Chapter 1320:
Across the street, Deandre sat with his head lowered, his expression unreadable as he methodically cleaned the firearm in his hands. The bodyguards nearby stood rigid, a cold unease crawling down their spines under the weight of his silence. It wasn’t anger that unsettled them—it was this unnatural stillness. The depth in his gaze made it clear that something had already shifted into dangerous territory.
Before long, the dining table was set with steak, roasted vegetables, and a single bottle of wine. Evelina sat in her small chair, wrestling stubbornly with her piece of steak, sauce smeared cheerfully across both cheeks.
Melany let out a soft laugh and gently wiped her daughter’s face before taking a quiet sip of her wine.
When dinner ended, Evelina grew drowsy, and Melany carried her to bed and tucked her in with careful hands.
𝖩𝘰𝗂n 𝗍𝘩e 𝘤𝗈𝗆𝗆𝘂𝗇𝘪𝘁𝘺 𝘢𝗍 𝗴𝗮𝘭n𝗈𝗏𝗲l𝗌.𝖼𝗈𝗺
When she returned to the dining table, she noticed the empty bottle and said lightly, “Looks like we’re finished. You did most of the cooking, so I’ll handle the cleanup from here.”
“Melany…” Carlos looked at her, his gaze slightly unfocused. “Do you really have to go? Why can’t I come with you? I could find work in Eshea too.”
Melany continued clearing the table, glancing at him calmly. “Carlos, we already agreed—this is a farewell dinner.”
“But I don’t want it to be goodbye,” he said, his voice rough and strained. “I care for you, Melany. I did from the moment we met.”
She said nothing. The silence stretched between them.
Carlos pressed on, his voice soft but urgent. “I know you’ve been hurt, and I understand why you’re afraid. But I’m not him. I’d treat you well—I’d take care of you and your daughter. I can give you both a stable life. Just give me a chance.”
Melany exhaled quietly. “Carlos, you’ve had too much to drink. And I’m not going to change my mind—I only see you as a friend.”
“I’m not drunk!” he snapped, his voice rising. “I just don’t understand. Why wasn’t I enough? He left you to face everything alone—the struggles, the child—and I stayed. I’m willing to take care of both of you. Why won’t you even consider me?”
Melany rose slowly from her seat, her expression going cold. “Carlos, don’t do this.”
Carlos stood as well, his eyes reddening. “Melany—”
He moved around the table quickly, closing the distance between them.
Melany stepped back instinctively until the cabinet stopped her.
Carlos loomed over her, his thoughts clouded by alcohol, nothing left driving him but a chaotic tangle of frustration and longing. “Melany…” he murmured, lifting his hand slowly toward her face. “Can I just hold you? Please?”
“Carlos!” she snapped sharply. “You’re drunk—pull yourself together!”
He ignored her entirely, grabbing her shoulder and pulling her into his arms with sudden force. “Why won’t you let me?” he demanded. “I’ve always been there for you—and I’ve never even held your hand!”
Melany struggled against him, knocking the wine bottle from the table. It hit the floor and shattered with a loud crack.
Startled awake by the noise, Evelina stepped out of her room and immediately began to cry at the sight of Melany pinned against the sofa and Carlos’s looming figure above her.
“Mommy!” she cried out, her voice tight with fear.
Melany’s chest seized. She lashed out, kicking hard against his hold. “Let go of me!”
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Message from Noa: Have a beautiful weekend dear readers, hope you enjoy these days. God loves you and Noa wishes you all the best. (>‿=)✌
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