Chapter 7
858 Words
Adrian didn’t respond, merely casting Jackson a frosty glance before returning to his work. Jackson knew better than to push further. Adrian's personality was stoic and reserved; coaxing him to drink away his sorrows would be futile. A couple of punches might be more effective, Jackson mused. But Adrian needed an outlet for his emotions, or his introverted nature might consume him from within.
Jackson pondered for a moment and said, "Your birthday is coming up, right? How about I organize a get-together with some friends? Leave it to me."
Adrian looked up at Jackson again, his eyes softening in agreement. Jackson was indeed a good friend.
After work, Melina was heading to her car when someone blocked her path. It was Lillian, her expression cold and hostile, as if she wanted to tear Melina apart.
"Melina, are you happy now?" Lillian spat, her voice laced with fury. "Adrian and I have called off the wedding and broken up. Your scheme worked. Give me the negatives, and we’ll go our separate ways."
Adrian and Lillian’s wedding was canceled? Melina was taken aback, a mix of surprise and secret delight washing over her. She raised an eyebrow at Lillian, "I have no idea what photos you’re talking about."
Melina had no intention of arguing and tried to walk away, but Lillian grabbed her clothes, nearly exposing her undergarments. "Melina Harper, don’t push your luck. You’ve already achieved your goal. Hand over the negatives."
Furious, Melina snapped, "Lillian, you started this with your dirty tricks. Now you dare act all righteous? If you don't let go, I won’t be polite. You know I’ve taken self-defense classes, right? Do you want a scene in public?"
Lillian hesitated, fear flickering in her eyes, and reluctantly let go. Melina adjusted her clothes and walked away, leaving Lillian standing there, both angry and anxious.
Melina felt like she was on a rollercoaster—from despair to elation in seconds. Adrian and Lillian were broken up; the wedding was off.
She couldn’t help but feel a surge of happiness. But she also worried about Adrian. Was he heartbroken? His pain would be her pain too.
Melina, like a devoted fangirl, kept tabs on Adrian’s every move. She had heard that Adrian would be celebrating his birthday at his usual bar. She couldn't miss it. Ready to leave, she saw her brother Steve leaning against his motorcycle, smiling at her.
“Steve!” she called out, running to him. “Looking good. Want me to take a photo to attract some girls online?”
Steve ruffled her hair, grinning, “Enough joking. Want to feel the wind in your hair?”
Melina clung to Steve’s arm, her smile brightening, “Sure, motorcycle are fun. But I feel guilty making you come with me.”
“Hey, if you keep talking, you'll miss seeing your crush. Don’t cry to me later.” Steve looked at Melina’s angel-like face—lively, adorable, and as pretty as a little fairy.
“Oh, right! It’s his birthday. I want to make him a special cocktail as a gift.”
Melina urged Steve to hurry. Steve mounted the motorcycle leisurely, teasing, “Melina, what do you see in a rich guy who just parties?”
Melina slapped his back playfully, defending Adrian, “Don’t talk about him like that. He’s different. I just like him, like him, like him!”
“Alright, alright. Since you like him so much, why not tell him directly? Sneaking around is exhausting.”
“Who says you must confess to like someone? This is a higher realm. You wouldn’t understand. Now hurry up.”
Melina pushed Steve to start the motorcycle. Steve shook his head, smiling. Then Steve twists the motorcycle handlebars. Yes, it was a higher realm.
The motorcycle sped out of the community, weaving through the busy streets.
Melina is about to meet Adrian at the bar, and she is excitedly immersed in her fantasies. Suddenly, Steve catches her off guard by letting Melina take off his helmet.
“Why? What’s wrong with it?”
“It's hot. Try wearing it. Sweat’s dripping into my eyes.”
Melina took off his helmet, wiped his sweat with a tissue, and was about to put it back when Steve said, “You wear it. We’re almost there. Let me cool down a bit.”
“Okay.” Melina wore the helmet, hugged Steve’s waist, and before she could react, a violent crash sent her flying. Pain overwhelmed her, and she lost consciousness…
Melina woke up two days later, her body aching. She was confused, seeing the white surroundings. Where was she? What happened? Then she remembered the accident.
“Steve!” She cried, trying to sit up, but the nurse stopped her. “You can’t move. You had an accident. Luckily, you only have a minor leg fracture. With some rest, you’ll recover.”
“What about Steve? How is he?”
“The boy with you? He…” The nurse hesitated, making Melina fearful. She grabbed the nurse’s hand, crying, “Is he dead? Where is he? Take me to him. Tell me!”
- Writer
