Chapter 3

The man I've shared a bed with for three years wanted me dead.

As this realization hit me, anger bubbled up from deep within, instantly consuming my rational mind.

I immediately hailed a cab and rushed to Brent's office.

But before I could even step inside, I heard Melody's voice.

"Brent, don't you think we were too harsh on Miss Stone? Do you think we made a mistake?"

Brent chuckled nonchalantly.

"Melody, you don't need to feel guilty. Felicity's misfortune is actually a blessing in disguise. If it weren't for you, she'd never get to experience my love."

"But what about us? I don't want people to call me a homewrecker."

Melody's voice trailed off into quiet sobs, choking up as she spoke.

"I know I shouldn't be involved with a married man, but I really like you so much, Brent. Are you upset with me for seducing you?"

Brent panicked and quickly pulled her into his arms to comfort her.

"What do you mean, you seduced me? I helped you willingly. Melody, you're just too kind-hearted. Felicity's current situation is entirely her own doing; it has nothing to do with you."

"Don't worry. Once she's diagnosed with permanent disability, I'll divorce her and marry you. I promise you won't suffer any more!"Heart clenched like it was being crushed by an iron fist, I trembled down to my fingertips from the pain.

Questioning him further was clearly pointless now.

Wiping away my tears, I silently slipped out of the office.

I had just finished contacting a lawyer to draft divorce papers when Brent returned home.

He embraced me from behind, nuzzling his face into the crook of my neck.

"Darling, who were you calling?"

His sudden affection made my skin crawl. I pushed him away in disgust and quickly hung up the phone.

"It's nothing, just chatting with a friend."

Caught off guard by my rejection, Brent's face darkened instantly.

After three years of marriage, I knew this was a telltale sign of his anger bubbling to the surface.

The divorce papers weren't ready yet. To keep the peace for now, I reluctantly hugged him back.

"I get so bored when you're not home. Can we get a pet? It could keep me company when you're away."

I looked up at him with a contrived pout.

Brent's lips quickly curved into a smile. He stroked my hair and agreed.

I had suggested the pet store on a whim, never expecting to run into Melody there.

She waved at us, dressed in all white, her smile radiant and captivating.

"What a coincidence! Are you two here to get a pet as well?"Before Melody became paralyzed, everyone knew we were fierce rivals, like oil and water.

Brent was no exception to this knowledge.

His face froze for a moment before he crouched down, grasping my wrist as he explained.

"Darling, I don't know why... Ms. Frost is here too. If you're uncomfortable, we can go somewhere else."

Noticing Melody's provocative smile, I raised an eyebrow.

"It's fine. Let's stay at this place."

With that, Brent visibly relaxed.

While the staff was briefing Brent on the guidelines, Melody walked straight towards me.

"Long time no see, dance prodigy?"

She spoke with a mocking grin, her eyes barely concealing her malice.

"It's been a while since anyone called you that, right? Back in the day, you always had the upper hand. Wherever we went, all eyes were on you first, and I was left standing on the sidelines, just smiling along."

"But now, who even remembers you? You're just a cripple in a wheelchair."