Betrayed By Husband, Stolen By Brother In Law

Richard looked at Melanie in disbelief, his expression stiffening as the weight of her words settled in and the very real problem appeared in front of him. "How will we get Marianne? She's done everything so neatly…In all the evidence that you have gathered, it is impossible to..." His voice was low, almost as if speaking it out loud would make the task even more impossible. But he really could not think how Marianne would come into this. From the very beginning, she had only used Melody's hand to do everything.

But Melanie's lips curved into a small, confident smile that had him believe her. "I have a way, Mr Thomas. Don't worry. For now, just don't reveal anything to Marinne. Continue to pretend, no matter what. Just go and join her on the vacation, pretending to be the same. Can you do that?"

Richard inhaled softly, his chest tight. How was he supposed to do that? How was he supposed to go now and face Marianne, to pretend in front of her as if nothing had changed, when every bone in his body hated her to the core and all he wanted to do was strangle her.

"I don't think I can," he admitted, shaking his head slightly at the bittern taste in his mouth of not being able to strangle her right away. "If I go to her now, I might… let something slip. I'll—" He paused, thinking quickly. "One of my offices in Country P has frequent troubles. I've had to cancel our outings because of it more than once. I'll do the same this time. I'll tell her there's some urgent problem and that I need to go there immediately. Would that be okay? Or… do you need me to help you in some way and stay here?"

Melanie shook her head, "It's okay. As long as you don't slip up and reveal something, don't worry. I'll handle things. You can leave for country P."

Richard gave a short nod, relief mixing with uncertainty. Still in a daze, he began moving toward the study. No. He would not leave this place. He would simply pretend to go to country P but stay here in hiding.

But just before he stepped out, Melanie called after him."Mr. Thomas… Melody has already turned out the way she did. But I will arrange for a psychologist to visit her when she's in prison. While we will push for the maximum sentence, if she has someone to guide her, maybe it will make a difference by the time she comes out."

Richard paused mid-step, the words catching him off guard. Slowly, he turned his head toward her and gave a grateful nod-one more reason, he thought, to be thankful that Melanie had not grown up under his care. She was so much like Melrose… kind when needed, yet unflinching when the situation demanded toughness. Despite what Melody had done to her, she was willing to help her.

***

Once Richard Thomas was gone, Melanie almost crumbled. Her legs felt weak, and for a moment, the air in her lungs seemed to thin. If not for Adam standing there, she might have collapsed on the spot.

She felt bad for Richard Thomas. It was true- seeing him had stirred up memories she would rather have left buried. Memories of the time she had spent when married to Spencer, doing everything Madam Collins demanded just to please him… regardless of what was right or wrong.

If Adam hadn't barged into her life, she thought bitterly, she might have remained a fool for a lifetime, waiting patiently, believing everything Spencer said. Hadn't it been what Richard Thomas had ended up doing to himself?

She turned toward him, her eyes glistening. Without a word, she stepped forward, threw herself into his arms and clinging to him as if afraid he might disappear. Her tears came freely, and her voice trembled against his chest."Thank you… for rescuing me."

She felt him smile faintly as his hand came up to pat her head, his other arm tightening around her. He gave a small shake of his head."It was a mutual rescue, sweet little Melon. If not for you, I would still be trapped, tortured by my past and all those false accusations. Remember?"

Melanie managed a small smile through her tears but said nothing. Instead, she simply leaned up and pressed her lips softly against his before burying herself against his chest. "I love you, Adam Collins. Remind me to tell you this every day."

Adam's smile deepened, his eyes warm as he stole another kiss from her. One kiss was never enough when it came to Melanie, after all. "I'll remind you every minute to say that, okay? And I love you, my sweet little Melon."

Melanie looked up at him and smiled, " I still don't know why you insist on calling me Melon."

Adam grinned at her and smiled," Because I like to eat Melons, of course."

Melanie laughed at that, momentarily forgetting that they were still under danger from someone else and all her troubles.

"So, what is this plan that you have for Marianne? You've been so secretive about it..."

Melanie sighed and closed her eyes, listening to his steady heartbeat. She actually hoped to avoid it, because knowing Adam, he would definitely not agree with it. But, this was the only thing she could think of. Because the next part, it was not just Marianne but also Cadence Sint. The one person she had been avoiding talking about.

As if reading her mind, Adam asked slowly,"Is this about the person who kidnapped you?"

Melanie leaned back and looked at him, and almost felt a shiver run down her spine. Though she agreed he looked hot at the moment, but the cold look in his eyes was almost like the one when he had meticulously planned the downfall of Saira and Sir Collins Jr.

So, she sighed and tried to explain," Yes. This does involve Cadence..."