swiftly intervened clear the contents the bringing an end to the mysterious in the study. Nonetheless, an uneasy tension lingered in air. Moore, seems the treatment has been effective lately,” Melody observed, noting the quickening of his heartbeat. Capitalizing on the moment, extricated herself from Edward’s grasp. Though mischief danced in her eyes, a flicker of uncertainty passed through them well. Her met expression was inscrutable tinged with of embarrassment. facing his scarred visage head–on, Melody unfazed. “Leave,” Edward growled, posture rigid as he shifted in his wheelchair. Releasing Melody, he turned away, his jaw with the of his command. Undeterred, firmly gripped wheelchair attempted to move it. Squatting before him. she met his gaze determination, tone serious. “Since the treatment is showing results, we must act swiftly,” she urged. “Return to the bedroom. I need to administer and apply the oils immediately. her physiotherapy kit in hand, Melody rose to her feet, ready to proceed. A look of across face he “Madam, are certain not overstepping?” ignored him. nearly depleted her savings to procure the Melody was resolute in her determination to apply them Edward that very night. In the bedroom, lingered on the working late into evening. Edward relied on his arm strength to settle onto the bed, automatically rolling up his leg. hand halted his movement abruptly. positioned the oil bottles near the head of the arching an eyebrow as she Edward. Moore, time… you’ll need to remove your pants. muffled sound escaped Bernard, struggling to contain his laughter as he covered his mouth. My, the wife certainly lacking in boldness! Edward’s expression darkened, irritation now at Bernard. With a gravelly voice, he retorted, “Do need to see an otolaryngologist for your throat?” Bernard swallowed nervously, his eyes darting away. “Bernie, are lingering here to admire Mr. long legs or pert rear?” Melody’s were cutting, leaving Bernard even more feeble and helpless. Moore, I’ll take outside now, Bernard stammered, eager to the uncomfortable Sun, Sep 15 Chapter I Hide. situation. “Feel free to continue you were. With steps, Bernard exited the room, promptly donning his earphones to drown further conversation. Inside the bedroom, Edward maintained cold and distant demeanor. He glanced sideways at Melody, a restrained smile touching his lips, while his dark simmered a intensity. “Melody, had ensure your treatment be his tone laced with veiled threat. his yet defiant Melody leaned forward impatiently, hands poised on either side of his body. Moore, would you prefer to yourself, or shall I assist Her tone was cool and indifferent, a teasing dancing her lips. Edward’s eyes twitched for a second to his belt remove his pants. As fabric around his his scarred legs were exposed to Melody’s scrutiny. Furrowing her brows the sight, her gaze traveled through his gazing at the scars that had adorned it. Yet was no her eyes; it was only filled with a quiet intensity. With trembling fingers, reached out to his leg. No wonder kept his scars hidden from her in her previous life. Even on the night their marriage consummation, she had hesitated explore his body darkness. Edward’s uneven breath whispered against Melody’s neck as he shielded her eyes, his voice strained and low. “Mel, don’t look,” he urged, tone carrying a mix of and vulnerability. It’s too unsightly You’ll be frightened; you’ll be repulsed. And I can’t bear to that in your eyes. But as Edward’s icy gaze met Melody’s warm, compassionate of something unfamiliar stirred within him. It if her empathy had pierced through his defenses, momentarily melting the facade of indifference he so carefully maintained. In the next instant, however, his hardened, a mask of settling his features. He was a broken body, even his own recoiled in horror at the him. possibly feel sorrier for themselves he did. all, what was Melody’s true motive? Was she feigning pity to gain his trust, only to betray him end? He wouldn’t be fooled. Have you enough? Edward’s cut through Melody’s thoughts, his hand moving to gently remove hers. Melody back to reality, masking her behind a calm facade. She knew that anything she said would only deepen Edward’s suspicions. 11:41 Sep 15 GD Chapter 12 Scars Hide to proceed with caution, to wait and watch. “Seen enough. I’ll start touching you. Oops, I mean, start the massage,” she replied, injecting a into her words to ease the tension. sighed inwardly, his frustration mounting. This girl is incorrigible. As Melody’s fingers worked their magic. Edward couldn’t help but notice her skilled technique. Her touch was gentle and firm, her betraying a surprising strength and dexterity. “Have worked as a masseuse before?” his curiosity piqued by her proficiency. “Your technique is quite impressive. inadvertently caught of the from within the just as he removed his earphones. A sheepish smile on his lips as he mused to himself, Mr. I may for now, silence golden With a shrug. Bernard slipped his earphones on, choosing maintain his silence. inside the room, receiving Edward’s compliment, Melody offered a modest smile sharing a into her past. “My brother suffers from a leg disability, she explained. “In my efforts to aid him, I into research to prevent muscle atrophy and honed my finger strength by practicing on puppet” takes great pride strength, so every night, he falls asleep, massage and muscles,” she her voice carrying a fatigue, hinting at the burdens she despite her youthful appearance. “Practice makes perfect, I suppose. Edward’s scrutiny intensified as he absorbed Melody’s revelations. “Has his condition shown improvement?” he ventured cautiously, focus shifting to the reliability Melody’s medical expertise. “Not yet,” Melody admitted with candor. “I’m ceasing my efforts to continue but that’s a topic day. After a moment of silence passed, said, “Edward, see you and regain admiration of those around you. It’s what you deserve Reflecting on her past observations Edward’s demeanor, Melody proceeded to apply medicinal herbs with practiced efficiency. She recalled that he had never regained the ability to stand up after experiencing the plane crash horror. It pity, she thought. had always been the pride of the heavens, the eldest son Moore rightful heir. Despite her matter–of–fact tone, her words ignited a flicker hope within Edward’s heart “Enough idle chatter. Edward interjected, his clouded thought. complexion contrasted starkly with the silk shirt his chiseled frame, emanating aura of chilling resolve. Sun, Sep 15 Chapter 12 Scars I Hide Shield family. I went Greenfield with Gary had a heartache?” Carson Suzanna, noticing her complexion her return home, In the Shield family, Carson and Suzanna were sole artists in the entertainment industry, fostering natural them. With her pressed Suzanna inadvertently revealed marks left by electrode pads on her wrist, betraying her discomfort. don’t worry. Mel administered to me earlier, I’m fine now…” Observing marks, Carson’s throat concern “With her physiotherapy skills, must have intentionally caused you pain those electric wires. “Gary, did you defend Suzie? Was Melody truly you?” Carson’s accusation weighed on Gary, snapping him out of his absent–minded state. Meeting Carson’s squarely, Gary spoke earnestly. “Carson, our sister!” “The physiotherapy skills she possesses were personally passed down by grandfather. How she harm Suzie?” Carson surprised by Gary’s staunch defense of Melody. He hesitated, then he put his arms on his hips, narrowing eyes at brother. “Gary, have you influenced by her?” “Don’t forget, she returned home, Suzie has lost so much–half of her possessions and family affection. Furthermore, her health is still at risk. “Melody is and spirited. What’s harm in accommodating Suzie?” Carson challenged. Gary’s expression turned incredulous, his tone resolute. “Carson, isn’t the that Mel should naturally be given?” “Suzie’s heart condition wasn’t by Mel. It’s a genetic present since he explained, Melody against Carson’s accusations, Gary couldn’t quite comprehend why Melody was being treated harshly by Shield family. What had she done wrong to deserve such animosity? was left speechless, surprised by unexpected clarity and eloquence displayed by the seemingly unremarkable of the Shield family. Suddenly, Mrs. Shield her tapping against the floor as she approached the trio. Her was cold as it swept over softening with she looked at Suzanna. Her was stern as she addressed them, “That also nourishment that Melody from my Suzie in the womb. Otherwise, why didn’t this genetic condition in Melody?” “Gary, you caused your sister to fall ill. go and kneel reflect on your mistakes!” she