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.

Marcus extinguished the cigarette with a practiced flick of his wrist.

Then he turned to face Melissa with a contemplative look in his eyes.

He gazed at her quietly-the new Melissa who was different from the one he had remembered.

Melissa's voice trembled as she spoke. "Marcus, please, just let me roe A faint smile tugged at the corners of Marcus’ lips at her plea.

His tone turned serious as he insisted, "You can't deny it. You still have feelings for me, Melissa!"

Melissa tried to say something.

But Marcus cut in, his voice matter-of-factly. "Matthew's a Fowler; he won't be yours forever."

Melissa's heart clenched at Marcus' words, her mind racing to comprehend his implications. "What are you suggesting?"

Motioning toward his study, Marcus invited her to follow. "Come on; let's talk it out."

With a resigned sigh, Melissa followed him into the study.

When she got in, she closed the door behind her. Marcus sat behind his desk, pulling out a document from a drawer.

He slid it across the desk.

Then he motioned for her to take a seat and have a look.

Confusion clouded Melissa's mind as she sat down and skimmed the document. After a moment, she looked up, her eyes wide with disbelief.

“What is this?"