Chapter 63
Chapter 63
Even after lunch, Melissa hadn’t dared to meet Bradley’s gaze once. While washing dishes in the kitchen, she was startled by his voice behind her. “Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for me, Bradley teased
Suddenly, the plate slipped from her hands and clattered loudly into the sink. Swallowing nervously, Melissa didn’t turn around and replied. “Don’t flatter yourself. I don’t like men. If I had to, I’d rather like wornen!”
Hearing this. Bradley leaned casually against the counter, clearly amused. “Then why can’t you look me in the eye?”
Melissa’s thoughts were a chaotic mess as she tried to sound unaffected, “Why should I look at you for no reason? You’re not the dollar bill,” she muttered.
Bradley snorted softly. “Melissa, don’t you think you’re acting a little strange?”
Her hands paused, and Melissa exhaled deeply, thinking, “Avoiding him forever isn’t a solution. After all, we’ll still see each other plenty in the future”
Finally, Melissa turned and met his gaze. I’ve never been this close to a man before. It’s normal to feel awkward. And last night was my first kiss.”
Her frankness caught Bradley off guard for a moment before he responded, “You’re calling that a kiss? Don’t tell me you expect me to take responsibility for it.”
Melissa replied seriously, “I’m just explaining why I was so embarrassed today. Don’t worry, I know plenty of women are into you, but I’m not onc
of them
Bradley nodded approvingly. “Glad we’re on the same page. Just to be clear, I’m helping you because of Curtis. Nothing more. So don’t get any ideas or make him think there’s a chance we’ll be together, I don’t have the en
energy for his tantrums”
Bradley’s words snapped Melissa out of her lingering daze. Any trace of romantic thoughts evaporated instantly. She nodded firmly, looking him in the eye as if making a solemn promite. I’m very clear on where we stand,” she said.
Bradley seemed satisfied and nodded. “Good”
Then Melissa returned to washing dishes, but Bradley didn’t leave. Instead, he asked, “You and Hugh were engaged, right? And you’re saying that was your first kiss?”
Melissa replied, “Maybe that’s one of
of the reasons he cheated.”
“Didn’t think you’d be so old–fashioned. Guess that explains a lot,” Bradley continued, his tone unreadable.
The relationship between the two seemed to have undergone a subtle change, becoming more serious and formal.
In the afternoon, Melissa held Curtis, who had been calmed down in advance, and sent him and Bradley into the car,
Returning to the now–empty apartment, Melissa couldn’t help but feel a pang of loneliness. ‘How wonderful it will be to have Curtis with me every day, she thought.
In the following days, Melissa focused on waiting for the Parvati design competition results while scouting other job opportunities
Being out of the workforce for three years, Melissa wasn’t confident enough not to have a backup plan.
After interviewing at two smaller firms, Melissa received offers but had to turn them down due to the low salaries, neither even reached five thousand dollars post–probation.
As the final day of her agreement with Bradley approached, Melissa grew increasingly anxious, pinning all her hopes on the Parvati competition.
That afternoon, Bradley casually ate his lunch in his office while calling Melissa.
“Time’s up. Looks like you lost. I’ll send you the rules for seeing Curtis in the future. Check your email and don’t let me down,” Bradley said.
Melna felia wave of panic but forced herself to sound confident. She replied, “The results for the Parvati competition come out today. Don’t be so Hose of yourself!”
Bradley glanced at the paper on his drak, the final list of winners for the Parvati competition. And Melissa’s name was right at the top.
Then a stork played on his hips. Bradley traied, “What if you don’t win? Don’t think you can rely on underhanded tricks like last time, Not everyone’s going to come to your rescue.”
Melissa brinded at his condescending tone and said angrily. Tim confident. Just wait and see!”
8:00 PM & c
Chapter 63
Bradley chuckled. “Fine, Ill be waiting”
Hanging up, Bradley looked up as the design department head entered. He said, “Mr. Moore, have you confirmed the list? If there are no issues, it should be announced”
Bradley set the paper down with an almost playful ease. “No rush. Let’s announce it an hour before closing.” he replied causally.
‘Melissa wants to act tough? Well, let her stew for a bit longer, Bradley thought
2.2
