Summoning immense courage, Melissa seized Marcus' arm and pleaded, "Marcus, do you still want me?"

Marcus fixed his gaze on Melissa.

Eventually, a chuckle escaped him, as if he found a joke amusing.

He countered, "Why should I desire someone so fickle? Why would I want someone harboring feelings for another man? Am I_ that unpretentious? Or are you in financial straits again, Miss Brown?"

Sporting a refined smile, he added, “Apologies, but I'm not in the mood today. I have no interest in purchasing a woman."