Chapter 57
Melissa’s gaze stayed on her phone. Then she replied, “He’s a college classmate of mine. He works as a designer at the Parvati, and he’s the one who got me the invitation.
A flicker of confusion crossed Bradley’s eyes. “Aren’t the invitations specifically sent out by Ned? So how does Melissa’s old classmate give her one? he thought
However, Melisus was beaming excitedly and asked, “Do you think I should take him out for a meal to thank him?”
Bradley’s annoyance flared. He snapped, “Just a meal? That’s it? Shouldn’t you get him a gift or something
Still pleased, Melissa didn’t notice Bradley’s sarcasm. She answered earnestly, “You’re right. When I get paid, I’ll buy him a gift. But what’s a good gift for a guy! I can’t afford anything pricey, and he might feel uncomfortable accepting it.”
Bradley, muttered, “You’d better pick something thoughtful.”
Melissa, too caught up in her happiness, didn’t seem to register his tone.
Bradley chuckled and said, “I thought your class was full of people like Hannah, the kind who kick you when you’re down. Never figured there’d be someone willing to actually help you out.
Still focused on her phone, Melissa replied, “I don’t expect Scout to help me either. We weren’t close in school. He only reached out after he saw my resume for the Parviti!
Bradley had pulled a few strings to get Melissa closer to Parvati’s radar, but now it felt like all his effort had been handed over to someone else for the credit. If he brought it up, it would make him seem petty, so he swallowed the irritation, though it left him simmering inside.
But Melissa didn’t notice his frustration; she was busy typing a message back to Scott.
Charting on her phone for a while, Melissa put it down. Glancing at Bradley’s laptop, she asked, “Are you done with your computer? I’d like to borrow it if you’re finished.”
Bradley glanced up, his tone curt. “What for?”
Melissa didn’t mind his bluntness, still riding her wave of excitement. “I need to organize some design ideas. The deadline is the day after tomorrow, and I really need to get this draft done:
Bradley had been irked ever since Scott’s name came up, and now he couldn’t resist ajab. “So, you brought Curtis over here just to
to tosa him aside!”
he teased
Curtis chimed in with a bright voice, “Mom’s busy I can play by myself
Melissa reached over to ruffle Curtis‘ hair affectionately. She looked at Bradley and explained, “It’s how we always did things back in Lachlan. He’s used to it and does fine on his own
i was a weekend, and Bradley’s work wasn’t urgent. Logging out of his account, he passed Melissa the laptop and scooped Curtis up with one arm. “So. Curtis, tell me, how did you play by yourself before?” he asked softly.
Curtis wrapped his arms around Bradley’s neck as he was carried over to the small table on the balcony. Then he replied, “When Mont was working, Id stay home and wait for her.”
Bradley’s gaze chifted to Melissa, who was now absorbed in her laptop in the living room. He frowned as he turned back to Curtis. “You stayed
Curtis nodded. “Sometimes by myself, sometimes Mom took me with her
Bradley asked. “What kind of work was she doing!”
Curtis thought hard, saying, “Everything! Deliveries, part–time jobs, selling things at night markets. She worked really hard.”
When Bradley heard this, his expression softened as he glanced back at Melissa. Raising a child while struggling to make ends meet. He could only inpagite low tough it had been for Melisu.
Meanwiale, Melissa remained focused on the laptop. It wasn’t until she had completed the framework of her design that she looked up, realizing it
Sponing Curtis small backpack on the couch, Melissa slapped her forehead. “Oh no, Cumtis?”
I haven’t much ted him lundi yeit Melissa drought. Guilt washed over her as she, regreted prioritizing her competition entry over Curtis needs.
8:00 PM ct c
Chapter 37
Melissa glanced around the spacious living room, but neither Curtis nor Bradley was in sight. Panic started to bubble up
Melissa regretted that she had been focusing solely on the imminent competition entry and had neglected Curtis. Perhaps Bradley had already taken him away!
Then Melissa grabbed her phone quickly, ready to call Bradley, when he emerged from the bedroom.
Melissa rushed over, asking. “Where’s Curtis?”
Bradley closed the door quietly, his voice calm. “He’s asleep”
Melissa’s guilt deepened as she reached for the doorknob. “He hasn’t had lunch yet! This is my fault. I got too caught up,” she said with guilt,
Bradley placed a firm hand over hers, stopping her. “He already ate. He just fell asleep. Let him rest”
Hearing this, Melissa blinked, surprised. “He ate?”
Bradley walked toward the couch and said, “Yours is on the table. Heat it if you need to.”
Following him. Melissa saw the takeout box on the dining table. A warmth spread through her chest.
Over the years, Melissa’s life had been far from easy. After Lillian remarried, Melissa hadn’t felt comfortable asking Jack for money. She’d always
ried to save wherever she could, living with a constant sense of unease and restraint
The college offered some relief when Melissa could take on part–time jobs, but her tuition and books were a heavy burden, leaving her with little to save. After Curtis was born, the expenses skyrocketed. To provide Curtis with a better formula, she skimped on her meals, leaving her health in
Tatters.
The gossip from Melissa’s neighbors as a single mother raising
ing a child alone hadn’t helped. People mocked her struggles, but no one ever lent a
band
feels like a rare kindness, Melissa thought.
Now, seeing a meal thoughtfully set aside for melissa’s heart softened, and she smiled shyly, her voice gentle. “You left this for me! Thank
Bradley’s small act of consideration lifted her spirits.
you
Bradley watched as Melissa touched the takeout box to check the temperature. She opened it and began eating quickly. His brows furrowed, and he asked, “Is this how you’ve been raising Curtis? Too busy to even feed him properly?”
Melissa famished, spoke around a mouthful of food. And she replied, “I usually prepare something in advance. He just climbs on a stool to warm it up in the microwave.”
With Bradley around more often, Melissa had become less formal in their conversations
Then Melissa continued, “I didn’t have much of a choice. I had Curtis right after graduating. I didn’t have savings, so I had to hustle.
“You don’t realize how expensive raising a kid is, formula, diapers, vitamins, so many random things.
“And kids‘ stuff costs a fortinet Curtis is more sensitive than most kids. Regular clothes give him.rashes, so I have to buy the good ones. Even tissues have to be the special kind from baby stores.
“His formula? He won’t touch cow’s milk formula, only goat’s milk. Do you know how expensive that is?”
At that moment, Melissa ate too fast and let out a small hiccups, making Bradley frown.
Melis gave him an embarrassed smile and said, “Now I get why he’s so high–maintenance.
Pointing a finger at Bradley, Melissa added, “It’s in the genes
