Melissa replied quietly, “I work for him. It's only fair for him to compensate me."

Marcus extinguished his cigarette, leaning closer.

In a hushed tone, he proposed, "Then work for me. I can pay you tenfold or a hundredfold."

Melissa offered a faint smile, opting not to argue.

To her surprise, he didn't push the matter further or engage in an argument. He respected her wishes.

Nevertheless, as he stepped out of the kitchen, he donned his coat, preparing to depart. Matthew leaned his head on Marcus’ shoulder and embraced him tightly for a prolonged moment.

“Alright, give me a call if you start missing me," Marcus said, giving the little boy a gentle pat.

He then retrieved a small mobile phone from his pocket, specially customized for Matthew. There were only two numbers programmed into it: his own and Melissa's.

He proceeded to teach Matthew how to make a phone call.

Mastering the phone quickly, Matthew beamed. As Marcus departed, Matthew planted a big kiss on his cheek.

Melissa escorted Marcus to the door.

Marcus cast a Lingering glance at her before wordlessly descending the stairs.

Early in the next morning, Julie returned to care for the little boy, enabling Melissa to head to work.

After a moment's hesitation, she inquired, "Did Mr. Fowler not spend the night?"

Melissa sipped her coffee quietly before stating, “We've parted ways.

Julie, let's avoid discussing him further.”

Julie promptly offered her apologies.

Melissa understood Julie's well-meaning intentions, yet the truth was that both she and Marcus had resolved to part ways. Despite occasional bouts of jealousy and possessiveness from Marcus, they remained steadfast in their choice.

They were no longer adolescents. They couldn't waver in their decisions endlessly.

Melissa confided in Julie about Marcus' proposal from the previous night. Julie supported her choice. “That's the way it should be! Who knows what the future holds? At least we're capable of caring for Matthew now. Let's not burden him excessively or allow him to belittle us."