Ten minutes passed before Melissa pulled up in front of the Fowler Group building.

Pausing before stepping out of the car, she found herself gazing at the crystal pendant hanging from the rearview mirror. It was Marcus' subtle to evoke memories of their shared attempt past.

However, Melissa couldn't help but feel that those memories were now distant echoes, lost to the passage of time.

Since returning to Duefron, Marcus had been unpredictable. One moment, he would be kind and affectionate, and the next, distant and aloof.

Melissa couldn't decipher his thoughts or feelings anymore.

With a sigh, Melissa retrieved her phone and dialed Marcus’ number.

His brisk response came through the line. “Are you here? Come straight to my office."

Leaning back in her seat, Melissa hesitated before speaking.

Her voice was low and strained as she asked, “Marcus, I didn't want to discuss this over the phone, but I need to know... After all these years, do you still harbor feelings for me, or have you grown to despise me?"

Silence greeted her question, stretching out uncomfortably.

Melissa pressed on with a faint, resigned smile. "You can't deceive yourself, Marcus."

Perhaps, deep down, Marcus might regret his actions once he realized the truth.

Maybe he would seek her out.

Yet, as time passed, Melissa understood that Marcus had closed himself off to love. He had chosen Violette as his companion, fueled by bitterness towards Melissa for disrupting his perfect life after breaking up with him.

But who would mend the fractures in her own life?

ALL Melissa desired was a semblance of a normal life, to raise her son, Matthew, without sacrificing herself for anyone else's happiness.

Another prolonged silence filled the airwaves.

Finally, Marcus spoke up. “Let's discuss this in person."

Suppressing her emotions, Melissa replied coolly, “That won't be necessary, Mr. Fowler. I'll leave the key at the front desk. You can retrieve it at your convenience. As for my car, kindly have your driver bring it to me once it's fixed."

Without waiting for his response, Melissa ended the call abruptly.