She couldn't let Richard down.

Melissa tried to process everything ricard had just said, why was it when she felt like things would go back to normal? That's when he suddenly appears and everything gets ruined again.

“How can he be your client?” Melissa questioned.

“Why can’t it be them?” Richard questioned placing Melissa in another tight position as she though of how else to make Avalor sound bad.

“I heard about his company and ugh…he is involved In illegal things, why didn’t you tell me about it before it happened?” Melissa lied.

Richard sighed heavily, realizing the weight of the situation. "Avalor's company approached me for a business deal," he explained to Melissa, his voice tinged with regret. "They made an offer that was hard to refuse, and I ended up signing the contract."

Melissa's eyes filled with desperation as she pleaded with Richard. "Please, you have to find a way to back out of the deal. Avalor's company is not what it seems, they are involved in illegal activities. I can't let you get caught up in this."

Richard shook his head, his expression pained. "I understand your concerns, Melissa, but it's too late. The contract has been signed, and breaking it would have severe consequences for both me and my business."

Melissa felt her heart sink, the weight of helplessness overwhelming her. She had hoped that Richard would understand and prioritize their safety over any business deal. "But Richard, can't you see? Avalor will stop at nothing to get what he wants. He's dangerous, and if you're associated with him, you'll be in danger too."

Richard's face hardened, a flicker of anger crossing his eyes. "I appreciate your concern, Melissa, but I can handle myself. I have worked hard to build my business, and I won't let anyone jeopardize it, not even Avalor."

Melissa's voice trembled as she reached out to him, desperation evident in her eyes. "Please, Richard, reconsider. There must be a way to undo this. We can find another solution, but I can't bear the thought of you being in danger because of me."

Richard's gaze softened as he looked into Melissa's pleading eyes. "I understand your fears, Melissa, and I promise to be cautious. I won't let anything happen to either of us. But right now, I need to focus on finding a way to navigate this situation without putting my business at risk."

Melissa nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. She knew she couldn't force Richard to back out of the deal, but she couldn't shake the feeling of guilt and fear that consumed her. 

Melissa knew there was no way of escaping Richard grip.

As Melissa and Richard returned home, Melissa couldn't shake off the uneasiness that had settled within her. She knew that avoiding Avalor was crucial to protect Richard, but the guilt of keeping her true identity a secret weighed heavily on her.

That night, Melissa tossed and turned in bed, her mind filled with thoughts of how to prevent Avalor from discovering her true nature. The fear of him finding out and the potential danger it could bring to Richard consumed her thoughts.

But as the night grew darker and the exhaustion took over, Melissa made a decision to avoid Avalor at all costs. She couldn't risk exposing her secret and putting Richard in harm's way. It was a difficult choice, but it seemed like the only option to keep everyone safe.

So, Melissa resolved to keep her distance from Avalor, to dodge any encounters, and to create a façade of a normal life for Richard's sake. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to protect those she cared about.

The next morning, Melissa woke up with a heavy heart but a renewed determination. She couldn't let fear control her actions. She had to find a way to live her life without Avalor's constant presence, even if it meant sacrificing her own happiness.

Melissa got up from bed, determined to put on a brave face and act as if everything was normal. She couldn't let Richard suspect anything was wrong. She had to make him believe that she was just a regular human, unaware of the supernatural world lurking around them.

She soon stepped out to have breakfast when she saw Richard making calls while he paced around the kitchen with a cup of coffee in his hands, it took him a few minutes to notice Melissa had join him in the kitchen as he stopped before ending the phone call with a smile.

“You must have seen me moving around in confusion?” Richard said as Melissa nodded positively to his question.

“Is anything the problem?” Melissa asked.

Melissa couldn't help but notice the stress etched on Richard's face as he ended the phone call. Concerned, she approached him and asked, "Is everything okay, Richard? You seem stressed."

Richard let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. "I'm afraid not, Melissa," he replied, his voice tinged with worry. "I just received some bad news. I have to go on a business trip immediately, and I'll be away for a few weeks."

Melissa's heart sank at the news. Not only was she grappling with the challenges of keeping her secret from Avalor, but now she was faced with the responsibility of handling Richard's company in his absence. The weight of the situation overwhelmed her, but she knew she had to stay strong for Richard.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Melissa asked, her voice filled with determination.

Richard looked at her, gratitude evident in his eyes. "Actually, Melissa, there is something you can do," he said, his voice hopeful. "I trust you, and I believe in your abilities. I need you to take charge of the company while I'm away. You have a keen eye for business, and I know you won't let me down."

Melissa was taken aback by Richard's faith in her. She had never expected to be entrusted with such a responsibility, but she couldn't let Richard down.