Melissa drifted into a brief nap, awakening to find herself cocooned under a blanket, nestled in Marcus' embrace.

With unwavering focus, Marcus remained engrossed in his laptop, his demeanor stoic as ever. It was a stark contrast to his earlier passionate demeanor.

Quietly rising, Melissa queried, "Why didn't you wake me?"

Setting aside his laptop, Marcus smoothed her tousled hair and grinned. "You seem exhausted, so I thought I'd let you catch some rest downstairs."

Melissa hesitated, wanting to tidy up the sofa, but Marcus, aware of her sensitivity, had already tidied it and discreetly disposed of the used tissue.

Gently caressing her delicate face, he remarked, “You've birthed two kids. Why still so bashful? It's normal for couples to indulge in a little Living room rendezvous now and then. The staff understand."

Melissa shot him a look. "This isn't the bedroom. Not everyone's as audacious as you."

In retort, Marcus quipped, "You seemed quite pleased just now. Why the sudden modesty? Aren't you worried about the servants catching you in the act?"

Enraged, Melissa kicked him and retreated upstairs, wrapped in a blanket.

After checking on the kids, she headed to the bathroom for a shower, emerging enveloped in steam. Marcus was already there, towel in hand, ready to assist her.

As Melissa relaxed into his embrace, her anger dissipated.

Clad in a bathrobe, she leaned against him, relishing the intimacy of the night.

Suddenly, she spoke up. “Jessie's in the hospital."

Marcus nodded silently.

After a moment of contemplation, Melissa continued, "I don't think Mr. Waston will let Jessie go. Marcus, something about this feels off to me."

Marcus, being a man, understood men well.

While he was privy to Albert's thoughts, he didn't want to burden his wife with the darker aspects of men's minds. It was better for her to remain uncomplicated, though she was already quite astute.

Changing the subject, he tenderly encircled Melissa's waist, planting kisses along the nape of her neck. "Why bother with other men's business? Didn't I just give my all?"

Knowing Marcus inside out, Melissa recognized his reluctance to engage further.

Without pressing the matter, she withdrew from the intimacy, wrapping her arms around his neck and murmuring softly, “Three times not sufficient? Marcus- You're over thirty now. Show some restraint."