After reading the message, Sheldon chuckled, thinking, “Doesn’t this explanation sound more like a poor attempt to cover up?” But as an employee, he could only complain silently, not daring to argue.
The car moved at a steady pace. Melody gazed out the window, unwilling to ask why Christopher knew her discharge date or why he’d come to pick her up. The reason was probably to silence her, prevent her from speaking in front of Daniel, or perhaps it stemmed from his lingering guilt—after all, he was responsible for her injury.
In the back seat, Christopher remained silent, his gaze shifting between the back of Melody’s head and her foot. The blaster marks had faded, leaving only faint red marks, and she seemed to walk normally. Her complexion was flushed and healthy-looking, clearly benefiting from the nutritious meals. The meals weren’t wasted.
Thinking this, Christopher smiled faintly. Despite the cold treatment, Melody still accepted everything he’d given her—be it the phone or the meals. But the lack of a "thank you" angered him again, tightening his lips. Still, since her injury was his fault, he didn't press the issue. When the car reached her neighborhood, Melody expected him to drop her off at the gates, but to her surprise, he got out.
“I can get out myself,” Melody said calmly.
He didn't answer immediately. Swiping his card to open the gate, he turned back, his expression slightly awkward. “Don’t think I’m doing this voluntarily. I just don’t want to…”
Melody followed, showing no reaction and ignoring his unusual expression. She knew Christopher wasn't acting out of kindness, nor did she perceive his behavior as sentimental or stubborn. He'd explicitly told Sheldon the night before that he wouldn't pick her up.
Behind them, Sheldon observed Christopher's prideful yet stubborn demeanor. He thought, If only Christopher would speak his mind, he would regret it later.
They took the elevator and reached her apartment door. After entering the password, a woman's voice announced, “Christopher, did you forget something?” Christopher paused, instinctively glancing back at Melody, but continued inside without turning. After all, he had already tested her about it; her silence didn't mean she hadn't noticed.
Melody's eyelids flickered slightly. She wasn't surprised to hear Cynthia's voice.
Sheldon discreetly observed Melody's expression and quietly followed.
“Mell, you’re finally out of the hospital!” Cynthia, seeing Melody behind Christopher, froze momentarily, then greeted her with a smile. “Come in. You’ve had a hard time in the hospital. Sit and rest. I’ll get you some water,” she said warmly, walking to the water dispenser.
Sheldon watched, his expression one of silent discomfort. He couldn't help thinking, If one didn't know better, they might think she's the real Mrs. Fuller. How…
Melody didn’t sit, heading straight for her bedroom. Seeing the door ajar, she paused. Looking inside, she saw everything had been rearranged. It wasn't her original room anymore.
“Didn’t Christopher tell you? I’ve temporarily moved in. I have a lot of stuff, so I’m staying in your room now. You don’t mind, do you?” Cynthia said, bringing the water over. Melody clenched her fist and glared at Christopher.
“Your room is bigger, so let Cynthia stay there. You can sleep in the smaller one,” he said.
“It’s just a room. Why the long face?” he added, his tone unhappy. Melody took a deep breath, controlling her urge to argue.