Betrayed By Husband, Stolen By Brother In Law

Early the next morning, Melanie stirred awake slowly, her body reluctant to leave the comfort of the bed with all the little aches that Adam had left on her. Without opening her eyes, her hands reached instinctively toward the other side of the mattress, searching for him. But her fingers met only cool sheets.

Her brow furrowed slightly. The bed beside her was cold. Melanie sighed and opened her eyes. That's right- he was gone.

Adam had woken her up just before dawn, kissed her on the temple, whispered something soft and low she could barely remember now, and then slipped away.

She had been too tired to protest, too warm and safe to fully register that he was leaving. And now, all she was left with was the faint memory of that kiss.

With another sigh, she rolled over, pulling his pillow close and hugging it to her chest. Her face buried in the fabric, breathing in the lingering trace of his scent. But it didn't last long. Sigh. She needed to get up. Hugging the pillow close to her, one last time, Melanie sat up reluctantly, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. It was time to get out of this bed, get back into character, and go back to pretending to be Melody.

The thought alone made her stomach twist.

Dragging herself to the wardrobe, she stood in front of the wide-open doors, blinking as she took in the array of clothes inside. Melody's personal style was… unmistakable.

Everything was bold, loud and attention-seeking. There were sequins and plunging necklines, slits that ran dangerously high, and tops that looked more like scraps of fabric than actual garments. Melanie sighed. And she'd always thought that Melody dressed well. It seemed the woman barely met the school's dress code requirements for teachers.

She searched carefully, for anything in the wardrobe that would be clean lines or modest or at least some colour that would not hurt the eyes. But there was nothing. Finally, she grabbed a white top that... And then a glimmer of mischief sparked...and instead of choosing the dress she had been about to take, she reached for a pair of microscopic denim shorts and a plain white top just short enough to expose a sliver of her waist. It wasn't exactly Melody's brand of drama, but it was still daring for her.

Rebellious, in a quiet sort of way.

She showered and dressed quickly, brushed her hair back loosely, and stepped out into the hallway. In the living room, only three people were present- Adam, Melody, and Marianne.

Adam looked up first- and as expected, his eyes swept over her from head to toe. The look he gave her was anything but subtle. Heated. Possessive. Like he was remembering last night all over again and Melanie gave him a wink. He definitely approved of her clothes choice...

And then, how could it be that Adam was distracted and Melody wouldn't notice" Melody noticed. Her fingers clenched into fists in her lap, jaw tighten as she fought to keep her expression neutral as she looked at the woman dressed like her.

And Marianne?

Her eyes narrowed the second she saw Melanie walk in and then moved to look at Melody as she glared at her.

"What on earth are you wearing?" she snapped, sounding genuinely appalled.

Melanie blinked innocently and tilted her head, feigning confusion. "What? Aren't these my usual clothes? They were the ones in the wardrobe."

Marianne scoffed, clearly not buying the act. "That doesn't mean you have to parade around like that. There are others in the house..."

Melanie cut her off with a shrug. "Mama. I assumed if they were there, they were mine. I didn't think anyone would mind." With that, she turned towards Adam, posed with a hand on her waist and cocked," Brother in law. Do you mind my clothes?"

Adam bit back a smirk, cleared his throat and shook his head and answered calmly," Of course not, Miss Melody. I don't mind your clothes," before pretending to look away, but not before Melanie caught the faint curve of satisfaction at the edge of his lips. Heh! He actually dared to like what she was wearing!

Touché.

Melanie walked past them calmly, grabbed a glass of water from the counter as if nothing had happened and then brushed past Adam's elbow, all under the keen gaze of Marianne and Melody.

Just then, Marianne's phone buzzed on the table and with a quick look at the others, she walked away. Melanie sat down as she poured herself a cup of coffee and then turned to Melody," Sister. I heard that you and brother in law have a son. Where is he? I would like to see him. Mother said that I was also his teacher..."

She then turned to Adam and said," I am sure your son would be as handsome as you, Adam. You don't mind if I call you Adam right?"

Adam grinned and raised an eyebrow at that,"Of course I don't mind, Melody. My name sounds sweeter coming from your mouth."

Melanie laughed at that," Your mouth is sweet... So, can I meet my nephew, Adam?" As she said this, she extended her hand and placed it on Adam's wrist.

"He's away with his Godmother recently. But I'll bring him to meet you soon. He's been asking about Miss Melody, anyway." With that, Adam took his hand out from under her and placed it on hers, making the real Melody see red as she stood up, with a loud bang.

"Adam," she said, her voice clipped and tight, "I'd like to speak with you. Now."

Adam blinked once, but didn't move right away. Instead, he turned his head slowly toward her, his expression unreadable. "Melody has just come here to have breakfast and now you want to get up and leave. Really? Is this how you are going to behave with your younger sister, Melanie. You go inisde. I'll accompany her for breakfast and then talk to you."

Unable to answer that, Melody stomped her foot and walked away.