After a brief moment of consideration, she responded, "Certainly!"

While she waited, Melissa glanced at the young assistant, who had been working with her for some time. Without hesitation, the young girl discreetly withdrew from the office, even closing the door behind her thoughtfully.

Once the assistant had left, Melissa addressed Ryan on the phone in a composed tone, "How can I assist you, Ryan?"

Ryan fell silent momentarily before speaking up. “I have a flight tomorrow evening. I won't be back for a few years. Oh, and Roger will be on the same flight as me."

Melissa remained silent regarding his travel plans.

Ryan continued, "You've forgiven him, haven't you?" his tone casual.

Melissa cast her eyes downward and responded with a faint smile, "There's no forgiveness to be had in this matter. It's between Marcus and me. I'm not sure why you call, Ryan. But if you want clarity, all I can offer is my wish for your safe journey."

Ryan couldn't contain himself and blurted out, "You really don't care about me, do you? Don't you remember that we grew up together, Melissa?"

Melissa remained composed as she replied, "Honestly, the past holds little pleasantness for me."

With a soft tone, she added, "There are no lingering issues between us. It's best if you refrain from contacting me again. Marcus wouldn't be pleased if he found out."

Ryan's heart sank upon hearing Melissa's words.

After he hung up the phone, Roger, who was smoking nearby, cast a disdainful glare at Ryan and cursed, "I've told you before, she's cut from the same cloth as Marcus! This woman hates you, and you still believe she has feelings for you? What a fool! With your abilities, do you really think you can compete with Marcus? Even the most foolish woman would choose Marcus over you, let alone a smart one like Melissa!"

Marcus and Melissa decided to hold their wedding ceremony two months earlier than planned.

With Melissa pregnant, Rena took charge of event preparations, and Elva frequently ran errands for her. Despite being spoiled by Waylen since childhood, Elva was more than willing to deliver chicken soup or other items to her sister-in-law. After all, those dishes were all prepared by Rena.

Sitting on the sofa, Elva watched as Melissa had the soup.

Then, she said proudly, "My mom used this soup to win over my dad, can you believe it?"

At that moment, Marcus went down the stairs leisurely.

On his days off, he typically dresses casually at home. Yet, even in casual attire, his handsomeness remained unchanged.

Seating himself beside Melissa, Marcus remarked lazily, “I, too, was won over by Melissa's lamb chops back then."

He playfully pinched Melissa's cheek and continued, “And let's not forget the extra treat. She bought me a cup of Lemon tea in a modest cafe, and her sincerity was palpable as she handed it to me.