Chapter 4
1108 Words
The Alpha is in a meeting right now."
My father’s secretary, Mr. Hall, visibly shivered in his boots the moment I stepped into the office. His eyes darted nervously as he adjusted his tie, his voice lacking its usual authority.
"If you have an appointment, perhaps…"
"An appointment?" I cut him off, raising an eyebrow. "Does it sound right to you that a daughter should have to schedule an appointment just to see her own father?" My voice was sharp, laced with the irritation bubbling inside me.
Mr. Hall swallowed hard, clearly torn between protocol and the fact that I was the Alpha's daughter. "My lady, the Alpha is an important man. One cannot simply…"
"I shall wait for him," I interjected before he could finish, my tone leaving no room for argument.
His mouth fell open slightly, stunned. He knew me well enough to recognize that this was out of character. In the past, I never waited. I would barge in without hesitation, no matter how important my father’s meetings were. But today was different. Today, I was willing to wait.
Mr. Hall's eyes widened in disbelief. "You can wait for him?" His voice trembled as he asked the question.
"Yes. I would like a cup of tea while I wait." My voice was calm, deliberate. Without another word, I made my way to the waiting room, ignoring the hushed murmurs that erupted around me.
"Is that really Miss Melody?"
"She will wait rather than barge in on the Alpha?"
"It seems she understands the importance of this meeting."
I let their whispers fade into the background. Wolves had superior senses - some could detect a scent from miles away, while others had impeccable night vision. The Madison bloodline, in particular, was known for its acute hearing, and I was no exception.
But at that moment, I didn't care what they were saying. My mind was elsewhere, reliving the mistakes of my past life. I hadn't lost everything because I failed to manipulate Jay or sabotage Samantha. No, my downfall had been my own foolishness, my blindness to my own flaws. I knew everything but never sought to better myself. My stepmother had called me weak, and she had been right. Meanwhile, Samantha, with her gentle humility, had won everyone to her side.
"Miss Melody!" A sharp voice snapped me out of my reverie. The Alpha's secretary stood before me, her expression expectant.
"What is it?" I asked, my voice weary.
"The Alpha is ready to see you," Mr. Hall announced.
I stood and followed him down the familiar hallway. I had been here many times before, though every past visit had ended the same way - with me throwing a tantrum and my father throwing me out. But today would be different.
Mr. Hall opened the heavy office doors and gestured for me to enter. "Go on in."
I stepped inside, my eyes locking onto the man sitting behind the grand wooden desk. My father, Alpha Andrew Madison. The moment I saw him, something inside me broke. The weight of all my regrets crashed down on me at once.
"Dad!" I cried, running to him. I threw myself into his arms, my body shaking as I sobbed uncontrollably.
Startled, he held me tight. "Sweetheart? What happened? Did Jay hurt you?" His voice was laced with worry and barely contained fury.
I shook my head, stepping back to look at him. My father had always warned me about Jay, his stepson. I had dismissed his concerns, believing him overprotective. But he had been right all along. If only I had listened.
"Then why are you crying? Who offended you?" he pressed.
"No one," I choked out, wiping the hot tears streaming down my cheeks. "I... I’m just glad to see you, Father."
I clutched his coat as he handed me his handkerchief. "I missed you so much." My voice cracked as I wrapped my arms around his neck again, burying my face in his chest. I wished I could stay there forever, safe in his embrace.
I had taken this man for granted my entire life. Never once had I told him how much he meant to me. Without Alpha Andrew Madison, Melody Madison was nothing.
"I love you, Father," I whispered. "I love you so much."
He stroked my back gently, letting me cry until I had no more tears left. I clung to him, inhaling his scent, savoring his warmth, desperate to convince myself that this was real - that I had truly been given another chance.
I wanted to tell him everything - how Jay had betrayed me, how Agatha had never loved him, how Jay had killed him and, ultimately, me. But even if the shock of my rebirth had worn off, I knew no one would believe such a story.
This time, I would not drag my father into my mess. I had sullied his reputation enough in my past life. It was time to stand on my own.
"What is it?" he asked, his voice firm. "I will pave the way for you, no matter what you choose to do."
I had taken advantage of that promise too many times before. Not this time.
"It’s something I must do myself," I said quietly. "But you should know. I will not mate with Jay."
The room fell silent.
My father stiffened. "Ha! This child!" He let out a humorless laugh before slamming his hand against the desk. "After everything I sacrificed to get you that engagement, you come to me with this?"
I raised my head, meeting his piercing gaze. Whatever he saw in my eyes made his anger falter.
"Jay is not mine," I stated, my voice devoid of hesitation.
He studied me for a long moment. "After all your endless talk of love, you suddenly realize this?"
I nodded, bracing myself for his disappointment.
"Your engagement ceremony is in a week, Melody. How do you expect to call it off now?"
I looked away. I had only woken up a few hours ago. I didn’t have a concrete plan yet. But I knew one thing for certain - I had to sever all ties with Jay.
"You are an adult now," he said, his tone softer. "If you had a quarrel with Jay—"
"No, we didn’t quarrel." I swallowed hard. He murdered me. But I couldn’t say that. Not without sounding insane.
"Melody..." My father exhaled, rubbing his temples. "Let’s assume I support this sudden decision of yours. What reason do you have to call off the engagement?"
I met his gaze head-on. "My life is at stake."
- Writer
