In reality, these factors were unreliable. Only by establishing her own career could she truly assert independence from him. She wanted to stand by his side as his equal.

Once Melissa finished talking, Marcus clearly didn't want to argue.

He gently touched her cheek and said, "Alright, we'll discuss this next year."

It was rare for him to be so open and communicative, which made her heart sing. Since they reconnected, he had been more proactive. While she usually didn't take the lead in getting close to him, now she felt a desire to be intimate.

As she sat on his lap, his dark eyes clouded. "Melissa, do you realize what you're doing?"