The soft glow briefly illuminated his features, highlighting the handsome contours of his face that Melissa had once found irresistible. Now, as she reflected on their repeated intimate encounters since her return, a wave of shame washed over her. The complexity of their relationship was something she struggled to voice.

Marcus, mindful of Melissa in the car, took a few quick drags of his cigarette before putting it out.

Then, he stepped out into the night, pausing to offer a gentle reminder over his shoulder. "Just stay in the back seat. Tidy up a bit. Let's not give anyone anything to talk about."

Melissa, her cheeks warming at his words, could only nod, the flush of embarrassment spreading across her face.

Marcus slid into the driver's seat, casting a quick glance at his watch before igniting the engine. It was nearing nine o'clock in the evening, marking nearly an hour since he and Melissa had retreated to the car for their private interlude.

The thought of their time together lingered sweetly in his mind, leaving him yearning for more. If circumstances had been different, he wouldn't have parted from Melissa so swiftly. After all, satisfaction didn't come easily, especially for a man like himself in his thirties.

The ride back was enveloped in silence, each lost in their thoughts.

Upon arriving at the villa, they were greeted by the sight of Matthew on the porch, clutching Minnie in his arms, the puppy's head resting quietly on his lap.

Matthew's face, streaked with mud, was marred by tears.

Upon noticing his parents, Matthew's sorrow deepened. “Mommy, Daddy—

Minnie— Minnie was bitten by Jessie— Will she die?"

Melissa stood frozen, while Marcus carefully inspected Minnie, noticing a bite on the puppy's rear. "Are you certain Jessie did this, Matthew?" Marcus' eyebrow arched in question.

Matthew's nod was heavy with sorrow.

Marcus' glance towards Melissa carried an unspoken commentary on the day's events before he inquired about Jessie's whereabouts.

Their conversation was interrupted as Shawn and Janet arrived, Jessie in tow, looking notably downcast.

Shawn Launched into an explanation. "I came by earlier and saw Jessie and the puppy in a scuffle. Jessie got bitten, so we rushed her to the hospital."

Shawn's recounting carried a mix of excitement and disbelief.

"The doctor ordered seven shots right away!

She's still pale.

I doubt she'll mess with a puppy again."