Chapter 17

Melisa looked ahead, her gaze landing on the elegant woman in a deep blue evening gown. Her hair was styled in a neat bun, and there was a sharpness in her eyes that commanded attention.

'Is she really Aunt Eleanor's sister?' Melisa couldn't help but feel doubtful.

Sensing her thoughts, Leonard spoke casually, "She's the younger sister. Unlike Mom's gentleness, she's headstrong."

Melisa nodded slightly, watching as Mrs. Raynold turned to them, her expression unreadable yet commanding.

Melisa observed the woman in front of her. Mrs. Raynold exuded confidence—her posture straight, her sharp eyes assessing, like a leader.

"Mrs. Raynold," Leonard greeted respectfully, his voice carrying a warmth that softened the formal address. "This is Melisa, my wife."

"You still haven't let go of your habit of using titles," Mrs. Raynold teased, a hint of amusement breaking through her sharpness. "When will I finally hear you call me 'Aunt'?"

Leonard gave a small, knowing smile but didn't respond.

Mrs. Raynold then turned to Melisa, her gaze unreadable. "I've heard quite a bit about you, Melisa."

Melisa maintained a calm composure, offering a polite smile despite the slight dampness in her palms. "I hope only good things."

A subtle smirk played at the older woman's lips. "That depends. Though, I must say, you seem quite different from the rumors."

Mrs. Raynold took a sip of her champagne and sighed. "I won't pretend I don't know what happened. That marriage wasn't supposed to happen. I was surprised."

Leonard's hand tensed slightly, but Melisa was the one to ask, "Surprised?"

Mrs. Raynold chuckled, glancing at Leonard. "Leo doesn't seem like the type to step into something like that unless he wanted to."

Melisa's gaze flickered toward Leonard, but he refused to meet her eyes, his expression tense, his gaze firmly placed on his silver watch that wasn't spared any glance before, now being carefuly watched it's every design.

"Are you saying he had a choice?" she asked, turning back to Mrs. Raynold.

Mrs. Raynold smirked. "My simple-minded sister and brother-in-law are not the type to force him into anything, and he is certainly not someone who would obey if he didn't want to."

Melisa's face paled at the realisation,yes Leo was not something who would just accept his fate.

Sensing the shift in her expression, Leonard finally spoke, his tone firm. "Aunt, that's enough."

Mrs. Raynold raised an eyebrow but relented with a small chuckle. "Relax, Leo. I was just curious. And look at that, you finally called me 'Aunt.'"

The conversation moved forward but Melisa could not and was not in the mood to continue talking.

Melisa's grip on her glass tightened as her thoughts spiraled. Leo didn't know I was in Olivia's place that day… Then, if what Mrs. Raynold said was true—if he had a choice—he must have wanted to marry Olivia.

Her breath hitched. Then I… I ruined his plans.

Her chest felt unbearably tight. But why did he confess to me? The warmth in his eyes, the way he spoke to her, the way he treated her—was it all just an act?

Was it just a way to get close to Olivia?

A bitter taste filled her mouth. It made sense, didn't it? If he truly had a choice, if he truly wanted Olivia, then her presence must be nothing but an accident—one he was forced to deal with.

The realization sent a sharp pain through her heart. Was everything he said to me just a lie?

"Melisa? Melisa!" A concerned voice called her name, followed by a gentle shake of her shoulder.

"Huh?" She blinked, snapping out of her thoughts.

Mrs. Raynold was no longer there.

"Are you okay? Should I drive you home?" Leonard asked, his brows furrowed with worry.

"I'm fine," she murmured, forcing a small smile. "I just need to use the bathroom. I'll be back."

Before he could say anything else, she turned and walked away, her pace slow but heavy.

As Melisa walked away, her steps felt heavier with each passing second. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions, drowning out the sounds of the party behind her.

Does he also love Olivia? The thought sent a sharp pang through her chest.

Am I still stuck in the same game?

She reached the restroom and locked the door behind her, gripping the sink as she stared at her reflection.

He didn't even know I was in Olivia's place that night. He must have wanted to marry her. I was the one who ruined his plans.

Her fingers tightened around the cold porcelain.

Then why did he confess to me?

The memory of his gentle words, his warmth, flickered in her mind—but now, they felt tainted. Was it all a lie?

Did he only do it to get close to Olivia?

Her breath hitched as a bitter laugh escaped her lips.

I really was naive to think things had changed.