There was a prolonged silence on the phone.

Finally, Albert let out a bitter smile. "You're correct. I'm no longer qualified to ask these things."

Marcus gazed thoughtfully at the phone after ending the call. Melissa couldn't resist speaking softly. "He must be hurt by what you said."

Placing the phone on the bedside table, Marcus leaned against the bed and gazed down at her. "Do you feel sorry for him?"

Melissa rolled over and scoffed. “What nonsense are you spouting?"

Marcus leaned closer, a faint smile playing on his lips as he whispered in her ear, "You truly have no idea what I'm referring to?

I'm jealous, Mrs. Fowler!"

Melissa pouted, “Why must you be so narrow-minded?"

"Didn't Albert confess his love to you in the past? Are you certain he never had feelings for you?"

Melissa turned towards Marcus, pressing her face against his neck as she murmured, “That was ages ago. I'm amazed you still recall."

Marcus gently stroked her hair.

Melissa's slender frame made it easy for him to pull her into his embrace.

He savored holding her like this.

The discussion about Albert was quickly forgotten in the warmth of their embrace. As Melissa remarked, it was all in the past. What truly mattered was that Marcus and she were together now.

The following morning, Melissa prepared to head to work as usual after breakfast.

Snatching the keys from her grasp, Marcus playfully flicked her forehead. "Starting today, I'll chauffeur you to work and back. And no overtime, remember!"

Melissa was taken aback, staring at him momentarily before agreeing.

Placing her briefcase in the backseat, she settled into the passenger seat with a smile. "I'm not a fan of driving anyway, especially when there's a chauffeur on hand."

Marcus teased, “You liar! You just want to spend more time with me, don't you?"

Melissa rolled her eyes, accustomed to Marcus' shameless banter.