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.

Among the few pictures he had, one was of Melissa.

Despite their breakup and the resentment he once held, he couldn't bring himself to delete it.

Now, as he gazed at her image once more, his heart ached.

After a prolonged moment of silent contemplation, Marcus dialed a familiar number. It still didn't get through. Although he had mentally prepared himself for it, the result still left him with a suffocating disappointment.

He gently tapped his phone screen and couldn't resist revisiting the photo album.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Waylen entered.

Observing Marcus’ pensive expression, he stood by the doorway for a moment before offering a faint smile. “What's on your mind? Your sister called you from the stairs for quite some time, but you didn't seem to hear her."

Marcus pocketed his phone, snapping back to the present.

Marcus calmly folded the letter and tucked it into his pocket, but Waylen's keen eyes didn't miss his distraction. Waylen smiled and remarked, “What's got you so engrossed there? You seem lost in thought."

“Nothing,” replied Marcus, his expression guarded.

He rose from his seat and headed toward the door. “Isn't dinner ready?"

As Marcus approached, Waylen placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and said, "Marcus, sometimes it's okay to express your vulnerability.

Your mother and I won't ridicule you. It's just a breakup, after all."

Marcus' tone remained indifferent as he responded, "I'm not getting into a new relationship.”

Waylen sensed that Marcus might still be putting up a facade.