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.