âIsnât there something on your mind?â
Melissa, puzzled, responded, âWhat are you expecting me to say?â
Marcus proceeded to prepare two cups of coffee, a deliberate act, before handing one to Melissa and settling down across from her.
Without mincing words, he addressed the heart of the matter.
âAre you not considering informing Albert about Jessieâs situation?â
Melissa was at a loss, prompting Marcus to clarify with a slight smile.
âThe Greens may seem well-off, but Jessieâs father lacks the acumen for business, and the hotel sector has been struggling.
Jessie herself hasnât been involved in the business at all.
The Green familyâs prospects are grim.
â
Concluding his point, Marcus noted, âOur ability to help is limited.
â
Melissa grasped Marcusâ underlying message.
He believed Albert, given his history with Jessie, might lend the necessary support to the Green family, perhaps as a gesture to amend past grievances.
After careful thought, Melissa resolved to take action.
When night fell, Matthew hit the hay early.
He couldnât shake thoughts of Jessie.
He wandered around clutching his pillow, lost in a haze.
Seeing him like that made Melissa a tad sad.
It felt Like everyone was used to having Jessie around.
Melissa tucked Matthew in with care.
Out of the blue, the door swung open.
Yvonne strolled in, clad in her pajamas and whispered, âIs Matthew asleep?â
Being close pals, the little girl snuggled up to Melissaâs lap naturally.
Melissa stroked her head softly and murmured, âAlmost there.
â
Not wanting to disturb Matthew, Yvonne kept quiet and waited patiently.
After what seemed like ages, Matthew finally dozed off.
Melissa ushered Yvonne out who then whipped out her homework.
But math wasnât Melissaâs forte.
She wrestled with it for ages, ending up shaking her head in defeat.
Melissa felt quite embarrassed.
With wide innocent eyes, Yvonne asked, âAunt Melissa? Do you know how to solve this math problem?â
Melissa, of course, wasnât about to reveal the truth.
Just then, Marcus strolled in.
Seeing Melissa awkwardly handling Yvonneâs math book, he caught on.
With a subtle grin, he plopped onto the couch, snatched the book, and explained the solution in the simplest terms.