Chapter 40

Cynthia looked at Melosh, biting her lip. "It might be a mistake if it's just one dish," she said, "but for everything to be salty, Mel… I know you're upset seeing me eat your cooking, but Christopher still has treats. The way you're acting…"

She trailed off, then softened her expression. Turning to Christopher, she said, "Christopher, don't be angry. Mel is just jealous. I'm staying at your house temporarily, and she has to cook for…"

"Melody, how old are you? Why are you acting so childish?" Christopher slammed the table, his patience finally breaking.

"Cynthia is only staying temporarily," Melody retorted. "I told you that before! The room change is temporary. Can't you be more understanding?"

Hearing their bickering, Melody calmly picked up her bowl. "Are you done? I'll eat alone. You two can do as you please."

Seeing her cold demeanor, Christopher grew even angrier. He'd been trying to reason, but what was this attitude?

Just as Melody picked up a piece of beef brisket, Christopher's large hand shot out, swatting her fork away. "I told you it's too salty, and you're still eating it! What? Does it not taste salty to you?" he shouted.

Melody, her fork on the floor, remained silent. She returned to the kitchen for another one.

"Christopher, let's eat out," Cynthia said, tugging on his arm. "We can bring some food back for Mel."

He didn't move, still angry with Melody.

"Don't be like this," Cynthia urged. "A man should be more patient. Besides, I don't mind. Mel just got discharged from the hospital. Be considerate. Let's go."

Hearing about Melody's discharge, Christopher showed a flicker of emotion. Melody was still angry, so he needed to be more understanding.

"Mel, Christopher and I are going out," Cynthia announced, taking on the role of hostess. "Don't eat the food; just throw it out." She locked the door behind them.

The house fell silent. Melody pressed her lips together, scraping the top layer of food—which wasn't salty at all—with her cutlery.

Why should she explain? Would Christopher even listen? Cynthia had stirred his anger with a few words, making him shout at her. Even a tiny amount of salt would be attributed to her, not Cynthia. Besides, there were cameras, but he wouldn't check; he'd just accuse her.

Melody was used to it, prepared for Cynthia's antics. But she was tired. Only ten more days remained. She just wanted peace. Thinking of the divorce papers she'd printed that afternoon, she decided to talk to Cynthia tomorrow.

When Christopher returned an hour later, he found the dishes cleared and the kitchen clean.

"Mel, are you done eating?" Cynthia knocked on the door.

There was no response. She knocked again, her tone patient, even coaxing. "Christopher isn't angry anymore. Come out. I'll make him apologize. His tone was too harsh."

Still no response.

Christopher's anger flared. He turned to Cynthia. "Let her be. She can starve for all I care! She's just making a scene. She's clearly in the wrong, yet she wants everyone to apologize. Who does she think she is?"