Chapter 64

“What’s wrong? Did I hug you too hard? You look unwell,” Heidi asked, noticing Melody’s condition.

“It’s nothing. I just tripped, and your hug pulled at an old injury,” Melody explained.

Heidi wanted to check the injury, but Melody stopped her, assuring her it wasn’t serious. Heidi embraced her again, this time gently, apologizing. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were hurt. I got too excited.”

“I didn’t tell you beforehand because I didn’t want to worry you. I missed you a lot, too,” Melody replied.

Reunited after a long time, they linked arms and went shopping. Melody picked out clothes, and Heidi helped, suggesting several professional outfits.

“Pick a few casual ones, too—something fresh and fitting for your style,” Heidi added, handing her a dress.

Melody looked at the various styles. Over the past two years, as a nanny, she had hardly dressed up, usually wearing only a T-shirt and long pants. When she’d first married, she’d worn nice clothes, hoping to show Christopher her beautiful side. All she received in return was a comment: “You look like a streetwalker. Why are you dressed so provocatively? It’s disgusting.”

She clearly remembered that dress—a plain white floral dress, somewhat schoolgirl-like. She couldn’t understand what was so “provocative” about it or how it resembled something a “streetwalker” would wear. Afterward, she cried quietly and threw away all her dresses. Two years later, she finally understood. It wasn’t the dresses that were wrong, nor was it her. He simply hated her and wanted to humiliate her.

“What are you thinking about?” Heidi’s question pulled Melody back to the present.

Melody smiled slightly. “Nothing. I like all the dresses.”

Seeing a hint of bitterness in her smile, Heidi frowned. After Melody went into the fitting room, Heidi followed.

Melody changed clothes, revealing her back, when suddenly the curtain was pulled open, startling her.

“Heidi? What are you doing here?” she asked in surprise.

Heidi’s expression was serious; she had just seen a large bruise on Melody’s lower back.

“Turn around and let me see your injury. I knew something was wrong when you tried to hide it,” she said.

“It’s getting better. It’s nothing,” Melody tried to push her away, but eventually reluctantly showed Heidi the injury.

“How did this happen? It looks pretty bad. No wonder it hurt when I hugged you,” Heidi asked, concerned.

“I just fell. I landed on the ground and fractured my tailbone,” Melody explained.

“Fractured? My goodness! Did you fall from upstairs? Who pushed you?” Heidi exclaimed, shocked.

“I tripped. No one pushed me,” Melody replied.

Heidi looked at her skeptically. “Don’t lie to me. After four years of being roommates and friends, how could I not understand you?”

“Mel, tell me the truth. Was your situation really just some epiphany? You should be carefree, but look at you now. Honestly, it’s hard to believe. Only someone who has lost their parents, their spouse, their children, and gone bankrupt overnight would have the lifeless eyes you do.”

Melody stood stunned, her head drooping slightly at Heidi’s words.

“What happened to you? If you’re having a hard time, tell me. I’ll help you,” Heidi said.

“I’ve already dealt with it,” Melody said softly. “But as for the details… Heidi, please give me some time. I’m not ready to talk about it yet. I’ll tell you everything later.” A pleading tone infused her voice. Heidi looked at her, wondering what had made her so numb and distant, avoiding confronting whatever it was.