While Melissa spoke, Marcus remained silent, his gaze drifting downward as he reached for a cigarette.

With a flick of his lighter, he Lit the cigarette, drawing in a deep breath as smoke curled around him.

The room filled with the acrid scent, obscuring Melissa's view and causing her eyes to water.

It reminded her of their tangled past.

Memories, both sweet and bitter, flooded Melissa's mind, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions.