Chapter 3

Luggage?

He did indeed have suitcases and packages at his feet, but what did that have to do with me? Why would he be moving them into my apartment?

I was confused, but before I could speak, Melody walked out of the bedroom with an impatient look on her face and said:

"I asked him to come. Alec's apartment doesn't have heat, so I told him to bring his aunt here to stay for a few days."

"Since you're still in the apartment, hurry up and pack your things and move out!"

She had been awake for a while, just waiting for Alec to arrive before coming out.

It seemed she had grown to despise me to the point where she didn't want to be alone with me anymore.

Moreover, she spoke with such self-righteousness, without any room for discussion - it was a complete order.

At that moment, the two of them truly looked like a married couple, while I became the outsider.

After moving the luggage in, Alec stood to the side, feigning remorse:

"Blaine, don't worry, I'm just staying for a few days. I'll move out when the weather warms up."

I glanced at his detestable face and let out a cold laugh.

But before I could refuse, Melody carelessly said:

"You and your aunt can stay as long as you want. Why should we care about him?"

"He's just sitting around all day doing nothing but getting jealous. I'm sick and tired of it." Her words spread a bitter ache throughout my entire body.

This was my darling, the person who had shared my bed for five years.

How laughable.

I was about to open my mouth to argue when another set of footsteps came from the doorway.

Alec's mother walked in, her face glowing with health.

She looked around the room's decor with obvious delight.

There wasn't the slightest hint that she was terminally ill.

"Melody, is this the house you bought? The renovations are lovely, and it's so cozy in here."

"My son certainly has good taste, finding such a wonderful daughter-in-law like you."

"Oh, by the way, where's my room? I can't wait to see it."

As she finished speaking, she finally noticed me standing by the door and frowned, asking Melody with confusion.

"Who's this? Melody, why is he in our apartment?"

Melody, probably afraid I would expose her, hurriedly explained, "Mom, this is the maid I hired to clean your room."

Maid?

And she'd already changed how she addressed Mrs. Harrington?

Is this what she meant by a fake marriage?

Visible disgust and disdain appeared in Mrs. Harrington's eyes.

"A maid? Well, what are you standing around for? Get to cleaning the room already!" "Oh, and get me a glass of water first. I'm thirsty."

Ordering me around in my own apartment?

She really didn't know what shame is.

I furrowed my brow, feeling a tidal wave of anger rising within me.

"Melody, I need an explanation!"

But before I could even finish my sentence.

Mrs. Harrington suddenly lunged at me and slapped me hard across the face.

"You disrespectful little brat, I told you to get me water. Are you deaf?"

"Look at you, all dirty and unkempt. I'm doing you a favor by letting you clean. How dare you disobey your employer?"

"Get to it now, or you can forget about getting paid."

She had really put some force behind that slap. Not only did my face sting fiercely, but a bright red handprint was starting to form.

My head was spinning. I couldn't believe a supposedly gravely ill old woman could hit so hard.

But she was still an elderly person, so I didn't retaliate.

I could only glare at her, my fists clenched tightly.

"This is my apartment. I'm giving you one minute to get out, or don't blame me for being rude."