Melissa stood up and walked over to him.

Gently holding the wine bottle, she said, "Go grab two glasses."

But Marcus stopped her. "You don't have to pretend to be calm in front of me. There's no need for that. And that man... I know you don't like him and even hate him, but it's completely understandable that you would be emotional after hearing his death. You don't have to pretend to be indifferent. It's just me here.”

Melissa looked up at him, her chest tightening.

Gently, he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her.