Chapter 4

Melody collapsed to the ground, and in that instant, the urine bag beneath her skirt suddenly burst open. The foul-smelling liquid from the bag spilled all over the floor. Melody's face was filled with helplessness as she desperately tugged at her skirt, trying to cover up the mess.

Being young, Melody had often struggled with bladder control since losing a kidney. To avoid embarrassing situations when going out, she would use a urine bag.

Witnessing this scene, Serenity burst out laughing.

"Why even bother going out like this? It's so embarrassing. If I were you, I'd just stay at home and look after the kids. Coming out here to make a fool of yourself... Now the floor stinks, and on such a lovely evening for a party..."

Before she could finish speaking, I slapped her hard across the face.

Before I could say anything, a powerful grip suddenly seized my arm, violently yanking me to the ground. I fell face-first into the puddle of urine on the floor.

"Lavender! What are you doing?"

Upon seeing Dashiell, Serenity immediately changed her tune."Dashiell, Melody fell down. We just wanted to help her up. Lily was curious about Melody's urine bag and asked about it. Who would have thought Lavender would suddenly go crazy, throwing red wine at me and slapping me?"

Seeing me fall, Melody crawled to my side, crying and desperately trying to wipe the filth off my body.

"Mom, Mom, let's go home. Let's go home."

Melody's crying was breaking my heart. I didn't want to hold back anymore. I looked up angrily at Serenity.

"Serenity, everyone's watching. What you just said to us..."

But before I could finish, Serenity clutched her chest and collapsed into Dashiell's arms.

"Dashiell, my chest hurts so much. Is there something wrong with my heart? I'm so scared."

A flicker of hesitation flashed in Dashiell's eyes. Lily, standing nearby, tugged on Dashiell's sleeve.

"Uncle Shaw, please check on my mom. She's about to faint."Dashiell pressed his lips tightly together. After handing Lily to his secretary, he scooped Serenity up in his arms and strode straight towards the door.

As he passed by Melody and me, he wrinkled his nose in disgust.

"Go to the break room and clean yourselves up right away. Just look at you two, what a mess!"

Watching their retreating figures, a chill crept into my heart.

I hugged Melody close and hurried to the underground parking garage, intending to drive home. However, I saw Dashiell's Maybach with its lights on, the rear door open, and a foot as white as jade peeking out.

The parking garage was quiet, making the man's and woman's voices crystal clear. I quickly covered Melody's eyes, afraid she might witness something inappropriate.

The woman's voice was so sultry it could melt bones.

"It's understandable that Lavender has such a grudge against me. After all, if it weren't for me, she and Melody wouldn't have to go through all this."

The man's voice was husky with desire.

"Don't say that. The decision was mine. If she has any issues, she should take it up with me."

"Besides, with medical advancements these days, there's bound to be a solution. I'll make it up to both mother and daughter properly."

...I stifled my tears, scooped up Melody, and left the parking lot, taking a cab home by myself.

As soon as we got home, Melody burst into tears and threw herself into my arms.

"What was Dad doing with that lady? And what did she mean by what she said at the party?"

"Has Dad been lying to us all along? Does he not love me and Mom? Does he like that lady and her daughter instead?"

"Mom's always having chest pains, and I can't go to the bathroom properly. Is it because of them?"

Melody was seven now, old enough to understand the meaning behind adult conversations. Children's minds are the most sensitive, and I didn't want to hide things from her anymore.

"Melody, would you be willing to leave with Mom?"

Melody pulled away from my embrace and looked straight into my eyes.

"Yes! If Dad doesn't love us, then I don't want Dad. I only want Mom."

A wave of bitterness washed over me, regretting my own stupidity while feeling heartbroken at Melody's maturity.

Just then, the phone rang. It was my brother calling.

"The plane has arrived. Let's go."

"I've found out some things on my end. Come over first, and we'll discuss the rest."

Upon receiving this call, I quickly got Melody cleaned up and changed into fresh clothes.Fearing Dashiell might suddenly return, I didn't even pack my bags. I only took my bank card and ID, then rushed to the airport in a hurry.

Before leaving, I placed the divorce agreement I had signed a month ago on the coffee table in the living room.

Dashiell, Serenity.

The next time we meet, I'll have a big surprise for you both.