Melissa was bundled up in a lot of clothing.
Her white shirt was buttoned up tight.
Waking up to Marcusâ Love bites, she spotted them all over her neck in the mirror.
She made a mental note to ask him to ease up next time.
Gazing at the kids tenderly, Melissa noticed their intertwined hands.
She absentmindedly rubbed her belly, excited at the thought of another child.
Marcus seemed to adore girls.
He treated Yvonne exceptionally well even though they werenât really related.
If they had their own daughter, heâd surely spoil her rotten.
With Marcus and Melissaâs impending marriage, welcoming another child seemed just right.
Right then, Yvonne dashed to Melissa with Matthew in tow.
She flung herself into Melissaâs arms, her eyes brimming with silent tears.
Melissa felt a pang of unease as she glanced up and spotted Shawn.
Shawn, looking rather comical, carried a live rabbit in a pink cage and a bag of rabbit food in the other hand.
Ignoring her father, Yvonne clung to Melissa, leaving him no choice but to approach.
He scratched his head, flashing an awkward smile at Melissa.
âI tracked you down after stopping by your place.
I figured Iâd find you here.
â
Squatting down, he coaxed Yvonne.
âYou always wanted a bunny, right, sweetie? I got one for you.
It cost me eighty seven bucks.
Not cheap.
Itâll be yours now!â
But Yvonne remained silent, holding onto Melissaâs hand tightly.
Melissa let out a soft sigh.
âSheâs still young and sensitive, Shawn.
Donât push her too hard.
â
Shawn dared not defy Melissaâs words.
Patting Matthewâs shoulder, Melissa said, âGo play with Yvonne over there.
â
Matthew called out to Yvonne affectionately.
Though young, Yvonne sensed her father wouldnât do anything with Melissa around, so she relaxed a bit and joined Matthew to play.
Yet, she still avoided looking at the rabbit.
As the kids wandered off, Shawn settled on the rockery beside Melissa.
Rubbing his hands nervously, he asked, âWhat do I do? Yvonneâs completely ignoring me.
Sheâs as stubborn as her mother, that one.
â
Melissa eyed the rabbit and spoke up.
âItâs not Yvonne and her momâs fault.
Itâs on you, Shawn.
Janetâs letting you see Yvonne all because of her respect for Julie.
Otherwise, sheâd have taken Yvonne and left.
â
Shawn rushed to defend.
âJanetâs more swayed by my mom.
â
Ignoring him, Melissa dropped another bomb.
âMarcus mentioned he lent you twenty million for a dealership.
Shawn, Iâm all for your business working out but isnât that a hefty chunk to invest all at once?â
Shawn blushed.