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.

Seated on the floor, she leaned against the door. As Marcus opened the door, her body slumped gently.

Melissa succumbed to unconsciousness.

A frown etched Marcus' features as he reached out to touch her. Her body radiated heat.

"Melissa?"

Gently patting her face, her eyelashes quivered, indicating a semblance of wakefulness.

Her face burned red.

Marcus muttered curses under his breath as he swiftly hoisted her limp form. Retrieving the car key from his room, he resolved to transport her to the hospital.

Seated in the passenger seat, she regained some semblance of sobriety.

Fixing him with her reddened gaze, she resisted shifting her focus.

In a hoarse tone, she remarked, "You're finally willing to acknowledge my presence."

The sun ascended, casting a radiant glow.

Illuminated by the morning light, Marcus' profile appeared flawless.

Gripping the steering wheel, he uttered with a tense undertone, "I simply can't bear witnessing someone succumb to death at my doorstep.

Don't read too much into it."

A shadow fell over Melissa's eyes.