Aria's mental state crumbled with a resounding snap. Tears she had held back for so long finally streamed down her cheeks. Through gritted teeth, she stared at the couple, watching as Asher gently, as if cherishing a priceless treasure, cared for Melanie. The jealousy that had long taken root within her sprouted wildly. Forcing herself to turn away, Aria slowly walked back to the Snow family residence. Once in her guest room, she sat in deep contemplation, a smirk of determination eventually spreading across her lips after a long while.
Melanie stumbled back into her room, bewildered by how events had unfolded. While in the bathroom, she caught herself giggling in front of the mirror, laughing until confusion set in. Studying her reflection, she noted her rosy cheeks and earlobes red as blood, but that wasn't the key point—the real issue was... her swollen lips. Her head buzzed with confusion. "......."
It took a while for her reason to return.
Hang on, was this progression not a bit off? She hadn't confessed to Asher, nor had he to her, so how did they end up kissing? Tilted her head, she pondered but drew a blank. Ultimately, she resolved that she should be the one to confess to Asher! Admitting one's feelings didn't have to wait for the guy to make the first move, she cheerfully thought. She then searched her phone for tips on confessing and remedies for swelling lips. For the entire afternoon, Melanie didn't step out of her room.
As dinner approached, she examined herself in the mirror, ensuring nothing unusual showed on her face before descending the stairs. Two steps down, she halted, retraced her steps back to her room, and applied a pretty makeup look in front of the mirror.
However, upon reaching the dining room, she found only Vivienne and Aria seated at the table.
Melanie was stunned. "? ???" "Where's Asher?" she queried, puzzled.
Vivienne shot her a glance. "He went out for work not long after your walk and won't be back for dinner tonight."
Melanie felt her heart sink with disappointment. She was all set to confess, and he is nowhere to be found?
Vivienne watched Melanie sit down, her mind seemingly elsewhere, with a teasing glint in her eye. "Melanie, be careful when you eat."
Melanie looked at her quizzically. "Why?"
Vivienne spoke with a profound tone, "Oh, nothing much. I just noticed Asher's lip was cut when he left. He claimed he accidentally bit it during lunch, so I'm reminding you to be cautious while eating, so you don't hurt your lip too."
Melanie hesitated, guiltily nodding. "Mm..."
She sensed her mother's words held a deeper meaning.
Her earlobes reddened involuntarily, her thoughts swirling in chaos.
That afternoon... Did she really bite his lip that hard? That fiercely??? Melanie lowered her head, shoveling rice into her mouth.
Moments later, she heard Vivienne's laughter.
Melanie, "........"
This meal was unbearable!
She lifted her head discontentedly, glaring at Vivienne. "No laughing!"
Vivienne, "Why can't I laugh? I'm laughing at your dad. He had to rush to the office for some urgent matter and will miss his favorite dishes tonight. Isn't that funny?"
Melanie, ".... Not funny."
Vivienne, "Alright, I won't laugh then."
Melanie, "...." I really think you're laughing at me, but I have no proof.
Throughout this exchange, Aria, feeling utterly neglected, reached her breaking point. She rose, interrupting their conversation. "I've finished eating. I'm heading back to my room now."
