Yet, despite the passing of time, Marcus found himself unable to quell the unease that welled up within him upon hearing tidbits of news concerning Melissa.

Had she returned?

If she had forgiven him and was willing to see him, she wouldn't have refused to provide even a real address; instead, she simply returned the money.

Marcus couldn't fathom the depths of the suffering she must have endured to accumulate such a sum.

Slowly, Marcus retrieved his phone from his pocket and opened the photo album.