Torn, Melissa felt the weight of the decision. Going could mean risking her job, not to mention the promise she made to Marcus about returning before midnight.

Yet, how could she refuse Jessie, her friend in need?

With no other option, Melissa called Marcus, her voice tight with concern. His immediate understanding of the situation took her by surprise. “You want to go to Heron? To witness Albert's wedding?" he asked, almost as if he'd expected the call.

"You knew?" Melissa was stunned.

Marcus' response was light, almost playful. “Seems like you're just catching up, Miss Brown. Maybe it shows where you stand with Mr. Waston."

In that moment, Melissa wasn't in the mood for jests or jabs at her professional standing.

Cutting straight to the chase, she asked, “Are you okay with it or not?"

"Of course I am," Marcus replied, his tone unexpectedly supportive.

"What better way to put this behind you than to see it through to the end?" Marcus extended his support further by offering the necessary invitations to the ceremony. “I'll do you one better and provide the invitations for the ceremony. Without them, you wouldn't be able to access the hotel," he said.

"Thank you, Mr. Fowler," Melissa responded with an eye-roll.

"You're welcome," Marcus replied, his tone laced with irony, marking the end of their conversation.

The night before the wedding, Melissa remained in the villa with Jessie, caught in a whirlwind of emotions and preparations.

Bright and early, Marcus arranged for the delivery of the invitation letters and went the extra mile by organizing a private plane for their journey. This thoughtful gesture highlighted his considerate and kind-hearted nature.

Jessie's engagement situation quickly descended into chaos.

Jessie's absence left everyone scrambling, ultimately leading to a fallout between the two families.

At noon, the scene was set in a luxurious hotel in Heron.

Albert's wedding venue was adorned in shades of blue, setting a serene backdrop. His bride-to-be, a woman in her thirties, radiated a gentle grace and elegance.

During the wedding, Jessie made her entrance at the venue.

Clad in a vibrant dark purple dress, Jessie radiated an energy and youthfulness distinctly at odds with the demure elegance of Mrs. Waston-to-be...

Despite the Layers of makeup, they were insufficient to mask the signs of exhaustion etched across Jessie's face.