Betrayed By Husband, Stolen By Brother In Law

"Why are you going to my house?"

"My house?" Adam turned his head, glancing at her with an unreadable expression. "Didn't you get comfortable a little too fast, Melanie? Weren't you the one who said those people weren't your real parents? That you didn't remember them? And now suddenly, it's your house?"

Melody's scoffed at that and snapped back, "And didn't you say that you didn't want to be with me? That I was the last person you needed in your life? So then, why are you so eager for me to come along? Why the sudden urgency to stay?"

Adam just gave her a droll look as if he was amused about something and then asked, "Me? I'm just going to spend more time with you, Melanie. Isn't that what you want? You nearly jumped me the other night when I tried to leave. Remember that?"

He paused, just long enough for the words to sting.

"I wouldn't want your dear father to think I'm not being good to you. The Thomases seem like solid people. Powerful. They could turn out to be valuable business allies. And I? I'm just trying to be the perfect husband."

Melody clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palm. Dammit.

Yes. Yes, she had wanted him to spend time at her parents' place. That had been the plan. If he stayed over, they'd have to share a room-just like a real couple. She could control the narrative. She could push things forward. She could keep him close and even have a chance to seduce him... But not now.

Not when the real Melanie was back.

That changed everything.

She had hoped to use this opportunity-this quiet return to her supposed family home-to finally get rid of her. One move. One clean strike. And then she'd have Adam to herself, with no competition, no risk of exposure.

But with Adam tagging along, watching her every step, sharing her space, Melody couldn't risk anything. Not a word, not a look, not even a moment alone with that woman.

So even though she should have been thrilled at the idea of him staying with her, sleeping beside her, being close enough to touch, she wasn't. She was furious.

Because now, her plan was falling apart. And all because he had decided to play the doting partner to please her father for business.

While Melody was lost in thought, Adam could hardly wait for the night. He didn't know why Melanie had chosen to pretend to be Melody and not reveal the truth, but soon he was going to find out.

His hands clenched on the wheel and he had to forcefully supporess his emotions so as not to reveal his own happiness and relief at seeing her return safe and sound.

***

"Mel, try this child. This was always your favourite," Marianne said softly, placing a bowl in front of 'Melody'. "You'd throw a fit if the cook made anything else on Thursdays."

Melanie blinked at the creamy mushroom dish and forced a small smile. "Okay. Thank you."

Marianne smiled, clearly pleased at the acceptance and and moved on to pour Richard another drink. Melanie didn't say anything as she pulled the bowl towards her, ignoring everyone else on the table. However, she could feel the gaze boring into her of the real Melody as she sat right across from her.

"Melody. Can you please pass me the salad?" Melanie looked up at his words as his arm came towards her. It took her a moment to realize that he was asking her... Hurriedly, she picked up the large tray of salad and handed it to him. Their fingers brushed under the plate and then her eyes widened as she met his gaze. He actually dared to caress her hand right here in front of everyone and then pretending to take it, as if nothing had happened. She pulled her hand back and then felt a secret thrill.

Instead of continuing to eat Melody's 'favourite' food, Melanie glanced at the woman and smiled. She had noticed the interaction. The fake Melanie's spoon clinked against her plate, a little too loudly and Melanie almost grinned.

Meanwhile, Adam didn't react. He kept eating like he hadn't just touched her... While the fake Melanie seemed to be unable to even lift a fork.

A minute passed. Then Adam's spoon slipped from his fingers and clattered to the floor.

"Oops." He bent down to pick it up.

His chair shifted back slightly as he leaned down and both the women watched as his hand reached under the table. His head dipped lower and then was close to Melody's thigh. Melanie felt her breath catch as she caught a whiff of his cologne. Unable to help herself, she moved.

Her hand dropped onto his head. Just rested there. Then her fingers slid through his hair slowly. She felt the moment his breath caught.

She caressed once, just once,and then pulled away like nothing had happened.

Adam stayed crouched for a moment longer than necessary. When he sat back up, he placed the spoon next to his plate, face neutral, almost bored.

But Melanie looked at her dear sister and felt a satisfaction... She wanted to replace her, didn't she?

She hoped the taste of it burned.

Before she could enjoy the moment any longer, the chair opposite her screeched suddenly. Melody stood up.

"I'm not feeling well," she said sharply, placing a hand on her temple. Her voice was just the right mix of tired and dramatic. "I have a headache. Adam, come with me."

Everyone looked up.

Adam didn't move right away.

But Melody reached for his hand without any hesitation or shame and clutched it like she owned it. Her fingers wrapped tight around his wrist, nails digging in slightly.

Melanie didn't like that. Her own hands tightened around the fork in her hand as she watched Adam stand up, and try to extricate his hand from Melody's hand. She hated that this woman dared to show possessiveness over something that did not belong to her.