Chapter 213

Marcelo settled onto the couch and in the next moment, he gently drew her closer, lifting her to sit on his lap with his arms encircling her waist. This position was unmistakably intimate. “Ah!" Caught off guard, she didn't resist but allowed him to embrace her. “Have you been troubled?" He inquired, softly. Renee pressed her lips together, remaining silent. Marcelo guessed that Naomi must have been involved. With a comforting gesture, he gently massaged the back of her neck and reassured, "If you'd rather not deal with her, then don't. There's no reason to feel guilty or ashamed." “But Nana wasn't like this before." Lowering her head to look at her fingertips, she mumbled, "She was always so kind to me before." “Renee, people's feelings may change over the time." He noticed her silence and let out a sigh. “Do you think Jessica is kind to me now?" he suddenly asked. “Very kind." Her response came from genuine observation. Every time they met, Jessica always greeted Marcelo with open ar