Glancing around, he eventually suggested, "I want you to move in with me."

With a casual tone, he continued, "You can opt for the guest room or the master bedroom."

Melissa hesitated before whispering softly, “Mr. Fowler, we... aren't right for each other."

The smile on Marcus' face froze, and after a prolonged silence, he inquired, "So, you're refusing to give us a chance? Why? Because our families come from different social backgrounds?"

Marcus' parents weren't really concerned about such matters, and he himself also understood that his partner's prominent family background wasn't necessary for his success.

Perhaps, without meeting Melissa, he might eventually form a strategic alliance through marriage with whoever that was suitable.

However, Marcus genuinely liked Melissa; she brought happiness into his life. Despite his usual demeanor of an unattainable nobleman, children raised by affluent parents often knew their hearts better than others.

Marcus knew he wanted to be with Melissa.

Even if she struggled to adapt to his world, he believed she could just be herself and still make it work.

She didn't have to be Mrs. Fowler; she could be his secretary or simply his companion at home.

They could build a life together, even have children.

As long as Melissa wished, she could home-school the children, with Marcus selecting one to personally mentor for inheriting the family business one day. The others could live as happily as Melissa did.

Melissa's lips moved quivered.

She was on the verge of expressing her true thoughts but ultimately held back.

“I... I'm not going to your place tomorrow." Summoning her courage, she conveyed her decision.

Marcus gazed at her silently for a prolonged moment. It was evident that she had declined his proposal.

In the past, he might not have been patient with such matters, but this time, he remained composed.

He didn't push her or insist, simply responding, "Okay."

Gracefully, he stood up, bid farewell to Melissa, and reminded her not to be late for work tomorrow.

The creaky old door closed behind him.