Chapter 8

The day of the big competition.

Levi asked me for encouragement. His features were handsome and refined, but softened with tenderness when he looked at me. "I'll definitely win this trophy for you."

"You always deserve the best, Melody."

His words made my nose sting with emotion. It had been so long since anyone had said something like that to me.

The words I heard most often were Dashiell constantly putting me down.

He always said I wasn't worthy, that all his glory was earned by himself alone.

He said my nutritional meals, personalized training plans, and carefully designed recovery therapies were all frivolous luxuries.

After hearing it for so long, I really started to believe I was that worthless.

"Don't cry." He leaned in close, gently wiping away my tears.

"Wait for me to come back."

After Levi left, Scarlett arrived at the venue with Dashiell.

Scarlett didn't have her usual alluring charm. She looked a bit bloated now.