As she pondered, her phone lying on the bed started ringing.
Melissa wrapped herself in her scarf and returned to the bedroom to answer her phone, expecting a call from Julie.
However, it was Marcus on the line.
As the new year approached, Marcusâs voice was devoid of warmth, saying, âMatthew canât sleep without his pillow.
Iâm waiting downstairs.
Please bring it.
â
Caught off guard, Melissa hesitated.
She stepped onto the terrace and immediately noticed Marcusâ car at the entrance.
He was casually leaning against it, phone in hand, visibly under the weather even from afar.
Parked nearby was Albertâs vehicle.
For a brief moment, Melissa was at a loss for words.
Finally, she managed to say, âMarcus, Mr.
Wastonâ¦â
Marcus cut her off, his tone icy, âMiss Brown, you are single.
Youâre free to see whomever you please without my input.
What do we have between us aside from Matthew? The times we had s@x last month were just flings.
Why? Still dwelling on it?â
His words stung.
Melissa, no longer inclined to justify herself, responded quietly, âIâll bring it down now.
â
The phone call ended.
She grabbed Matthewâs favorite pillow, switched her footwear, and stepped outside.
The night wind was strong.
Marcus leaned against his black Land Rover, puffing away on a cigarette.
His dark coat merged with the nightâs shadows.
Melissa walked up to him.
Worried about Marcusâ foul moodâs potential impact on Matthew, she clarified to him, âIâm not with Mr.
Waston.
Jessieâs at my place.
â
But Marcus showed no interest in her explanations.
He took the pillow and said lightly, âNo need to explain.
Your Life is none of my concern.
Melissa, I wonât pry into your personal stuff.
Who youâre seeing, where you went to, Heron or Tashkao, has nothing to do with me.
Weâre just old flames, nothing more.
â
Melissa cast her gaze downwards, forcing a smile.
After a brief silence, she said softly, âMr.
Fowler, have a happy new year.
â
Marcus fixed his gaze on her before entering his vehicle.
The Land Rover then executed a swift turn and vanished into the night.
Melissa paused, not rushing back inside.
She decided to leave Albert and Jessie alone for a bit and found herself a nice spot, surrounded by wisteria vines.