Marcus, along with most of the people in the hall, could hear Lunaâs words.
However, Waylen was the first to express his irritation.
âWhatâs all this chatter about? Itâs not your concern, as an outsider, to meddle in our affairs.
â
Just as Luna was about to respond, Violette interjected, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
âMom, please, stop.
â
Luna then fell silent, yielding to Violetteâs plea.
Humiliated, Melissa decided she couldnât linger any longer.
Without partaking in the tea, she rose and donned her coat.
Approaching Marcus, she murmured, âIâll take Matthew home.
â
The atmosphere grew tense, with a subtle sense of unease Lingering in the air.
Even though Matthew was young, he could tell something wasnât right.
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He looked sad.
Waylen, feeling sympathy for Matthew and Melissa, directed a stern gaze at Marcus and urged, âSpeak up.
â
Marcus gradually straightened his posture.
In truth, Melissa was in such proximity to Marcus that he could discern the tears glistening in her eyes.
The prospect of being the subject of othersâ scrutiny was mortifying.
With a nonchalant tone, Marcus remarked, âIâll walk them to the car.
â
Waylen was so furious that he nearly passed out.
Melissa hugged Matthew tightly, worried about how he might be feeling.
She then said goodbye to everyone politely.
Rena didnât want Melissa to go, and she was also concerned she and Marcus might argue again, so she asked Elva to accompany them out.
Marcus stepped out without donning his coat.
As Elva accompanied him, she admonished him in a hushed tone, âMarcus, youâre being unreasonable.
â
Ignoring her, Marcus retrieved a cigarette, lighting it before addressing Elva, âStay here.
â
Elva immediately protested.
However, Marcus pushed Elva aside and walked to Melissaâs car at a calm pace.
He opened the back door, allowing Melissa to put Matthew inside and secure his seatbelt.
As she lifted her head, she locked eyes with Marcus.
His gaze was icy as he asked, âAre you upset?â
Melissa offered no rebuttal.
Under the moonlit sky, her complexion appeared wan.
âI doubt anyone would find it enjoyable,â she replied softly.
âMarcus, if such a situation recurs, I suggest refraining from bringing Matthew here.
Heâs too young to comprehend adult matters.
â
Melissa opened the door of the driverâs seat, but it was swiftly shut by another hand.
âWhatâs the matter?â