Chapter 45

Five days earlier, Christopher had returned home to another argument with Melody. He reprimanded her for laziness and allowing Cynthia to neglect their food, further criticizing her for ignoring his messages. He deemed her attitude problematic.

Uncharacteristically, Melody remained silent. Instead, Cynthia took responsibility for the food delivery, and for the next few days, she faithfully delivered lunch.

Christopher pressed his lips together. Melody's tantrums had reached their breaking point. He realized he'd spoiled her, allowing her to become entitled. That evening, with a grim expression, he intended to address her behavior.

At 5:00 pm, Cynthia arrived home first, placing the divorce papers before Melody. Melody picked up the document. Cynthia narrowed her eyes, questioning, "Is just signing it enough? Isn't there a cooling-off period? Christopher will surely find out, right?"

"Don't worry," Melody replied indifferently. "The Fuller family will handle it. They never valued me as a daughter-in-law. Now that I have the papers, I'll take care of the rest."

Cynthia remained skeptical. "So, Christopher doesn't need to be involved?"

"Exactly. Once he sees this, the divorce is final," Melody stated. "My divorce is settled. Now you should consider how you'll marry into the Fuller family."

Cynthia clenched her fist. "Don't worry about me; I have my own plans. You'd better hurry and pack; leave my house."

"Three days," Melody said. "I'll move out in three days."

"Why three days?" Cynthia demanded. "Are you planning to cause trouble?"

"You're overthinking it," Melody said coldly, heading to her room. Did Cynthia think she didn't want to leave immediately? She would have left long ago if not for their contractual marriage.

She stared at her phone, displaying a countdown timer. Soon, she would be free.

In her room, Melody surveyed the nearly packed suitcase. The next three days were merely an endurance test; afterward, she would sever all ties to Christopher and Cynthia. She would close that chapter of her life, including her childhood friendship and secret crush.

Suddenly remembering something she'd left at Cynthia's, she returned to the living room. She asked blankly, "Where's the necklace I gave you at the orphanage? Give it back." Cynthia turned, paused, as if trying to remember, then scoffed. "That plastic thing? Do you really think I kept it?"

Melody gritted her teeth. Her voice trembled with anger. "That was the only keepsake from my mother. You threw it away?"

"Why should I keep it? It's just junk," Cynthia retorted.

A surge of intense rage overwhelmed Melody. She was devastated, though she'd long given up hope of recovering the necklace. She hated Cynthia, but even more, she hated her own poor judgment and misplaced trust. This retribution was entirely self-inflicted.