He was so effortlessly handsome!

After a while, he finally said, "It's delicious. Try some."

Melissa nibbled on a shrimp. It was tasty, with juicy meat.

Once done, she requested, “Pass me a tissue, will you?"

Marcus gazed at her for what felt like ages. Eventually, he shut off the stove, lifted her chin gently, leaned in, and planted a kiss on her lips. Their mouths and teeth danced together. At first, Melissa hesitated. After all, people could pop in at any moment, and Marcus had a knack for this kind of thing.

But after a while, she melted into it and hugged him tight.

His touch thrilled her. After their smooch, she nestled into his embrace.

Marcus lowered his voice and murmured, "This meal's to cheer you up.

Have you been shedding tears?"

No."

“You've been crying and still running Albert's errands..."

Marcus felt for her.

Melissa couldn't bear to hear those teasing words he had for her.

She found an excuse to slip away. Marcus just let her go, watching her back for a long while.

Marcus was onto Weldon's scheme.

He also knew the Smith family was gunning for Melissa to take the reins, but she refused.

It was late.

Both Matthew and Yvonne were deep asleep. As Melissa finished her shower and prepared for bed, she found Marcus lounging on her bed, tousling Matthew's hair every now and then.

When Marcus spotted Melissa, his gaze was intense.

Lately, Marcus had been staying over occasionally, mainly to keep Matthew company.