She shed tears, but silently. She just held the gift in her arms.

After three years with Albert, how could she not feel sad?

Melissa stepped aside to give them privacy.

She stood on her bedroom's tiny balcony, peering out.

As midnight approached, the night sky Lit up with fireworks, and the air was filled with the sound of celebrations, a stark contrast to Melissa's solitude.

It was very lively.

While people were exchanging New Year's wishes, Melissa was alone.

And with her only family, Matthew, at the Fowler family place.

Melissa pondered over dealing with work to distract herself from the emptiness.

As she pondered, her phone lying on the bed started ringing.

Melissa wrapped herself in her scarf and returned to the bedroom to answer her phone, expecting a call from Julie. However, it was Marcus on the line.

As the new year approached, Marcus's voice was devoid of warmth, saying, "Matthew can't sleep without his pillow. I'm waiting downstairs. Please bring it."

Caught off guard, Melissa hesitated.

She stepped onto the terrace and immediately noticed Marcus' car at the entrance. He was casually leaning against it, phone in hand, visibly under the weather even from afar.

Parked nearby was Albert's vehicle.

For a brief moment, Melissa was at a loss for words. Finally, she managed to say, “Marcus, Mr. Waston..."

Marcus cut her off, his tone icy, "Miss Brown, you are single.

You're free to see whomever you please without my input. What do we have between us aside from Matthew? The times we had sex last month were just flings. Why? Still dwelling on it?"

His words stung.

Melissa, no longer inclined to justify herself, responded quietly, "I'll bring it down now."