Betrayed By Husband, Stolen By Brother In Law

"You failed? What is wrong with you?" Marianne snapped, her voice low but furious. "I made such special preparations for this-and you ruined it? What did you do?"

"I suggested the best people to Melody," the driver replied, shaking his head with frustration. "But this Melanie… she seems to have the luck of the devil, sister. No matter what we try, something always falls apart. I've never had a plan backfire like this before. Never." He paused, jaw clenched. "Don't worry. The moment she contacts you again, I'll go myself. I'll bring her head to you, no matter what it takes."

Marianne stared at him, her lips pressed together in a tight line. She was about to ask him something if he had at least sent someone to the airport to collect Melanie so as not to show flaws but just then, they heard a noise outside as Richard Thomas walked in.

"What happened?" Richard asked, his gaze moving between them as he saw the angry faces of the two people.

The driver immediately shifted, straightened his stance and took a small step back from Marianne. He turned to Richard and said in a calm, rehearsed tone, "Sir, Madam was just asking if Miss Melanie said anything during the drive back last time. But she didn't speak at all. Not a word. Madam was disappointed that Miss Melanie does not like to chat anymore."

Marianne gave a faint nod, her expression now composed. She turned to the driver and said, "You may go. And make sure you don't forget what I told you regarding Melanie. Not even one detail."

The driver gave a small nod and stepped away, saying nothing more as he left the room. "Don't worry. I will take care of it."

Marianne's eyes lingered for a moment in the direction he had gone. Then she turned back to Richard with a soft expression. She looked up at him and smiled, wrapping her arms around him in a gentle hug.

"The other night," she began fondly, "I asked Melanie what she liked. I thought I'd send her a few nutritious juices and some of the things she enjoys. After all, she is newly married. It's the least I can do. I'm sure they'll start planning a family soon... and then, who knows-we might even have grandchildren running around this house again."

Richard chuckled at hris wife's enthusiasm and shook his head slightly, amusement dancing in his eyes. "You've just found Melanie, and already you're jumping ahead to grandchildren..." he teased. But as quickly as his smile came, it faded, replaced by a quiet melancholy that settled in his features. "Don't you think Melanie and Melody are quite alike?" he asked, his tone more thoughtful now. "Honestly, I thought Melanie would be a little more open with me. A bit more talkative. But last time... she was even quieter than Melody. And that's saying something-Melody hardly ever spoke to me."

Marianne sighed softly and reached up to pat his chest in reassurance. "Give it time," she said gently. "I'm sure Melanie will open up eventually. She's probably just adjusting. And when Melody returns, we'll work on helping her become more expressive too. Maybe having her sister around will change things."

Richard nodded slowly and pulled her close again, wrapping his arms around her. "Did you get any news about Melody?" he asked after a moment, his voice quieter now.

Marianne gave him a faint smile, and shook her head. "None whatsoever," she replied softly. "But I am holding out hope."

***

While Marianne had already received the report that the attack had failed, the person who had ordered the hit was still unaware.

Melody paced restlessly around the living room, her arms folded tightly across her chest. Her mind kept circling back to one question-had Melanie been taken care of yet or not? The silence was maddening. Not knowing made it worse.

Should she call Driver Uncle and ask for confirmation? He was the one who had assured her that this time and made the arrangements on her behalf.. ]

Her footsteps slowed as her thoughts pulled her back to that night in the car while returning form her parent' home. She had been so angry and humiliated at him Adam had abondoned her halfway through the evening, sitting there, feeling alone and humiliated.

She had sat in the backseat, fuming quietly, arms crossed and eyes fixed outside the window. But even then, despite her anger, her mind was busy, working, calculating, planning. Melanie's presence complicated everything, and she needed details. She had been hoping to get something-anything-from her mother about how and when exactly Melanie would arrive, so she could make her next move. But her mother hadn't been of much help that evening, which only added to her frustration.

Who would have thought that driver uncle would come to her aid in this situation unexpectedly? As the car cruised silently through the late-night streets, the driver suddenly broke the quiet.

"Miss Melanie," he said, glancing at her through the rearview mirror. "Let me tell you a secret."

Melody blinked, caught off guard and even though she was not interested, her mother had always warned her to take care of the driver uncle, "What secret?" she asked warily.

He leaned forward slightly, keeping his eyes on the road, and lowered his voice further. "Miss Melody might have been found."

Melody's breath had hitched at those words.

"What?" she asked sharply. How did he know.

He gave a small smile, clearly pleased with himself. "Madam has asked me to go to the airport the day after tomorrow to fetch her. Eleven a.m. sharp. Terminal Three."

For a second, Melody simply stared at him, unsure if she'd heard correctly. Her pulse quickened. How did she become so lucky. Quietly, she leaned forward, "Uncle, can you do something for me?"

The driver nodded," Of course, Miss. You don't know, I do all the chores for Miss Melody also."

"Uncle, I am Melody... and I need your help..."

Back in the present, Melody paused near the window, her hand resting lightly on the curtain. Uncle would definitely have completed the job, right?