Chapter 1

Two incidents had happened when Melody Smith decided to get a divorce.

First, Christopher Fuller's first crush had returned to the country, and he had spent tens of millions of dollars on customizing a cruise to welcome her home. He had even spent two days and nights with her on the cruise.

All the media had been reporting that the two would soon be together again.

Second, Melody had agreed to her senior's request to return to the company they had founded together and be the director. She would leave in a month.

Of course, no one cared about what she wanted to do. Christopher merely took her as a helper who married into the Fuller family.

Without anyone knowing, she secretly erased every trace of her in the Fuller residence for the past two years and bought herself a flight ticket to leave. She would have nothing to do with everything here three days later and would never cross paths with Christopher again.

"Bring two portions of hangover remedy."

A message popped up on the phone screen.

Melody stared at the demanding message. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she clenched her fist.

It was 9:40 pm. Christopher was attending the party that was held to welcome Cynthia York home.

In the past, he would never have her send the hangover remedy and would only have it at home because he thought she was embarrassing. He didn't even want to acknowledge her.

If this were to happen in the past, Melody would happily think that Christopher was finally acknowledging her identity as his wife to the public, but now…

Her gaze fell upon the word "two". She knew all this was for Cynthia.

He only had the courage to acknowledge his "wife" whom he despised and thought was embarrassing in front of his true love.

Melody went to the kitchen to prepare the hangover remedy.

There were only 29 days left until the end of her agreement with Daniel Fuller, Christopher's grandfather. She glanced at the countdown clock on the phone. She would be freed at the end of the agreement.

She couldn't even win Christopher's heart even after staying by his side for two years. It seemed like she had expected too much. She couldn't continue loving him anymore. This would be the last month for her to fulfill her duty as his "wife".

The remedy was boiling in the pot. It was something she was good at making because she had been preparing this for Christopher for the past two years.

She couldn't help but space out. She was calm but overwhelmed with a sense of sorrow.

Half an hour later, the lid of the thermal flask with two portions of remedy was closed tightly. Melody hailed a cab and headed for Luxe Hotel.

She sat in the car in silence, looking at the message sent by an unknown number in the morning.

"Mel, do you still remember me? I'm Cynthia. I'm back in the country. I'm glad to meet you again. Although you snatched Christopher from me, we're still best friends. Let's have a meal together tonight."

Christopher hadn't mentioned anything about the welcome party. Melody only found out through the "invitation" message sent by Cynthia.

She stared at the message that made the sender seem like a magnanimous and forgiving person. Then, she sneered sarcastically.

Did she snatch Christopher away?

Daniel had been the one stopping Cynthia from being together with Christopher. Cynthia had even received ten million dollars for breaking up with Christopher before going abroad. Since when did Melody snatch him from her?

She had to admit that she had gone along with it because of her own greed, but she had never interfered with it.

However, she was doubtful if Cynthia was truly that generous.

In the past, Melody would've thought Cynthia was as kind and naive as she looked. However, she had learned that everything was fake after attending high school.

It had been too late, though. She had lost all her friends and had been targeted and left alone. She had even been bullied. Later, she had found out that Cynthia had also been behind this.

Their high school friends would be attending the welcome party, and some of her "best friends" would be around, too. They would undoubtedly side with Cynthia.

Melody didn't want to attend the gathering because she knew it was a gathering with ulterior motives. Besides, she also didn't want to meet her old classmates. She felt disgusted by them. Hence, she planned to leave after sending the hangover remedy.

When Melody arrived outside the private room, she took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

The door was opened after a few seconds. She reached out her hand, but the person who approached her wasn't Christopher. It was Cynthia, who was dressed in a white gown.

"Mel, you're here! Hurry up and come in. Everyone's been waiting for you." Cynthia smiled brightly. She wore delicate makeup and looked just like a princess.

The necklace around her neck, Sapphire Waves, was the one Melody had seen at home. Christopher had bid it the day before yesterday. As expected, it was a gift for Cynthia.

"No. I'm only here to send the hangover remedy." Melody looked calm as she spoke apathetically.

"Mel, have we grown apart because we haven't met for two years? I told you I wouldn't blame you for snatching Christopher." Cynthia bit her lips and looked aggrieved.

Melody had enough of Cynthia pretending to be nice and looking pitiful. She turned sideways and wanted to go into the room to place the thing down.

However, Cynthia stopped her. She placed her hand on the lid of the thermal flask and secretly moved her thumb.

"If you really don't want to join us, I'll bring this to Christopher," she offered nicely.

Melody frowned, wondering why Cynthia would just let her go like this. However, she really didn't want to go in, so she handed the thermal flask over.

Just as Melody was passing over the thermal flask, Cynthia didn't hold it properly and dropped it to the floor.

The lid was opened completely, and the hot liquid spilled over.

Cynthia took a step back and shrieked, "Ah! It hurts! My legs!"

Her scream caught everyone's attention, and they looked in the direction of the door. Christopher had already stood up and strode forward. Meanwhile, Cynthia started sobbing in pain.

Christopher squatted and removed his custom-made suit to wipe the liquid from Cynthia's legs. At the same time, he chided, "Melody, how did you hold the thermal flask? You can't even handle such a small task!"

"I—"

Before Melody could say anything, Cynthia said, "Christopher, don't blame Mel. I didn't hold them properly."

Christopher stared at the thermal flask at the side and took the lid. He looked up and glared at Melody as he questioned, "The lid is still in good condition without any crack. Was it because Cynthia didn't hold it properly, or did you deliberately open the lid before this?"

Melody looked down and was stunned after getting questioned.

The thermal flask was of good quality, so it was impossible for the lid to open after being dropped to the ground. But now, the lid was opened, and there wasn't any crack.

"I didn't open it deliberately. If not, how did I bring it here?" Melody retorted.

"You did it on purpose. What's the point of explaining?" Christopher said with a cold expression.

To Christopher, Melody was merely a woman who would do anything to marry into a rich family. He wondered what she had done to convince Daniel. She had even made Cynthia leave and forced him to marry her. So, why would he believe her?

Christopher threw the lid away. Then, he stood up and wanted to carry Cynthia, but he saw a huge red patch on Melody's foot from the corner of his eye.

She was splashed by the hot liquid, too. Her injury was more serious than Cynthia's.

Christopher furrowed his brows, and a thought flashed across his mind.

The next instant, he still stood up without saying a word.

So what if Melody suffered a more serious injury? Christopher thought she asked for it. This was what she deserved for harming others.

Cynthia was carried by Christopher, and she placed her arms around his neck. She seemed embarrassed but worried as she asked, "Christopher, Mel…"

"Don't mind her. She won't die. She will go to the hospital herself," Christopher replied coldly.

"You're a model. It's a big deal that you injured your legs," he added.

Chapter 2

Christopher carried Cynthia and strode away. He bumped into Melody's shoulders when he walked past the exit, and she stumbled and hit against the door frame.

The pain in her feet and calves made her clench the door frame tightly.

Everyone in the private room cast their gazes over. Those stares were full of disdain and mockery.

However, Melody couldn't be bothered anymore. She gradually turned around and placed her hands against the wall as she struggled to walk away.

When she arrived at the outpatient department, the nurse instantly gasped when she saw the injury on her feet.

Blisters formed on her feet. The biggest blister was as big as a bun, and the smaller ones scattered across. It was such a terrifying sight.

"Oh, my God! How did you get scalded like this?" the nurse asked in shock.

Melody had been gritting her teeth in pain on her way there. Her face felt so stiff that she couldn't force a single word out of her mouth.

The nurse treated her wound as she sighed. "Someone who got scalded came just now. Her boyfriend carried her in anxiously and insisted on having the head of the doctors treat her. There were only a few red dots. They will heal in no time."

Upon hearing that, Melody was awash with sorrow and bitterness deep down. The person who had a few scalds and the one who carried her had to be Cynthia and Christopher.

Christopher was so worried and anxious. Even the nurse thought they were a couple.

"If that woman were injured as severely as you, I wondered how bad the man would feel," the nurse quickly said.

As severely as her?

Melody stared at the big blister on the foot—clear and huge.

If Cynthia were to suffer such a serious injury, Christopher would probably summon all the top specialists in the city to treat her.

However, Melody had been left behind by him without a second thought. She was left to see the doctor on her own, and he didn't even have a hint of sympathy for her. It was such a drastic difference.

The screen of her phone at the side flashed. Melody looked over and realized it was a call from Christopher.

Wasn't he keeping Cynthia company? She wondered why he would call her.

Melody didn't want to answer the call, so she flipped the phone over to cover it.

Meanwhile, the nurse was about to burst the biggest blister with a needle. However, it was too big, and the fluid couldn't be absorbed.

Christopher came to the outpatient department. When he saw Melody on the bed, he questioned, "Why didn't you answer my call?"

Melody heard his voice and looked up in shock. She didn't want to argue with him or even talk to him. She merely replied nonchalantly, "I put my phone on mute, so I didn't hear it."

Christopher looked at the spot next to her hand and saw that the phone was covered, indeed. His anger dissipated slightly.

The nurse turned around and looked at him. She wondered about the identity of the woman he had carried into the hospital anxiously just now.

"And you are…" the nurse asked.

When Christopher was about to reply, Cynthia's voice sounded from behind, "Christopher, how's Mel?"

Christopher turned sideways, and the word "husband" got stuck in his throat. His lips moved, but he couldn't make any sound.

Melody sensed that he was hesitant. Hence, she sneered and replied on his behalf, "We have nothing to do with each other."

Christopher was infuriated for some reason when he heard Melody's reply and saw her unbothered expression. He didn't even know why he was furious.

"She's my wife," Christopher said as he stared at Melody.

"Weren't you the one who wanted to marry me? You refuse to admit it now in front of the outsiders," he questioned her.

Melody looked at him and frowned slightly. She was puzzled yet thought it was so ironic.

Wasn't Christopher the one who refused to acknowledge her as his wife? She merely answered on his behalf after seeing how he struggled to reply.

Cynthia looked stunned and hurt when she heard Christopher saying that sentence. The next instant, she stared at Melody maliciously and dug her nails into her palm.

The nurse scanned the three suspiciously. Since she was clear about their relationship, she couldn't be bothered to speak nicely to a jerk.

"Irrelevant people please leave and let me do my job."

Christopher frowned and wanted to speak when he heard the nurse saying "irrelevant people". Just then, the nurse turned sideways, and he caught sight of the injury on Melody's feet.

He saw the terrifying, big blister and felt his heart tighten. He even forgot what he had wanted to say.

He reached out his hand subconsciously and stopped Cynthia from entering. Then, he turned sideways so that he wouldn't block the light from reaching the room.

Instead of leaving, he merely stood against the wall and stared at Melody's feet, his gaze deep.

Her feet and calf were red and covered with many blisters of various sizes. The nurse pricked the blister with a needle and used a sterilized cotton to absorb the fluid, and Melody's leg quivered.

She was only his wife in name. She had done everything to have Daniel force him to marry her, and he hadn't been paying attention to her. It was his first time realizing that she was so frail and weak.

"Don't wear shoes for now, and don't move around too much. Apply the medicine three times a day," the nurse reminded after bursting the huge blister.

Melody nodded. She wanted to stand up, but the pain in her feet made her shiver.

Christopher immediately strode forward and carried her.

Melody couldn't keep her balance and put her arms around his shoulders. When she came back to her senses, she immediately withdrew her hands and requested, "Let me down."

"Hold tight. Don't blame me if you fall down," Christopher replied.

He carried her with one hand instead of two, and Melody quickly held him tightly to prevent herself from falling. Then, Christopher took her slippers and phone with another hand.

Melody stared at his side profile and pursed her lips in silence. She stopped struggling. She knew there wasn't any love in his gesture. He was merely showing her some sympathy after seeing her injury.

Perhaps he was afraid that Daniel might blame him after knowing this, so he wanted to make up for it.

With that, Christopher carried Melody out.

Cynthia witnessed the scene outside the room. She forced a smile and asked concernedly, "Mel, are you okay?"

Melody's gaze was cold, and she didn't say a word. She was reluctant to play along with Cynthia's pretentious act.

Christopher took the initiative to reply, "Cynthia, her legs are injured. She can't walk, so I have to carry her."

Cynthia still wore a smile as she said, "You don't have to explain to me. Mel is your wife. It's nothing wrong for you to carry her. Moreover, she is hurt."

Chapter 3

Christopher paused for a brief moment and pursed his lips tightly. He stared at Cynthia without saying a word.

Melody heard their conversation and sneered mockingly. She was Christopher's wife, but she felt as though Christopher and Cynthia were a married couple while she was the mistress.

Christopher walked in front, and Cynthia followed beside him. Although Melody ignored the pretentious Cynthia, the latter continued to stir up more trouble.

"You must be in so much pain. I'm sorry. Christopher was concerned about my career, so he sent me to the hospital first. Don't blame him," Cynthia said to Melody.

Melody pursed her lips and replied indifferently, "I don't blame him. After all, you matter the most to him."

She had stated the fact, but Christopher thought it sounded sarcastic. Hence, he asked unhappily, "What kind of tone was that? Even if Cynthia didn't hold the thermal flask properly, you should be held accountable for not closing the lid properly."

Melody didn't argue with him, as she knew Christopher would never believe her no matter how she explained herself. She merely raised her head and looked over without a hint of emotion in her gaze.

Christopher looked down and met her calm gaze. Somehow, he felt Melody had become slightly aloof.

"Okay. It's over now. I'm not badly injured. Christopher, stop blaming Mel," Cynthia said like she was the bigger person.

Then, she added, "Besides, Mel is injured. Don't be so harsh to her, Christopher."

Melody felt like retching at Cynthia's words. She was obviously the victim, yet she had become the perpetrator. Cynthia even acted like she was a forgiving person and said those words shamelessly.

"Be more careful next time," Christopher said to Melody.

Next time? Melody sneered mockingly. There would never be a next time.

When they were at the roadside, a scream came from behind.

Christopher quickly turned around and saw Cynthia sitting on the ground. She was holding her ankle with one hand and seemed to be in so much pain.

"Cynthia!" Christopher shouted anxiously.

Without a second thought, he released his grip and let Melody down without warning. She fell right on the ground. It was so painful that she gasped.

Christopher panicked and ran over. He carried Cynthia and ran toward the outpatient department. He suddenly turned around after taking a few steps forward.

Behind him, Melody was struggling to stand up.

Christopher frowned and heard Cynthia crying, "It's so painful. I think I probably sprained my ankle. What should I do? I still have a show the day after tomorrow."

"Don't worry. I'll get you treated right away," Christopher said and withdrew his gaze. Then, he left without looking back.

After they left, Melody tried her best to stand up, but she was in so much pain that she couldn't straighten her back.

She didn't look at the two, but her eyes burned. Then, she hailed a cab.

After getting into the car, she looked at her feet. They hit against the slab when she fell, and her toes were bleeding. Besides, she felt pain in her tailbone, and a big part of her elbow was scraped.

She wiped away the dirt and blood with a tissue. It was so painful that tears streamed down her face. She could only grit her teeth and not make a sound.

It was the last month. Melody thought she would be freed after this final month.

Her phone vibrated at the side, and a message popped up. It was from the same unknown number.

"I'm sorry, Mel. Christopher sent me to check my legs and left you behind. He has to keep me company for a while more. You don't mind, right?"

Melody saw the message and ignored it.

Cynthia and Christopher had broken up for two years, but he still loved her very much. He would pick her without a single doubt even if she just stood there.

Melody switched to another application and checked out the message sent by her senior, Anthony Zeller, the previous day. He asked when she would be returning to the country.

She hid her marriage from Anthony and told him that she had gone abroad. In fact, she was still in Jardver.

Jardver wasn't big nor that small. The public only knew that Christopher was married, but they didn't know who his wife was. It was Christopher's request.

Melody had been going around Christopher all the time these two years and had never revealed herself.

"I'll be back after a month. Let me wrap up everything here," Melody replied.

She meant to end everything with Christopher.

Anthony replied to her in a while and said he would have her be the director of the company by then.

She agreed to Anthony's request but didn't accept the offer to be the director. After graduating, she married Christopher. Instead of being a full-time housewife, she was more like a full-time helper.

Therefore, she had to pick up everything she had learned in college. If not, she couldn't even handle the basic tasks.

"Don't. It's such a waste for you to be the director only. Back then, you were the one from our course to receive a scholarship every year. You led the team on your own and won the entrepreneurship competition. You're outstanding."

Melody spaced out as she stared at the message and recalled those days in college.

She had been performing well in academics. Moreover, she had led her team and won many competitions. It was then that she met Daniel.

She stared at the word "outstanding" and had a sudden realization.

Indeed, she was outstanding. Even if she didn't help Anthony with his business, she would at least be the higher-up in a well-known company.

What had she done to herself in these two years, though?

Because of love, she had humbled herself to the point of losing herself and her dignity. She felt inferior and like she didn't know herself anymore.

After replying to Anthony's message, Melody switched off the phone with a cracked screen. Then, she leaned against the seat and closed her eyes to rest.

Things in the past flashed across her mind.

Anthony had brought her to start a business. She had gone to look for investors and found Daniel. Daniel had agreed but had requested her to marry Christopher because he didn't want Cynthia to be married into his family.

The suggestion was such great news to her. She couldn't think straight in an instant.

Melody had had a crush on Christopher since high school. Although he was together with Cynthia, Melody had been loving him secretly.

She had been too greedy. She had wanted not only investment but also love. Hence, she had agreed to it right away.

But now, she was in deep regret. It wasn't a blessing but a curse. She would have to pay more for something she had gained too easily.

Chapter 4

It was already 11:00 pm when Melody arrived home. She didn't keep the lights in the living room on because Christopher would probably go somewhere with Cynthia that night—he wouldn't come back.

She took the first aid kit and endured the pain as she slowly walked toward her small bedroom.

They were married for two years, but they were only a couple in name. Christopher had been saving himself for his true love. He wouldn't even let Melody go near the master bedroom.

She thought it was good. If not, she would've felt so disgusted now if she had slept with him.

She briefly sterilized her elbow and feet before applying medicine. She didn't even have the energy to keep the first aid kit. Hence, she just placed it on the bedside table and thought to keep it the next day.

After that, she changed into pajamas and lay down. As she bent, the pain in her tailbone made her gasp.

She moved gradually and closed her eyes. Soon, her mind went blank, and she drifted off to sleep.

…

Just as Melody fell asleep, Christopher was sending Cynthia back to the hotel.

"Christopher, could you send me to my room?" said Cynthia, who was in the passenger seat. Her coquettish voice was hinting at something.

Christopher didn't hear her and drove as he glanced at the car screen. Somehow, he felt frustrated and furious. It was the 20th call he made, yet no one answered.

Cynthia, who was next to him, didn't hear any reply from him. Instead, he kept staring at the screen.

She looked at the number. There wasn't any remark, but she thought it was familiar.

She took out her phone and checked her messages. Then, she looked at the message she had sent to Melody and checked the number.

It was the same number.

Cynthia gritted her teeth secretly while a hint of jealousy flitted across her eyes.

They arrived at her hotel. The car pulled over, and Cynthia asked, "Christopher, we haven't met for two years. Could you send me back to my room?"

As she said that, she placed her hand on the back of Christopher's hand, and her fingertip moved under his sleeve. It was such an obvious hint.

Of course, Christopher knew what she meant. He stared at her hand and withdrew his. Then, he got out of the car and opened the door for Cynthia.

He said, "Go up first. I'm looking for Melody. She isn't picking up the call."

Cynthia stood up and met his gaze. She bit her lips and looked hurt.

"Have you fallen in love with Melody? Why do you care about her so much? You've been calling her since my legs got treated," Cynthia questioned aggrievedly, her eyes brimming with tears.

Upon hearing that, Christopher denied it without hesitation, "How could it be? I'll never fall in love with someone who has been harming you."

"I've been looking for her because I'm afraid that she will complain to my grandpa, and my grandpa will make things difficult for you again," he explained. His explanation sounded reasonable.

Cynthia heard that and smiled through tears. She grinned, knowing that Christopher still loved her.

"I'll only believe it if you kiss me," she said in a sweet tone.

Christopher stared at her and pursed his lips slightly.

Cynthia had already placed her arms around his neck and was ready for a deep kiss, but…

Christopher merely gave her a peck on the forehead.

Cynthia wasn't pleased. She leaned in and wanted to kiss his lips, but he avoided her.

"Christopher, you…" Cynthia's eyes were filled with tears again. "You don't love me anymore. Do you still hate me for leaving you? You knew I was innocent. Your grandpa—" she explained aggrievedly.

"You're overthinking. We're outside a hotel and a public place. It might affect you if the paparazzi captured you," Christopher cut Cynthia off and pushed her away.

Having been pushed away, Cynthia looked disappointed. She wondered how she could win his heart again. Had he fallen in love with Melody?

Meanwhile, Christopher had gotten into the car. Looking at Cynthia, who was crying sadly, he said, "I'll pick you up for lunch tomorrow. You must be tired today. Go in and get some rest."

Cynthia smiled and replied thoughtfully, "Okay. I'll see you tomorrow. Drive safe. I love you."

Christopher's lips moved, but he couldn't bring himself to say the four words. He only nodded and drove away.

"I love you, too."

He could say that endless times to Cynthia back then, but now, he found it hard to say it. He wondered if it was because they had separated for two years.

Cynthia, who stood at the same spot, watched the car leave and clenched her fist. A hint of malice and determination flashed across her eyes.

Christopher called the number again while he was on the road. He was so frustrated that he kept stepping on the pedal and almost went over the speed limit.

After leaving the hospital, he had gone around the places nearby but couldn't find her. He thought she had probably gone home.

He drove into the garage and quickly went into the elevator. Upon unlocking the door, he thought he would see the lights in the living room, but it was completely dark.

No matter how late he came home every time, Melody would keep the lights on. She would sleep on the couch when she was tired and would prepare him the hangover remedy when she saw him home.

It was Christopher's first time in two years to see the living room in complete darkness. He couldn't get used to it. The first thought that came into his mind was that Melody wasn't home yet.

After switching on the lights, his gaze fell upon the shoes at the door side. He recognized Melody's shoes. At the same time, a pair of slippers had gone missing.

She was back.

Why didn't she keep the lights on? Why didn't she pick up his calls?

Christopher burned in fury. Before he even changed into slippers, he dashed into the guest room and pressed the handle.

He couldn't open the door, so he slammed it and yelled, "Melody Smith, get out! Did you forget your place after being Mrs. Fuller for two years? What right do you have to be this arrogant?"

Chapter 5

Melody had already fallen asleep in the room, but she was woken up by the yell and the noise of the door being slammed. She frowned and stood up to switch on the lights. Then, she limped toward the door.

"Mel…" Outside the room, Christopher was about to slam the door again, but his hand was left hanging in midair.

"Why are you back? Why are you slamming the door like a psycho at midnight?" Melody questioned in a displeased tone, and she sounded impatient.

Seeing her attitude, Christopher instantly grew more furious. He grabbed her arm and questioned angrily, "Why am I back? Isn't it normal for me to come back to my own home?"

The impatient expression on Melody's face vanished in an instant. She looked down and furrowed her brows, seemingly in pain.

Christopher thought she had become obedient again because he had yelled at her, but she held his wrist and wanted to move his hand away. Just then, he finally sensed something amiss with his palm. He released his grip and looked at his palm.

There was blood.

Christopher exerted so much force that Melody's wound was aching. Tears streamed down her face as she glared at him, who had lost himself in the middle of the night.

"Did you get hurt?" Christopher wanted to check out her arm, but she avoided him coldly.

"Are you asking me? Weren't you the cause of it?" Melody asked.

Christopher was stunned for a moment. He suddenly recalled the scene of him leaving her behind at the roadside.

He averted his gaze and saw a big part of Melody's elbow was scraped. The wound started bleeding again after he grabbed it.

Then, he looked down and saw that other than the blisters, Melody's toes were bandaged, too. Blood was seeping through.

He moved his lips and wanted to say something, but Melody had turned around and was about to close the door.

"Let go," she said unhappily, as she couldn't close the door.

Christopher still couldn't bring himself to apologize. Instead, he asked, "Why didn't you answer my call? Do you know I…"

Upon hearing that, Melody pursed her lips. It turned out that he knocked on the door like a psycho in the middle of the night only because she hadn't answered his calls.

That was such a good excuse.

She limped toward the bedside table.

Watching her back, Christopher couldn't help feeling frustrated.

"The phone fell to the floor and got smashed. It was broken and couldn't be switched on. Are you pleased with this answer?" Melody held the phone and wanted to hand it to Christopher.

Christopher was speechless when he saw the cracked screen.

"Melody…" As soon as he said that, the door was closed, and he was blocked outside the room.

He only turned around gradually and left after standing at the door for some time.

In the room, Melody, who had been woken up, was extremely upset. She recalled Christopher saying that he had called her, so she switched on her phone and found there were almost 40 missed calls.

She thought something had to be wrong with him. Why would he keep calling her when he had left her behind to accompany Cynthia?

She switched off the phone again. She didn't want to dwell on it and went to sleep.

…

In the master bedroom, Christopher took a shower and went to bed.

The phone screen lit up. It was a message from Cynthia asking if Melody was fine and if she had gone home safely. She also told him not to go too hard on Melody.

After reading the message, Christopher, who felt sorry for Melody, no longer felt the same. He thought all this wouldn't have happened if she hadn't hurt Cynthia with the hot liquid on purpose.

"Don't bother about her. Sleep early. Goodnight."

The message was sent.

In the hotel, Cynthia was smiling. She was pleased to see Christopher feeling annoyed because of Melody.

It was already past 12:00 am. Christopher had to go to work the following day. He switched off the lights and went to bed. However, after a while, he was forced to get up because of the discomfort in his stomach.

He had had gastritis since he was in high school. In the past, Cynthia would remind him to eat every day and care about him all the time.

His gastric had gotten better after he attended college. However, he had business gatherings after he started working, so there was a relapse of his condition. Melody would prepare hangover remedies and broth for him every night. Only then could he sleep well until the next day.

He went to the kitchen and thought Melody would keep a portion, but the stove and fridge were sparkling clean.

He actually felt it was such a waste when he thought of the hangover remedy that had been spilled in the private room. At the same time, he was mad at Melody for not preparing more.

He subconsciously wanted to wake her up to prepare it, but he stopped in his tracks.

After pursing his lips in silence for a while, he went to look for the first aid kit but found that it was gone.

Frowning, he thought of Melody's bedside table when he stood at the door. The first aid kit was with her.

Perhaps he still had a bit of conscience. Instead of knocking on the door again, he went to look for the backup key. Then, he opened the door after he found the key.

He turned the doorknob gently, and the sound of the door opening made him hold his breath and walk gently.

However, he was amused by his own act. He owned the house, yet he acted like he was a thief.

The room was dark with a faint scent lingering inside. But it was also tinged with the smell of medicine.

Melody lay sideways on the bed with the blanket covering only a part of her body. Christopher didn't spare another glance and was about to leave after taking the medicine.

Just as he was about to get up, he saw her from the corner of his eye. The light that seeped through the door gap cast upon her back.

Her top was lifted slightly, and there were bruises on her body. They were so obvious even under the faint light.

Christopher paused for a bit and fixed his gaze on her. In the end, he stood up, walked out, and closed the door gently.

Those were minor injuries and wouldn't kill her.

If she hadn't been jealous of Cynthia and scalded her own feet, Christopher wouldn't have carried her, and she wouldn't have injured herself.

Chapter 6

Christopher didn't sleep well from night till dawn. He had been well taken care of, and the medicine had only relieved his discomfort slightly. He had yet to recover or feel better.

He had woken up before the alarm rang. When he pushed the door, he bumped into Melody, who opened the door from the room opposite.

"What are you doing?" he asked subconsciously.

"Breakfast," Melody replied indifferently and staggered to close the door before going to the kitchen.

Christopher stood rooted to the spot. In the past, he would have breakfast as soon as he came out of the room. He hadn't noticed that Melody had woken up at 5:00 am to prepare it.

He saw Melody staggering and said, "You don't need to prepare that."

Melody stopped walking and turned around.

She had been serving Christopher for two years. She would be woken up to prepare food even when she had a fever, and he would do anything to make her life difficult. It was his first time telling her not to prepare breakfast.

She looked down and stared at her own feet, thinking if Christopher suddenly had a conscience after causing her injuries. But he said, "You don't have to prepare dinner, either. I'm eating out with Cynthia."

As soon as his words fell, he left without looking back.

Melody looked at the door and pursed her lips. She laughed at herself and thought he would never feel a prick of conscience. She was overthinking.

It was good that she didn't have to prepare the meals, as she would be free. She had enough of serving him anyway.

Hence, she went back to sleep again. When she woke up at 8:00 am to change the dressings of her wound, she found that the gastric medicine in the first aid kit had gone missing.

She furrowed her brows slightly and recalled that her door wasn't locked this morning. She wondered if she had forgotten and if the medicine had been gone some time ago.

She didn't dwell on the matter. After changing, she carried her laptop and sat on the carpet in the living room.

In the morning, she visited the academic websites and revised what she had learned in college. In the afternoon, she started practicing and writing codes. She also designed characters and scenes on the drawing tablets.

She wasn't allowed to make public appearances in the past two years and had probably forgotten the complicated professional information. However, she still had her basic drawing skills. Besides, she had made some money through side jobs and had quite a number of followers.

Time flew by, and it was already evening in the blink of an eye. Melody stood up and poured some water. Just as she was about to order takeout, the doorbell rang.

She looked over. The next instant, the door was pushed open from outside, and Cynthia's face came into sight.

"Mel, I'm here to visit you. Have you gotten better?" Cynthia flashed a bright smile, and Christopher followed behind her. She was even carrying ingredients.

Melody wore a cold expression and turned around.

If not because of Cynthia, Melody wouldn't have been injured. Now, she even had the nerve to come to her house. Melody wondered if she had other motives.

Seeing that Melody ignored her, Cynthia called out aggrievedly, "Mel…"

"What kind of attitude is that? Cynthia is kind enough to visit you. She even wants to cook for you. You'd better be grateful," Christopher scolded with his brows furrowed.

Melody turned around and scoffed. "Go ahead and help yourselves. I don't have an appetite, so I'm not eating."

Then, she went to keep her laptop in the living room. Christopher was infuriated, but Cynthia shook his arm and said sweetly, "Christopher, Mel is injured. Be nice to her. Let's go prepare the food. We'll call her when we're done."

Melody pretended like she didn't hear Cynthia's disgusting voice. She carried her laptop and returned to her room.

After that, Cynthia brought the ingredients to the kitchen. Christopher looked at Melody, who walked past him, and asked with a frown, "Why are you using the laptop?"

"I was bored, so I watched drama," Melody replied without looking back.

"Why is there a board?" he asked.

"To rest my hand," Melody replied.

She was obviously lying. Why would a handrest have a wire?

Melody was too cold to him. She had been like this since the day before, and it made Christopher frustrated.

"Christopher, come and help me with the ingredients," Cynthia called out as she poked her head out of the kitchen.

Christopher responded and went into the kitchen.

Melody, who was returning to her room, heard everything. She sneered and couldn't believe that would be a day when Christopher cooked in the kitchen. In the past, she would prepare everything and send the food to him. He had never helped her out.

The statement that men would stay away from the kitchen didn't make sense. One would still be willing to cook for someone they loved.

The room door was soundproof, but Melody could still hear Cynthia speaking. One would've thought Cynthia did it on purpose. There were all kinds of noises, as though they were burning the kitchen down.

Melody didn't care that an outsider came to her house and took it as her own. She only thought it was noisy.

Just when she wanted to watch the educational videos quietly, a scream sounded.

Melody put on her earphones impatiently, but someone kept knocking on the door.

"Melody, come out," Christopher called out.

Melody clenched her fist. She had already let the two have their own space. Why did they still try to look for trouble?

He was still knocking. It seemed like he wouldn't give up until she went out.

Melody stood up and took a few deep breaths. Then, she muttered to herself, "28 days left. I just have to bear with it, and it'll be over…"

As soon as the door was opened, Christopher said, "Go prepare the meal. Cynthia isn't used to using the stove and dishware in the country. She dropped the plate and nearly got hurt."

Melody was speechless. Was there any connection between these two matters? Why did Cynthia look for her after dropping her plate and injuring herself?

"I'm injured, too," Melody replied coldly.

Only then did Christopher recall that. He looked down at Melody's feet.

Melody thought he still had a conscience. After all, he had told her not to prepare breakfast this morning.

Nonetheless, he said, "Your hands aren't injured. You only have to stand there without moving."

Chapter 7

Melody raised her head and stared at Christopher as she clenched her fist.

He actually asked her, who had been severely injured, to cook so that his lover could eat. She had underestimated him. He didn't even have a conscience.

"Can't you order takeout? The restaurants can deliver to you, too. You have the money," Melody said.

Christopher pursed his lips slightly and withdrew his gaze from Melody's feet. He was about to take out his phone, but Cynthia said, "I want to visit Mel and cook for her. That's so insincere if we order from a restaurant…"

"Are you going to cook, then?" Melody questioned nonchalantly.

"I'm not used to the kitchen in the country. I dropped a plate just now. Christopher was so worried about me," Cynthia said as she blinked innocently.

"Mel, I'll help you and pass you the ingredients. Can you take this as I've cooked for you?" she asked.

She smiled so brightly, but it looked fake to Melody.

It seemed like Cynthia wanted to make Melody suffer today, as she wanted the latter to cook when she was injured.

"It's okay. I'll cook for you," Melody said.

She hoped they would leave as soon as they were done eating. She didn't want to entertain them anymore.

"No. I'll help you. Let's do it together," Cynthia said. Then, she ordered Christopher, "Christopher, go and set up the table and pour the juice."

She had everything arranged, as though she was the lady of the house while Melody was the helper.

Back then, Melody would've been jealous and sad. But she would no longer feel that way now. She merely wore a cold expression.

Her heart had been broken completely since Christopher had gone to Cynthia when she returned to the country.

The two chatted sweetly behind Melody, but she didn't look back. Christopher listened to Cynthia and set up the table, acting lovingly with each other.

Cynthia spoke in a sweet tone and held Christopher's arm. She wanted to show this to Melody and let her know that he was in love with her.

On the side, Christopher lowered his head and withdrew his hand quietly.

"I'm sorry, Christopher. I recalled those days when we were together when I was by your side, and I subconsciously felt like holding your arm," Cynthia apologized, biting her lips.

"It's okay," Christopher replied.

He looked inside the kitchen and realized Melody didn't even turn a bit. It was as though she didn't hear their conversation.

Then, Cynthia went to the kitchen. As she washed the ingredients, she kept reminding Melody about Christopher's taste and eating habits.

Christopher thought it sounded like she was teaching Melody how to please him, and he somehow felt frustrated.

"You don't have to tell me. I've been cooking for him for two years," Melody retorted.

She certainly knew Christopher's taste and didn't need Cynthia to tell her.

Although Cynthia sounded like she was reminding Melody out of kindness, she was actually bragging about the three years she had dated Christopher.

Upon hearing that, Cynthia looked hurt and stared at Christopher. Then, she said bitterly, "I'm sorry. I forgot. Christopher must be used to eating your cooking."

"That's impossible!" Christopher cut her off and raised his voice. "Her cooking was barely acceptable. The food was tasteless!"

Melody, who was holding the spatula, heard that and tightened her grip.

The food was tasteless, he said. She had been taking care of his diet for two years, and that was what she received in return.

She didn't want to argue or explain. She would just take this as a wasted effort of two years on the wrong person.

Cynthia, who was sad initially, became happy again when she heard that from Christopher. Then, she started giving orders again.

"Why are you telling her so much? She has no right to know all this," Christopher said coldly.

"I hope Mel can take good care of you in the future." Cynthia looked back at him and stuck out her tongue.

Then, she looked aggrieved and said dejectedly, "There's no hope between us in this life. No matter who it is by your side, I hope you're happy."

Looking at her, Christopher felt upset for no reason. The woman he had once loved deeply was right in front of him, but he had married someone else.

"Let's divorce," Melody suddenly said indifferently, turning around.

Christopher was stunned as he fixed his gaze on her.

"Cynthia will have a chance if we divorce. You can live a happy life with her, too," Melody continued calmly as she looked into his eyes.

Christopher found her calm tone and aloof expression strange. It was as though he was a complete stranger to her.

Back then, she only had eyes for him, and her gaze was full of affection. No matter how he chided or got irritated, she would only carefully do better next time. But now…

"Divorce? Weren't you the one who pulled tricks to marry me? You asked for a divorce as you wished now. Do you think I'm someone you can order around?" Christopher yelled. He didn't realize how furious he was. At the same time, he panicked slightly, too.

Melody stared at him, who was shouting in fury, and asked, "Don't you like Cynthia? You can marry her after we divorce."

She had wanted to bring this up in the last few days of the agreement, but they happened to talk about this today.

It was good to bring this up earlier, though. She could have everything sorted earlier and not waste time by then. However, she didn't expect Christopher to reject her and be this furious. She was baffled.

"Don't even think of divorcing. You'd better not think about getting your freedom even if you died!" Christopher warned fiercely, his gaze icy.

Melody bit her lips and was full of sorrow.

It turned out that he didn't want to divorce because of this. He wanted to make her suffer for her whole life, keep her by his side, and order her around. At the same time, she had to watch him cheat on her and act lovingly with Cynthia.

Melody turned around. Her eyes couldn't help burning.

Did Christopher really hate her that much? She had done so much for him for the past two years. Yet, he hated her to the core.

Meanwhile, Cynthia stood at the side and watched everything. She didn't expect that Christopher would refuse to divorce and even shout. He sounded harsh, but it seemed more like he didn't want to let go of Melody.

Her entire body tensed up. Anger and fear made her shiver uncontrollably. She was afraid that Christopher had fallen in love with Melody.

"Christopher, don't be mad. It was my fault. I said the wrong thing. I didn't mean to break you two apart," Cynthia said apologetically as she choked up while staring at Christopher.