they drove in silence, Melissa stole a glance at Jessie, mustering the courage to ask, âMr.
Watson and youâ¦â
âWe broke up!â Jessie responded bluntly.
Hearing Jessieâs candid words, Melissa found herself at a loss for a response.
Any words she could muster felt hypocritical, given her employment under Albert.
However, Jessieâs self-mockery broke the tension.
âYou must think Iâm foolish.
If Albert truly wanted to marry me, he would have done so by now.
Whatâs the point in wasting my time with him? And why should I feel jealous of those other women, right? Melissa, when your opponent isâ¦â
Melissa interrupted her, speaking softly.
âSince you two have parted ways, I hope you find happiness from now on.
â
With a sharp screech, Jessie pulled the car over to the side of the road.
Turning to Melissa, she examined her closely.
âYouâre not as naive as I thought, Melissa.
You understand Albert better than you let on, donât you? Despite everything, you pretend and continue to assist him with handling those women.
He treats you well.
Donât you have any feelings for him?â
Melissaâs smile was gentle but firm.