Upon entering, Melissa was greeted with an intimate sight. Marcus was reclining on the sofa with ease, and Violette nestled beside him.
Meanwhile, Violette’s parents occupied the adjacent seating.
The scene proved uncomfortable for Melissa.
Waylen was well aware of Marcus’ intentions. Marcus deliberately flaunted his closeness with Violette to provoke Melissa. Unable to compel the Finch family to depart without being rude, Waylen resorted to bringing Matthew over and placing him in Marcus’ care. “You’re not a child. Why the fascination with these magazines? Attend to the child,” Waylen instructed.
Matthew leaned his head against Marcus’ shoulder.
Upon catching sight of Melissa, Marcus made no effort to rise in greeting. Instead, he handed the magazine to Matthew.
Matthew, at an age ripe for play, delighted in tearing pages from magazines and crafting paper airplanes.
In the hallway, the members of Melissa’s generational cohort from both families observed her silently. Growing increasingly uncomfortable, Melissa reiterated, “It’s getting late. I’ll be taking Matthew home.”
Rena implored Melissa to stay. “We’ve been inconsiderate. You’ve likely been waiting outside for some time. There’s still time to enjoy a cup of fragrant tea before you leave.”
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Rena exuded warmth and kindness, and her demeanor was consistently gentle toward Melissa.
Not wishing to cause Rena any discomfort by rejecting her, Melissa acquiesced.
Elva pulled Melissa aside and suggested, “Let’s play cards together.
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Take a seat here. Just keep an eye out for Olivia trying to deal from the bottom of the deck.”
Olivia immediately protested and engaged in a verbal spur with Elva.
Meanwhile, Mark and Cecilia exchanged glances. Then, Cecilia reached into her bag and retrieved two gifts, addressing Melissa, “You’re Melissa, correct? I’ve heard a lot about you. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
The gifts presented were beyond Melissa’s means to accept.
Mark grinned. “One is for you, the other for Matthew. He’s adorable.”
Rena arrived with scented tea. “Just accept them. Mark and Cecilia don’t visit us in Duefron often.”
Despite feeling uneasy, Melissa accepted the gifts graciously.
Violette’s parents harbored a twinge of jealousy seeing Melissa being treated favorably in the Fowler household. Despite spending ample time at the Fowlers’ residence, Mark and his wife neglected to present Violette with any gifts, while the outsider Melissa received offerings the moment she arrived.
Luna spoke up, her tone raised. “Miss Brown, you’re not Marcus’ wife or even his girlfriend. How can you accept those gifts from his family?”
Luna’s remarks caused Melissa to flush with embarrassment.
Violette also found her mother’s comment overly harsh and discreetly tugged at the hem of her garment.
Luna whispered back, “If I don’t confront her directly, she’ll continue pursuing Marcus. And that will upset you.”