Marcus slumbered until the clock struck seven in the morning.

After getting up, he consumed a glass of milk and headed to the gym for a thirty-minute run. Following a refreshing shower and a change of attire, he placed an order for breakfast from a nearby five-star hotel. He then sat at the table, patiently awaiting the arrival of his morning meal.

During the wait, he perused the previous evening's newspapers.

The articles date back two months, when Melissa still resided in Duefron. Gazing at the date in a stupor, Marcus abruptly pushed the chair aside, hastening to the door and flinging it open.

To his surprise, Melissa lingered outside.