From a distance, Jessie overheard their exchange.
She approached Rena with a grin, lifting Matthew into her arms.
âMatthew, do you still remember who I am?â she asked.
Recognizing Jessie, Matthew warmly responded, âAuntie Jessie, can you hold me?â
Jessie, feeling a sudden emotional tug, mused that Matthew was just as charming as his mother.
After nodding at Rena, Jessie carried Matthew over to where the women were gathered.
Handing Matthew to Melissa, she asked somewhat brusquely, âWhatâs going on? Are you neglecting your son? Heâs been looking for you.
No man, no matter how attractive or talented, can match the thoughtfulness of your own little angel.
â
Melissa was taken aback.
Suddenly, Matthew was in Melissaâs arms.
Having not seen Melissa for a while, Matthew missed her deeply.
In a soft voice, he murmured, âMommy .
â
This was a game-changing move.
In the face of an innocent and adorable child, Violetteâs complaints and declarations of love seemed insignificant.
Whispers began to spread.
âMelissa has a child with Marcus already.
Violette canât push Marcus into marriage now.
Itâs not really appropriate, isnât it? After all, she and Marcus have been together for just a few months.
You canât rush into marriage.
â
The whispered comments were hard on the ears.
Melissa felt it was time for this to stop.
Jessie was busy with admiring her nails, showing no interest in the situation.
Violette was not thinking clearly.
Marcus had feelings for only Melissa, yet Violette kept trying to win him over.
Perhaps the noise was becoming too much that Marcus soon approached.
Noticing Matthew clinging to Melissa, he asked quietly, âWhatâs the matter with him?â
Melissa whispered back, âHeâs probably tired and wants to sleep.
â
Marcus gently took Matthew into his arms.
âIâll take him to my room to sleep.
â
As Melissa hesitated, wondering if she should follow Marcus, he took her hand, making the decision for her.
Tears gathered in Violetteâs eyes as she observed the heartwarming scene.
Jessie handed Violette a handkerchief, saying, âHeâs just a man.
Why put yourself through this?â
Turning away from Jessie, Violette began to weep.
Meanwhile, Marcus led Melissa and their son into the house before releasing her hand.
He made his way upstairs as he asked Melissa, âDid Violette make you feel uncomfortable?â
Melissa shook her head, replying, âNot exactly.
She just drank too much.
â
Melissa indeed felt a bit humiliated earlier.
Yet, she could empathize with Violette.
Melissa herself had once given up all her dignity in hopes of winning Marcus back.
Melissa didnât believe she had outdone Violette.
She was wise enough to see the similarities between her past self and Violette.