LOGINThe suitcase clicked shut, as Tara straightened, brushing invisible creases from her dress as she turned toward Melody, who stood by the door with her arms folded, watching her with that look, half amused, half reluctant, and entirely unwilling to admit how much she was going to miss her. It's been almost a month since they got back from SnowBrook.“Are you really going to be gone for a whole week?” Melody asked, her voice carrying a softness she tried to hide behind mild annoyance. “A whole week, Tara. With Daniel.”Tara grinned, completely unbothered, slinging the strap of her bag over her shoulder. “Girl, that is my fiancé. Of course I’m going. What do you expect me to do, cancel my engagement trip because you’re suddenly clingy?” She laughed lightly, stepping closer and nudging Melody’s arm. “It’s not even that long. One week. Seven days, and before you know it I'll be back to bother you.”Melody exhaled, glancing away. “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one staying alone in thi
The flight from Snowbrook to New York felt longer than any Logan had ever taken. Not because of turbulence or delays, but because he just couldn't stomach the embarrassment he's feeling. Every second in the air stretched into something unbearable, an endless loop of humiliation replaying in high definition behind his eyes. Melody’s voice and how she said the words “You’re not the father,” with so much spite.The way the room had gone silent, the way eyes had turned to him, he could feel the pity in their stares, the way he had stood there, caught off guard, stripped of dignity in a space where he didn’t belong.His jaw tightened. Even now, seated in first class with untouched champagne by his side, Logan could still feel it, the sting crawling under his skin like something alive. He had left everything for her.Canceled meetings, postponed deals, ignored responsibilities and for what? To be made a fool.His fingers curled into fists on his lap. The moment the plane touched down, he d
The airport was surprisingly very busy today as people moved in every direction, announcements echoing overhead, suitcases rolling across polished floors. She parked, turned off the engine, and just sat there for a second, gripping the steering wheel like she needed it to stay grounded.Her eyes were still slightly swollen from crying. Her chest still felt tight, she didn't know if it was the pregnancy hormones that were kicking. She's been crying a lot lately, she cries about literally everything and anything.She exhaled slowly. “Get it together,” she muttered, then she stepped out. The moment she walked toward the arrival area, she saw her. Tara was wearing grey sweatpants and black body con top. And before Melody could even call her name, Tara had already spotted her.“Melody!” Tara started running toward her immediately, not even caring about the people in the way. Melody blinked in surprise for a second before she moved too, meeting her halfway. They collided into a tight hug.T
Melody adjusted the woven basket on her arm as she walked through the farmers’ market, her boots crunching lightly against the gravel path. The sun was coming up but the breeze that was blowing helped to reduce its impact. She had come out for fresh berries.Strawberries, blueberries… maybe raspberries if she found good ones. She wanted to make jam for her doughnut fillings. Her fingers brushed over a tray of strawberries at one stall before she moved on. She kept walking, the familiar wooden stalls, the scent of fresh bread, herbs, and fruits it all wrapped around her. They had malls in SnowBrook but she would rather get her fruits, spices and herbs from the farmers market.She got everything she needed and headed for Mrs. Donnelly's store to get the berries. As she got there she noticed Mrs. Donnelly wasn't there, it was her husband.“Mr. Donnelly?”The older man looked up immediately, his face lighting up like someone had just handed him a gift. “My dearest girl!” he exclaimed, s
The moment Melody saw Brandon standing there, leaning casually against the wall just outside the restroom, her steps faltered for half a second.Of course it was him.A flicker of irritation crossed her face before she could stop it. Her brows pulled together slightly, her lips pressing into a thin line as one question echoed in her head. Why is he here?“Hey,” Brandon said, straightening up immediately when he saw her turn.Melody blinked once, forcing her expression into something neutral. “Hey.”“I didn’t mean to scare you,” he added quickly, rubbing the back of his neck like he suddenly felt awkward standing there. “I just… I needed to use the restroom too, but I’ll wait.”She stared at him for a second, not entirely convinced, not entirely interested either. “It’s fine.” Without waiting for anything else, she pushed the door open and stepped into the female restroom, letting it close behind her with a soft click.The silence inside was a relief. For a moment, she just stood there
SnowBrook Valley The smell of cinnamon and sugar filled the kitchen, warm and comforting, wrapping around Melody. She stood by the counter, carefully sliding the last batch of cinnamon rolls onto a cooling rack, her fingers moving with quiet precision.For a moment, she just stood there, staring at them. Golden brown and perfectly glazed, she loved it here in the kitchen. A small smile tugged at her lips, but it didn’t last long. Her chest felt heavy again.It had been a week since the death of her father and three days since he was laid to rest. The thought alone made something twist painfully inside her. She would never get to see him, hug him and kiss me ever again. He'll never get the chance to walk her down the aisle on her big day or even see his grandchild.The thought broke her, and she cries everyday and some nights when she can't sleep, she can hear her mum cry herself to sleep. It was a really hard time for her family and her one escape was baking.She inhaled slowly, pre
Melody stepped out of Mr. Russo’s study after a while. It was still early and she had nothing but time in her hands, so she’ll just go to the salon. The heavy door shut behind her. She stood in the hallway for a moment, her fingers moving through her hair. Immediately she stepped out, she saw Loga
Melody walked in, she didn't want to think about where Logan and Hanni were off to. What exactly was he driving her to her house for, especially since she had her own car and drivers.Without thinking too much, she stepped into the bedroom, kicked off her sandals by the edge of the rug, peeled out
Melody opened her eyes and tried to move her body, but the pain she felt made her lie right back. It was a reminder of the freaky things that went down last night.Every muscle felt like it had been used in ways she didn’t know were possible. Her thighs ached. Her shoulders protested when she shift
New YorkThe corridor outside Room 314 smelled faintly of antiseptic and overboiled vegetables. Her job was becoming depressing, Tara stood just outside the door, fingers tightening around the thin file pressed against her chest. Inside, Mrs. Pickles was humming again. The same off-key hymn she’d b







