Chapter 3

Christopher paused, pursed his lips, and stared at Cynthia without speaking. Melody, overhearing their conversation, sneered. She was Christopher's wife, yet felt like a mistress while he and Cynthia acted as a married couple.

Christopher walked ahead, Cynthia trailing beside him. Ignoring Cynthia's pretentiousness, Melody watched as Cynthia continued to escalate the situation.

"You must be in so much pain. I'm sorry," Cynthia said to Melody. "Christopher was concerned about my career, so he sent me to the hospital first. Don't blame him."

Melody replied indifferently, "I don't blame him. After all, you matter most to him."

Christopher perceived her statement as sarcastic. "What kind of tone was that?" he asked unhappily. "Even if Cynthia didn't hold the flask properly, you should be held accountable for not closing the lid."

Melody didn't argue; she knew he wouldn't believe her. She simply raised her head, her gaze devoid of emotion. Christopher met her calm stare, sensing a growing distance between them.

"Okay, it's over now. I'm not badly injured," Cynthia said, affecting an air of magnanimity. "Besides, Mel is injured. Don't be so harsh to her, Christopher."

Melody felt a surge of nausea. The victim had become the perpetrator, and Cynthia, shamelessly, played the role of the forgiving one.

"Be more careful next time," Christopher said to Melody.

Next time? Melody sneered inwardly. There would be no next time.

At the roadside, a scream echoed from behind. Christopher whirled around to see Cynthia on the ground, clutching her ankle in pain.

"Cynthia!" he shouted anxiously.

Without warning, he released Melody, letting her fall hard to the ground. The pain elicited a gasp from her. Christopher, panicked, rushed to Cynthia's side, carrying her towards the outpatient department. After a few steps, he turned. Melody was struggling to rise.

Christopher frowned, hearing Cynthia's cries, "It's so painful! I think I sprained my ankle. What should I do? I have a show the day after tomorrow!"

"Don't worry, I'll get you treated immediately," Christopher said, then left without looking back.

Left behind, Melody fought to stand, the pain intense. She didn't look at them, but her eyes burned. She hailed a cab.

Inside, she examined her injuries: bleeding toes from hitting the pavement, a painful tailbone, and a scraped elbow. Wiping away blood and dirt, tears streamed down her face. She gritted her teeth, stifling her cries.

It was the last month. Melody thought of her impending freedom.

Her phone vibrated. A message from the unknown number: "I'm sorry, Mel. Christopher sent me to check my legs and left you behind. He has to keep me company a while longer. You don't mind, right?"

Melody ignored it. Cynthia and Christopher had broken up two years ago, yet his devotion remained unwavering. He'd choose Cynthia without hesitation.

Melody switched to another app, checking a message from her senior, Anthony Zeller. He'd asked about her return. She'd hidden her marriage from him, telling him she was abroad; she was still in Jardver.

Jardver was moderately sized. The public knew Christopher was married, but not to whom; it was his request. For two years, Melody had moved in Christopher's orbit, her identity concealed.

"I'll be back after a month. Let me wrap up everything here," Melody replied, intending to end things with Christopher.

Anthony's reply soon arrived: he would make her company director upon her return. She agreed, though she didn't accept the offer immediately. After graduation, she'd married Christopher, becoming more a full-time helper than housewife. She had to utilize her college education to manage even basic tasks.

"Don't. It's a waste for you to be only the director. Back then, you received a scholarship every year, led teams to victory in entrepreneurship competitions. You were outstanding."

Melody stared at the message, lost in memories of college: her academic success, leadership, and victories. Then, she'd met Daniel.

The word "outstanding" struck her. She was outstanding. Even without Anthony's offer, she'd be a high-up in a reputable company.

What had she done these past two years? In the name of love, she'd humbled herself, losing herself and her dignity. She felt inferior, a stranger to herself.

After replying to Anthony, Melody switched off her cracked phone, leaned against the seat, and closed her eyes. Memories flooded back: Anthony's business venture, her search for investors, Daniel, Daniel's request that she marry Christopher to keep Cynthia out of his family. It had been such welcome news, overwhelming her. She'd harbored a crush on Christopher since high school, even while he was with Cynthia. She'd been greedy, wanting both investment and love.

Now, deep regret consumed her. It wasn't a blessing, but a curse; a price far too high for something gained too easily.