Melody's POV
I shouldn't care.
I told myself that over and over as I stepped out of the car.
But there he was.
Marvis stood by the fountain, dressed sharp like always, laughing actually laughing with three people. Two men, one woman. The woman was tall, stunning, and way too comfortable touching his arm.
My stomach twisted.
I didn't know what I expected. For him to be waiting by the door again? To ask if I ate? If I slept?
It wasn't a promise, what we shared.
Still, I felt something break inside me as I stood frozen across the driveway, watching them.
He hadn't seen me yet. I could turn back.
I could leave and pretend I didn't care.
But my feet didn't move.
I hated this. Hated how he looked relaxed around them.
Hated how the woman leaned in like she belonged next to him.
I took a breath, then started walking toward them. My boots clicked on the stones. My hands curled into fists.
Marvis turned. His eyes landed on me and everything in his face shifted.
The smile vanished.
He excused himself quickly. Walked toward me.
"Melody," he said. His voice was soft, careful.
I didn't answer right away.
"Who are they?" I asked.
"Friends. Business, mostly."
"And her?"
He paused. "Eliza. We grew up in the same circle."
"Must've been a tight circle," I said sharply.
His jaw tensed. "Are you jealous?"
"No," I lied. "I'm just not used to… this."
He studied me. "You don't have to explain yourself."
"I'm not trying to. I just" I looked away. "I didn't know you had people like that."
"I have people," he said. "But they don't know me the way you do."
I looked at him then. Eyes sharp. Guarded.
"Do I know you?"
He didn't answer for a moment. Then, "You're the only one who sees me without fear."
I didn't know what to say to that.
He took a step closer. "If seeing me with her hurt you, just say it."
"It didn't."
"Melody."
"I said it didn't," I snapped, voice tight.
But it did.
And maybe that was the problem.
Because now, I was starting to realize this wasn't just about revenge.
Not anymore.