Chapter 162: Imagined
For the life of her, she couldn’t have imagined she’d actually end up showing off a hickey to anyone. It was too immature and high schoolish, honestly. And that too showing off in front of the ex of the person who had given her them... It was childish and petty! But that was fate, wasn’t it? Twisted, smug little thing that it was. That could be the only reason that Saira would arrive at the showroom today of all days. She could have come tomorrow when the marks had faded and all. But, whatever.
So, while she waited for Saira to be shown up to her office, Melanie casually pulled out a compact and leaned toward the mirror. With slow, deliberate strokes, she wiped off the concealer she’d used earlier.
Not all of it—just enough. Just a few well-placed marks, the kind that said everything without needing words. She didn’t need to put her whole neck on display. A glimpse would do. A whisper of skin and a smudge of something dark and recent. Enough to make it clear who had been there.
Because Adam had certainly kept his word. Oh, he’d more than kept it. Her body was still wearing the evidence of every promise he had made. He’d turned her into a damn canvas, and he hadn’t exactly gone minimalist with his artwork.
So yeah—she never thought she’d be the kind of girl who’d wear hickeys like accessories. But here she was. In broad daylight. And maybe, just maybe, she was going to enjoy this a little too much because the moment Saira entered her door, and gave her the once over like she always did...
Melanie caught the exact second her eyes landed on the marks. Her gaze paused—just for a beat—on the side of Melanie’s neck, where one faint bruise peeked out and then, there it was. That flicker. That silent acknowledgment.
And then, just like that, Saira’s eyes snapped back up to her face, expression tightened into one of those polite, brittle smiles people only wear when they’re trying really hard not to react.
It was small, subtle. But Melanie saw it. Felt it. And oh, was it satisfying.
She gave her a smile then, "Miss Vaugn. What brings you here?"
Saira sat down without waiting for an invitation which was smart of her considering Melanie had no intention of asking her to sit," Did you expect me to be scared and hide? Just because you revealed a few audios and videos? I’ve faced worse. All these talks will die soon. They do not bother me."
Melanie nodded and then added sympathetically," Yes. That is a good way to stay positive and cheer yourself. If I was your doctor, I would be proud of you."