Chapter 140

"Why can't you fall asleep? Are you feeling unwell or restless?" Nathaniel asked with concern.

"No, I'm fine. Maybe I can't sleep because I miss you," Melanie murmured, resisting Frank's offer. "Can you come see me, Nate?"

"I will, soon. Just let me finish here, and I'll go to you immediately," Nathaniel replied, though Melanie felt he was being insincere.

"What's keeping you so busy? The event will be over soon! Can't you come now or tomorrow? You just need to book a flight—it's only two hours. Can't you come keep me company?" Melanie whined.

"Mel, stop being unreasonable. You know the company's situation. We're just starting to recover, and we have many orders to fill. We need to work harder on our existing products and develop new ones." He continued, "By the way, how's the search for a new employee going? Have you met any talented perfumers?" His anxiety about the company's workforce was evident.

"No! You're only worried about the company! I'm pregnant—how can I possibly look for new employees too? Do you think it's that simple?" Melanie snapped, throwing a tantrum.

Nathaniel explained patiently, "I know it's not easy, but we need a capable perfumer, or we won't be able to meet industry demands."

"You only care about your business! You didn't even ask how I was or if anything bad happened today. You knew Lily was here, yet you didn't even ask. Do you know how awful I felt at the sampling event today? I almost embarrassed myself!" Melanie exploded, venting her frustration at his focus on work. It felt like work was all that mattered.

Nathaniel hadn't always been like this. When they first met, he was romantic, surprising her with gifts and taking her to events. He'd even travel long distances to kiss her. Now, he wouldn't even call to check on her.

Stunned by her outburst, he remained silent for a while before asking, "W-What happened at the event? What do you mean you almost embarrassed yourself? What did Lily do?"

"Do you even care?" Melanie sat up, covering her face and sobbing. "Nathaniel, do you still remember your promises from when we first started dating?"

"What?" he asked, confused.

"Hmph, it seems you've forgotten. You didn't take them seriously. Men always make empty promises. You were toying with me. I was a fool to believe you!" Nathaniel had promised Melanie she wouldn't have to work hard, that she could be his trophy wife, showered with riches and fame. He couldn't recall these promises, let alone fulfill them.

"N-No, Mel, I" Nathaniel was lost.

"I'm tired, I'm going to bed," Melanie said coldly.

"Mel, I know you're upset, but please be patient. The company isn't what it used to be. We didn't worry about production with Lily, but now we have to step up," he paused. "If you could come up with a new line, it would"

"So now it's all my fault?" Melanie grabbed her blanket, furious. "It's all because of my incompetence. It's all my fault because I'm not as capable as Lily. I'm sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Hall."

"No, wait, Mel. That's not what I meant!" Nathaniel tried to amend his words, but Melanie was too upset to listen. She hung up.

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