As Melody hung up, Philip remarked, "It's good to see Mr. Bolton in better health. I should be going."His visit was primarily for ensuring Melody's well-being. Realizing that they were about to leave the hospital, he saw no reason to linger.Melody cast a glance at Christopher and said softly, "I'll visit when I have time."Christopher's mouth opened as if to speak, but he held back."Of course, prioritize your work. You can visit me whenever," he replied.Melody's lips twitched slightly at his act of thoughtfulness. When would he abandon this charade?She left with her brothers and Philip, leaving Christopher behind.…Later that evening, Philip walked into his home to find Albert deeply absorbed in thought on the sofa.Hearing footsteps, Albert looked up and asked, "Phil, why haven't we seen much of Mel recently?"Aware that Melody had kept Albert uninformed to avoid causing him concern, Philip chose to maintain the facade and replied, "She's been swamped with work." "Is
After finishing her work the following day, Melody headed to the hospital to visit Christopher.As she entered, Christopher, who was about to reach for a glass, suddenly found the task extremely difficult, his hand stiffening."My hand hurts a little," he said, frowning. "I can't seem to reach the glass."Observing his apparently weakened state, Melody emotionlessly handed him the glass and advised him, "Try not to overdo your performance."Unfazed by her calling out his act, Christopher offered a small smile. "Didn't you promise to look after me well? Why didn't you bring a nutritious meal?"Raising an eyebrow, Melody replied sharply, "What kind of nutritious meal are you expecting? Remember, I'm here to care for you, not be your nanny.""I didn't mean that," Christopher responded with a playful grin, "It's just that your homemade meals seem more nourishing."Suddenly, a sarcastic male voice echoed in the room, "You're already getting more care from Melody than most. Mr. Bolt
Christopher's gaze settled on Melody, a subtle lift in his eyes conveying a playful tone, "You should stay at my place to make it easier for you to take care of me.""I'll accompany you, Mel."Before Melody could utter a word, Albert interjected smoothly.He then faced Christopher with a cunning grin, remarking, "Mr. Bolton, your house is quite big, isn't it? I'm sure you won't mind if I stay over too. After all, as a man, it's easier for me to help you than it is for Mel."Christopher's retort was icy and resolute, firmly dismissing the idea. He stated, "This matter is strictly between the two of us.""How dare you."As Albert prepared to counter, Philip intervened with a frown and said, "That's enough! Stop making a scene here! Come home with me."Albert had not returned home the previous night. His tone was now tinged with sarcasm and frustration. Was his brother annoyed because they had kept Melody's abduction a secret from him?"I'm not causing a scene!" Albert protested l
Melody inhaled deeply, her eyes flashing with anger.After securing the bandage on his leg, she abruptly leaned closer to Christopher.Their eyes met, and his gaze was filled with the face he had longed for, her scent enveloping him, stirring a nervous flutter in his heart.He asked, "Why are you staring at me like that? What's on your mind? Ouch, that's hurt!"Melody pressed his wound hard, turning his flirty remarks into a muffled groan of anguish.She continued to press down despite his discomfort and warned, "If you keep touching me, expect it to be even more painful next time."Her remarks carried a clear warning.Melody's irritated expression amused Christopher, and he thought it was particularly cute. He could not help but smile and agree, "Okay."She began to wonder whether this man had a sadistic nature because he smiled at her when she applied such agonizing pressure to his wound.Frowning, she gave Christopher a stern look before releasing her grip."My shoulder wo
Albert, looking at Melody with a hopeful expression, queried, "Mel, you don't want them either?""This is Christopher's house, so he decides what stays," Melody clarified matter-of-factly.Christopher nodded, satisfied with her response.Taking the bags with a hint of dejection, Albert turned toward the door. He glanced back at Melody, his eyes reflecting sadness and discomfort.Christopher observed the scene, a dangerous glint flickering in his eyes as he rolled his tongue against his cheek.Who was Albert trying to win over with that sad act? Didn't he know whose house this was?Christopher walked over with a smile that turned cold and shut the door firmly.The door slammed shut with a resounding bang.Albert took a step back, surprised by the powerful wind generated by the fierce slam. He glanced at the closed door, his face a mix of endurance and reserve, and rage rose in his eyes.He realized he had to find a new way to protect Melody now that she was staying at Christoph
"Don't ask me to go! I'm hurt, and it's hard for me to walk," Christopher said, his voice becoming gentler.Melody just rolled her eyes, speechless.She pondered who had just come into her room via the balcony. Aware of Christopher's shamelessness, she chose not to argue.Still, she was intent on establishing boundaries.Capitalizing on a pause between his words, Melody shoved him aside forcefully and rolled to the other side of the bed.She placed a pillow between them, cautioning, "Don't cross this line. Misbehave, and I'll throw you off the bed.""Fine," Christopher agreed, a smirk on his face.Silence in the room ensued.Melody was fatigued after the events of the day, and she began to feel relaxed when Christopher stayed on his side of the bed. She closed her eyes, drifting to sleep.A familiar agarwood aroma floated into her nostrils amid some rustling sounds."Mel, have I lost my appeal to you?" he asked in a deep, seductive voice.Melody's eyes narrowed at his flirta
"I have something to do. I need to go, Albert," Melody remarked as she hung up the phone.On the other end, Albert began to recall what Christopher had just said. He was so enraged that he almost threw his phone.Darn it!His plan to lure Melody away from Christopher's house under the guise of work had failed. He pledged to protect her, but now he was unable to see her.Albert was visibly upset, his chest heaving with a mix of anger and distress."Chris! What did you just say?" Melody asked, clearly irritated and annoyed.Christopher pretended to be clueless and responded, "What do you mean? Why are you upset?"Melody instantly saw through his act, recognizing the mischievous glint in his eyes. It was obvious he had done it on purpose."I'm not in the mood to talk," she retorted, turning away in annoyance.Christopher did not mean to irritate her. He knew that angering her would undo all his efforts to regain Melody's affection.He slided an omelet toward her, attempting to a
A well-dressed but visibly exhausted couple emerged from a car. They showed wearied expressions on their faces. The sight of them caused Melody's pupils to constrict significantly.She wasted no time asking Christopher what was going on. Her full attention was drawn to her long-lost parents. She hurried to her parents and embraced them tightly.Melody exclaimed, "Mom! Dad!""Mel!"The family of three hugged each other tightly. With this embrace, all the years of missing and yearning for one another vanished.She tried to hold back her tears by pressing her lips together, but her eyes had turned red."Welcome back," Linette said, her voice tinged with denial. Tears sparkled in her misty eyes as she gazed at her family, who had just returned.The Nolans came together, exchanging stories of their long years apart and their shared anxieties.The wind ruffled Christopher's short hair as he gazed intently at Melody.Her delight and enthusiasm were unmistakable. It was an unusuall