Melissa met his gaze without faltering.


    After a moment, Weldon''s voice, rough with emotion, broke the silence.


    “You bear such a striking resemnce to your mother... Please, take a seat.” As Melissa seated herself across from him, Weldonpsed into memories of her mother, recalling


    their first meeting with a tenderness that contrasted sharply with his usual demeanor. “When I first encountered her, she seemed like a gentle force, unexpectedly entering my life. You remind me of her, eliciting a simr sense of empathy.” Perhaps thebination of his authoritative position and vast influence lent a tone of regret to his reflections on past romances.


    Bears However, for Melissa, these musings rang with unmistakable irony.


    Melissa held back her emotions. “Yet, you deceived her. You led her to believe you were unmarried, without a wife waiting at home. So, at just 20, she chose to follow you, a man on the verge of 40.” Weldon let out a soft sigh. “I did love her, truly” Melissa''s response was edged with scorn. “Your so-called love was nothing but a profound mistake. Perhaps there was love at the start.


    However, when she became pregnant with your child, when she became a threat to your family, you discarded her like something worthless.


    Are you aware of the hardships she faced giving birth alone? Can you even imagine the pain she endured afterward, or the struggle of the child she raised on her own? You know nothing. You remain oblivious, wallowing in self-pity only when it suits you” Her voice faltered slightly. “Had I been given the chance for a normal


    family, Marcus and I wouldn''t have had to break up in the first ce.


    And now, you presume to act as a concerned father? Don''t you find pointless?” Weldon asked quietly, “Do you hate me?” “I don''t,” Melissa replied, her voice steady. “It''s my mother who had every reason to. You betrayed her trust, and she carried that betrayal to her grave. Now, with no ties binding us, I wish for no further contact. I refuse to bear the Smith name.” Weldon''sughter broke the heavy silence.


    He regarded Melissa intently. “You stillck understanding. Whether it''s marrying into the Scott or the Fowler family, do you really believe you can secure such a match without significant support?” Melissa realized their worlds were irreconcbly different and there was nothing more to talk about.


    Rising to her feet, she stated inly, “Such aspirations hold no appeal for me. A home, a ce to rest, a simple meal... A simple life is all seek.” With those final words, she departed, leaving the conversation behind.


    They spoke no further of her mother.


    As Melissa reached for the door, Weldon called out with a heavy tone, “You''lle to regret this. Melissa, I''m sincere in wanting to make amends. Just call me Dad and everything will be alright”


    Melissa halted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I... don''t have a father.” With those words, she exited.


    Behind her, the sound of teacups shattering echoed, a testament to the conversations impact.


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