Melissa was with Marcus briefly three years ago, but Albert had been by her side for three long years.

Despite everything, she chose to stay with Albert.

After hearing Marcus, Melissa offered a faint smile.

She attempted to smooth her disheveled hair, her shaky hands betraying her emotions. Once composed, she whispered softly, "Yes, I'm aware. But what makes you think you can judge me? When I arrived in Heron, I had nothing, not even the assurance of a future for my unborn child. What choices did I have? Return to Duefron, devoid of pride, and plead for your acknowledgment of our child? Or accept the support of someone genuinely willing to offer me a different path?

What choice would you have made, Marcus?