Despite her intelligence, she chose not to snap back. She redirected the conversation and asked, "Marcus, are you sure you want to start fresh with me?"

Marcus responded not with words but by wrapping her in a hug.

Suddenly, Melissa felt the urge to cry. She nestled her face into his chest and said with a softened voice, “But we need to agree on one thing. You have to respect me and see me as your equal. Marcus, it's comforting to be cared for by you, but I also value the person I've become."

She felt so distinct from him, and after being apart for so long, she wouldn't make the first move towards him unless he showed real commitment, even if he was available and there were no rivals.

Marcus felt touched by her honesty.

He nodded, still embracing her. She attempted to push him away gently, not managing to break free.

Just then, a servant came up and knocked on the door. "Mr. Fowler, there's a delivery here for Miss Brown."

Marcus looked down at Melissa.

She rested her hand on his shoulder and explained, "It's something I ordered."

He then released her, and she went to the door to open it. The servant greeted her with a smile, saying, "I've signed for it on your behalf, Miss Brown.”

Melissa expressed her gratitude to the servant, accepted the package, and softly shut the door.

"What's in the box?"

Marcus took the package, sat on the sofa, and opened it. Inside, he found a delicate navy blue box. Upon opening it, he discovered an opal lapel pin. It wasn't from well-known fashion brands nor too costly, yet it was still exquisite.

He removed it and stood before the mirror, attaching the lapel pin to his tie and shirt collar.

After admiring it for a while, he murmured, "I really like this."

He was aware that Melissa tended to be quite economical. Her closet was hardly filled with clothes, yet she had purchased a lapel pin worth a fortune for him. Suddenly, Marcus grasped Melissa's intentions and what she really wanted from this relationship.

Without saying more, he embraced her tightly.

In the evening, around six, Marcus drove Melissa to the Fowlers mansion in a Rolls Royce.

Even though it was Marcus’ birthday, Waylen, with Matthew present, didn't scold Marcus much for being late at his own birthday party.

On Marcus' arrival, Waylen only grunted, “Finally decided to show up, huh? Nearly forgot your own birthday, didn't you?"