Love at the Door

Melina refused without hesitation.

She had already thought about giving these bullies a good beating someday. But she would never pick a fight with someone being friendly, so she held back.

However, her refusal quickly annoyed them.

“We invited you out of our kindness. How could you turn us down?”

“You should feel honored we invited you. Stop acting all high and mighty.”

“What could you possibly be busy with? Looking for a job? Don’t waste your time. There’s no way you’ll find a job here after offending us.”

Melina’s anger flared. So, these were the people responsible for her job troubles.

Louis grinned smugly and said, “You’re looking for a job, right? Just come hang out with us for a while, and I’ll make sure you have a job by tomorrow. What do you say?” Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Melina’s expression darkened, her eyes flashing with anger. Louis instinctively stepped back, recalling how she had fought back before, clearly nervous she might hit him again.

But then, to his surprise, Melina smiled sweetly. “Alright, I’ll go with you. But you’d better keep your promise and get me a job.”

Louis wanted her to follow them, so he quickly agreed, “Deal.”

Melina’s bright eyes sparkled as she said softly, “You’d better follow through on your word.”

Her smile was so bright Louis was stunned. He couldn’t now ett

to what Melina had just said.

Melina followed Louls out. Too many people were around, so this wasn’t the right place to start a fight

She was curious about what they were planning. Since she was a law- abiding, honest citizen who had done nothing wrong, these people who mistreated her must be in the wrong.

In the car, Louis casually asked, “So, Melina, where are you from originally?”

“I’m from the mountains.”

“What’s your connection to Andrew? How did you end up at Oakread?”

“I promised Mr. Wentworth Senior I’d take care of Andrew,” she said vaguely,

Melina promised Wallace that she would care for Andrew. When they got married, Andrew insisted on keeping their relationship a secret, saying it was embarrassing. Now that they were no longer living together, she had no intention of bringing it up.

Louis kept asking questions, and Melina answered nonchalantly. By the end of the conversation, Louis was convinced she was just a maid. She cooked, cleaned, did laundry, and even maintained the garden at Oakread.

The only reason she was special was that Wallace had brought her there. Andrew must have let her stay out of respect for his

grandfather, but now she’d been kicked out.

Louis didn’t care about a maid, but he had to make Melina pay since Linda was so upset that she had gotten sick.

Melina had no idea what Louis was plotting. They soon arrived at a huge amusement park. There were colorful rides and smiling faces everywhere. Some people were dressed as characters and

princesses, making it feel like a fairytale.

Louis called out, “Melina, come on! What do you want to do first? We’ll take you.”

Melina felt suspicious. Were they really just here to have fun? She didn’t buy it.

“I’m good,” she replied.

She did want to play, but when she saw the ticket prices at the entrance, she decided it was better not to spend the money. It was too expensive. She was happy enough to be there.

Louis exchanged a glance with the others behind him. Soon after, someone came back with a thick stack of tickets.

Louis waved them in front of Melina. “Look, we’ve already bought the tickets. Everyone’s got one. If you don’t play, they’ll go to waste.”

Melina hesitated. She couldn’t stand the thought of wasting the tickets.

Seeing her hesitation, Louis pushed the tickets into her hands. “If

you’re not going to use them, you might as well throw them away.”