Getting to the crux, he proposed, “Marry me, and I'll contemplate including your name on the real estate license."

Melissa fixed a prolonged gaze on him before offering a subtle, knowing smile.

She stated plainly, "Ryan, I don't love you."

It dawned on her that maybe she had never truly loved him. Instead, it was a sense of gratitude.

Since his illness, her predominant emotion had been the weight of responsibility.

Free from the shackles of owing anything to the Jenkins family, Melissa dismissed Ryan, walking away without a backward glance.

Ryan's gaze lingered on her retreating figure.

Finally, breaking the silence, he shouted, “I will achieve more success than he ever will."

Unmoved, Melissa paid little heed.

Her concerns were never centered on wealth but only on Marcus himself.

While wealth may contribute to Marcus' allure, it was an inherent aspect of his being.

Exiting the hospital, Melissa strolled leisurely toward the bus stop.

Contrary to assumptions, Melissa hadn't terminated her lease.

Her plan was to retrieve her belongings and return to her old job in Warsew. Whether her former employer welcomed her back or not, she was prepared to seek alternative employment.

Indifferent to the scrutinizing eyes around her, Melissa's only desire was to lead a simple life.

Luckily, the breakfast shop proprietress harbored no judgment.

Expressing compassion, she remarked, "That woman, what's her name again? Sylvia? She mentioned your boyfriend is both handsome and wealthy. Oh, Melissa! Finding someone like him again isn't that easy, especially someone who doesn't hold any disdain for you."

The breakfast shop owner spoke bluntly, but Melissa brushed off her words without much consideration.

Engrossed in her work, Melissa silently carried on.

Leaning in, the proprietress whispered, “Sylvia mentioned her boss felt melancholic when you left without a farewell. Despite numerous blind dates arranged by his family, none appealed to him. Do you believe it's fate? You, my dear, let him slip away instead of holding on.