Chapter 48

Christopher’s joyful expression faded at her words. He pressed his lips together, silent for a few seconds before furrowing his brows. “It’s not to appease her, and there’s no emotion involved,” he said.

“But you’re giving her the necklace, aren’t you?” Cynthia asked through gritted teeth.

He fell silent again, this time for longer. Minutes passed before he stammered awkwardly, “I’m compensating her on your behalf, so don’t overthink it. My relationship with her is just a marriage of convenience. Grandpa forced this marriage, and I’ll never like her.”

Cynthia might have believed him before, but not now. He hadn’t even asked her opinion about the Crown of Roses; he’d chosen and bid aggressively on his own, without mentioning buying her anything. Wasn’t it obvious? He loved Melody.

Inside the apartment elevator, Christopher held the jewelry box, opened the lid, and glanced at the necklace one last time. “This isn’t about giving Melody a gift. It’s just compensation for Cynthia, so she won’t cry and make a scene again,” he thought.

They arrived and entered the house without waiting for Cynthia. He knocked on Melody’s bedroom door, but received no reply.

“Melody, are you asleep? I need to talk to you,” Christopher said, knocking louder.

Inside, Melody didn’t want to respond; they’d already had dinner. But the knocking persisted, growing louder. Finally, she angrily got up and opened the door, glaring at him.

“What do you want?” she asked impatiently.

He was in a good mood, expecting praise. He opened the box with a smug look. Melody was momentarily stunned by the pink rose necklace; its beauty momentarily captivated her.

“Didn’t Cynthia like your necklace? This is to make up for it,” he explained. “It’s not worth much, but it’s better than that cheap plastic one. Take it, and stop making that face,” he added, awkwardly averting his gaze, almost coaxing her.

He waited, expecting her to smile. His lips curved upward, but her cold voice cut through his anticipation. “Did you call me just for this?”

He turned to look at her.

“I gave it to her willingly. Didn’t you say I deserved it? I accept that,” Melody said, her face emotionless, her eyes cold. “So, there’s no need for compensation. Everything was my fault.”

She turned to return to her room, but Christopher pushed hard against the door, forcing his way inside.

“I said I’m compensating you, and I am. Who knows if you’ll keep bothering Cynthia after this?” he snapped, shoving the box into her hands.

That wasn’t what he meant to say. He’d wanted to apologize for the “you deserved it” comment. But he couldn’t bring himself to say it, just as he could never thank Melody. He always felt she considered everything she did for him her duty.

Melody didn’t take the box; she pulled her hand away, and they tugged at each other. Outside the door, Cynthia watched, biting her lip in jealousy, her fingers digging into the wall in frustration.

Finally, the box fell to the ground. Christopher stared blankly as Melody said, “I swear I’ll never bring this up with Cynthia again. If I do, may I be struck by lightning and meet a miserable end.”

He stood frozen, fists clenched in fury. “Fine! You wear something this cheap and still won’t take the gift?” he roared, his eyes blazing.