Know your place

Maverick's gaze fixated on them, noting the way their arms were wrapped around each other, and his heart shattered into a thousand pieces.

The love for Melody was unmistakably still present, stronger than ever, and it felt like an unbearable heartbreak for him.

His chest tightened with frustration—what was wrong with him? It was as if he was cursed; how could one woman wreak such havoc in his life? Just when he believed he had been blessed with a reunion, someone else had to complicate things.

He could easily break them apart if he wanted to, but the thought of forcefully pursuing her—and the potential consequences, like karma—held him back.

Reflecting on it, he realized that he shouldn't intervene and needed to let events unfold naturally. If he was truly destined for her, they would end up together regardless. After all these years of struggling with his feelings, he had to accept that maybe it wasn't meant to be.

Maverick snapped back to reality when Melody's brown eyes locked onto his, momentarily breaking the embrace with Ethan.

Suppressing his emotions, he stated coolly, "So, are the two of you back together? That was quite the drama from a while ago." He injected sarcasm into his tone, trying to convince himself that her answer wouldn't be a yes.

"Yeah," she replied, and it felt like a knife piercing his heart, twisting to cause pain.

"Congratulations then," he said flatly, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes as he walked past and sank onto the couch.

Ethan's gaze narrowed, shifting to Melody with a probing question. "Who is he?" he demanded.

"He's a friend," Melody said, unwavering.

"Oh," Ethan replied, his suspicion waning. A friend living with her? He contemplated asking more but knew they had just reunited, and he didn't want to jeopardize her trust. He needed to tread carefully. "I'm glad we're back together, babe," he said, easing back into a softer tone.

"I want to kiss you right now," he added, "but I know we need to wait until we get married." He rambled on.

Melody smiled awkwardly, her mind drifting back to the previous night when Maverick had kissed her, sending chills down her spine. She glanced at Maverick, who averted his gaze. Internally, she sighed in relief; Ethan mustn't learn about her breaking that promise. It wasn't entirely her fault; Maverick had instigated it.

Maverick wouldn't spill the secret, would he? She had known him since childhood, and he had never been one to betray people.

Shifting her focus back to Ethan, she smiled and asked, "You mentioned you had something important to do?"

"Sadly, Melody. I don't want to leave you," Ethan murmured.

"It's fine," she replied, brushing it off. "But you'll have to make it up to me." She swung their entwined hands playfully.

Maverick refused to look, his heart cracking further as he lingered in the room.

"Of course," Ethan said, his smile genuine, before pulling her into another hug and saying his goodbyes.

Ethan's gaze narrowed at Maverick and he thought of greeting him goodbye too. "Bye, Melody's friend. I will visit again"

Maverick clenched his jaw, while Ethan averted his gaze with a smirk on his lips.

As Ethan exited, silence enveloped the house. Melody wore a smile, her heart racing with excitement at reuniting with Ethan. She had thought she hated him, but hearing his genuine apologies had swayed her. She appreciated how he had knelt before her, vulnerable, and almost cried. She was convinced he truly meant it and wouldn't repeat his mistakes.

All these thoughts energized her, and she felt fulfilled. It was a blessed day—she had reunited with her boyfriend and mended their relationship while also reconnecting with an old friend.

Her heart raced again at the thought of Maverick. She turned to see him sitting on the couch, gazing out the window, clearly lost in thought.

"Hey, Maverick," she called out, noticing his distraction.

He turned to her, silent but attentive. She added firmly, "If you're uncomfortable, feel free to use the other couch." A smile appeared on her face as she pointed to the long couch opposite him.

Maverick's eyes tracked her hand until they settled on the chair in front of him before looking back at her, his head resting, as his dark eyes pinned her with intensity.

"You seem thrilled enough to offer me a comfortable space," he said dryly. Was this joy stemming from her reconciliation with Ethan? It felt like she was flaunting her happiness in his face.

"I was reflecting on how rude I was to you," Melody began, but he interrupted her.

"You didn't know me back then, and honestly, if I were in your position, I would have reacted even worse, so don't feel guilty," he responded. "By the way, I do like this couch; it's quite comfortable."

Melody gazed at him, unyielding. "Alright then, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. We still have plenty to discuss," she stated firmly.

"Right," Maverick replied, diverting his gaze to the window. He sighed internally, and then his eyes followed her as she headed for her room. "Did you truly make up with him?" he asked.

Melody turned to him, curiosity etched on her face. "Yes. I guess I overreacted, but after hearing him out, I felt he was genuinely sorry, and I forgave him."

"He wasn't sorry; he was manipulating you, Melody," Maverick shot back, the words escaping him before he could hold them back.

Melody's eyes narrowed. "And how would you know that?" she challenged.

"I'm a guy, so I know how guys think; he was just trying to keep you from breaking up with him. It was all a facade," Maverick explained confidently.

Melody took a breath. "But what if you're wrong, and Ethan truly was sincere with his apology?" she countered.

Maverick let out a humorless laugh. "In time, you'll see I was right. I just hope he doesn't hurt you," he said, his voice firm but concerned.

Melody rolled her eyes and walked toward her room, frustration bubbling up. She sensed that Maverick wasn't genuinely happy for her and had no interest in why. Annoyed by his unsolicited input, she turned back to him, "Just because we used to be friends doesn't give you the right to meddle in my life. You need to know your place, Maverick," she declared, slamming the door behind her.

"Know his place," the words echoed in his mind.