A frown unfolded across Lucas'' face.


    Melody observed Lucas'' innocent expression. He seemed to be so confident and ready to share the details of his time with Ste that Melody could not help but burst intoughter.


    "Are you crazy? I don''t want to know those things you did! You have your life, and I have mine. I''m not just going to wait for you and listen to all those nasty things you did. I don''t want my emotions to be constantly affected by your actions."


    Though her voice trembled, Melody spoke with determination and intended to draw a clear line with her statement. Lucas, however, seemed confused and unable toprehend the sudden change in her demeanor.


    "What''s with all this ''my life, your life'' thing? Have you forgotten the contract you signed with me?" Lucas'' voice carried a tinge of expectation. He had spent hours putting on an act with Ste and expected to return home to share the joy with Melody. Instead, he found her in a temper, and he was clueless about what had transpired.


    "I haven''t forgotten that we''re in a contractual rtionship. You don''t need to keep reminding me," Melody replied, lowering her head as Lucas towered above her.


    Lucas could not understand Melody''s mood swings at times. She was fine before he left, so something must have ticked her off in his absence.


    "Since you''re aware of the contract, do you think you should''ve given me that attitude earlier?" Lucas'' tone turned cold and condescending.


    The vast gap between them seemed even more prominent, which maintained the status quo.


    "It''s not you. It''s me."


    "Fine, then tell me why your mood changed so suddenly," Lucas pressed on.


    Melody raised her head in incredulity and was unable to fathom how callous he could be. It was as if he was asking her to tell him about Ste''s message.


    "What do you want me to say? You''re not the reason my mood changed, so please stop asking. Just consider what we have between us a contract. Don''t ask me so many questions. I want to be alone right now."Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Her furrowed brows conveyed a sense of disgust that left Lucas feeling frustrated. He could not decipher what was happening or how to console her, so he removed his already loose tie in frustration.


    "Melody, you''re bing increasingly difficult! I''ve spent so much money settling your debts, and I can''t even have a conversation with you?" Lucas sneered, repeatedly mentioning the debt to coax a response from Melody. In her eyes, however, he only emphasized the distance between them and reminded her not to cross any lines.


    Melody''s gaze locked onto his as she suddenly asked, "Where is your suit jacket?"


    "My what?" Lucas did catch on. He had not paid attention to his suit jacket and was under the impression that he left it at thepany.


    "It''s still at thepany, I guess. I don''t know where it is. I''ll have Edmund bring it backter," he exined nonchntly.


    Melody lowered her head silently. "But you were wearing your coat when you returned. Did you go to thepany or not?"


    Lucas frowned in response. "What do you mean by that? Are you trying to say that I went out and fooled around?"