Chapter 19

Melisa's heart raced as she stared at her father below, his face flushed—was it anger or embarrassment? Yet it wasn't fear she felt; it was the thrill of defying the established rules, like a caged bird finally tasting freedom even if that freedom came with the risk of predators.

Seeing his rebellious daughter suddenly smiling, her father forehead had veins popped out ,"Melisa, get down here!" he roared.

Melisa looked down at them, a smirk playing on her lips. "Why? I already heard everything. But why should I apologize?"

Her father's face flushed even deeper. "You know exactly why you should apologize—Olivia just wanted to talk to you. Why did you push her?"

Melisa's expression turned solemn. "Did I? She must have told you that, and you believed her right away."

"There were many witnesses—don't lie, Melisa."her father's voice hardened

"Instead of telling me this, you should have warned her not to annoy me, or else..."Melisa don't want to explain further, it was no use explaining to someone selectively deaf.

"You... you..." her father stuttered, unable to complete the threat. After a long silence, he said resignedly, "You used to be sensible and gentle—just a few little tantrums here and there. Why have you become so rebellious?"

Melisa's eyes flashed. "I told you the day you wanted me to replace Olivia that this would be the last time I'd compromise."

Her father's tone hardened. "We are your parents—the ones who brought you into this world. We have every right to decide your life. And aren't you living well?"

Melisa let out a wry chuckle. "Oh, should I be grateful? But for whom—to you, for forcing me into that situation, or to Olivia, for backing out at her wedding? Tell me."her eyes darting between the father-daughter duo playfully.

"Sister, I already apologized for that. Tell me, what should I do for you to forgive me? I'll do anything," Olivia said softly, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her cheeks without a single harsh sound, even in her sorrow.

Her smirk faded as she looked at her not-so-pitiful sister. "Olivia, I don't want your empty promises or fake crocodile tears. If you truly mean it, prove it—change your ways. Stay away from me. These repeated apologies are nothing but annoying."

Everyone who saw her would think she was pitiful and that Melisa was being too harsh—that was just how it had always been. But Melisa no longer cared about what people thought.

Olivia glanced around furtively as she noticed everyone's eyes on them. She fought to suppress a smirk—inside, her thoughts mocked, She's still so stupid. Despite this, her face wore an aggrieved expression.

"Sis… Sister," she began hesitantly, "the one you should blame is me. I'm willing to endure your anger, but please, let our parents be. They had no choice."

Melisa narrowed her eyes. "No choice? Then tell me, Olivia, was it also 'no choice' when you stole—"

Before she could finish, Olivia paled.

"Sister, stop! Please!" Olivia suddenly grabbed Melisa's arm, her grip tight and desperate.

Melisa smirked. Ah, so she does have something to hide.

"Why? Afraid I'll spill the truth?"

The gathered guests murmured, intrigued by the exchange. Her father stiffened, his expression dark.But before he could speak, another familiar voice sounded.

"What did she stole?"

At this question, Olivia paled ,her fingers tightly gripped her white dress creative ceased on it.

The murmurs of the crowd quieted as a familiar figure broke through. The guests instinctively stepped aside, making way for Leonard as he approached with steady, deliberate steps. His expression was unreadable, he gazed above at Melisa on the balcony for a brief moment before shifting to Olivia.

"You sure do cry a lot," he said, his voice calm yet laced with quiet contempt. "I wonder, is it a habit from childhood or just a convenient tool?"

The hushed audience absorbed his words, and though no one openly laughed, a few exchanged knowing glances. Olivia stiffened, her breath hitching,she don't expect him to come but she quickly lowered her gaze, as if retreating into her well-rehearsed role.

"Brother Leo… why do you always speak against me?" she asked, her voice small and fragile. She hesitated, then cast a fleeting glance at Melisa. "Did Sister say something about me?"

Leonard didn't so much as glance at Melisa. His gaze remained fixed on Olivia, his next words precise and cutting.

"She doesn't need to," he said coolly. "Only a fool would fall for this same performance over and over again."

A quiet murmur ran through the crowd. Olivia's fingers curled into her dress as she struggled to keep her expression pitiful.

Her father's face darkened, and his voice came sharp. "Leonard, this is a family matter. You have no place interfering."

Leonard met his gaze, unimpressed. "Then maybe you should start handling your family matters properly, so no one else has to."

His tone wasn't loud, yet it carried an undeniable weight, making the atmosphere heavy. Olivia bit her lip hard,her eyes looking at Leonard accusingly, while Melisa—watching from the side—felt a strange sense of She was always painted as a villian, even now when she said she didn't care about her reputation,who would not be affected by the judging views of society, but now Leonard completely turned the table.