Waylen, after a long pause, finally mustered a question, laden with concern, “Could it be that Marcus has some... intimate issues?"

Rena's response was a mix of sadness and amusement.

As Alexis softly broached the topic, Marcus replied in a flat tone, “I'm planning to get married soon."

Alexis sighed, watching him enter his car in the darkness. His movements were both dignified and captivating.

Driving back, Marcus was unusually slow.

One hand on the steering wheel, the other supporting his chin, his expression was one of detachment.

He longed to move on quickly.

To him, being ensnared by a woman, breaking his own rules for her, was folly and he vowed not to repeat.

So, Marcus remained indifferent, even if Melissa sought to talk, to explain herself.

The reasons that she walked away didn't matter anymore; he just no longer desired the relationship.

Fatigue was setting in, even he had his Limits.

Lost in thought, Marcus realized he had unconsciously driven to his old apartment. Staring at the familiar road sign in the dark, he made no move to turn back.

It was deep into the night.

He parked at the building's entrance, taking a moment in his car to smoke a cigarette before heading to the elevator.

As the elevator doors opened, he was met with the sight of Melissa, huddled at his doorstep, embracing herself, evidently waiting.

Marcus stared at her intensely.

At the sound, she looked up, her eyes brimming with tears.

Marcus felt a lump form in his throat.

Yet, he remained inside the elevator, watching as the doors closed again, leaving Melissa outside.

The brightness of the lights caused a momentary mutual squint.