She shared Melissa's last name and also had a sweet appearance.

Sophia prided herself on being more level-headed than Melissa.

So, Sophia believed she stood a chance at winning Marcus’ affection.

But Marcus’ frankness took her by surprise.

Despite feeling unsettled, Sophia knew better than to make a scene.

She quickly left the elevator and headed to the front desk to arrange a new room for herself. The others who witnessed this understood one thing clearly.

Marcus was not interested in Sophia.

Indeed, many had also seen Melissa in the cafe. No one had expected her to end up working as a waitress in this small town.

Marcus couldn't seem to shake Melissa from his thoughts.

He remained alone in the elevator, his eyes fixed on the red numbers climbing the wall. He reached the presidential suite at the top floor.

It was a place both lavish and eerily empty.

Dropping his luggage, he felt too distracted to unpack. He just collapsed on the sofa, staring blankly at Warsew's night sky.

Images of Melissa's distressed face lingered in his mind...

Late into the night, he retrieved a fresh set of clothes from his luggage and freshened up with a shower.

*

Melissa finished her shift at the cafe at ten in the evening. She quickly changed out of her work clothes and left the upscale hotel where the cafe was located.

Walking through the bustling city, her slender figure seemed to almost disappear into the night.

Despite it being an early summer evening, Melissa felt a chill in the air.

She wrapped her collar tighter around her neck and bought a couple of bread rolls from a street vendor, munching on them as she walked.

After taking a few turns and finishing her dinner, Melissa arrived at a restaurant.