Philip breathed a long sigh, as if making a monumental choice.He respected Melody's choices—he would protect her no matter what happened and definitely prevent Christopher from hurting her again.He watched as they disappeared from sight before slowly turning to drive away.-In the drawing room, Jonathan Bolton was sitting on the brown couch. He had his eyes closed, though he was holding onto his cane, which was embedded with an emerald that symbolized his status and authority."Mr. Bolton, Mr. Christopher has returned with Ms. Nolan," a servant reported respectfully just then.Jonathan promptly opened his eyes, his usually stern expression showing delight.Melody and Christopher had entered just as he rose to his feet, and his turbid eyes flashed in delight and surprise. "Long time no see, Mel… I'll have the chef cook your favorites right away!"As he turned to tell the servants to get to work, Melody came to a realization that Jonathan was not the one who invited her over f
Olivia snorted. "Don't you forget that you're eating in my house. The cheek of yours to spew such nonsense…"Glancing at the dishes on the table, she then said, "You've been married into this family for years, but you haven't cooked me anything. Jasmine, on the other hand, is caring endlessly for Natasha after she's been hospitalized. The difference is really there for all to see.""You're such a comedian, Mrs. Bolton," Melody retorted coolly. "As a perfectly healthy person, you're perfectly capable of cooking for yourself, aren't you?"Olivia's eyes flashed in anger, and she growled tempestuously, "You little—""Enough!" Jonathan snapped right then, slamming his fork and knife on the table while glaring at Olivia. "I invited Melody here. If you disrespect her, you're disrespecting me!"Jonathan's outburst stopped Olivia from speaking up. Having no choice but to withhold her anger, she could only shoot Melody a look of grief.At the same time, Jonathan wheeled on his own grandson
Melody pursed her lips even as the rain poured.She kept her eyes to herself, impassive, but she could still catch Christopher glancing at her from time to time.Her lips curling downward unhappily, she said, "Eyes on the road, please. I'd rather not get involved in a car accident.""No faith in my driving?" Christopher smiled—she was finally talking to him.He also drove slowly just to stay with her a little longer.Still, she was noncommittal whenever he tried to strike up a conversation and never started any of his own.In fact, despite the car heater being turned up to the maximum setting, it was cold as ice between them.Eventually, Melody simply turned away and ignored him, not even bothering to shoot him a dirty look.She took out her phone, and someone just happened to text her about work.As her fair, slender fingers tapped on the screen, it was the only audible sound in the silent car."You'd rather chat with someone else than talk to me?" Christopher asked, his smi
The butler brought a towel as soon as Melody entered, informing her quietly, "Ms. Nolan, Mr. Scott has just arrived. He said he brought some documents.""Yeah. Is he still here?" Melody asked, drying her hair."He is. He's moving the pots on the balcony with Ms. Amelia," the butler replied.Melody paused in turn.Philip knew that she was a perfumer, and that the plants she was growing at the balcony were fragrant plants.It would be a huge loss if those plants were left out in the pouring rain—she had actually forgotten about them after being forced to spend time with Christopher.She quickly put down the towel and headed upstairs, finding several servants moving around busily.Philip's tall frame certainly stood out in their midst, and she could see his shirt sticking against his skin as he moved in and out of the rain.The way he protected her plants with such solemnity left her gaze flickering.He turned just then and appeared taken aback to see her. "You're back?"Given
Once Melody poured Philip a bowl, she paused as she stared at the empty bowl in front of Christopher.He was a guest, even if invited.With that in mind, she poured him a bowl."At least you know I'm here," Christopher snorted.Melody could feel the jealousy in his words but pursed her lips without responding.She served herself a bowl of ginger soup, taking small sips—the warm fiery taste warmed her body considerably as soon as it reached her belly."Do you feel better?" Philip asked mildly beside her.She turned to smile at him. "Yeah. What about you?""Me too," Philip chuckled, his very presence tender. "I remember us getting wet in the rain before too, and you made me ginger soup back then as well, fussing around as you took care of me. Do you remember, Mel?"His eyes sparkled as he spoke off the old days with a warm smile.Melody stared at his kind face and recalled the days when they were dating thanks to his reminder.It had been a beautiful time for them, with a lot
The light was soft but bright—a completely different world from the cold, dark world outside.Christopher pursed his lips, wondering when he could rock her world.He stared for a while and turned to leave only when the rain became deafening. As he drove home, there were more cars than when he came, and the rain was pelting his window.Eventually, he clicked his tongue as he stepped on the brakes, slowing to a halt due to traffic with an impatient frown.Still, the silence in the car allowed his mind to wander—specifically the fragrant pots of plants.He remembered the scent clearly—it smelled just like a scented sachet Melody gave him before.At that thought, his dark eyes narrowed, his expression impassive as a suspicion he had before bloomed.He already had a hunch, but was Melody actually the performer she talked about?His eyes flashing, he whipped out his phone and dialed a number. "Give me details on Bayridge's top performer."Hanging up, he reclined against his seat
The air in the office stiffened, with Melody's heart skipping a beat as she remembered Jenson's look.She quickly reached for the pen again, but Philip did the same just then.She felt the warmness of his touch on the back of her palm and pursed her lips without knowing it. Taking the pen, she swiftly pulled her hand out of her grasp and straightened, her expression awkward even as she straightened her hair.Philip was still crouching, the tenderness of her touch nothing but a passing moment. He used his other hand to touch where Melody's skin brushed against his, his dark gaze narrowing to hide the raging desire inside him.Melody cleared her throat and smiled, intending to clear the awkwardness after that moment their eyes met and what Jenson said. "Jenson's always an idiot… So, where were we?"As she looked up at Philip, she recognized the emotion in his eyes.She became very familiar with it—it was the way Philip looked at her when they dated, and being stared fixedly again
"I admire your resilience, Mr. Bolton. I didn't expect you to come here just to find Melody." Albert put up a stiff smile, clearly mocking the man. Noticing how sarcastic he sounded, the corner of Christopher's mouth twitched, only to be interrupted by his phone ringing inside his pocket.This only served to make him frown deeper, as he took his phone out with an upset expression. It was Jasmine. Since Albert was right next to him, he was able to notice the name on Christopher's screen in an instant. Seeing this, he sneered. "I didn't expect Mr. Bolton to be such a multitasker too! I really should learn from you someday."Albert just could not help but feel enraged for Melody as he thought about how she and Christopher were once married. Despite being the most wonderful woman in the entire world, he just could not believe that she was wronged by a jerk like Christopher!Clenching his fists under the table, the veins around his arm were slightly visible as he hid his malice t