Her journey had been fraught with hardships.

Leaning against the wall, Albert studied Melissa's slender shoulders and delicate neck before exhaling a wisp of smoke.

Perhaps fueled by alcohol, Albert eventually uttered something heartfelt.

Melissa had been under his employ for three years.

In a husky voice, he parted his lips and uttered, “Melissa, this is not what I had in mind for you when I took you in."

Melissa wasn't notably intoxicated.

"Mr. Waston, you're drunk," she remarked.

Attempting to intervene, Melissa turned around, but Albert waved her off, insisting, "Let me speak."

He drew deeply from his cigarette.

He confessed, "I find myself in a conflicting position. Part of me wishes for your reconciliation with Marcus, especially considering your son. Yet, on the other hand, I hope he swiftly ties the knot upon his return, ensuring you two never reconnect. Even if Marcus learns about Matthew down the line, the Fowler family won't permit him to divorce and marry you due to their concern for appearances.

However, Marcus encountered you again upon his return, before any marriage arrangements were made."

"Mr. Waston," Melissa interjected.

Albert smiled wryly.

"That's a relief, actually. It will spare me the anguish."

Approaching her, he extended his hand as if to caress her hair.

His nostrils flared slightly, a sign of agitation. Despite his past kindness towards Melissa, he now regards her highly for her hard-earned achievements.

Melissa attempted to evade him, but she hesitated momentarily before relenting.

She held a deep admiration for Albert.

He was the one who had rescued her from the depths of despair, providing her with everything she needed and breathing new life into her once more.

To Melissa, Albert represented a mentor figure. Observing his melancholy, she recognized it wasn't only directed at her. Despite her desire to speak, she found herself momentarily transfixed.