At the hospital, the doctor examined Melody's injuries and reprimanded her for neglecting her well-being. Her blisters had all burst, infected and weeping. Melody lowered her head, silently staring at her wounded legs. It wasn't neglect; she simply couldn't escape her abuser.

The doctor continued the examination, noting severe bruising on her lower back, injuries on her arms, and eyes swollen from crying. Melody remained silent, unaccompanied. The doctor suspected foul play, saying, "We'll X-ray your lower back and admit you. You shouldn't go home."

"Thank you, doctor," Melody replied, her voice hoarse.

The nurse assisted with admission. Unable to lie on her back, Melody lay face down, her legs propped to avoid touching her wounds. After the nurse applied medication, a cooling sensation eased the burning pain.

Melody glanced at the clock: 7:30 pm. She switched off her phone and closed her eyes, exhausted physically and mentally. She didn't want to think about Christopher and Cynthia; she only wanted peace.

Meanwhile, at 8:00 pm, Christopher dined with Cynthia. By 9:00 pm, they were shopping, where he showered her with gifts. At 1:00 am, he rented the entire riverside Ferris wheel. At its peak, fireworks erupted, and they kissed passionately. Spectators watched in awe, speculating about the wealthy man proposing to his girlfriend.

From the passenger seat, Cynthia voiced concern: "Christopher, let's bring Mel some food. She must be upset. She used to starve herself when unhappy." Her suggestion was a pretense; she wanted to go home with him.

"Didn't she make food? She's an adult," Christopher snapped, his expression darkening.

"Why care about that malicious woman? She scalded your foot and tried to kill you! If I hadn't arrived,…" Cynthia fell silent before softly adding, "We grew up in the orphanage. No matter how she treats me, she's still my closest family."

Christopher's heart ached. Someone as kind as Cynthia had been repeatedly hurt by Melody, yet still considered her family. "She doesn't deserve it. I'll be your family," he blurted, protective.

Cynthia turned, her eyes lighting up before dimming. "We're not meant to be. Mel is your wife."

"She took everything from you first!" Christopher shouted. "You should have been my wife!"

Cynthia, though saddened outwardly, felt a surge of satisfaction. Though Melody requested a divorce, Christopher refused, claiming revenge. Cynthia, however, wouldn't let Melody keep the title. She urged Christopher to initiate the divorce himself.

"I'm happy as long as I have a place in your heart," Cynthia said sorrowfully, appearing fragile.

Christopher, despite his urge to promise a divorce and marriage, hesitated, gripping the steering wheel. Cynthia waited, then bit her lip, resentment flickering in her eyes. "Let's stop here. I'll bring Mel fish and chips," she said, changing the subject.

Christopher, thinking of Cynthia's kindness and the memory of pushing Melody, decided to buy the food. However, he bought it, but dropped Cynthia off at her hotel instead of taking her home.

"Rest, I'll see you tomorrow," he said gently, stroking her head.

Cynthia forced a smile, then seethed with frustration, nearly breaking her heels.

Back home, Christopher took the food upstairs. He recalled Melody splashing water on him. If Cynthia hadn't insisted, he wouldn't have bothered. He entered the dark house.

"Melody! Are you dead? Turn on the lights!" Christopher shouted angrily.

There was no response.

Chapter 10:

Fuming, he switched on the lights, leaving the food in the kitchen. The clean floor indicated Melody was home. He stormed to the bedroom and banged on the door; no response. Furious, he unlocked it. He flung open the door, stopping mid-sentence. The room was empty.

"Great! How dare you run away!" Christopher clenched his fists, his anger peaking.