Thomas seemed eager to say more, but Marcus interjected with a gentle suggestion to the woman, âWhy not wait for me in the car?â
Melissa lingered momentarily, but then complied.
After her departure, Marcus shared a few words with Thomas.
When he rejoined Melissa in the car minutes later, she caught Thomasâs retreat to his black limousine from the corner of her eye.
Turning to Marcus, curiosity piqued, she inquired, âWhat words were exchanged between you two?â
Starting the car with a subtle grin, Marcus replied, âNothing important!â
Despite his casual dismissal, Melissa remained skeptical.
Under the cloak of night, Thomas approached the Smith familyâs hall of mourning.
His black limousine came to a halt, its door opening to let him emerge.
He advanced toward the hall, his footsteps deliberate.
Surrounding him, white candles burned in silent tribute to the lost.
Without hesitation, Thomas made his way to the forefront and knelt, lighting incense in a solemn gesture.
He whispered into the stillness, âMelissa carries new life, Weldon.
Sheâll soon bring another child into the Fowler fold.
Be it a boy or girl, theyâre destined for joy, cradled in Marcusâ love.
Iâm contemplating perhaps we ought not to burden her with the Smith legacy.
Claims of her ambition have been made, yet Marcus contends that her aspirations lie in the joys of home life-cooking, caring for pets, nurturing her children- Marcus, it seems, understands Melissaâs heart with clarity.
Should guilt weigh upon us, we must allow her the freedom to choose her own path.
â
He then paid his respects to Weldonâs image with three solemn bows.
With Vanessaâs spirits waning, Thomas accepted his inevitable role at the helm of the Smiths, ready to embrace duties long evaded.
The candles cast a flickering glow as dawnâs light began to promise a new day.
Marcus and Melissa arrived at the villa as midnight was nigh.
Once the car was parked, Marcus eagerly phoned his parents to share the update.
Waylenâs enthusiasm bubbled over.
He was set on dashing to Marcusâ home for a celebration.
Rena interjected with a pointed remark, though.
âMelissaâs his wife.
Whatâs the celebration for you?â
Waylen snapped back, attributing her comment to envy.
âIf it werenât for me, how would Marcus have come into this world, let alone Melissa carrying his child?â
Rena merely gave an eye roll in response and ascended the staircase with poise.
Waylen, perplexed, hurried after her to probe, âWhat was that look for? I need the truth, Rena.
â
Her response was nonchalant.
âIf youâve figured it out, why press for an answer?â