Chapter 2

She fixed me with a stern look. "What are you doing here?"

Before I could speak, Donavan jumped in. "I saw she was drunk, and I'd been drinking too, so I called Ethan to come pick her up."

"I just didn't feel comfortable with her going home alone."

Then he turned to me with an apologetic expression. "I'm sorry, Ethan. Melody was drunk earlier and talking nonsense. Don't take it to heart."

Fighting through the pain, I forced a smile. "I just got here. Didn't hear what you were saying. Melody looks pretty wasted, so I'll take her home now."

I supported Melody and helped her to the car.

She walked unsteadily, looking thoroughly inebriated.

If I hadn't overheard their conversation earlier, I would have truly believed she was drunk.

I drove in silence, quietly brought her back to the bedroom, and helped her change.

Then I silently went to make her some hangover soup.

The steps to make hangover soup were second nature to me by now. When we first got married, she often drank heavily at work events, coming home plastered nearly every night.

But back then, it was Donavan who brought her home.

Why did Donavan choose to call me this time?

I didn't want to think too deeply about it.This should be the last time I make a hangover remedy for Melody.

As I carry the hangover soup into the bedroom, I see Melody is already awake.

She avoids eye contact, not looking at me directly.

We both tacitly agree not to mention what just happened at the bar.

Tonight's events have left my mind in turmoil.

I feel I need to reevaluate our relationship.

I no longer have the desire to stay with Melody, only wanting to retreat to the guest room for some peace and quiet.

In the second year after our marriage, Melody and I started sleeping in separate rooms.

She said she needed to devote more energy to her career, and sharing a room with me would only drain her energy.

For the first time, I don't ask Melody for a goodnight kiss, and I stand up to return to the guest room.

But Melody calls out to stop me.

"Ethan, Memorial Day is coming up. Didn't you say you wanted to visit your parents' graves? I'll go with you then."

I pause mid-step.

Because I married into Melody's family, every Memorial Day visit to the graves has been to pay respects to the Langdon family plot.It's been as long since I've visited my parents on Memorial Day as I've been married.

All this time, Melody hasn't gone with me to see my parents either.

Every time I bring it up, she always says, "Wait, just a bit longer."

I never expected her to suggest it on her own this time.

I nod and say, "Okay."

As I turn to leave, she gently tugs at the hem of my shirt.

I look back to see her lips slightly pursed, her face showing a coyness I've never seen before.

Seeing me frozen in place, she reminds me, "Today's goodnight kiss."

My heart melts, and I lean in to kiss her.

I'm always so easily placated by her. Just a little sweetness from her, and I automatically forget all she's done to me.

She's always so skilled at giving a slap followed by a sugar cube.

And oddly enough, I still eat it up.

Perhaps what she said tonight was truly just drunken talk.

I think to myself.

On Memorial Day, it started drizzling with a tendency to turn into a downpour, so Melody and I decided to set out early.

Even though the rain was getting heavier, my heart still lifted with joy.

After all, this was once the thing I wanted most to do with Melody.

Before we got married, I had wanted to formally introduce her to my parents.But she always said she was too busy with work and couldn't get away.

Today, it could finally come true.

The train compartment was quiet, with only the sound of rain hitting the windows.

Suddenly, a phone ringtone broke the silence.