Apart from some clothes, all the bag contained were supplements for Melissa.

Julie said, "I'll spend the next two years taking care of your baby while you go back to work. When the little one's old enough to go to kindergarten, I'll find a place and open a small diner. With that, I'd be able to save some college funds for our little angel."

Melissa's eyes watered. "Julie... she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

Julie came to her and wiped her tears. “What are you crying for?"

Julie asked softly. "Twenty years ago I had nothing too, and I'm just starting over now. You don't have to worry. We'll be able to take care of your child."

A bittersweet smile appeared on Melissa's lips.

Julie had said the words with confidence, but her certainty brought a pang of sadness to Melissa. Julie's husband was in jail, and her own son didn't take her in. In the end, she had no one else but Melissa.

Julie kept drying Melissa's tears. “From now on, we have each other.

You can count on me, and I'll be counting on you too."

Then, she brought up another topic. “How was the prenatal check-up today? Can I have a look?"

Melissa answered with silence.

Julie knew her enough to be able to guess what it meant. "You didn't have the check-up?" she asked curiously. "Or is there anything wrong with the baby? You can tell me, Melissa. I've gone through what you're going through now. I might be able to offer some advice."

Melissa shook her head.

There was a long pause before she finally spoke. "I didn't have the prenatal check-up today. I ran into Marcus at the hospital."

"Did he see you?" Julie asked, surprise evident on her face.

Melissa answered calmly, "No. Vanessa was also there. He probably thought he misheard or it was her that others were calling."

Julie carefully watched Melissa's face.

After a long while, Julie whispered. "When you left, Mr. Fowler had gone to see me once in Warsew. He didn't say anything; he just left me some gifts that looked really expensive. Melissa... are you sure you don't want to give you two another chance? From how I see it, he really Loves you."

With a bitter smile, Melissa said, “We're not right for each other."

Julie kept her eyes fixed on Melissa's belly.