Melody's Pov

The bright lights that greeted me were the first things I encountered after waking up. Also, the chemical scent of drugs made me sure I was in the hospital.

I looked at the table beside my bed, and there was the name Hamilton Hospital. My bag is also on the table.

I remembered the incident of being hit by the floodlight at the gala. Then, the image of me in pain and trying to ask for help, but Jeremy left me was clearly drawn instead. I was about to sit up, but the excruciating pain in my stomach made me unable to move. I grabbed the button beside the bed and then pressed the thing to call the doctor.

Not long ago, Doctors and nurses came over to me. They smiled sympathetically.

The doctor said, "I'm glad that after more than 24 hours of sleep, you're awake?"

"Has anyone seen me or asked about my situation?"

"Meet in person, nothing, but he just took care of the paperwork and then left again."

"Then, why do I feel pain in my stomach? Every move, I'm uncomfortable."

The nurse helped me to sit up; she explained how to sit properly so that my pain would not interfere with my mobility too much.

The doctor grasped my hand. He looked at me with a sad glare. "We are sorry. We tried our best, but the result has been determined."

My heart churned. I didn't know how my physical state was now, but the doctor's words made me think far away that I was in a serious condition.

"The burden that fell on you was too heavy; it caused damage in your uterus melody, so we took the correct path of removal of the uterus so that you do not experience more serious and risky conditions."

Hearing the doctor's explanation instantly broke my dream; my hopes were scattered, and my heart hurt so deeply. I felt my stomach, even though I wasn't married, but I had the desire to have children one day. With the process of removing the uterus, then I wouldn't get that chance.

"So I won't be able to have children?" I asked, confirming this impossible thing; even though I knew the answer, I tried to get an even better opinion.

The doctor nodded and tightened his grasp on my hand. "You can't have offspring when the uterus is removed."

I was silent for a moment, trying to accept, but in fact, unable.

"Sorry, miss, is there anything else to ask?" the nurse asked.

"Who has approved the removal of my uterus?"

The nurse seemed to think long before she opened the document she was carrying. She replied, “In the document, I saw Mr. Jeremy; as the guardian of the family, he wrote on the note that he would operate immediately."

I wasn't ready, but hearing his belief broke my heart. How could Jeremy confess to my family to speed up the process when he could wait for me to regain consciousness, or he accompanied me so that I would look at his face when I woke up?

"Then when can I go home?"

The doctor refused to say when, but I kept asking until he said that I could go home when I didn't feel any excruciating pain when I woke up.

I nodded my head, grateful for the explanation. The doctor and nurse immediately said goodbye, leaving my ward.

I quickly grabbed the phone that was in the bag on my bedside table. I dialed my friend. When it was connected, I said, “Pick me up tomorrow at Hamilton Hospital; don't be late!"

* * *

A day later, I insisted on going home, even though the pain was still overpowering me before I was asked to sign an agreement at the hospital. That they would be irresponsible if something happened to me after the treatment that should still be running.

After all was done, a nurse removed my IV tube. I just had to wait for my friend to pick me up. According to the information Elena gave me, she was on her way. In half an hour, it would arrive.

After the nurse came out,

The sound of knocking on the door was heard, then Jeremy, with a face full of guilt. I didn't expect him to come. I thought he would settle down with Lolita and forget about me.

Jeremy walked up to me and hugged me, and then he said, "I'm sorry for not being able to accompany you in difficult times. I saw Lolita screaming out loud, and then I remembered that Lolita had told me that she had been traumatized by chaos, like the gala yesterday. I thought you would run because you were very good at the car. But I just got the news that that thing hit you. I...."

I raised his hand. "Stop your excuses. I don't want to hear anything else, especially about what happened yesterday."

"I'm sorry, you must be sad because you lost your uterus. I'm sad too, but I won't mind whether we have children or not. I won't leave you."

I rolled my eyes at Jeremy's words, and I ignored all of them. I just wanted to leave the hospital as soon as possible. I sent a message to my friend to pick me up as soon as possible. I could have asked my Mom or Dad, but I didn't want them to worry.

As I tried to close my eyes and make sure that I could endure this pain, I heard the door open again, and then in came Lolita, who appeared unscathed, walking as she was with a made-up face, sad as usual.

"Melody, I'm so sorry. It's because of me that you can't be a mother. I know you must be heartbroken. However, I know you've always wanted to have children with Jeremy."

I'd tried to be patient, but Lolita's words ignited my anger again. Even though I felt excruciating pain, I still got up from the ward bed and walked over to Lolita.

Jeremy tried to hold me back because he understood I was furious.

"Don't be reckless, Melody; Lolita is just conveying her mourning for you. You can't hurt her. She could be traumatized again if she keeps hearing the commotion!"

I don't care. I slapped Lolita hard.

"I'm sorry, I didn't slap you in the first place!"

Lolita was crying, and Jeremy immediately hugged her and protected her. Yesterday, I was angry to see that scene, but now I even want to throw up in front of them.

"You should accept your situation gracefully. I have guaranteed to stay by your side. Don't forget your anger over your condition, which is no longer perfect for others. You are really unable to control your emotions, melody."

"Let her blame me, Jeremy. If melody feels calm after doing so, then I'm happy too."

"No, Lolita, don't say that. You have no right to blame."

I almost choked on my spit when I heard the foul conversation. I walked closer to Jeremy, who was immediately on standby to protect Lolita. "You stood up for her because you and she are already one. You've also made me lose my precious years of waiting for you; you made me lose the womb that was part of my future. You will regret every pain in my heart!"

I got the phone and saw my friend's number. I quickly grabbed my phone and prepared to walk out of the ward.

"I make sure you guys will have bad days after this!" I walked away from the ward.

Elena's luxury car stopped right in front of the lobby. I had prepared to enter the car, but Lolita held back my steps.

Lolita whispered, "Goodbye. Jeremy and I will be a good match. We will get married soon."

Jeremy approached, and Lolita returned to acting and fell into tears. Jeremy was angry and shouted, then said, "I don't care what you do anymore, Melody. You deserve this punishment!"

I could no longer argue with Jeremy; all I did was point my middle finger at him and then get in Elena's car.

On the way, I contacted a major media outlet.

"I have information about Jeremy that you guys can elevate to the hottest news. Photos and videos I'll send you right now."

Melody's Pov

I cried on the way. Elena stopped the car and covered the back of the road.

"I know it's hard, but I believe you are strong and will survive for yourself."

"Thank you, Elena. You protected and helped me out there."

Elena hugged me for a long time until I was in the middle and ran her car back to the airport.

I stared at the phone in my hand, my fingers hovering over the screen. It would only take one touch, and this whole thing would be over. One touch to wipe away the lies, destroying the perfect image Jeremy had been keeping.

With a bated breath, I hit the "Send" button.

Like a fire igniting a sea of gasoline, evidence of Jeremy and Lolita's affair spread within seconds. The photos of them that I often kept secretly, and I noticed suspicious expressions or gestures, photoshoot sessions, as well as those bikinis and also disgusting greeting cards - all plastered on the screen for many to see.

My hands trembled slightly, not from hesitation but because the anger I had been harboring finally found its way. I witnessed for myself how the upload started to explode. Notifications came in non-stop. Comments kept popping up.

"Gosh, this is really outrageous! I thought that Jeremy was loyal, but he turned out to be a jerk!"

"I've always been suspicious of Lolita, and it turns out to be true! Cheap girl!"

"Poor Melody. She doesn't deserve to be treated like this!"

Support came from all directions. The people who used to worship him now turned to blaspheme. His fans, who used to engage with Jeremy, now called him a traitor.

I smiled bitterly, regretting why ending my relationship needed to be like this.

Jeremy's name flashed on the screen. First call. I let him.

Second call, third. I stay put.

When the fourth ring rang, I immediately blocked his number. Then, my hands moved quickly, erasing all traces of his from my life. Social media, contacts, and even chats have been saved for years - I deleted them all without hesitation. The fifth-year trail of our relationship was wiped out in seconds.

I stare out the car window. The road to the airport seems blurry behind the dewy glass, or maybe my own eyes are starting to tear up. But I won't cry. Not anymore.

I took a deep breath, calming myself. This wasn't the end. This was a new beginning.

The car stopped in front of the departure gate. I stepped out with my chin up, carrying the hurt I'd hidden behind a deadpan expression. As I walked inside, I knew there was one thing I had to do - move on.

* * *

When I arrived at my hometown, I was immediately greeted by my mother, who stood at the arrival door with a warm smile.

"Melody!" Her voice was full of relief as she grabbed my hand, grasping it tightly. "You're okay, right? I saw all that news..."

I gave her a faint smile, trying to show that I was fine. "I've ended it, Mom."

Mom nodded understandingly. She didn't ask any further, just patted the back of my hand gently.

"We're home, Dear. You've been away from home too long."

I nodded, letting Mom lead me to the car. The distinctive atmosphere of the house I'd long left greeted me as I walked in. A distinct sense of warmth in Jeremy's cold, falsehood-filled mansion.

I hadn't had time to sit down when Mom spoke again.

"We have prepared everything for your wedding. Your father said the future man is someone very good. You will definitely like him. Tomorrow, we will have a meeting with them. I have also found a boutique wanting to buy a dress for you, dear!"

Wedding.

I almost forgot.

I just let go of a relationship that broke me, and now I have to step into another relationship that I don't even know yet.

My heart felt heavy. I looked at Mom, wanting to refuse, wanting to say that I wasn't ready. But on the other hand, what else could I do? I had to keep walking forward.

So, I smiled. A smile more meant for me than anyone.

"Okay, Mom, I'll go to the room first. After the break, I'll come back here," I said.

* * *

Morning came sooner than I expected. Sunlight filtered through the gap in the curtains, forcing me to open my eyes even though my body still felt tired. I sat on the edge of the bed, allowing myself a moment to ponder everything.

Last night, I could barely sleep. My mind continued to fill with images of the past and the uncertainty of the future. Jeremy, Lolita, and all their betrayals were already widespread. I had seen again how the comments on social media flooded the posts that exposed their affair. Everything grew hotter and more painful.

"Shameful! I used to idolize Jeremy, but it turns out he is just a bastard!"

"Poor Melody... has been loyal for years but betrayed instead. I hope she gets a better man!"

"That Lolita is very close to Melody, too, right? Crazy, she's really shameless!"

Every comment I read gave me satisfaction. I had no reason to regret my decision anymore. Jeremy had to accept the consequences of his actions.

I let out a long sigh, trying to get rid of the weight that was still left in my heart. Today, I had to face a new reality - wedding preparations.

I went downstairs, finding Mom already waiting for me with a cup of tea in her hand.

"Melody, let's have breakfast first. After that, we will go to the boutique to try on your wedding dress."

I nodded, sat down on the chair, and started scooping the warm porridge that had been prepared for me. However, as I tried to swallow, my stomach stung. I knew this wasn't because of the food but rather an anxiety that hadn't completely gone away.

"You still look pale," Mom said, studying my face. "Are you sure you're okay?"

I force a smile. "I'm good, Mom."

After breakfast, we left for the boutique that Dad had booked long ago. As soon as we arrived, a clerk immediately greeted us and took me to a special dressing room.

The wedding dress that had been prepared was really beautiful - an ivory white dress with soft floral embroidery details. I lifted it slowly, letting my fingers touch the fabric.

I put on the dress with the help of the boutique clerk, then stared at my reflection in the mirror.

I looked beautiful... but still, something felt empty.

Mom leaned closer, her eyes twinkling. "You look amazing, Melody."

I smiled a little, though I inwardly wondered - was I really ready for this?

* * *

Later that night, the family of the man I was set up with came over for dinner. I sat at the dining table with mixed feelings, waiting awkwardly as the front door finally opened.

I looked up and was surprised.

I feel like I know that face, but I don't know when I've ever met him.

My eyes widen, trying to confirm again, but it turns out he's doing the same, too. I can see that it's like he knows me too.

"Let me introduce my son," the man's father said. "Leonard Axelsen."

Leonard. The name felt unfamiliar, but his face was very familiar.

I took a deep breath. I didn't expect this meeting, but maybe fate was indeed rearranging my life.

Leonard came closer to me. He reached out his hand to me, then said softly, like a whisper, "Thank God, you're all right now.”

Melody's POV

I frowned when I heard Leonard's question.

"Thank God you're all right now," he said in a low voice, like a whisper.

My eyebrows furrowed. How did he know about my health? From the beginning, I couldn't remember meeting him. Nor did I have an acquaintance by the name of Leonard Axelsen.

Unfortunately, Leonard's words earlier were heard by everyone in this room. Mom and Dad immediately turned to me with faces full of worry. My mom was even about to open her mouth, definitely wanting to ask what Leonard's words meant.

Leonard also seemed to realise that he had made a mistake. He hurriedly corrected his words. "I mean, I only asked about Melody's health because all I know is that she lives out of town. Maybe the long journey made her tired."

I nod slightly, confirming it so as not to arouse suspicion. I can feel my mother's stare still piercing, but I choose not to respond.

The conversation continued. We talked about many things, from the Leonard family's business to the marriage deal already agreed by our parents. I observed Leonard in silence, looking for something that could connect us in the past. However, the longer I watched him, the more I did not find any clues.

Who the heck is he?!

Time flew by quickly, and the gathering that night finally ended because it was too late. Leonard excused himself with his parents first. Once he left the house, I let out a long sigh, feeling slightly relieved that I could finally rest.

However, as soon as I turned around to go to my room, my mother immediately blocked me.

"Melody, what did Leonard mean by what he said earlier? What's wrong with your health?" She asked in a serious tone.

I tried to smile, pretending not to understand. "There's nothing, Mom. I'm healthy, really."

"But why does he ask such a question? As if you just experienced something bad?"

I shook my head quickly. "Maybe he's just small talk, Mom. After all, I did travel a long way. It's normal for him to ask how I'm doing."

My mother didn't seem fully satisfied with my answer, but she didn't press any further. I quickly stepped towards the stairs, wanting to avoid more questions. However, carelessly, my feet tripped over the end of the carpet instead, making my body shake forward. I tried to control my balance, but it was too late.

I fell right towards the small table in the corner of the room. Part of my stomach hit hard against the end of the table, right where my former surgery was still not fully healed. A piercing pain instantly shot through my body, making it hard for me to breathe.

"Ahhh!"

Cold sweat poured out profusely. I tried to get up, but the excruciating pain made my body weak. My vision began to spin, realisation slowly thinning. Vaguely, I could hear my mother's panicked voice calling my name before things turned dark.

***

I opened my eyes slowly, feeling a blinding white light greet me. The distinctive scent of antiseptic ambushed my nose. It took me a few seconds to realise that I was in the hospital.

"Melody! Thank goodness you're awake," my Mom’s voice sounded relieved. She sat by my bed, her face full of anxiety.

I tried to move my body, but the pain in my stomach instantly made me realise that I was still in a weak state.

"What happened?" My voice sounded hoarse.

"You fainted after falling earlier," Mom replied. "The doctor said your surgery marks are still not fully recovered. Melody, tell me, what surgery did you undergo? Why didn't we know about this?"

I fell silent. My eyes went to Dad, who was also standing not far from the bed, his face stiff, waiting for my answer.

There was no more escape. They already knew it. I had to tell them the truth.

With a shaky voice, I began to tell them everything. About Jeremy, his affair with Lolita, how I found out everything, and how I had an accident that almost took my life because of Jeremy's doing. I told them everything I had been keeping to myself without hiding a single detail.

Mom covered her mouth, tears starting to well up in her eyes. While my dad stood still, his expression was so dark and cold.

"Dad..." I called him in a weak voice. "I'm sorry for not telling you guys sooner. I didn't want to worry you guys."

Dad didn't answer. He turned around and walked towards the door. I felt that something wasn't right.

"Dad, where are you going?" I asked frantically.

"I'm going to see that," he replied coldly.

"Dad, no!" I tried to get up, but Mom hurriedly held me down.

"You don't have to worry, Melody," Dad said. "I just want to teach him a lesson."

"Dad, I beg you... don't do something that will get you in trouble," my voice was almost pleading.

But Dad ignored me. He was already walking out of the room, leaving Mom and me in a panic. I wanted to chase after him, but my body was still too weak.

I could only lie down feeling scared and anxious, hoping Dad wouldn't do something that would make things worse.

No matter how much I was already Jeremy's ex-fiancée, he must also be upset with me because I had taken off his mask in public.

With the energy I still had left, I forced myself to my feet, the pain that I had still been able to endure instead of making me sway to the floor.

Mom held me, "What are you doing? Do you want to die? Let your father solve this problem. Your pride has been stepped on. Why do you still want to defend Jeremy?" When Mom’s voice rose, I could feel the explosive emotions.

"Jeremy is likely to injure him. Don't let Dad go. Please!"

"No, that can't happen because he promised to take care of you and protect you. Now that he disobeys, then he will get his retribution!"

I didn't know what to reply to Mom. I couldn't sort out the right words to describe how cowardly Jeremy was now. The man who used to love me was gone long before they knew it today.