Melanie sprang to her feet swiftly, snatching up her phone to check the time. In an instant, she confirmed what she dared to hope: she had been reborn. Three years back, with her parents alive and well, before Aria ever live in Snow family. Her youth was still bright as the moon, untainted by darkness, and there was still time to change it all.
Just then, two knocks echoed from the door. She hurried over, flinging it open to find her mother, Vivienne, standing there, just as she remembered. Tears welled up as she gazed at her mother, then spilled down her cheeks.
"Mom..."
Melanie clung to Vivienne, sobbing uncontrollably. She recalled how her father Leonard's accidental car crash had devastated her mother, leading to a protracted illness. The image of her mother's overnight aging haunted her still.
Vivienne was taken aback by her daughter's sudden embrace and tears. Bewildered, she could only offer gentle reassurance, "Melanie? Why are you crying? Don't cry..."
Intending to comfort Melanie, Vivienne unwittingly triggered a fresh wave of tears. Leonard, drawn by the weeping, appeared, puzzled, "Melanie, what's wrong?" He pondered, "Is it about your uncle's matter?"
Melanie's sobbing paused abruptly. She lifted her tear-streaked face to Leonard, denying fiercely, "No!"
Who would cry for Aria and her family? Never! She might consider shedding a few crocodile tears at their funeral, but not now.
Leonard grew even more perplexed, "Then why are you crying?"
Melanie sniffled, released Vivienne, and extended her arms towards Leonard, embracing him as fresh tears flowed.
Leonard and Vivienne exchanged glances, both at a loss, unsure of what to say or why she was crying, afraid any word might further upset her.
After a long while, Melanie cried herself out. Rubbing her eyes, she looked sheepishly at her parents, "I-I had a nightmare... You were all gone, and I died too... It was so sad..."
Vivienne and Leonard felt helpless. "Sweetheart, it was just a dream. You must have been frightened by your uncle's affairs," Leonard soothed, "Your uncle brought it upon himself; no one else is to blame. He committed murder, and prison is his due. Don't worry, we're nothing like them."
Mention of her uncle soured Vivienne's mood. She muttered, "I don’t know how they were raised, father and son both murderers..." A family breeding two criminals.
Leonard shot her a disapproving look, "Don't talk like that in front of the child."
Vivienne ignored him, turning to Melanie, "Melanie, we agreed yesterday to pick up your cousin Aria. Are you still going?"
Aria was innocent, after all. Leonard suggested taking her in, and Vivienne didn't object—it was just one more mouth to feed, and Melanie liked Aria.
Melanie's expression flickered, her gaze sweeping over her parents, "Do we really have to take her in to live with us? Won't people think we're after Uncle's house if we let our cousin stay long-term?"
Leonard was startled, "Aren't you close with Aria?"
Vivienne stayed silent, studying her daughter.
Melanie smiled, not divulging her thoughts. They couldn't know the future. She had to be subtle, avoiding any negative repercussions. Patience was key.
"I'm just asking casually. I'm worried that having my cousin live here permanently might give others the impression that we're eyeing Uncle's property."
