Melanie experiences a mixture of emotions: fear for Shirley, thanks for Caleb's support, and admiration at the breathtaking view as the chopper rises away from Orion, leaving the city lights behind. As the chopper soars over the coast, Melanie's anxiousness resurfaces and Shirley’s immobility weighs heavily on Melanie’s thoughts. Caleb feels her tension and pours two glasses from the helicopter's mini-bar. "Here, drink this. It'll relieve your worries." Melanie hesitates, typically denying the alcohol because she doesn't like what it tastes like, but tonight, her fear overwhelms her reservations, so she accepts the glass, adoring the amber nectar. The rich, creamy flavor astonishes her and Caleb smiles, encouraging her to drink more. "It's my secret reserve, aged whiskey,” Caleb explains to Melanie and she takes another sip, feeling the warmth rise across her chest. As the chopper experiences turbulence, she downs the rest of the glass. Caleb refiles her glass, concern written on
“What do you mean by ‘this changes things’?” Alex asks Ryan confused, as he starts walking towards his mom’s office because he would rather have that conversation in person than on the phone. “That is because it changes a lot of things” Ryan emphasizes with his eyes darting back and forth in his mom's office, but he doesn't necessarily explain himself. “Can you explain and stop confusing me?” Alex snaps at Ryan because he has had enough of his dribbling. “You never mentioned your fiancée’s name to me and now I started crushing on your fiancée…both of us are even like best friends now,” Ryan confesses to Alex. “What do you mean that you are crushing on my fiancée?” Alex asks him visibly offended as he practically sprints toward Karen’s office“Before you called me and explained the situation in an obvious way, I didn’t know that she was your fiancée and that is because you never showed me any pictures of her nor told me her name even though I asked you for it on countless occasion
Ryan drives for a few minutes because of how close Kalinin’s estate is to Bistro Bills and in no time, he pulls over in front of Kalinin’s beautiful house. He knocks on the door even though it is quite late and he doesn't like visiting people this late, but the situation is different…it is Melanie who is involved here. He rings the doorbell for a while before Kalinin steps out with her hair disheveled, slightly tangled and messy, her sleep-flushed cheeks with a hint of warmth, her eyes slightly puffy with a sleepy gaze in a tank top and baggy sweat pants. “This can't be Melanie, it has to be Kalinin because what time did she get home that she is already sleeping?” Ryan jumps to conclusions as he eyes the lady in front of him from head to toe. “Good evening ma'am…I am Ryan, Mel’s friend” he introduces. “I know you” Kalinin answers him curtly because she is really tired after the day's activities and she just wants to get back to the comfort of her bed. “Sorry to disturb you
Melanie slowly opens her eyes, lethargically taking in her surroundings, and she is met with the sight of Caleb’s chiseled features, his eyes gazing softly at her. They’re in a luxurious hotel room, the morning sun filtering through the curtains and she thinks back to the list place she was the last night and it was inside Caleb's private jet, so her expression changes from relaxation to discomfort as memories of their intense night flood back. She tries to sit up so that she can figure out her next move but Caleb’s arm wraps around her, holding her close. “Good morning, beautiful,” Caleb whispers, his voice husky and Melanie’s cheeks flush awkwardly as she extricates herself from his embrace to sit down upright on the bed because that position is too distracting for her to think straight. “Morning,” She replies curtly, avoiding eye contact. “Regrets?” Caleb asks as he notices her unease and raises an eyebrow. “No time for regrets…we have work to do” Her tone is clipped, dism
Melanie and Caleb stand frozen, their eyes locked in a profound connection. Time seemed to fade away as they delved deeper into each other’s souls. The air is charged with an unspoken understanding, a sense of vulnerability and openness. Caleb’s gaze wanders through Melanie’s chocolate brown eyes, searching for answers to unspoken questions and Melanie in turn, finds herself lost in the golden flecks dancing within Caleb’s irises, like caramel-colored leather. Their face inclines as if drawn by an invisible force, their lips barely an inch apart. The tension between them is palpable, a spark waiting to ignite. “Housekeeping!” unexpectedly, a knock on the door shatters the spell and Melanie’s eyes snap back to reality, while Caleb’s face mirrors her surprise. “Right,” Melanie stammers, taking a step back. “Breakfast.” She remembers, and Caleb clears his throat. “Yeah, we should go,” He says as they reluctantly part ways and Melanie smoothens her hair, attempting to compose hersel
Melanie watches as Caleb makes himself comfortable in the driver’s seat, adjusting his rearview mirror, so Melanie steps out of the owner's corner where she is seated and settles in beside him, her eyes focused on the passing scenery.“So,” Caleb starts, his voice low and smooth and she waits for him to continue because she kinda has an idea of what he wants to say, but she still wants him to land first.“About last night…” he continues.“What about it?” she cuts in, her gaze unwavering.“You’re really going to play it like that?” Caleb’s smile hints at amusement.“Like what?” Melanie’s tone is neutral, but a hint of warning lurks beneath.“Like it didn’t mean anything” He chuckles.“It didn’t” Melanie’s expression remains impassive as she answers.“Just sex, then?” Caleb raises an eyebrow.“It was just sex, Caleb. Let’s not make it more than what it was.” Melanie nods her voice firm.“Okay,” Caleb answers, with his eyes leaving the road, but his jaw clenches slightly.“Are we really
Caleb's sight lingers on Melanie's disappearing silhouette as she hastens towards the Apple Store and he can't help but feel a mix of wrath and curiosity."It was just sex, ”"Don't read too much into it." Melanie’s words stick in his thoughts as he sees her disappear in the mob.“She is hiding something... Her emotions run deeper than she admits,” Caleb mutters“It has to run way deeper than she is letting on” Caleb's thoughts churn as his grasp on the steering wheel tightens, his mind racing with questions as he parks the car properly.“Why did she shut down the conversation?”“What was she afraid to reveal?” Different questions flood through his train of thought again.With a long breath, Caleb steadies himself and walks out of the car. He takes his time surveying the crowded retail atmosphere before making his way to the Apple Store.As he enters the store, he sees Melanie scanning smartphones, her countenance intent, so he approaches her gently, not wanting to shock her."Have yo
“This is the second time you are trying to make me discuss this issue today, and I see what you are doing but I won’t fall for your trap” Melanie reads the room, refusing to not only give Him an answer but also stop walking side and side with him as she hurries to their room.Caleb makes a mental note to continue to find out things that will break down Melanie’s walls completely, but he doesn't push the issue further as she has seen through him.As Caleb and Melanie return to their hotel, Caleb's mind remains focused on the lead about Shirley."Riverview Gas & Go," Caleb mutters to himself, recalling the name of the gas station where Shirley's car was spotted as he set down the shopping bags."Everything okay?" Melanie notices Caleb's distraction and she asks him."Just thinking about the lead on Shirley." Caleb nods."What's the plan?" Melanie's expression turns serious.“I'll get my team to review the security footage from Riverview Gas & Co to see if we can identify any suspects."
“Sis…can you not be ruled by your emotions?” Kalinin says as she drags Melanie out of the sitting room to talk to her. “Calm down babes…I am not been ruled by my emotions, I just need to put it to her that she doesn't get to walk over my emotions the way she did when I was a child” Melanie tells her sister when she sees that they are out of earshot with their mom. “I don't understand…” Kalinin lets out confused. “Of course you can't, that woman did not bully you when we were growing up, but she bullied me,” Melanie lets out, rolling her eyes. “The woman in question is our mother, and however right you may be, I will not tolerate you speaking to our mom with any form of disrespect whatsoever,” Kalinin warms. “Our beloved mother, president general among the nations is right and I am wrong…satisfied?” Melanie expresses sarcastically, rolling her eyes. “Did you really marry Caleb?” kalin humps straight to asking. “No I didn't,” Melanie tells Kali the truth“If you didn't, then why
Caleb navigates the winding road from his neighborhood to Kalinin’s estate. The drive is quiet, with Melanie trying to get in touch with Olivia, Tony, and her other team members while Caleb focuses on driving because that is his job.The scenery shifts from quaint suburban homes to grand gated mansions. He rolls down his glass to enjoy the fresh air and interfering noises outside since the car is uncomfortably quiet. The air grows thick with the scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass, and the sun casts a warm glow over the landscape, illuminating meticulously manicured lawns and sparkling fountains.As they approach Kalinin’s estate, Melanie marvels at the imposing iron gates adorned with intricate designs, because most times when she came to her sister's house, or when she was leaving, she was always occupied with one thing or the other, but now that she is done talking to Olivia and Tony about their next line of action.As they get to Kalinin’s part of the estate, her drive
"Good morning Jenkins," Caleb says, his voice firm and authoritative as he walks out of his room, his phone already in his hands as he speaks to his chief butler. "Good morning, sir...how can I help?" Jenkins asks Caleb. "I need you to mobilize the other stewards to help get my Wife's things out of my car and clear out Benjamin's room have her things relocated to his room and completely change the interior décor of the room to white interior, accompanied by lilac touches, within the next two hours, but make sure that you get it done within two hours," Caleb instructs. "Is there anything else you need me to help you with?" Jenkins inquires as he quickly pens down Caleb's instructions so he won't miss out on any.“Now that I think about it, don’t arrange her things in Benjamin’s room as of yet, just send them to my room first, then when we leave the house, you will pick up her things from my room and place her in Benjamin’s former room,” Caleb adds.“Where should we relocate the se
“Calm down and finish your food,” Melanie tells herself. With that, she puts her ranging thoughts on hold as she settles down to eat her food and finishes it.Immediately Melanie is done with her food, she pushes her plates aside, and her mind starts racing with the thoughts of Caleb’s suggestion once more. She gets up from the table, gathers all her dishes, and takes them to the kitchen where she washes them because she didn’t meet Caleb’s dirt dishes on the sink.Before she finishes washing her dishes, she starts ascending the giant staircase with determination. However, on getting to the end of the staircase, she looks around and remembers that she has never been to his house before. So, she takes out her phone to dial his number because she doesn’t want to start screaming his name like an illiterate in such a giant, beautiful mansion.On dialing Calb’s number, she hears a faint ringing tone coming from the door on her left, and she leaves where she is standing to go closer, only f
“Wait, what?” Melanie pauses, as she has just started her meal, and she suddenly pauses, her fork hovering mid-air. Her eyes widen, and she can feel her heart skip a beat. “Are you serious?” she asks Caleb who is busy observing her expression, barely able to believe the words she just heard. The shock is so intense that she almost drops her fork. “Yo…yo…you…I’m kidding,” Caleb lies and Melanie exhales in relief, that she starts massaging her chest that is rising and falling with her palm, as if that will quiet down the thumping of her heart in the rib cage of her chest. “Is that how much pressure the thought of not being married to me brings you?” Caleb throws the question at her because he wants to judge what her reaction will look like when she finally tells him. “Are you joking?” Melanie questions him, after hissing at him. “Or did you think that was funny?” she presses and he just shakes his head. “Ever since I broke up with Alex, the thought of being stuck i
“Before we get into anything serious, do you need something to eat?” Caleb asks because he is starving. “You sent Alistair to deliver me a breakfast platter, so I am still stuffed,” Melanie answers, rubbing the belly part of the free gown that she has on. “I did?” he asks her and Melanie shoots him a confused look. “You didn't?” she questions him. “My bad…I completely forgot about that,” Caleb quickly codes that Alistair just sent the food, to lay the groundwork of what he needs to get used to for him. “Are you sure that you were the one that sent the food?” Melanie starts to doubt as she questions him. “I mentioned it before I went out to indulge myself in an unhealthy amount of alcohol, but I wasn't expecting him to remember to send the food because my mind was just all over the place.” he lies, so that he won't destroy the effort that Alistair put into making Melabie happy, while he was indisposed. “He is that reliable?” Melanie asks suddenly interested in Alistair's persona
“Before we get into anything serious, do you need something to eat?” Caleb asks because he is starving. “You sent Alistair to deliver me a breakfast platter, so I am still stuffed,” Melanie answers, rubbing the belly part of the free gown that she has on. “I did?” he asks her and Melanie shoots him a confused look. “You didn't?” she questions him. “My bad…I completely forgot about that,” Caleb quickly codes that Alistair just sent the food, to lay the groundwork of what he needs to get used to for him. “Are you sure that you were the one that sent the food?” Melanie starts to doubt as she questions him. “I mentioned it before I went out to indulge myself in an unhealthy amount of alcohol, but I wasn't expecting him to remember to send the food because my mind was just all over the place.” he lies, so that he won't destroy the effort that Alistair put into making Melabie happy, while he was indisposed. “He is that reliable?” Melanie asks suddenly interested in Alistair's persona
Tired of the whole back and forth with Melanie, Caleb’s expression is stern as he looks at Melanie, after dealing with Sophia on the phone. “Stand up,” he says, his voice firm but controlled “What’s going on Caleb?” She asks, but Caleb is in no mood for any conversation again, and he just gestures for her to stand up, but Melanie hesitates for a moment, with her eyes darting back and forth, but then she stands up, her eyes never leaving his face. “Where is this coming from?” Melanie asks, her voice laced with confusion, but Caleb doesn’t respond. Instead, he turns and opens the door, expecting Melanie to follow him. “Come on,” he says, his voice firm. “Where are we going?” She asks but Caleb just keeps on walking. It is until they are outside, walking towards the car, that Caleb finally answers her. “We are going to Ryan’s house,” he says, his voice neutral and Melanie’s eyes widen in shock. “What? Why?” She asks, her voice incredulous but Caleb’s expression did not change. “
“I don’t understand why are being so stubborn and inconsiderate of my feelings, babe,” Caleb says, his eyes flashing with frustration. “I am not being stubborn Caleb, but what part of I don’t want to talk to right now so you do not understand?” Sophia’s eyes narrow. Just as it seems like the argument between Melanie and Caleb is about to escalate, Sophia clears her throat and drops her clutch on the antique glass table. Sophia is dressed to the nines in a sleek black pencil grown and red stilettos heels, her silky black hair cascading down her back. “Caleb, darling… since she doesn’t want to talk to you, I am here ready to talk to you, so let’s catch up because we have so much to talk about!” Sophia exclaims, her eyes lighting up as she sees Caleb’s attention on her, she rushes over to him, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug to mark her territory in front of Melanie. Caleb’s eyes meet Melanie’s over Sophia’s shoulder, and for a moment, they just stare at each other. Mela