The phone call ended. She grabbed Matthew's favorite pillow, switched her footwear, and stepped outside.

The night wind was strong.

Marcus leaned against his black Land Rover, puffing away on a cigarette. His dark coat merged with the night's shadows.

Melissa walked up to him.

Worried about Marcus' foul mood's potential impact on Matthew, she clarified to him, "I'm not with Mr. Waston. Jessie's at my place."

But Marcus showed no interest in her explanations.

He took the pillow and said lightly, “No need to explain. Your Life is none of my concern. Melissa, I won't pry into your personal stuff.

Who you're seeing, where you went to, Heron or Tashkao, has nothing to do with me. We're just old flames, nothing more."

Melissa cast her gaze downwards, forcing a smile.

After a brief silence, she said softly, "Mr. Fowler, have a happy new year."

Marcus fixed his gaze on her before entering his vehicle. The Land Rover then executed a swift turn and vanished into the night.

Melissa paused, not rushing back inside.

She decided to leave Albert and Jessie alone for a bit and found herself a nice spot, surrounded by wisteria vines.

When Melissa was still with Marcus, he mentioned that the wisteria blooms were best at his great-uncle's place in Czanch.

Marcus also mentioned he'd take her there to check it out sometime.

Gently touching the faded vines, Melissa realized she might never get the chance to witness those wisteria flowers firsthand.

After Melissa had remained downstairs for quite a long time, she finally decided to go back. That was when she saw Albert emerge from the building.

When he saw her, he said in a whisper, “Jessie's asleep now, but she doesn't sleep soundly. So you'd better be as quiet as possible."

Melissa nodded in understanding.

Jessie was about to be engaged to another man, so it was really inappropriate for her to have too much contact with Albert.