Chapter 331: What
"Mama. What are you doing here?" Melody asked in surprise, looking at the person walking into her hospital room. Today was the day she was finally getting discharged, and despite the lingering anxiety, she couldn’t wait to go home. Or rather, to Melanie’s home—which she still didn’t know much about, except for what Adir had briefly described. That part made her nervous.
But she had already come up with a plan. A simple, harmless plan that would save her from having to awkwardly wander around looking for Melanie’s room or acting too out of place. She was going to twist her ankle.
Yes. A little twist—nothing serious—but enough to win her exactly what she wanted. Because after being on the receiving end of Adam’s care these past few days, she knew very well how he reacted to even the smallest injury. If she so much as winced, Adam would be by her side. If she limped, he wouldn’t hesitate to carry her.
So if she "accidentally" twisted her ankle right before stepping out of the hospital, it was perfect. She’d get to avoid suspicion and end up in Adam’s arms again. A win-win.
But now, staring at the woman standing in the doorway, Melody felt thrown off. She hadn’t expected this. Why was her mother here?
Marianne Thomas walked toward her slowly, looking at her with a soft, unreadable expression before wrapping her arms around her in a tight hug. "I’m so glad you called me ’Mom’ so easily," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "I was worried you’d feel... uncomfortable. That it wouldn’t come naturally."
Melody almost froze at the words. Damn it. That was a slip. She was supposed to remember that Melanie didn’t call her mother Mom casually. In fact she had never called her Mom. There was distance between them. Formality. If she made such silly mistakes now, she’d give herself away before the day even ended.
Quickly, she tried to ease herself out of the embrace, not too abruptly, but fast enough to make it seem like she was just tired or overwhelmed. Just in case her mother was watching too closely. She couldn’t afford suspicion. Not now.
"So, what are you doing here?" Melody asked bluntly, reminding herself once again that Melanie would be like this.
Marianne gave her a smile and placed a small thermos on the table beside her, saying," I just wanted to spend some time with you. And I made you some chicken and mushroom broth."