As she approached the cashier, a familiar voice called out from behind. "Melissa!"

Startled, Melissa turned to find Jessie.

Removing her shades, Jessie remarked, “I spotted you outside and follow to join you! I heard about your promotion. Planning to make dinner solo? What about Marcus? You still haven't patched things up with him yet?"

Melissa shook her head silently, pushing her cart forward.

Resting her hands on the shopping cart, she asked casually, “And what about you? Aren't you spending the holiday with your boyfriend?"

Upon hearing her question, Jessie appeared somewhat disgruntled.

As Melissa settled the bill at the checkout desk, Jessie covertly slipped a package of ham into her cart and suggested, "I'll come over to your place tonight, and we can have dinner together."

Melissa, without hesitation, accepted, “Sure, no problem. As long as you don't have other engagements, I don't mind."

Unbeknownst to Melissa, Jessie's family assumed she was with her boyfriend, while her boyfriend believed she was with her family.

Regardless, Jessie was eager to share a meal with Melissa as soon as she saw her.

After Melissa paid the bill, the two of them exited the store.

Jessie wasted no time and hopped directly into Melissa's car.

Upon reaching the apartment, Melissa prepared a plate of fruit for Jessie before starting to prepare dinner.

Jessie, accustomed to being spoiled, relaxed while enjoying the fruit and eagerly anticipating dinner. As she watched Melissa skillfully prepare the ingredients and savored the aroma of the delicious chicken soup, she teased, “No wonder Marcus has a crush on you. Your cooking skills are amazing!"

After voicing her sentiment, Jessie found herself regretting.

To her surprise, Melissa responded without a hint of irritation, "No matter how skilled I am in the kitchen, I can't compare to the Fowler family's chef."

Jessie felt a bit awkward.

But she wasn't deterred. "So, you're basically saying you have your allure."

Melissa paused her chopping, a self-mockery in her tone, saying, “Perhaps his eyes just weren't too sharp back then. Let's not dwell on it. That chapter is closed."

Jessie snagged her favorite fruit with a toothpick.