Initially stung by Sadieâs words, Melonâs hurt transformed into anger when he heard her insult his mother.
He shot back with unwavering volume, âYou bumped into me first, you mean lady, ugly witch! My mom is a hundred times better than you.
You bumped into someone and didnât even say sorry, yet youâre arguing with a kid.
Nobodyâs going to Like you!â
Melon wasnât content with words alone.
He stepped forward and attempted to push Sadie, though his effort barely moved her an inch.
Nevertheless, his actions provoked Sadieâs annoyance.
Driven to fury, Sadie poised herself to retaliate, but Melonâs fear overpowered him, causing him to swiftly hide beneath the nearby table.
Wanting to pull him out, Sadieâs intent was interrupted by an event organizer approaching her.
The organizer said, âMiss Pierre, thereâs an interview waiting for you over there.
â
Though she sent a fierce glare toward the person hidden under the table, Sadie had no choice but to leave.
While watching Sadieâs departure, Melon contemplated crawling out from under the table.
However, his intention was abruptly halted as a man in suit pants drew near.
Recognizing the two of them as being together,
Melon promptly retracted back under the table.
Once the opening dance concluded, Holden returned to his seat directly.
Just as he settled in and was preparing to address some business matters, he sensed a subtle nudge against his foot.
Bending down to investigate, Holden caught sight of a small section of a skirt disappearing beneath the table.
It seemed someone was gradually pulling the fabric under the tableâs cover.
An intrigued brow raised, Holden leaned down to lift the tablecloth.
âAh!â Melonâs startled exclamation echoed, his hands still gripping his skirt tightly.
Nervously, he looked up at Holden.
Upon closer inspection, Holden discovered a âgirlâ with golden curls concealed under the table.
âHerâ large eyes held traces of fear as
âsheâ met his gaze.
Clinging tightly to âherâ dress, âherâ fair hands and rosy cheeks resembled a blushing apple
Despite âherâ tender age, âherâ features were delicate, with eyes that were clear and lively.
Despite âherâ trepidation, âsheâ remained poised, observing him with intent focus.
Seeing this child, Holden found himself thinking of his own daughterâs endearing countenance, which softened his demeanor.
He was about to inquire further when Melon, sensing his movement, swiftly apologized, âI didnât mean to do that earlier, Mister.
Please donât punish me.
â
Holden was taken aback, his confusion evident as he asked, âWhy would I do that?â
In that instant, Melon realized that the man in front of him meant no harm.
A sense of connection washed over him, emboldening him to crawl out from beneath the table, no longer fearing the situation.
Patting his skirt, Melon expressed a hint of frustration, âA lady bumped into me a while ago.
She spilled her drink on her skirt and kept bothering me despite my apology.
She even insulted my mom.
I got so mad that I pushed her and she tried to hit me, so I hid under the table.
â
He went on, âI saw that lady and you sitting together, so I thought you were together.
â He blinked and asked, âIs she your wife?â
Upon hearing this, Holdenâs brow furrowed slightly.
Shaking his head he replied, âNo.
â
Relieved by the confirmation, Melon burst into a joyful dance and exclaimed, âThat woman is so mean, nothing like my mom.
My momâs beautiful, she talks so softly, makes the yummiest food, and she loves me a lot.
Sheâs the greatest mom in the whole world!â
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Tickled by the childâs fervent praise, Holden nodded in agreement, though he held a more nuanced view.
After all, a responsible mother wouldnât leave her child alone in such a vast ballroom.
What if the child got lost?
Holden stood up, scanning the surroundings for any parents searching for a child.
His attention shifted as he noticed Melonâs curious gaze fixated on his mask.
He bent down and asked, âWhatâs on your mind?â
The child glanced at the mask on Holdenâs face, seemingly tempted to touch it.
However, he held back, his expression a tad distressed.
âEveryone has one of these masks, and I want one too, but they wonât give them to kids.
â
Holden couldnât help but smile at the childâs earnest demeanor.
Noting the relative emptiness around them, he removed the mask and offered it to Melon to play with.
With evident delight, Melon accepted the mask and began, âThank you,
Mister.
.
â But as he looked up and his gaze met Holdenâs unmasked face, he froze momentarily.
His scrutiny intensified as he stared at him, and then he uttered, âDad!â