Lighting a cigarette, Marcus took a few puffs. Though the smell overwhelmed Melissa, she remained silent.

Marcus stubbed the cigarette and said in a low voice, "I did mention that I want you to join me for a cup of coffee."

Enraged, Melissa exclaimed, "What more do you want, Marcus? We ended things three years ago! You accused me of dishonesty and claimed I wasn't worthy of you. It's irrelevant now. I've moved on. Why can't you accept that?

You're with someone else. What more do you expect from me?

To be your illicit lover? To become like my mother? Marcus, you know better than to belittle me like this.”

She finished with heavy breaths.

Unable to maintain her facade, Melissa broke down.

Despite recognizing Marcus’ intentions, she couldn't contain her emotions.

Exhausted from her outburst, Melissa slumped against the passenger seat, biting her hand as she muttered, "Please, just let me go. You can have anyone, Marcus. But I only have myself."

Meanwhile, Marcus remained silent in his seat.

Eventually, he lowered the window to dissipate the lingering scent of smoke.

He then suggested casually, “Let's just have that cup of coffee."

By now, Melissa had regained her composure. "Fine, I'll join you for coffee," she agreed. “But after that, we're strangers. No more dredging up the past or pestering me."

With that, she exited the car first.

Alone in the car, Marcus offered a faint smile before following suit.

Upon reaching the apartment, everything appeared unchanged from their past.

A pair of slippers remained by the door, once belonging to Melissa.

It was evident that no one had worn them since her departure.

She averted her gaze, unwilling to dwell on memories of the past.

"Is the coffee maker still in the kitchen? I'll brew us some,"