Chapter 21
“I didn’t, Connor. You misunderstood,” Melissa protested, desperately slapping at his arm to free herself from his grip.
Anthony and Marcelo, alerted by the commotion, emerged from their rooms. The scene before them instantly revealed the situation.
Connor, still gripping Melissa by the neck, recounted the events. Anthony and Marcelo’s expressions hardened as they turned their gaze to Melissa. Anthony firmly touched Connor’s arm, silently signaling him to release her. Reluctantly, he complied.
“Anthony…” Melissa gasped, her chest heaving, tears welling in her eyes. Before she could express her gratitude, Anthony delivered a swift kick, sending her flying several feet.
She coughed violently, clutching her chest, disbelief etched on her face. Marcelo, his usual warm smile momentarily unchanged, crouched beside her, gently lifting her chin. “You like us? Or do you like Connor more? Why only seduce him? Why not me? Am I not charming enough?” he asked softly, the question posed with a wounded air befitting the renowned actor adored by millions.
For a moment, Melissa was caught in the illusion of his gentleness. “N–No, you’re incredibly charming. It’s just… I couldn’t have you, so I settled for Connor. But I like you more. Believe me,” she stammered.
The instant those words left her lips, the three men’s expressions darkened. Marcelo’s smile vanished; his grip tightened, his fingers digging in with such force that it seemed her bones might snap.
“You like me? Settled for Connor? I think we’re all just toys for you to pick and choose from! If you weren’t so anxious today, maybe we’d still be dancing to your tune!” he seethed.
Anthony brutally stomped on her hand. “This hand lit the aphrodisiac candle, didn’t it? Strong scent, I’ll admit. But who gave you the right to decide between us?” he snarled.
Tears streamed down Melissa’s face, regret overwhelming her. She hadn’t anticipated this level of revulsion. None of them would touch her. Especially Connor—clearly affected by the aphrodisiac, yet he hadn't acted on it.
Desperation clawed at her. She had no choice but to reiterate her earlier plea. “Anthony, Marcelo, Connor, I’m sorry. I made a terrible mistake because I love you all so much. I won’t do this again. I saved your lives once! Please forgive me,” she begged, pouring her heart out.
Marcelo’s resolve faltered; he released her chin. Anthony’s rage also seemed to lessen. But Connor remained unmoved.
Seeing his brothers siding with Melissa again, Connor snorted. “She’s a manipulative woman, and you still believe her? How many times has she used that ‘life-saving’ excuse? Have we not repaid her enough already?”
Anthony and Marcelo remained silent. Connor, finally understanding Emelie’s past feelings, suppressed the lingering heat within him and stormed out into the pouring rain, still in his sleepwear.
The icy rain soaked him to the bone, mirroring the chill in his heart. His steps led him, without conscious thought, to Emelie’s home. Warm lights glowed from the villa, but he lacked the courage to knock. Drenched and shivering, he finally understood Emelie’s pain and despair as she braved the storm to search for her parents’ belongings.