Reckoning with the Past

Melody took a deep breath before sharing details about her love relationship. It was really unexpected and inevitably that she had to follow Morgan's will. However, if there was anything she could say to keep his eyes fixed on him like that, she would immediately grant it. This was the first time they could talk from heart to heart like this. It was a very rare moment for her.

While adjusting her seat in the plush leather chair, she tossed her thick hair back and crossed her legs. "Sure, I'll share with you," she said. Morgan's eyes followed as she brought her legs together, smoothing out the fabric of her cotton suit against her skin.

Melody took a deep breath and said, "Actually, I had an ex before. We're just close friends, haven't gotten serious yet. His name is Caleb Jerrold. We went to the same college."

"In your hometown?"

Melody nodded. "Yes, in Winhampton. He's a year older than me. Soft spoken, smart. Dark hair."

"How long have you been close to him?"

"Two years," I replied. "We parted on good terms."

"Why?" His tone was only politely curious, but Melody saw something deeper in his eyes. Suddenly Melody felt that she wanted to make herself fully understood, that all her doubts about Caleb would never be ridiculed by the strong and powerful man before her. Surprisingly, she was less intimidated by Morgan than before after being more open with him. She found herself enjoying this conversation, when asked to cheer Morgan up by telling him a story of her own.

"He wanted … stability," Melody said. "Peacefulness. We do keep in touch with each other though. I'm the type of person to get excited when I have an idea, but he tends to be more calm and collected, and I can tell he's just trying to live it out for my sake. It's only after so long that my excitement collides with his indifference before finally started to turn into disappointment."

"It poisons the relationship."

"Indeed," Melody said with a sigh. "In the end, we're nothing more than strangers who had shared affection and intimacy. Nothing more than a close friend."

"Who took the first step to leave?"

"I left him," said Melody. "But he agreed. I think that decision shook him up a lot. There was some opposition from my friends because they all adored him so much. As usual, the type of guy all girls dream of. Some people think I expected too much. I should be happy that I found such a good man."

"They must think of you as a bad person for daring to want more than casual friendship."

"Exactly. But I don't want to play it safe," said Melody shrugging.

"I understand. It must be hard to be misunderstood by those closest to us."

"That's right," said Melody. "I was just not ready to commit to someone. I just believe that there's no love without respect. There's no respect without a commitment to responsibility. True love means respect which is both responsibility and protection. As long as I haven't found someone who make me ready to commit responsibly, I'll not have a serious relationship let alone marry that person."

Morgan nodded slowly. "I agree with you. Love without commitment is sometimes very tiring. There are times when we need someone who can think together and share feelings even deepest fears."

Hearing that, Melody bit her lips slightly and desire welled up within her. She gripped her glass tightly. She felt a little suspicious that what Morgan was saying right now echoed his thoughts about his own engagement and marriage plans to Sarah. Was he unsure of his own future decisions?

The rumors of Morgan and Sarah's engagement and wedding could not have been figment, though none of the staff in the office had known about it. Melody didn't know anything about it because she rarely met Sarah due to their hectic days. Apart from working as a secretary for an international fashion magazine, Sarah also worked part-time as a model, which had taken her to travel abroad.

Melody wanted to ask Morgan but she didn't know how to bring up this topic without risking ending this sudden budding friendship between them.

She took another sip of his drink and leaned back in the chair, feeling vulnerable and dangerous as she felt very close to Morgan.

"I forgot to tell you earlier, Mel, but I need you for dinner on Friday night at the Crystal Palace."

"Wow. Alright. Why me, Morgan?"

"Potential client. Several important figures." He looked at her with a big smile. "This will be a fine, classic-style dinner."

"Ah yes," Melody said, taking another sip of her drink. "Do you ask me to help persuade them?"

"Sort of. And I can't think of anyone better equipped for the task than you, Mel."

"I'm good at persuading?" said Melody defiantly.

Morgan downed his drink and gave her one last, excited look.

"Oh, Mel, you have no idea how good you are."

Shortly thereafter, Morgan let her go with a heavy heart. However the night was getting late and bad rumors would arise if he held her any longer.

Grabbing her bag from the desk drawer, Melody then tidied up her blazer, trying desperately to calm her pounding heart and trembling fingers.

Morgan still didn't seem to be out yet and she ran to the elevator hoping she would get there before having to face him again.

The elevator doors opened and she stepped inside, quickly pressing the button and looking at each floor counting down.

As soon as the elevator reached the lobby, she dashed out and down the hall. She briefly heard the security guard say something about working late, but she just waved and sped past him.

While walking on the way back to her apartment, Melody thought about her current situation. She was born into a family with a troubled past, as her birth mother died from lung cancer while she was seven years old, and her birth father had left before she was even born. Fortunately, her mother's best friends, the Kaisleys, stepped in and adopted Melody, giving her a new chance at life.

The following years, she found solace and comfort in her bond with the Kaisley family. Despite the fact that Sarah came from a wealthy family and Melody was adopted in the family, the two sisters had an incredibly close relationship.

Even though they were not blood-related, the love and connection between Melody and Sarah as sisters run deep. Sarah was aware of Melody's adoption, but she has never cared about it. Melody was her sister, and that was all that mattered. Throughout their lives, Sarah had always been Melody's protector, always watching over her.

Growing up, Melody was often bullied for being different timid kid, and Sarah was always there to defend her and stand up for her. As they got older, Sarah continued to be Melody's biggest supporter, encouraging her to pursue her dreams and helping her navigate the ups and downs of life.

Sarah was always there for her, offering emotional support and guidance when she needed it most. She never judged Melody for her difficult upbringing or lack of financial resources, and was always willing to lend a helping hand when she could.

Their bond only grew stronger as they both grew older, and they shared many happy memories together. From childhood adventures to teenage heartbreaks, they always had each other's backs.

Melody was grateful to have Sarah in her life, and often felt like she was a true sister in every sense of the word. Despite their differences in background and upbringing, they shared a deep love and respect for each other that only strengthened over time.

Despite their different backgrounds, the sisters share a love of fashion and have always enjoyed shopping together and trying on different outfits. They also shared a love of cooking, and often spent weekends experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

Even with the challenges Melody have dealt with, including her difficult childhood and the financial problems she had due to her biological parents, their bond as sisters has only grown stronger over the years. They know that they can always count on each other, no matter what. But now, something was about to happen that would test their sisterly bond to the limit.