Chapter 4 The Return
Edward’s condition couldn’t be remedied with just one electrode, especially considering the complexity of his leg injury requiring various medications.
Since Melody’s medical kit remained with the Shield family, she needed to return to retrieve it.
After a modest lunch, Melody summoned Bernard, the bodyguard by Edward’s side, to accompany her.
Besides Edward, Bernard was the only person she knew in the Moore Residence at present.
In her previous life, Bernard had held a negative opinion of her and often treated her disrespectfully.
However, after her passing, he assisted Edward in placing her in the urn. Sometimes, he would gaze at the urn and sigh, “Madam, I only ever acknowledged you as my Madam.”
An hour later, a black Rolls-Royce Phantom arrived at the entrance of the Shield family’s house.
Upon seeing the Moore family’s car, the gate opened to allow entry.
The path to the house was winding, and the car stopped outside a slightly rundown small courtyard, requiring further travel on foot.Original from Nôdaisynovel.com.
Melody stepped out of the vehicle and instructed Bernard, “Wait for me outside.”
She then navigated through the courtyard skillfully. Though the walls showed signs of age with faded paint, the area was adorned with medicinal herbs and flowers, lending it a quaint charm.
A plainly dressed woman in her fifties emerged and greeted Melody, “Ms. Melody, you’ve returned at last. Let me see if my young lady has faced any mistreatment.”
Her voice was gentle yet slightly hoarse, tinged with self-blame. “It’s all my fault. I couldn’t protect you.”
Touched by the woman’s words, Melody embraced Mrs. Ingrid, tears welling up.
In her previous life, she bore the burden of the Shield family’s misdeeds and was imprisoned.
While the Shield family scarcely visited her, Mrs. Ingrid faithfully came almost every month, bringing sustenance, clothing, and toys to lift her spirits.
Upon her return to the Shield family at sixteen, her room had been repurposed into storage.
However, Suzanna’s heart condition fully occupied the family’s attention, leaving no time or energy for Melody.
Thus, Mrs. Ingrid brought her to sleep in the small courtyard.
During harsh winters, Mrs. Ingrid would tenderly tuck her into bed, tears welling as she lamented, “Our young lady should be cherished. Why does no one remember Melody… Melody Shield, Mel is also a young lady of the Shield family.”
Returning home at sixteen, married in Suzanna’s place at twenty, and enduring four years of waiting, no one in the Shield family considered restoring her name or transferring her household registration.
During that period, her yearning for acceptance from the Shield family consumed her, leading her to sacrifice herself and become the subject of ridicule.
This fixation blinded her to the kindness shown by Mrs. Ingrid.
Despite lacking blood ties, Mrs. Ingrid treated her as kin.
Composing herself, Melody addressed Mrs. Ingrid, “Mrs. Ingrid, how many times must I say it? Just call me Mel. I’ve returned to move my belongings to the Moore family’s residence. Mrs. Ingrid, I have a new home now.”
A sparkle danced in Melody’s eyes, her smile infectious, and a dimple graced the corner of her mouth, conveying her genuine emotions at a glance.
Despite everything, Edward was undeniably her husband, and she was determined to win him over. From now on, the Moore Residence would become her new home.
Mrs. Ingrid was taken aback by this declaration, fearing that Melody was too naive and might end up hurt again. Nonetheless, she couldn’t help but feel genuinely happy for her. “Alright, alright, I will assist you in moving,” she conceded.
Despite being moderately wealthy, the Shield family’s main villa was sparsely furnished when Melody turned eighteen.
She had very few possessions in the small courtyard where she stayed. Despite this, she tirelessly dedicated herself to various tasks, including making plans for Timothy, researching ancient books to create medicine for Cameron, composing music and dances for Carson, making incense for Derrick, and hand-sewing boxing gloves for Gary.
Melody enlisted Bernard’s help to move most of her belongings into the car.
However, her portable electrotherapy device was still upstairs in the main villa, so she had to retrieve it.
With determination in her heart, Melody ventured into the main villa alone.
“I thought the Moore family’s car was parked here? Why hasn’t Melody come to apologize yet for taking Suzie’s plans?” Timothy questioned, his tone edged with frustration. “Carson, did you instruct Melody to return the plans?”
“How can an older sister just take her little sister’s belongings as if they were hers? Does she have no shame?” Timothy continued, his brows furrowed with indignation.
With his sharp features and imposing stature, Timothy exuded an aura of authority.
His dark eyes bore a faint mole on the left eyelid, a feature shared with Melody, though often overlooked.
Despite his usual composed demeanor, his current expression radiated anger, making his presence all the more formidable.
In contrast, Suzanna, clad in a light purple dress, possessed delicate features and long, straight, dark hair.
Her beauty was undeniable, yet her heart condition lent her an air of fragility.
Attempting to diffuse the tension, Suzanna approached Timothy and gently held his wrist, offering reassurance. “Timothy, please don’t be upset. Melody didn’t steal the plans; she has her capabilities.”
Carson, still harboring resentment from a previous altercation with Melody, interjected sharply. “What capabilities does she have? Getting expelled from Greenfield University?”
“Not only is she lacking in intellect, but her integrity is also compromised. She resorted to cheating in exams, and the school was on the verge of expelling her. What justification do you have for defending her?” Carson’s words cut through the air, leaving a palpable sense of shame in their wake.
The family members exchanged glances, each feeling embarrassed at Melody’s actions.
How could they have a sister like her, who paled in comparison to Suzie?
Despite Suzie’s heart condition, she persevered in her pursuit of an acting career and even achieved a modicum of fame.
Meanwhile, Melody seemed to possess no discernible talents whatsoever!
Suzanna frowned and glanced at Carson, her tone gentle yet tinged with unhappiness. “There must be a misunderstanding. Mel’s grades have always been excellent; I always hoped to be like her…unlike me, unable to pursue studies due to my health, let alone dance because of my heart condition.”
Her words were filled with regret, evoking a desire in others to cherish her.
As Melody entered the room, she overheard Suzanna’s words.
Timothy and Carson were on the verge of comforting Suzanna when they noticed Melody standing by the door. Their expressions darkened instantly.
“Melody, you’ve finally decided to show up?”
Timothy’s lips curled into a mocking smile while Carson averted his gaze, appearing annoyed as if awaiting Melody’s confession of wrongdoing.
Despite the tension, Suzanna approached Melody with a bright smile. “Mel, you’re back! I’m sorry for everything, especially for you marrying into the Moore family because of me. You must be angry with me.”
She reached out to hold Melody’s hand, but Melody withdrew.
Suzanna’s words made Timothy and Carson realize that Melody harbored resentment towards Suzie, prompting her to steal the USB drive.
Fixing his gaze on Melody, Timothy’s brow furrowed deeply as he demanded, “Melody, return Suzie’s plan immediately!”
Unmoved, Melody looked at the trio before her, finding the situation rather amusing.
Once again, she was made the scapegoat without any justification, a scenario all too familiar from her past life.
But this time, she remained indifferent.
With a wry smile, Melody met Timothy’s gaze and retorted, “It took me five sleepless nights to complete that plan! Why should I give it back?”
Timothy’s brows furrowed deeper, a mix of disbelief and disappointment evident on his face as he stepped forward, firmly gripping the girl’s slender shoulder. “Melody, have you no shame?”
“Suzie has never been capable of deceit since childhood. She simply cannot lie. Carson and I saw her staying up for five consecutive nights, only for her efforts to be stolen by you out of selfishness. How could you be so malicious?”
Melody couldn’t contain her laughter.
She shrugged off Timothy’s grip, taking a step back to put some distance between them. “Me, malicious?” She scoffed.
“Not as despicable as all of you.”