4 Finally, I Found You!

Meanwhile, in a cruising taxi,

Mel, who had been lost in her thoughts, was jolted by the vibration of her cell phone. The screen displayed Anna's name, but she was reluctant to answer. She took a deep sigh before she answered. 

"Hello, Anna," Mel responded gently. 

"Mel, where are you?" Anna's voice on the other end brimmed with panic. "I've been looking for you everywhere... Please don't tell me you left without informing me. Mel, are you there? Hello, hello, Mel..."

"I can hear you, Anna," Mel assured softly. 

"Are you alright? Why didn't you answer earlier if you heard me!?" Anna asks again, her tone shifting towards a maternal scolding.

A faint chuckle escaped Mel's lips, her heart warmed by Anna's genuine care. Only a select few consistently displayed such concern for her, and Anna ranked high among them as her best friend.

"How could I respond when you kept talking?" Mel gently retorted.

Anna detected an unusual sound in Mel's voice, worrying her. She moved to a quieter spot outside before speaking, "Young Lady, are you sure you're okay? Don't lie to me. I can sense it if you're not being honest. Why did you suddenly leave?"

'Why is Anna sounding like my grandmother now?' Mel thought while trying to hold her laughter.

"Relax, Anna. I'm alright. I'm on my way home now. I have unexpected work I need to attend to," Mel lied, "I'm sorry for leaving without telling you. It was urgent."

Mel paused, a thoughtful expression overtaking her. After a brief silence, she continued, "Anna, I've arrived home. I'll call you later. Goodbye!" She promptly disconnected the call before Anna could respond.

Returning to her thoughts, Mel recalled a brief encounter at the party that had prompted her to depart abruptly. 

Her mind reeled back at the scene as a particular man approached her...

...

"Sister Melanie!?"

Turning towards the voice, Mel found herself facing a tall young man. She had to look up to meet his gaze. Her brow furrowed in confusion, she did not recognize him. Yet, he addressed her with familiarity, using her birth name.

"Forgive me, do we know each other?" She asks, confused and curious to know him at the same time. 

The man's expression fell slightly, disappointment flashing through his eyes, "How could you not remember me, sis?"

Attempting to recall her memory, Mel was silent again.

'Who are you, really?'

Just before she wanted to respond to him, a glimmer of memories surfaced in her mind; she had seen this man on television.

'He is an actor. But how does he know my name? We've never crossed paths, let alone formed an acquaintance!?' She thought confusedly.

Noticing Mel's lack of response, the man tilted his head closer. The pungent smell of wine lingered on his body, immediately unsettling Mel and making her completely uncomfortable. Reacting instinctually, Mel pulled her head away from the man as she glared at him.

Realizing that Mel looked annoyed to see him, the man pulled his head, but his friendly smile still graced his face.

However, his smile made Mel even more uncomfortable.  Her patience was worn thin. She couldn't hold back her frustration any longer. "Who are you?" Her words were laced with a sharp edge.

Undaunted, he smiled slightly, "Oh, come on now, sis. No need to be so tense. It's me, your younger brother, Andy Tanner!" His declaration was delivered with an air of pride.

Mel's heart constricted hearing those words. The air grew heavy, and his breathing became more difficult. It was as if he was standing on a cliff descending into the darkness.

Summoning every ounce of willpower, she fought to maintain her composure, concealing her emotions from this individual, Andy Tanner.

'Calm yourself, Mel. Breathe,' she talks inwardly. 

"Sister Melanie?" 

Andy Tanner called out once more, and it felt like a lifeline thrown into the abyss, dragging her back into the light. Clenching her fists, she tries hard to control her emotions. 

After mustering every ounce of restraint, she responded, calm and composed, "I'm sorry, there must be a mistake. You must be confused me with someone else..." 

With that, she smoothly pushed her chair back. And then she strode toward the elevator without glancing back, determined to put distance between herself and Andy Tanner.

...

Mel snapped back from her daze when she felt her heartache. Merely thinking about her encounter with Andy Tanner felt like a weight pressing down her chest. 

She took a deep breath, yet again, attempting to alleviate the tightness that had settled in her lungs. 

Her gaze drifted to the street, and she instinctively pulled her coat closer, yearning for the warmth of her home; this coldness was far from welcome. She didn't like it!

Soon, the taxi approached Lotus River. 

As the new year approached, the streets grew increasingly bustling with people. The impending arrival of the new year drew crowds, many opting to spend their New Year's Eve outdoors. 

The Lotus River—a picturesque waterway that intricately divided the city. The locale was a cherished spot for both family gatherings and friendly hangouts. The stretch of the Lotus River includes extensive parks, cozy cafes, and various entertainment venues. In particular, a mini stage played by street performers, while a basketball court and skateboard park cater to the sportier crowd.

Every year there is a magnificent celebration along the river banks. The celebration culminates with a stunning fireworks display that lights up the night sky beautifully. The citizens of town J look forward to this annual spectacle when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, painting the city's sky in a burst of resplendent colors.

However, even though the streets were buzzing, the taxi ran smoothly without stopping. In no time, the taxi crosses the Lotus River via a bridge connecting the central and business districts.

Gazing outside, Mel observed the bustling crowds. Yet, she felt uninterested in joining most people to celebrate New Year's Eve outdoors. She prefers staying home to enjoy a warm drink or work behind her computer. 

What's more, she hates winter. 

Winter always makes her feel gloomy and triggers her dark past. That's why every winter, she would lock herself in her house. She would only leave the house when she had an important task or her food stock ran out.

****

Meanwhile, in a different part of the city, Andrew William received a text message from his assistant, Raymond.

[Raymond: ] The taxi has arrived at the Empire Apartments.

A tender smile graced Andrew's lips. This marked the very first time he had been captivated by a girl. 

"Finally, I found you," Andrew whispered.