Come evening, Melissa unwrapped gift after gift, jotting down notes for future payback.

When she opened one box, Melissa found a ruby bracelet.

The beads were big, which made it seem very expensive. However, it also looked like something that had been passed down in generations.

She examined the box, spotting the Smith family's initials at the bottom.

Realizing who it was from, she zoned out for a second.

“What's up?"

After his shower, Marcus strolled over with a towel wrapped around his waist, and plopped down beside her. He slipped an arm around Melissa's waist, pulling her close. When she snapped back to reality, she shook her head, muttering, "Nothing!"

With a glance downwards, she added, “It's from that man!"

Then, after a pause, she continued, “It must've belonged to my mom."

What was the point of Weldon pulling this stunt now, especially after he had let her mom down?

Marcus took the bracelet from Melissa, giving it a once-over. It kind of matched her style, he reckoned...

Melissa must take after her mom a lot. Weldon must have had genuine feelings for her mom back then. It was a shame their relationship had been built on lies and had ended in tragedy.

He returned the bracelet to its box, saying, "I'll have it sent back tomorrow."

Melissa looked at him gratefully upon hearing that.

"We're a team now. Taking care of stuff like this is part of the deal," Marcus said softly, planting a kiss on Melissa's lips.

Without hesitation, Melissa leaned in to kiss him back. After a moment, she playfully ran her fingers along Marcus' jaw, murmuring, “Marcus, I love kissing you."

Setting the box aside, Marcus deepened their kiss, rubbing noses with Melissa. In a sultry voice, he teased, “Just figuring that out now, Mrs. Fowler? You haven't looked elsewhere all these years. Can't find anyone better than me, huh?"

Melissa, feeling grown and confident, didn't hold back, especially with Marcus.

Knowing Marcus liked the praise, she chuckled.

"Yep, you're spot on. Never found anyone as handsome as you!"