Chapteros

"Are you saying that everything's true?" Even after hearing the answers he'd anticipated, Daniel still couldn't believe it.

"It's all true, and that's not all," Sheldon said. "I'll compile everything into text and send it to you."

The call ended. Sheldon began typing, detailing everything he knew about Melody's multiple ordeals, including Christopher bringing his mistress home. They were divorced anyway. Sheldon had a feeling Daniel was still looking out for Melody and would seek justice on her behalf.

It was unusually quiet in the car. In the backseat, Christopher sat in a daze, his mind wandering. He still couldn't believe he and Melody were divorced, ruminating on the truth from two years prior. Daniel had forced Melody to marry him. She had been innocent, yet he'd hated her for two whole years.

Christopher covered his face, feeling stifled. His eyes burned, his heart ached. Scenes of him disrespecting Melody, torturing her with demeaning treatment, and ordering her around like a maid replayed in his head. He was even responsible for her recent injuries. He was truly a monster.

Why hadn't Melody told him the truth? Why had she willingly obeyed him and endured his insults? She'd been extremely subservient, obeying all his commands.

Then, a realization struck him: Melody liked him. She'd never hidden her affection; her eyes betrayed it, an intense affection threatening to overflow. She'd humbled herself to please him. And what had he done? He'd arrogantly exploited her affection, trampling on her sincerity for two years. He'd even been disgusted by her feelings.

Christopher's shoulders trembled as tears streamed down his face. He wiped his eyes before taking out his phone to call Daniel.

When the call connected, he choked back a sob and said, "Grandpa, please give me Melody's number…"

"You have the audacity to ask for Mel's number? You're a real piece of shit! You almost killed her! Do you want me to be responsible for her death? Has Mel wronged you in any way? Yes, I forced you two together, but she's never harmed you! But you… you're a cold-hearted monster! You're even crueler than your father!"

Christopher was stunned by Daniel's chastisement. Before he could respond, Daniel continued, "Just get the divorce finalized. If I'd known your marriage was built on Mel's suffering, I would have let you divorce sooner. Mel's a woman of her word. When she said two years, she meant it. Not once has she come crying to me, even after all she's endured! What have I done to that poor child?"

Christopher was puzzled by the "two years" comment. He didn't understand. But he couldn't dwell on it, shouting, "Grandpa! I won't divorce her! I didn't sign those papers! Please tear them! Please, I beg you!"

Christopher was anxious. His voice was melancholic, choked with sobs. The night before, he'd refused to admit he'd fallen for Melody; he'd only admitted he didn't want her to leave. Now, it was different. He couldn't afford to lose her.