As she spoke, leaning against the sink, the opulence of the private club's restroom, highlighted by the glow of a crystal chandelier, lent an extra layer of elegance to her appearance.

Marcus, drawn in by her poise and beauty, stepped closer, their proximity forcing Melissa to edge back slightly, though she offered no verbal protest.

With a scoff, Marcus remarked, "You sound almost jealous of her."

Melissa's response was laced with disdain. “Please, Mr. Fowler, don't flatter yourself. I was naive and inexperienced back then, but I've since learned my place. It's best for someone ordinary like me to keep a distance from the likes of Mr. Fowler. You're beyond my reach."

With those words, Melissa pushed Marcus aside, and walked past him, leaving a trace of her scent in the air- a reminder of what once was, yet different, stirring something within Marcus.