Marcus glanced at her, nonchalantly. “Let him stew for a bit. Don't worry. If Julie and you bail him out now, he'll just do it again.

Janet will suffer more in the long run."

Listening to Marcus, Melissa nodded, saying, “It's Janet's call. If she wants to leave Shawn, I won't hold her back."

Marcus stared at her, absorbing her words.

Melissa continued, "I just feel for Janet. Sometimes it's just that simple. Money really doesn't matter that much, and a woman simply marries for a loyal husband and his love for her. I know that's what Janet wants, but Shawn let her down."

Suddenly, Marcus asked, “What about you, Melissa? What do you want in marriage?"

Her heart raced at his question.

Usually, she wouldn't share this with Marcus but it felt right in this quiet moment between them.

She shifted, resting against Marcus' shoulder, feeling the softness of his shirt against her face.

Enjoying her closeness, Marcus’ expression softened.

Nestled against him, Melissa whispered, “If I marry you, I want a simple life, your love, and most importantly, enduring care for each other. Happiness to me means waking up happy every day, right?"

She didn't just say she'd marry anyone. She meant him.

Holding her close, Marcus stayed silent for a while.

Melissa leaned in, giving him a soft kiss on the cheek, and then whispered, "You've been to my office, right? Actually, Marcus..."

Out of the blue, Marcus pulled the quilt over her head.

Then, with a hint of arrogance, he declared, “It's time for me to head to work!"

Melissa was left speechless.

Three days later, Shawn emerged, his face a map of bruises.

He knelt before Julie, begging for forgiveness. But Julie, unmoved, remarked coolly, "You owe Janet an apology, not me! If she won't forgive you, neither will I. You brought this on yourself after all!"

In a fit of anger, Julie even slapped Shawn with her shoe.