Chapter 12: Chapter 12

Bernard swiftly intervened to clear the contents on the computer, bringing an abrupt end to the mysterious sounds resonating in the study. Nonetheless, an uneasy tension lingered in the air.

“Mr. Moore, it seems the treatment has been effective lately,” Melody observed, noting the quickening of his heartbeat.

Capitalizing on the moment, Melody extricated herself from Edward’s grasp. Though mischief danced in her almond eyes, a flicker of uncertainty passed through them as well.

Her gaze met Edward’s; his expression was inscrutable yet tinged with a hint of embarrassment. Despite facing his scarred visage head–on, Melody remained unfazed.

“Leave,” Edward growled, his posture rigid as he shifted in his wheelchair. Releasing Melody, he turned away, his jaw clenched with the force of his command.

Undeterred, Melody firmly gripped the wheelchair as Edward attempted to move it. Squatting before him. she met his gaze with determination, her tone serious.

“Since the treatment is showing results, we must act swiftly,” she urged. “Return to the bedroom. I need to administer the massage and apply the essential oils immediately.”

With her physiotherapy kit in hand, Melody rose to her feet, ready to proceed.

A look of fear flashed across Bernard’s face as he interjected, “Madam, are you certain you’re not overstepping?”

She ignored him. Having nearly depleted her savings to procure the essential oils, Melody was resolute in her determination to apply them to Edward that very night.

In the bedroom, Bernard lingered on the sidelines, working late into the evening.

Edward relied on his arm strength to settle onto the bed, automatically rolling up his pant leg.

A delicate hand halted his movement abruptly.

Melody positioned the oil bottles near the head of the bed, arching an eyebrow as she addressed Edward. “Mr. Moore, this time… you’ll need to remove your pants.”

A muffled sound escaped Bernard, struggling to contain his laughter as he hastily covered his mouth.

My, the new wife certainly isn’t lacking in boldness!

Edward’s expression darkened, irritation now directed at Bernard. With a gravelly voice, he retorted, “Do you need to see an otolaryngologist for your throat?”

Bernard swallowed nervously, his eyes darting away.

“Bernie, are you lingering here to admire Mr. Moore’s long legs or his pert rear?” Melody’s words were cutting, leaving Bernard feeling even more feeble and helpless.

“Mr. Moore, I’ll take my post outside now, Bernard stammered, eager to escape the uncomfortable situation. “Feel free to continue as you were.”

With hurried steps, Bernard exited the room, promptly donning his earphones to drown out any further conversation.

Inside the master bedroom, Edward maintained a cold and distant demeanor. He glanced sideways at Melody, a restrained smile touching his lips, while his dark eyes simmered with a dangerous intensity.

“Melody, you had better ensure your treatment works, be cautioned, his tone laced with a veiled threat.

Observing his noble yet defiant stance, Melody leaned forward impatiently, her hands poised on either side of his body.

“Mr. Moore, would you prefer to undress yourself, or shall I assist you?” Her tone was cool and indifferent, a teasing smile dancing on her lips.

Edward’s eyes twitched for a second before he proceeded to unfasten his belt and remove his pants. As the fabric pooled around his ankles, his scarred legs were exposed to Melody’s scrutiny.

Furrowing her brows at the sight, her gaze traveled through his body, gazing at the scars that had adorned it. Yet there was no judgment within her eyes; it was only filled with a quiet intensity. With trembling fingers, she reached out to touch his leg.

No wonder he had kept his scars hidden from her in her previous life. Even on the night of their marriage consummation, she had hesitated to explore his body in the darkness.

Edward’s uneven breath whispered against Melody’s neck as he shielded her eyes, his voice strained and low. “Mel, don’t look,” he urged, his tone carrying a mix of concern and vulnerability.

It’s too unsightly

You’ll be frightened; you’ll be repulsed.

And I can’t bear to see that look in your eyes.

But as Edward’s icy gaze met Melody’s warm, compassionate eyes, a pang of something unfamiliar stirred within him. It was as if her empathy had pierced through his defenses, momentarily melting the facade of indifference he so carefully maintained.

In the next instant, however, his expression hardened, a mask of bitterness settling over his features. He was a mockery–his broken body, even his own family recoiled in horror at the sight of him. No one could. possibly feel sorrier for themselves than he did.

After all, what was Melody’s true motive? Was she feigning pity to gain his trust, only to betray him in the end?

He wouldn’t be fooled.

Have you seen enough? Edward’s voice cut through Melody’s thoughts, his hand moving to gently remove hers.

Melody snapped back to reality, masking her emotions behind a calm facade. She knew that anything she said now would only deepen Edward’s suspicions.

It was best to proceed with caution, to wait and watch.

“Seen enough. I’ll start touching you. Oops, I mean, I’ll start the massage,” she replied, injecting a playful tone into her words to ease the tension.

Edward sighed inwardly, his frustration mounting.

This girl is incorrigible.

As Melody’s fingers worked their magic. Edward couldn’t help but notice her skilled technique. Her touch was both gentle and firm, her hands betraying a surprising strength and dexterity.

“Have you worked as a masseuse before?” Edward inquired, his curiosity piqued by her proficiency.

“Your technique is quite impressive.”

Bernard inadvertently caught wind of the conversation from within the room just as he removed his earphones. A sheepish smile danced on his lips as he mused to himself, Mr. Moore, I may be mute for now, silence is golden

With a shrug. Bernard slipped his earphones back on, choosing to maintain his silence.

but

Meanwhile, inside the room, upon receiving Edward’s compliment, Melody offered a modest smile before sharing a glimpse into her past.

“My second older brother suffers from a leg disability, she explained. “In my efforts to aid him, I delved into research to prevent muscle atrophy and honed my finger strength by practicing on a wooden puppet”

“He takes great pride in his strength, so every night, after he falls asleep, I massage his tendons, bones, and muscles,” she added, her voice carrying a hint of fatigue, hinting at the burdens she bore despite her youthful appearance.

“Practice makes perfect, I suppose.”

Edward’s scrutiny intensified as he absorbed Melody’s revelations. “Has his condition shown any improvement?” he ventured cautiously, his focus shifting to the reliability of Melody’s medical expertise.

“Not yet,” Melody admitted with candor. “I’m ceasing my efforts to continue with his treatment, but that’s a topic for another day.”

After a moment of silence passed, she said, “Edward, I’m determined to see you recover and regain the admiration of those around you. It’s what you deserve

Reflecting on her past observations of Edward’s demeanor, Melody proceeded to apply medicinal herbs with practiced efficiency. She recalled that he had never regained the ability to stand up after experiencing the plane crash horror. It was a pity, she thought. He had always been the pride of the heavens, the eldest son of the Moore family–the rightful heir.

Despite her matter–of–fact tone, her words ignited a flicker of hope within Edward’s heart

“Enough with the idle chatter. Edward interjected, his expression clouded with thought. His pallid complexion contrasted starkly with the white silk shirt draping his chiseled frame, emanating an aura of chilling resolve.

The Shield family.

“Suzie, I heard you went to Greenfield with Gary again and had a heartache?” Carson approached Suzanna, noticing her pallid complexion upon her return home,

In the Shield family, Carson and Suzanna were the sole artists in the entertainment industry, fostering a natural bond between them.

With her lips pressed together, Suzanna inadvertently revealed marks left by electrode pads on her wrist, betraying her discomfort. “Carson, don’t worry. Mel administered therapy to me earlier, I’m fine now…”

Observing the marks, Carson’s throat tightened with concern “With her mediocre physiotherapy skills, she must have intentionally caused you pain with those electric wires.”

“Gary, did you defend Suzie? Was Melody truly that malicious towards you?” Carson’s accusation weighed heavily on Gary, snapping him out of his absent–minded state.

Meeting Carson’s gaze squarely, Gary spoke earnestly. “Carson, Melody is also our sister!”

“The physiotherapy skills she possesses were personally passed down by our grandfather. How could she harm Suzie?”

Carson recoiled, surprised by Gary’s staunch defense of Melody.

He hesitated, then he put his arms on his hips, narrowing his eyes at his brother. “Gary, have you been influenced by her?”

“Don’t forget, since she returned home, Suzie has lost so much–half of her possessions and family affection. Furthermore, her health is still at risk.”

“Melody is lively and spirited. What’s the harm in accommodating Suzie?” Carson challenged.

Gary’s expression turned incredulous, his tone resolute. “Carson, isn’t that the half that Mel should naturally be given?”

“Suzie’s heart condition wasn’t caused by Mel. It’s a genetic ailment present since birth…” he explained, defending Melody against Carson’s accusations,

Gary couldn’t quite comprehend why Melody was being treated so harshly by the Shield family.

What had she done wrong to deserve such animosity?

Carson was left speechless, surprised by the unexpected clarity and eloquence displayed by the seemingly unremarkable youngest son of the Shield family.

Suddenly, Mrs. Shield emerged, her cane tapping against the floor as she approached the trio. Her gaze was cold as it swept over them before softening with affection as she looked at Suzanna.

Her voice was stern as she addressed them, “That was also the nourishment that Melody stole from my Suzie in the womb. Otherwise, why didn’t this genetic condition manifest in Melody?”

“Gary, you have caused your sister to fall ill. Now go and kneel to reflect on your mistakes!” she commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument.