7 Martin’s Hope Observing the scene, Mr. Shield offered Suzanna a smile, “Suzie, your kindness Melody to think she can you. What would you if it weren’t for your parents brothers you?” With a gesture, he retrieved the USB flash drive from the table and it to Suzanna, affectionately her hair, his gaze it safe time; don’t let Melody snatch it again. Accepting the USB drive, Suzanna furrowed brow slightly, her expression tinged with concern for Melody, “Dad, maybe is facing challenges…” “Stealing is What challenges could justify her actions?” “By her behavior, our family’s will suffer!” Shield’s tone turned stern, his disappointment in Melody evident. Her defiance warranted consequences; she needed to face the repercussions beyond the their home. “Timothy, that no one in the industry hires Melody!” He aimed discipline her and prompt her return. Otherwise, how would others view authority of Shield family? Timothy nodded, supporting decision block Melody across various sectors in Maycrest. Given Melody’s recent rebelliousness, corrective measures necessary to prevent further misconduct. Cameron sat in a etched with a air of detachment and indifference. Yet, beneath outward calmness, he believed Melody deserved consequences for her actions. Derrick, wearing a discontented expression, his father’s directive. Suddenly, emitted a soft groan as if on the verge collapse. Carson to her aid, his anger still “If Melody to depart, let her. When she realizes the challenges outside, us. “First, let’s tend to Suzie’s injuries!” Shield nodded, her a mixture of complexity displeasure. was I fated to have a daughter such unfortunate if she returns home live a comfortable life, she won’t contentment. “If she’s to embrace her role as a lady of Shield family, then she shouldn’t bother returning in this lifetime!” concurred, offering as embraced wife’s shoulder. “Never Suzie’s well-being is paramount. The group accompanied Suzanna seeking medical attention. As they departed, stood motionless the staircase, fixated on the front door. Suzanna delicately bit her lip and her brow. do you plan to go find Mel?” “Unfortunately, she’s still with us. Once my heals, I’ll her out and offer my apologies. I’m confident I can convince her return. Observing Suzanna’s fragile still prioritizing the family despite her Gary’s heart softened the end. a of bewilderment his gaze, spoke firmly, needs go find her anyway. “She have the decency return own. Can’t return herself?” Melody couldn’t away from home forever! Gary furrowed his brow, reassuring before pushing aside. Considering Suzanna’s though it was just sprained ankle, the family doctor a thorough examination in presence of the entire family. After tending her ankle and with the sun setting, Suzanna limped to check on Mrs. lying bed in distress, clasped Suzanna’s tears brimming her elderly eyes. Suzie, you’re too kind. Melody has taken half of what rightfully belongs to you. Only by driving away can you receive the from Mr. Shield!” appeared startled by her her hand trembling covered her lips, her moist eyes quivering. Mel is family, and that part belongs to her I’m fine; as long as the family united, I’m with anything. loneliness in the girl’s eyes was palpable. Swenson’s demeanor turned icy as she admonished, “Ms. Suzie, the more you tolerate, the more Melody will you!” Fortunately, Melody had been temporarily ousted. Swenson’s bandaged form of a mummy, aged bones nearly fractured. Suzanna scowled, reprimanding, though feigning anger, “Mrs. Swenson, such remarks are unacceptable!” Disappointment shadowed Mrs. Swenson’s expression, a glint of cunning flickering in her clouded eyes. With the house masters feeble and ineffectual, someone had do the unsavory tasks! After departing from the Shield family, Bernard to transport the luggage to Moore Residence while she alone a private sanatorium. The autumn air chilling, casting a desolate ambiance all around. Melody adjusted collar, cautiously navigating the labyrinthine corridor until reached particular ward. The room lay vacant, save for apparatus a man lying a deep coma on the bed. pallid complexion contrasted dark locks, his countenance appearing distant and unapproachable. With lips devoid of color and breath growing faint, sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting gentle glow upon neck. Clad an oversized hospital gown, he seemed exceedingly as if a mere breeze could whisk him away. Melody at the threshold, through the transparent hesitating to venture further. “Miss, are to Martin?” “He’s in a vegetative state for years, and it’s a has to visit him. You must be Melody, am I correct?” A stood behind her, exuding refinement and gentility. Melody turned, almond eyes betraying surprise and bewilderment. “Surprised I name?” “Four years ago, when Martin admitted here, he still moments lucidity. He mentioned having a sister who used to visit him. “He waited for ten days, but his strength waned, and he slipped into a deep slumber…” doctor’s words carried a weight that twisted Melody’s heart into knot. They also evoked memories of Martin, her elder brother, from her foster family. In her previous she had missing at tender age of three discovered by eight-year-old Martin, who brought her home. Despite their means, family had always fostered deep bond. At five, when child pulled her braided hair, shaved the culprit’s head and made him run ten laps around the kindergarten, enduring his own punishment of for three nights. By ten, love piano blossomed. At worked tirelessly in various internet cafes to fund her musical passion, gifting her most exquisite piano he could afford on her thirteenth birthday. He “Mel is the sole in our family, deserving nothing but the finest. fifteen, Melody aspired to study finance at with Martin promising to a financial firm upon her maturity. However, she the severing fulfill his of bestowing cherished he had longed to present her subsequent birthdays. In the Shield family, she was relegated to the of a but the household, she was cherished like a princess. Upon return to the Shield family, Melody found herself in the duties imposed by Old Mrs. who justified her servitude citing Melody’s past recognition others as her parents. This restriction tethered her to the Shield family, limiting her interactions with Tucker family. six months passing, she only met with the Tuckers clandestinely once. Meanwhile, Martin’s promising career in was abruptly halted by a devastating accident that left paralyzed, potentially in a vegetative state. Desperate, the family sought Melody’s aid. Swenson believed that the family had come to money from the Shield family. Without hesitation, she drove them away, falsely asserting had to wait Melody’s being seen. cruel deception left them stranded in rain to the elements and the anguish of uncertainty. Suzanna intercepted Melody’s attempt to scale the wall for escape. The brows knit slightly as she chided, “Mel, about it. If discover in touch with those rough country and if they believe you’re take our family’s to aid won’t they question motives? make them doubt your upbringing. “Mel, don’t silly…” Melody’s brows rebellion, defiance flickering her as she pushed Suzanna towards the foul by the wall. “Suzanna, have some respect. They’re not just some rough folks! They’re the relatives who raised me!” She fixed a cold stare on Suzanna, her usually weak gentle now marred by the ordeal being pushed the foul ditch. With a sudden movement, she her head and forcefully thumped her forehead against the ditch, a chuckle escaping lips. “Mel, you can’t escape this. urgency gnawing at her, Melody wasted time. pivoted to resume her over the wall, only to find herself apprehended the bodyguard had stationed there. That she faced harsh punishment of thirty strokes the family rules. After enduring four and nights of kneeling in the ancestral as punishment by Mrs. Shield, Christina, Melody clung to ounce of strength. Despite weakened state, she mustered the resolve to retrieve all the savings Mr. Tucker to her return Shield family, with Mrs. Ingrid to send the money out. reencountering Tucker family, Melody was met with hostile and disdainful reception. Each family member her with suspicion disdain, her like outsider. with animosity hostility, Melody cut off all contact with Tucker family. The burden of guilt towards the Tucker family heavily on Melody’s conscience, preventing her from mustering courage to face them years. However, packing her Mrs. Ingrid, realized significant. Ingrid was unaware her personal preferences, such as her favorite and street snacks—details that only the Tucker family remembered. In her previous life, during her five-year stint in prison, it Melody that it was always the Tucker stood by her, offering unwavering support and care. Melody snapped back to reality, her complexion paled once more. “Doctor, is there hope for my brother to awaken?” A of realization struck she remembered Martin’s consciousness upon his admission to hospital. When the family sought her out at Shield residence, intent was solely for bid farewell comatose brother. It not for any financial assistance! Yet, failed to show up, instead to the Tuckers had provided out of concern for her well-being, a gesture that seemed mark the end of their connection. With heavy heart, the doctor shook head and guided Melody the room, both them standing somberly beside Martin’s bed. “It’s been four years,” he sighed, “and he may never regain consciousness. Melody’s spirits sank as she absorbed the grim news. “This is what he left for you, finally to its rightful owner,” doctor remarked as he opened a hidden cabinet. With sense reverence, he retrieved of keys and a letter, passing them to Melody before quietly exiting the room. As Melody unfolded the letter, discovered nothing contact information, an address, and a pre-written birthday card. “Wishing my princess Mel a happy birthday! The adult ceremony Capital. An electric jolt seemed to Melody’s body, leaving rigid with shock. It became in the corner she had someone consistently valued her a and worked diligently to nurture dreams for her. she couldn’t let go to waste. The company couldn’t stagnant, and she couldn’t allow Martin to lie there indefinitely. her gaze on the frail figure on the sickbed, her eyes Mel has up. This time, my to you. In lifetime, she even stronger. Protect those she protect. Love those she should love! Before leaving, Melody carefully placed her newly “Awakening Aroma,” previously intended Derrick, in the drawer. She instructed doctor to occasionally it for hoping to invigorate and soothe mind. As she Melody remained oblivious to the slight movement slender and fingers the sickbed at the left. However, like fleeting the an instant. Meanwhile, Moore Residence. Bernard was startled his boss placed luggage the master bedroom. “Where she?” Edward’s voice cut the room, his features etched with cold his dark and brooding, radiating chilling aura. “Who told you put her things in the master His tone conveying his displeasure. Bernard felt a shiver run down spine as he hastily “Madam she wants give you therapy tonight…” “So, sleeping no! Living together would be more convenient. Bernard broke into a cold sweat, a surge of anxiety. tacitly agreed to let me follow home; isn’t that just indirectly supporting her? How do you manage to change your demeanor so quickly, almost flipping a page? Edward’s eyes narrowed slightly, faint cold smile playing on his lips as “Throw them out!” “Who allowed her to sleep with me?” His tone was authoritative, an explanation. But a moment, his fingers paused the if still feeling the lingering touch of the girl’s hand his leg. woman is bold as a wildcat!