"I just need some space right now, so can I have some time alone?"


    Melody was exhausted by the day''s ordeal, and wanted to be alone for a while, to gather her thoughts.


    Seeing Melody''s insistence, Sherman finallypromised. "Alright, but at least let me walk you up. I''ll leave once you''re inside. Is that okay?"


    Melody nodded but did not need Sherman''s support on the way. Sherman had to follow behind her as she leaned on her crutches, hopping up the steps one by one.


    Sherman suddenly felt a pang of sadness. Melody should not be living alone in this small room. She needed someone to genuinely cherish and care for her. ''If Lucas can''t do it, then I will!'' he thought.


    When Melody was about to close the door after Sherman escorted her back to her room, he suddenly reached out to stop her.


    "Is there something else?"


    Melody looked up into Sherman''s eyes, then quickly lowered her gaze. She could sense theplexity of emotions in his eyes, but she should not dwell on it.


    "You should go back, Sherman, if there''s nothing else. There must be a lot for you to do at work..."


    "I do have something. Something I need to tell you," interjected Sherman.


    Melody''s heart started racing; she felt like it was jumping up to her throat. "Um, can we talk about it next time? I''m feeling tired today."


    "Melody, how long are you going to keep avoiding me? I have to say it now. I just want you to give me a chance. Is that so difficult?"


    Melody did not know what to say. "You know I''ve always just seen you as a friend. I''m sorry..."


    Sherman was not discouraged by that. Instead, he continued speaking, "I know, but I was the one who met you first! I know Lucas is a catch. He''s made a name for himself in the business world at such a young age and has countless admirers. I pale inparison to Lucas. I would''ve kept my mouth shut if he treated you well, but that''s obviously not the case! Why don''t you just leave him since you don''t seem to be happy with him?"


    Melody looked at Sherman with a mixture of shock and disbelief.


    "Sherman, you don''t need topare yourself to Lucas. You two arepletely different people. You have your strengths, and he has his brilliance. Sherman, there''s really no need for you topare yoursel to Lucas."


    Sherman found Melody''s soothing tone and slight frown incredibly moving.


    ''Even now, her first thought is tofort me...''


    Melody worried that Sherman was constantlyparing himself to Lucas because of her.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    "I never wanted topete with Lucas for anything because he''s just too outstanding. I know it''s almost impossible topete with him for anything. But with you, I want to give it a try.


    "I know you''re not an object or a ything for anyone. You''re a living, breathing person. I just want to know if you''re happy by his side. If you are, I''ll take back what I said today. But if you''re unhappy, please give me a chance. I''ve always been waiting for you."


    Melody looked into Sherman''s eyes and saw the same emotions reflected there as she felt. It was the same way she looked at Lucas. She wondered if Lucas looked at her the same way.