Melody's POV
I frowned when I heard Leonard's question.
"Thank God you're all right now," he said in a low voice, like a whisper.
My eyebrows furrowed. How did he know about my health? From the beginning, I couldn't remember meeting him. Nor did I have an acquaintance by the name of Leonard Axelsen.
Unfortunately, Leonard's words earlier were heard by everyone in this room. Mom and Dad immediately turned to me with faces full of worry. My mom was even about to open her mouth, definitely wanting to ask what Leonard's words meant.
Leonard also seemed to realise that he had made a mistake. He hurriedly corrected his words. "I mean, I only asked about Melody's health because all I know is that she lives out of town. Maybe the long journey made her tired."
I nod slightly, confirming it so as not to arouse suspicion. I can feel my mother's stare still piercing, but I choose not to respond.
The conversation continued. We talked about many things, from the Leonard family's business to the marriage deal already agreed by our parents. I observed Leonard in silence, looking for something that could connect us in the past. However, the longer I watched him, the more I did not find any clues.
Who the heck is he?!
Time flew by quickly, and the gathering that night finally ended because it was too late. Leonard excused himself with his parents first. Once he left the house, I let out a long sigh, feeling slightly relieved that I could finally rest.
However, as soon as I turned around to go to my room, my mother immediately blocked me.
"Melody, what did Leonard mean by what he said earlier? What's wrong with your health?" She asked in a serious tone.
I tried to smile, pretending not to understand. "There's nothing, Mom. I'm healthy, really."
"But why does he ask such a question? As if you just experienced something bad?"
I shook my head quickly. "Maybe he's just small talk, Mom. After all, I did travel a long way. It's normal for him to ask how I'm doing."
My mother didn't seem fully satisfied with my answer, but she didn't press any further. I quickly stepped towards the stairs, wanting to avoid more questions. However, carelessly, my feet tripped over the end of the carpet instead, making my body shake forward. I tried to control my balance, but it was too late.
I fell right towards the small table in the corner of the room. Part of my stomach hit hard against the end of the table, right where my former surgery was still not fully healed. A piercing pain instantly shot through my body, making it hard for me to breathe.
"Ahhh!"
Cold sweat poured out profusely. I tried to get up, but the excruciating pain made my body weak. My vision began to spin, realisation slowly thinning. Vaguely, I could hear my mother's panicked voice calling my name before things turned dark.
***
I opened my eyes slowly, feeling a blinding white light greet me. The distinctive scent of antiseptic ambushed my nose. It took me a few seconds to realise that I was in the hospital.
"Melody! Thank goodness you're awake," my Mom’s voice sounded relieved. She sat by my bed, her face full of anxiety.
I tried to move my body, but the pain in my stomach instantly made me realise that I was still in a weak state.
"What happened?" My voice sounded hoarse.
"You fainted after falling earlier," Mom replied. "The doctor said your surgery marks are still not fully recovered. Melody, tell me, what surgery did you undergo? Why didn't we know about this?"
I fell silent. My eyes went to Dad, who was also standing not far from the bed, his face stiff, waiting for my answer.
There was no more escape. They already knew it. I had to tell them the truth.
With a shaky voice, I began to tell them everything. About Jeremy, his affair with Lolita, how I found out everything, and how I had an accident that almost took my life because of Jeremy's doing. I told them everything I had been keeping to myself without hiding a single detail.
Mom covered her mouth, tears starting to well up in her eyes. While my dad stood still, his expression was so dark and cold.
"Dad..." I called him in a weak voice. "I'm sorry for not telling you guys sooner. I didn't want to worry you guys."
Dad didn't answer. He turned around and walked towards the door. I felt that something wasn't right.
"Dad, where are you going?" I asked frantically.
"I'm going to see that," he replied coldly.
"Dad, no!" I tried to get up, but Mom hurriedly held me down.
"You don't have to worry, Melody," Dad said. "I just want to teach him a lesson."
"Dad, I beg you... don't do something that will get you in trouble," my voice was almost pleading.
But Dad ignored me. He was already walking out of the room, leaving Mom and me in a panic. I wanted to chase after him, but my body was still too weak.
I could only lie down feeling scared and anxious, hoping Dad wouldn't do something that would make things worse.
No matter how much I was already Jeremy's ex-fiancée, he must also be upset with me because I had taken off his mask in public.
With the energy I still had left, I forced myself to my feet, the pain that I had still been able to endure instead of making me sway to the floor.
Mom held me, "What are you doing? Do you want to die? Let your father solve this problem. Your pride has been stepped on. Why do you still want to defend Jeremy?" When Mom’s voice rose, I could feel the explosive emotions.
"Jeremy is likely to injure him. Don't let Dad go. Please!"
"No, that can't happen because he promised to take care of you and protect you. Now that he disobeys, then he will get his retribution!"
I didn't know what to reply to Mom. I couldn't sort out the right words to describe how cowardly Jeremy was now. The man who used to love me was gone long before they knew it today.
