"Who even is he? It's none of my business," Melody said calmly.

Christopher felt as if he were about to explode. He stared at Melody's expression—the same calm, indifferent look he despised most. It was as if she were a stranger.

"If you're done, could you leave? I need to sleep," she said, dismissing him.

"It's only 10:00 pm! Why are you going to sleep?" he shouted. "Didn't I just buy you something? What else do you want? Tell me!"

Christopher's intimidating stance forced Melody to take a half-step back. A wave of fear washed over her; she felt like he was about to strike her. The thought that being hit within a marriage would only count as domestic violence, not malicious injury, crossed her mind. Otherwise, Christopher could be facing at least three years in prison.

They stood facing each other when her phone rang from the bed. She rushed to grab it, ready to call the police. He noticed she was still using the one with a cracked screen, not the new one he had bought her.

"Mr. Zeller? A man? Damn it! Which bastard is this?" His anger surged to an even more intense peak, fueled by jealousy and rage. Without thinking, he grabbed the phone and smashed it. Melody flinched, watching her phone shatter, and shouted, "Are you crazy, Christopher?"

"You're the crazy one! Who is he? You want to answer his call?" he yelled, his jealousy and rage consuming him.

Melody had no intention of answering the call, nor did she want to explain to this madman who Anthony was. She reached for the phone, but he kicked her away.

"It's already broken in half! Why aren't you using the phone I bought you?" Christopher shouted.

She took a deep breath. She didn't understand why he was acting like a mad dog, but with only three days left, she just wanted to leave in peace. She didn't bother to explain; she ignored him and quietly stood up, turning to leave.

"Melody! Where are you going? Are you going to find him?" He followed, grabbing her hand to stop her. "Don't forget that you're married to me! You dare cheat on me? Do you believe I'll..."

A slap across the face cut off his harsh words. Christopher tightly gripped Melody's arm, glaring at her with fury.

"You're hitting me for him?" He gritted his teeth, his eyes reddening. A feeling of heartache mingled with grievance washed over him.

"You're insane!" she snapped back. "If you have a problem, go see a doctor!"

Christopher had truly lost his mind. He was accusing her of cheating because of one phone call. And what about him bringing Cynthia into their home? How often had they slept together, even kissed, before her? Had she ever said a word about it?

His cheek stung, but he calmed down slightly, his voice turning cold. "What's his name? When did you meet him? Is he in town now?"

"Why does it concern you?" she retorted.

"Answer me!" Christopher growled through clenched teeth.

Melody refused to answer; Christopher would go after Anthony without hesitation if she gave him his name. She couldn't cause trouble for Anthony.

"You're protecting him? Hah! Fine! Don't let me find out who he is!" he seethed with anger as Melody remained silent.

"You're hurting me!" she cried out, her arm feeling like it might snap under his grip.

Hearing this, he loosened his hold slightly, glancing down. Melody's arms were so thin he could easily grip them with one hand. But in his moment of losing control, his grip had been too tight, leaving five clear red marks on her skin.

"If you leave this house tonight," Christopher said, his voice menacing, "I'll break your legs." He continued in a cold voice, "As for that man, I'll ruin his life once I find out who he is. He's finished."