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.

Jeremy's POV

I stared at the screen of my phone with trembling hands. Notifications poured in non-stop. Thousands of comments, messages, and news saying my name filled the timeline. All eyes were now on me, but not as a talented actor or the perfect man I'd always projected. No. Now, I was a traitor, a man who broke the heart of a woman who'd loved him for five years.

The throbbing in my head grew louder as I read the headlines dotting the gossip portal.

"Jeremy and Lolita - The Career-Breaking Affair?"

"There's the woman who Revealed the Dark Side of Her Relationship with Jeremy!"

"Actor Jeremy is Threatened to Boycott! Fans Turn Back Blasphemes!"

I grasped my phone tightly. No, this wasn't possible. This was just a small storm, and I could get through it. I'd contacted Melody so many times, but she didn't answer. Even when I tried to call Elena, the result was the same - no answer.

I look up, staring at my reflection in the mirror across the room. The normally confident eyes now seem blank. I look like a defeated man.

I get up off the couch and walk toward my apartment window that overlooks the city. The lights flash in the dark, but the beauty can't calm my mind. I take a huge breath, trying to think clearly. I need a strategy. I need an official statement to get the situation under control before things get even worse.

I reached for my phone and dialled my assistant, Adrian. It didn't take long before his panicked voice sounded on the other end of the line.

"Jeremy! What are you doing?! I've received more than a hundred calls today! The sponsor withdrew, the upcoming film contract was cancelled, and the agency and production house are considering letting you go! Do you realise how serious this is?!"

I rubbed my face roughly. "I know! But we can handle it. We can state that it was all just a misunderstanding."

"Too late! The evidence is too strong, Jeremy! There are photos, there are recordings, there are disgusting messages you sent to Lolita! What have you been thinking all this time?!"

I ground my teeth. Melody. It must be her who leaked all this. I never expected her to go this far. She who was always gentle, always patient, was apparently able to ruin my life in one night.

"What should I do?" my voice sounded weaker than I'd intended.

Adrian sighed heavily. "For now? Shut up. Don't make any statements, don't appear in public, and don't add fuel to the fire that is burning your name. I will try to fix this, but I can't promise anything."

I hung up and slammed the phone on the couch. My hands balled into fists. No, this couldn't end like this. I'd fought too long to be in the position I was in. I wouldn't let one mistake ruin everything.

I had to talk to Melody. She had to hear my explanation. Maybe I could convince her to delete the upload to withdraw all the accusations. She loved me, didn't she? She couldn't possibly want to see me break like this.

I would make her clear my name as soon as possible. That woman, what a jerk!

Determinedly, I grabbed the car keys and prepared to walk out of the apartment. I fell silent to find Lolita in front of my unit. She smiled meaningfully. She looked at me and pushed me inside.

"Don't tell me you want to go to your ex-girlfriend's house to beg?"

"I do want to go, but not to beg. Melody should withdraw the news and clear my name."

Lolita laughed and then shook her head. And walked to the mini bar, then poured the wine into a glass.

"You'll embarrass yourself. It could be a melody trap for revenge!"

I kicked the table in front of me, making several glasses shake before one of them fell and shattered on the floor.

Lolita, who was now sitting on the sofa sipping wine, only smiled crookedly. "Relax, darling. Let them talk. After all, scandals like this don't last long. They will also forget later."

I looked at her with great emotion. "Forgot it? My good name is ruined, and my employment contracts are cancelled one by one! My career could end because of this!"

Lolita shrugged, then walked toward me with a teasing smile. "We can turn things around, Jeremy. I've contacted some media. We can come up with a new narrative that Melody is just looking for attention. We can say she was the one who actually cheated on you first and is now pretending to be a victim."

I rubbed my face in frustration. "You think it's that easy? The public believes her! They pity her, and they hate me."

Lolita snorted and grabbed my phone. "Look at this," she said, revealing a post on social media.

I moved closer, and my eyes widened when I saw the photo displayed on Melody's mother's social media account. In the photo, Melody was wearing a wedding dress. Her gentle smile was on clear display as if her life was fine after crushing me.

Below the photo, there was one sentence that made my chest feel tight.

# BrideToBe

My left hand clenched so hard my books turned white. "She's... getting married?" my voice shook, a mixture of anger and shock.

Lolita let out a chuckle, then shot me a meaningful look. "Apparently, we need to give Melody a little surprise for her wedding. I have a crazy idea, darling. And I'm sure you'll love it."

I turned to her, our eyes meeting. Lolita's lips curved into a smile full of devious plans.

I didn't know what was going through her head, but one thing was for sure - I wasn't going to let Melody walk away easily. Not after everything she'd put me through.

And I'll make sure of that.