Chapter 7

Lost in thought, I was startled by a knock at the door.

My mother called out and went to open it.

Seth walked in, carrying bags full of things, speaking sweetly to charm my mother and Jasmine, who both smiled, clearly won over.

After some small talk, he said, "Mom, it's all my fault. I upset Melody yesterday, so I rushed over first thing this morning, afraid you'd be mad and not let her come back with me."

My mother, laughing cheerfully, replied, "Oh, of course not," and immediately encouraged Seth to take me back.

I resisted, but she shot me a warning look and discreetly pinched my arm.

I ended up leaving with Seth.

As we reached the gate of the complex, I yanked my hand free from his.

Seth turned around, rubbing his temples. "Melody, stop making a scene. Your mom wants you to come back with me. If you don't, where are you going to go?"

He went on, confidently weighing the pros and cons, implying I couldn't possibly manage without him.

"I don’t need you to care," I shot back. "I c