Her white shirt was buttoned up tight. Waking up to Marcus' Love bites, she spotted them all over her neck in the mirror. She made a mental note to ask him to ease up next time.

Gazing at the kids tenderly, Melissa noticed their intertwined hands.

She absentmindedly rubbed her belly, excited at the thought of another child.

Marcus seemed to adore girls. He treated Yvonne exceptionally well even though they weren't really related. If they had their own daughter, he'd surely spoil her rotten.

With Marcus and Melissa's impending marriage, welcoming another child seemed just right.

Right then, Yvonne dashed to Melissa with Matthew in tow. She flung herself into Melissa's arms, her eyes brimming with silent tears.

Melissa felt a pang of unease as she glanced up and spotted Shawn.

Shawn, looking rather comical, carried a live rabbit in a pink cage and a bag of rabbit food in the other hand.

Ignoring her father, Yvonne clung to Melissa, leaving him no choice but to approach. He scratched his head, flashing an awkward smile at Melissa. "I tracked you down after stopping by your place. I figured I'd find you here."

Squatting down, he coaxed Yvonne. "You always wanted a bunny, right, sweetie? I got one for you. It cost me eighty seven bucks. Not cheap.

It'll be yours now!"

But Yvonne remained silent, holding onto Melissa's hand tightly.

Melissa let out a soft sigh. "She's still young and sensitive, Shawn.

Don't push her too hard."

Shawn dared not defy Melissa's words.

Patting Matthew's shoulder, Melissa said, "Go play with Yvonne over there."

Matthew called out to Yvonne affectionately. Though young, Yvonne sensed her father wouldn't do anything with Melissa around, so she relaxed a bit and joined Matthew to play. Yet, she still avoided looking at the rabbit.

As the kids wandered off, Shawn settled on the rockery beside Melissa.

Rubbing his hands nervously, he asked, “What do I do? Yvonne's completely ignoring me. She's as stubborn as her mother, that one.”

Melissa eyed the rabbit and spoke up. “It's not Yvonne and her mom's fault. It's on you, Shawn. Janet's letting you see Yvonne all because of her respect for Julie. Otherwise, she'd have taken Yvonne and left."