Chapter 22

Olivia's new apartment was near the company, and the rent was incredibly cheap. The only drawback was the alley she had to cross. She didn't consider it a major problem, so she rented the place.

Olivia turned at the bottom of the stairs. "I'm here. Thank you."

Edward stopped. "You're welcome."

"That…" Olivia stammered, a blush coloring her cheeks. "They're still waiting, so I won't ask you to come up. I'll treat you to tea another day."

Edward mumbled, "Not necessary."

"All right, goodbye." Olivia, unsure how to respond, waved. She noticed him standing motionless, so she started up the stairs. Pausing at the landing, she looked down; he was still there. "You go ahead," she called.

"Oh," Edward said, but remained rooted to the spot.

Olivia, having no choice, hurried up the stairs and tiptoed into the apartment, careful not to wake her mother. She went to her room and switched on her desk lamp. After a moment, she looked out the window toward the ground floor.

His tall, sturdy figure stood beneath the yellow streetlamp. Edward even lifted his head, turning only when he saw the light in her room. Unhurriedly, he headed toward the alley. Olivia felt a warmth spread through her as she watched him walk away, his figure diminishing in the distance.

Frank lay on his back, his face pale. He pulled the blanket over his head, finding some relief.

"Frank," Melanie whispered. "I can't come over the next two days. We're almost finished with our new product, and I can't find a way to leave the lab. Also, Nate won't be so busy anymore. I'm afraid…"

"Afraid of what?" Frank sat up, glancing sideways at Melanie. He wore only a large towel around his waist, revealing his thin frame. Melanie didn't need to look closely; she knew he'd lost weight. Their intimacy was frequent, so she was familiar with his body. Besides boredom, Frank seemed anxious and worried. He used to be forceful, but Melanie sensed she could no longer rely on him.

"It's not that I'm afraid of him. I just don't want to make waves." Melanie sat up, pulling back the blanket. Frank went to the couch and sat down, taking out something and laying it on the table.

"We both know everyone has needs. Since that's the case, I won't stop you. Since I've tried my best to meet your needs, you shouldn't deny me what I want, do you think?"

"You want to marry him?" Frank laughed mockingly. In his eyes, Melanie was not the settling-down type.

"For now, he's the best option," she said frankly. "Just as I'm your best option for now. Am I right?"

Frank looked at Melanie, laughed, but said nothing. He rolled some paper and held it to his nose, then leaned closer, looking nauseous.

Melanie averted her gaze, not wanting to see him. She got out of bed and went to the bathroom. After a moment of shock, she lowered her head. Between her legs and the floor was a small, alarming spot of blood.

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