Melanie certainly didn't wish for such an outcome.
As a result, the confession was indefinitely postponed.
She resolved to wait, to wait until the day Asher achieved success in his endeavors, where she could confess to him openly and without reservation.
Unfortunately, that day never came for her. Melanie sighed, not fully comprehending Aria's motive for discouraging her confession, but sensing that Aria derived pleasure from her misery. She did indeed sink into a period of dejection following that incident.
But now, Melanie was filled with confidence. She knew Asher harbored feelings for her too. Once the matter of Aria was settled, she vowed to confess to him without hesitation!
Before that, however, she decided it would be best to strengthen their connection first.
Gazing at Asher's number on her screen, she summoned her courage and dialed his number. She yearned to see him, to witness firsthand how he was doing.
Previously, under Aria's influence, she feared seeking him out during his startup phase might suggest Asher was using her family's connections, potentially spawning unfavorable rumors.
Now, she realized rumors would dispel on their own accord.Soon, a cool and familiar voice greeted her through the phone, "Melanie?"
Melanie composed herself, her initial confidence wavering, replaced by sudden nervousness. "Yes, it's me, A... Asher."
She faintly detected a hint of laughter from the other end of the line. "I just wanted to ask how you've been, if you're busy..."
Melanie quietly slapped her forehead, chiding herself for sounding overly anxious – such behavior was uncharacteristic of her. It was utterly disappointing.
Asher paused, "Not particularly busy, just a bit surprised. What made you call me?"
He couldn't pinpoint when he noticed her avoiding him, which led him to stop reaching out as well.
Such was the way of the adult world; sometimes, unsaid words carried more weight. He had wondered if he had inadvertently offended her...
But upon reflection, he couldn't pinpoint any misstep. Hence, Asher was nothing but astonished by Melanie's call.
Melanie paused, realizing this was a month after Aria had doused her desire to confess with a chilling rebuke. It had chilled her to the core, making her avoid Asher, even when he tried to reach out.
She hastily clarified, "I wasn't avoiding you, I... How about we meet and talk in person?"
"Alright," Asher agreed. "But it may have to wait a few days," he added.
Melanie blurted out, "Why? Can't it be today?" Instantly, she realized her eagerness sounded odd and attempted to explain.
Asher chuckled, somewhat helpless, "I'm currently out of town and won't be back for a few days."
Although they were only on the phone, Melanie could envision Asher's resigned expression and softly said, "I'll wait for you then."
Her voice carried a tenderness she hardly recognized. "Okay," Asher affirmed, his voice firmer and less chilly. Melanie hung up, staring blankly at the call log.
He was still the youth she remembered. Clutching her phone, she wore a gentle smile.
He'd be back in a few days? Excited, she dashed to her wardrobe, contemplating what to wear for their first meeting since her rebirth...
