In a gravelly tone, he questioned, “What if I prefer going to my place?"

His place? What could he possibly mean by that?

After a brief pause, Melissa grasped Marcus’ implication. He referred to their former shared apartment, a place she loathed.

Her demeanor shifted abruptly as she questioned, “Can't we choose a different location for coffee? Or are you unwilling to treat me, Mr. Fowler? And let's not forget, you have a girlfriend. Wouldn't it be improper to bring another woman to your place?"

"Are you envious of Violette?" Marcus inquired.

“Not at all. I simply wish to avoid any complications."

Just as Melissa finished speaking, she tried to exit the car. However, with a click, Marcus locked the car doors, preventing her from leaving.

Turning back, she demanded indignantly, “What do you think you're doing?"

Marcus offered no reply, instead starting the car and driving toward his apartment.

During the journey, Melissa gradually regained her composure.

Choosing silence, she purposefully ignored Marcus, unwilling to offer any false hope.

Memories of their past relationship were tainted.

Marcus and Melissa were polar opposites. He was born into privilege, while she struggled to rise from adversity. Having left those days behind, Melissa had no desire to engage in romantic entanglements with Marcus.

Perhaps she had finally awakened from her dream.

The journey was brief, and soon Marcus' car halted outside a building.

Rather than exiting the vehicle, he inquired softly, "Have you returned in the past two years? Do you ever miss this place?"

"Absolutely not!

Mr. Fowler, you've taught me to be pragmatic. Coming from humble origins, I'm undeserving of you. It's best I rid myself of such foolish notions sooner rather than later," Melissa stated bluntly.

Marcus' expression softened as he lowered his head, a smile playing at his lips.

However, his smile turned to a sneer as he retorted, “Indeed, everything has changed."