A Million Dollar Marriage

Chapter 2 (Melody's POV)

The next morning, I dragged myself out of bed, still exhausted from the storm of last night—Joe, Emily, my father, everything. I tied my hair into a ponytail, threw on my favorite yellow sweater and jeans, and applied just enough makeup to hide the evidence of my tears. No one needed to see me crumble—not today.

By the time I reached Expresso Oasis, the smell of freshly brewed coffee was already lifting my spirits. I exhaled, letting the aroma wrap around me like a temporary shield.

“Morning, Melody. The usual?” Sammy greeted with a crooked grin.

“Yes, extra strong,” I forced a smile, burying myself in my planner to block out the world…until I bumped into someone.

Coffee splashed across a finely tailored suit. I froze.

Startled, I wanted to apologize, but then I stopped at the sight of the most mesmerizing blue eyes I had ever encountered. They could pierce straight through me.

My gaze drifted down to his chiseled chin and tousled blond hair. Damn! Calling him handsome was an understatement. This guy could give Apollo a run for his money. Was it legal for someone to be this handsome?

“My thoughts were interrupted when he scowled at me.” “Do they let idiots here too?”

Oh no. He may look like Apollo, but I wasn’t about to let him insult me. I’d had enough of that from my father.

“Look, I’m sorry about the coffee. Here’s my card,” I fumbled into my bag.

“You can send me the dry cleaning bill,” I added, trying to smile.

“Don’t bother—you can’t afford it,” he mocked as he walked past me. I watched dumbfounded as he climbed into a sleek black Porsche.

Handsome. Grumpy. Rich. No time for distractions.

“Melody!” Rebecca’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. She slid into the seat across from me, grinning.

Rebecca was my other best friend, Emily, Reba and I had been friends since college

“You won’t believe who just came to town,” she said, eyes sparkling. “Asher Sterling!”

I blinked, oblivious.

“You know, Asher Sterling? The one worth billions—if not trillions? I just found out he’s Logan’s best friend.”

Ah, Logan—Reba’s rich lawyer boyfriend. I raised an eyebrow. “Billionaire, huh? Sounds like trouble.”

“Exactly,” Reba laughed, shaking her head. “And trust me, he’s the kind of trouble you notice immediately.”

We chatted for a few minutes before she excused herself. “Look, I know you don’t want to talk about it, but I heard about Emily. If you ever want to talk, I’m here. I’ve got errands. Don’t let anyone ruin your morning,” she said, squeezing my hand before leaving.

I watched her go, taking a deep breath. Finally, a moment of peace.

But peace never lasts.

The café door burst open, and there was Joe, his face twisted with fake contrition.

“Melody, wait! I—”

I stood quickly, instinctively shielding myself. “Save it, Joe. I don’t want to hear another word.”

Joe sneered, tone sour. “Really, Melody? After everything I did for you? You act like I owe you forgiveness.”

Before I could respond, Emily appeared, laughing as if she owned the place. “Look at you, pathetic as always. Poor Melody.”

I clenched my fists, ready to strike back. “Go. Both of you. Now.”

Joe scoffed, stepping closer, his sneer widening. “What? Afraid of me?”

Emily laughed, stepping in to block me, and suddenly the harassment escalated—shoving, taunts, the crowd around us murmuring in confusion. My chest tightened. I had no way out.

Then movement outside caught my eye.

The sleek black Porsche pulled up. The driver stepped out—tall, imposing, with the same striking blue eyes I’d glimpsed earlier. His gaze swept the café, landing directly on the confrontation.

Without hesitation, he strode inside, presence commanding the room.

“Step away from her,” he said, low and dangerous. His blue eyes bore into Joe’s. Joe froze. Emily’s laughter faltered.

I blinked, unsure if I was relieved—or terrified. “I… I’m fine,” I muttered.

His piercing gaze didn’t leave Joe. “I don’t think so. Back off.”

Joe muttered under his breath, but the stranger’s stance silenced him instantly.

I swallowed hard, heart pounding—not just from fear, but from the intensity of his stare. Who was this guy? Rich, arrogant, terrifyingly handsome…yet completely unknown to me.

As he turned to leave, I caught a glimpse of something in his expression—something that made my heart race

My morning, I realized, had just become infinitely more complicated