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.