Betrayed By Husband, Stolen By Brother In Law

Chapter 285: Help

"Thank you so much for coming, Melanie," Marianna said warmly as she set the teacup down beside the papers and stared at the girl in front of her, almost unable to move her eyes. "I was really looking forward to this. I know it’s a bit of an imposition, especially with your schedule... but I truly value your input." noveldrama

Melanie gave a polite smile and shook her head, a smile on her face, which was more out of reflec than it was genuine as she continued, "It’s no problem. I’m just not entirely sure I’m the best person for this sort of thing. I don’t really have a lot of experience with interiors or layout choices. Not in this kind of setting, at least."

Marianna tilted her head, her eyes kind. "That might be exactly why I want your input."

Melanie looked up, slightly confused.

"I mean it. Last time when you saw the pictures and suggested the changes, suddenly made sense. Everything you’ve suggested so far-whether you realised it or not- has made me feel exactly why this house never felt like home. And whenever I imagine the changes you’ve suggested, it feels like his house will feel more like a home again. Even that comment you made last time about the sitting area feeling too formal and old fashioned, I wanted that changed, and it feels warmer now. Less stiff."

Melanie gave a faint, almost reluctant smile as she looked around the small study, curious at the homely feel of it, different from the rest of the house, "That wasn’t a suggestion really. It was more of an observation. But this place... you’ve emptied the entire house and not touched a single thing here. Why?"

Marianne glanced around at the study and smiled and then at the framed picture on the desk.," I dare not change anything here. This is my husband’s domain that he lets me use all the time. But if I make changes, he might actually ban me from entering."

Melanie grinned at that and nodded," I can understand that. Men can be guarded about their territories."

That’s exactly what I appreciate. See, you understand me. It is why I am choosing you. I’d rather something feel a little mismatched, a little lived-in... than have it look like it belongs in a showroom catalogue. There’s something cold about that kind of perfection. It doesn’t suit this house. Or me. Now, I love this room and it has been done up by him, who doesn’t know anything about colour coordination. I think we get used to assuming that only the experts know best. But sometimes, an honest reaction, a fresh pair of eyes, is worth just as much, if not more. That’s what you’ve given me."

She stood up then, and almost clapped her hands," See this. These pictures were taken so many years ago, but he insists on keeping them here. I’ve tried telling him so many times that we should add some of out new pictures rather than these almost faded ones from two decades ago, but he insists. Come, Melanie. See this."

Melanie stood up and walked towards the bookshelves with the pictures slowly and smiled," Actually, these pictures are just perfect. No wonder your husband insists on keeping them. You looked beautiful, Miss Thomas."

Marianne rolled her eyes," Stop with that Miss Thomas thing, I’ve already told you that. And thank you for the compliment... But most days I am embarrased by the pictures. I look so smitten with him."

Melanie tilted her head. "You two look so... at ease."

Marianne smiled. "That one’s from Florence. He always complained about the heat, but I think that’s the happiest he ever looked on camera." Even as she said this, she tried to look at Melanie. This was actually their last vacation before Melanie had been taken away. She had millions of pictures with the three of them... She could not help but wonder if Melanie remembered this.

But as her gaze shifted to the second photo, Marianne felt disappointment. Melanie had been her father’s little princess, always crawling into his lap when he returned. She had hoped that she would actually recognise him. This next was more candid-taken indoors, at Melanie’s second birthday party. She knew it was too much to expect her to remember but she was hoping she did.

Then came the third photo and she watched Melanie pause and get a frown on her face.

Then came the third photo, and Marianna’s eyes locked on Melanie’s expression.

She saw it—that tiny shift.

Melanie leaned forward slightly, her gaze narrowing, a faint frown settling between her brows. Her lips parted, just a fraction, as if she were about to say something.

But before the words could come, her phone buzzed sharply and looked down at the screen and replied to whatever message she had received... Marianne watched her, hoping that she would go back to the photo instantly but instead, she looked up at her and said, "Miss Thomas. I’ve already seen the entire house and taken the notes we might need. I’ll definitely share a few curated selections with you- some vintage pieces, and maybe even a couple of signature items from Mr. Nate Denoit himself. His studio just launched a new line last week. I think you might like them."

Marianne opened her mouth to respond, to stop her, but Melanie was already reaching for her bag.

"I’ll take my leave now," she added with a polite, almost rushed smile. "There are a few more meetings I need to get to today, and I don’t want to run behind."

"Melanie—wait," Marianna said, stopping her hurriedly, "Would you mind staying just a few more minutes? There’s someone-"

"I’m really sorry, but I can’t," Melanie interrupted her and said slowly, "I’ve overrun two schedules this week already. If I don’t leave now, I’ll be late for the next client."

Marianne tried again, her heart starting to race. Her husband had been delayed. And if he missed Melanie, he would be disappointed, "Just five minutes. He-"

But Melanie was already opening the front door.

And there he stood.

The man on the other side of the threshold was tall, broad-shouldered, his expression mild but unreadable. He held a folder in one hand and had clearly just raised the other to ring the bell again.

For one heartbeat, everything was still.

Melanie froze in the doorway.

Her eyes landed on him- and she didn’t move. Her polite smile faltered just slightly, replaced by something unreadable. A flicker of something. Surprise? Confusion?

The man blinked and gave the faintest of nods and Melanie nodded back," You still look the same." The man blinked again, his eyes almost moistening at the words. Did his daughter really remember him?