Chapter 25

"Are you sure the formula is ready?" Nathaniel said weakly, his voice hoarse and his throat aching. Though he still hadn't looked at Melanie, his willingness to compromise was evident.

"Yes. We tested it last night. To be safe, we avoided—" she began to explain, but her voice sounded shrill to him. The words "last night" and "we" triggered a vivid memory, making his blood boil.

He took deep breaths, clenching his fists. "Don't mention last night again!"

Melanie sat by his bed, looking at his profile. "I didn't mean to hurt you, but since you know, I'll be clear. Yes, I was wrong, but you were always the man I loved. It was just a deal with him; I didn't do it for myself."

Nathaniel laughed boisterously, the movement jarring his injured limbs and bringing tears to his eyes. "So you did it for me, too? Should I thank you both?"

His smile was laced with mockery and anger. "If mocking me helps, go ahead. I did everything for us, for our future. That's the truth, regardless of what you believe," Melanie said calmly and resolutely, her solemnity reminding him of sacred vows.

"Melanie Thayer, I never knew you were so eloquent," Nathaniel retorted. "You can blame me all you want, but where were you when I was wronged and bullied? Alone and helpless in Middle Valley? When Lily was humiliating me? Regarding the formula, who caused the problem and who helped you solve it? Are you and the company profiting from it? All you do is blame me! Have you considered why I had to do that? I wish I could be a stay-at-home mom, getting manicures and shopping all day! Who forced me down this road?"

Her agitation escalated to fury. Nathaniel was puzzled. "What? Is it my fault now?"

Wiping away a tear, Melanie took a deep breath. "I'm not blaming you. None of this is what we wanted. If I had another choice…" She paused. "Nate, I've loved you since college. The only reason I could cope with you caring about Lily is because I love you. Would I have become your secret lover otherwise? You know what I've done for you all these years. I did nothing wrong!"

She stood and looked at him indifferently. "If you can't accept this, then breaking up is an option." She left the hospital ward.

Later, during lunch, Lily and Olivia planned their trip.