Chapter 4

The excruciating pain coursing through my entire body was nothing compared to the heartbreak I felt in that moment.

I wanted so desperately to live, but Mr. Harrington couldn't care less whether I lived or died.

In that instant, it felt as if my heart had died.

Amidst the chaos, I lost consciousness.

When I opened my eyes again, I found myself in a hospital room.

The pain still seared through my body, sharp as knives. Sitting beside me were none other than my biological parents.

Mrs. Gevano looked at me with a hint of concern in her eyes.

After all, I was her flesh and blood. She couldn't remain entirely indifferent.

"Melody, you're awake," Mrs. Gevano spoke up first.

Mr. Gevano stood silently to the side. When I first met him, I thought he was just a strict father. It wasn't until I saw how he beamed at Scarlett that I realized his sternness was selective.

I gave a slight nod.

"Mr. Harrington and Scarlett have been betrothed since childhood. Even though you're our real daughter, this marriage belongs to Scarlett."

With those words, she dropped a bombshell.

All this time I'd been with Mr. Harrington, I never knew he was engaged.I lowered my eyes, concealing the emotions swirling within me.

If they had an engagement, why did he stay with me for five years?

Why didn't he get together with Scarlett sooner?

"If that's the case, just give me some money and I'll leave. I wouldn't want to be an eyesore for you two."

Upon hearing this, the couple before me exchanged glances.

"Scarlett was right after all. You came back just for the Gevano family's money!"

Mr. Gevano's expression turned angry. He never expected his own flesh and blood to be so vain and materialistic.

I gave a bitter smile, not understanding why everyone was so quick to side with Scarlett.

But I was tired now, too exhausted to explain myself anymore.

"Yes, that's right. I'm here for the money. I'll die without it, okay?"

As I spoke these words, my heart was wracked with pain.

But on the surface, I maintained a facade of indifference.

Mrs. Gevano looked at me with reddened eyes. She had never experienced hardship in her life, always living in luxury.

Seeing her biological daughter like this, she felt conflicted. Though she had some affection for me, it paled in comparison to her feelings for Scarlett.

After weighing the pros and cons, the couple agreed to my terms.

As long as I never showed up in Mr.In front of Harrington and Scarlett, they handed me a sum of money.

I inwardly marveled at what wonderful parents they were.

Too bad their kindness wasn't meant for me.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow in my heart.

Mr. Harrington appeared outside the hospital room door at some point, his face dark with an unpleasant expression.

"Melody, where do you think you're going?"

After everything that had happened, I finally saw Mr. Harrington for who he truly was.

Since he already had someone he loved, I might as well forget about him.

I ignored his question and pulled the blanket over my head.

Seeing this, he yanked the blanket off me.

"Answer me. Where are you planning to go?"

His expression was grim, with dark circles under his eyes.

It was clear he hadn't slept well the night before.

"It's none of your business. Why aren't you taking care of your fiancée instead of bothering me?"

A flash of confusion crossed Mr. Harrington's face.

"She's your sister too. Why can't you just accept her?"

I found his words somewhat laughable.

I had said from the beginning that I could never get along with her.

Back then, I was puzzled why Mr. Harrington, who had always taken my side,Harrington would speak up for her.

He hoped I would get along well with Scarlett.