His approach was soft yet assertive. Melissa collapsed onto the couch, feeling her legs turn to jelly and her body floating.

Marcus' forehead glistened with sweat, and his face...

His face looked irresistibly sexy to her.

Locking eyes with Marcus, Melissa wondered how she could ever grow tired of him or imagine being with someone else.

But she felt embarrassed to voice it. So Marcus kept prodding, driving her crazy... Finally, Melissa grasped his neck and stammered, "No! I never—"

She blurted, "I never think about anyone else!"

"Is that the truth?"

Marcus nibbled her chin gently, pressing her, "Have you ever thought of leaving me?"

“No... I haven't...

Marcus, you jerk!"

Dropping his gaze, Marcus stared at her intensely.

Then he brought his nose close to hers and uttered each word slowly, "You better not Lie to me!"

The next morning, Melissa awoke to find Marcus gone.

As she tried to rise, she felt sore all over.

Clutching the pillow tightly, Melissa gritted her teeth and cursed, "Damn it, Marcus!"

Her waist felt like it was about to snap!

Just then, the door swung open.

Yvonne peeked in, her two pigtails making her look adorable. Racing to the bedside, she beamed at Melissa. "Guess what? Uncle Marcus said. Dad's coming back in a few days! And he assured me Mom and Dad aren't splitting, and I can still be with Grandma!"

Hearing the news, Melissa couldn't help but share the girl's joy.

Yet, the cost had been high indeed.