Never in Meloraâs wildest dreams did she know sheâd run into Alfred again soon, and in such an awkward situation too.
The next day, Melora enjoyed coffee with a companion in a cafe located on the first floor of a luxurious five-star hotel.
Her closest friend, Lynette Leitz, sat across from her. âAre you okay now? Why would you take three sleeping pills for a b*stard like him?â she asked worriedly.
Melora responded quietly, âI had no clue he used to date Crystal. Heâs truly a deceitful man. Whenever I think about how he lied to her for years, I get the urge to stab him to death.â
She sniffled and added, âFortunately, Crystal didnât lose her virginity to him!â
Lynette burst out laughing in anger.
Is she a fool?
They were engrossed in their conversation, completely unaware that a few well-dressed individuals were seated at a table just two away from them. Among them were Alfred, Leslie, and several of their associates.
Leslie was the first to discover them.
He lowered his voice and reported, âMr. Lodge, thatâs the daughter of the Miller family.â
Alfred sipped on his coffee nonchalantly.
He had spotted her earlier and had overheard the conversation between the young women, which made him realize Melora was quite naive.
Alfred was a busy man, and women would often flock to him.
He hadnât planned on talking to her and made to stand up. At once, his subordinates rose to their feet hastily.
âMelora!â
Without warning, a handsome man appeared out of nowhere and gripped Meloraâs wrist.
It was none other than Robert.
When his affair became public knowledge, Melora steadfastly ignored his calls and chose not to entertain his explanations.
She even took pills, and he only got to meet her today.
Melora flung his hand away and frowned. âThat hurts!â
Robert wanted to win her back.
His mistress might be compliant, but he was merely using her to have fun. Melora, with her influential background and innocence, remained his ideal wife.
He adopted a more humble stance. âCan we talk?â
Lynette burst out, âWhatâs left to discuss? You do have a mistress, donât you? Now that itâs out in the open, do you expect Melora to simply forgive you since sheâs a good-tempered person?â
Even though they were in a high-end cafe, Lynette gave him the middle finger.
Alfred had been on the verge of departing, but he decided to stay and observe the unfolding scene, finding it interesting. He even commented to Leslie, âTake a look at the younger generation these days.â
Leslie, skilled in the art of flattering his employer, quickly feigned offense upon hearing the comment. âYouâre only in your early forties. Youâre still quite youthful!â
Alfred merely flashed a smile.
Right then, a physical confrontation broke out, likely stemming from their disagreement.
Melora was fine, but her bag had fallen to the ground from the chair, causing its contents to be strewn across the floor.
Among the items scattered on the floor were approximately eight lipsticks and a collection of charming accessories, including a cute lamb keychain.
Most importantly, there was a small milk bottle.
The atmosphere instantly grew a little awkward.
Alfred was pretty surprised.
He was aware that Melora was two years older than Crystal, so it was surprising to see her carrying a milk bottle and cute accessories with her.
Is she still drinking milk?
Leslie had the privilege of witnessing the faint smile that appeared on Alfredâs lips, an unusual occurrence. It was evident that Alfred found the situation quite amusing.
Tears had welled up in Meloraâs eyes.
Feeling humiliated, she bit her lip and declared, âRobert, our engagement has been called. off!â
Robert was about to protest when Alfred spoke up. âPick up her stuff for her!â
Her milk bottle couldnât be seen by everyone else.
Leslie agreed cheerfully and began gathering Meloraâs belongings, carefully placing them back inside her bag before zipping it shut.
Melora stared at Alfred, clearly surprised to see him there.
Even Lynette couldnât help but gawk at him. Who is this? Heâs so handsome and has a temperament unlike others! Despite his fair skin and gentlemanly looks, he is giving off an intimidating vibe.
A long silence later, Melora greeted, âMr. Alfred!â
Alfred remained seated in his chair, initially reluctant to rise.
However, when she addressed him as âMr. Alfred,â he inexplicably stood up and approached her. She raised her head, looking at him with eyes filled with tears.
She looked like a lost puppy waiting to be collected.
Alfred had the urge to pat her head, but he tamped down that feeling and asked calmly, âFeeling well enough to be up and about today, are we?â
A faint noise escaped Meloraâs throat as she continued gazing at him.
Lynette was about to faint from excitement. This man might be handsome, but please control yourself, Melora. Be more dignified!
However, Alfred didnât mind her staring.
It had been a long time since he last saw someone gazing at him innocently, like a little rabbit.
She looked like one, too.
Despite her height, she possessed stunning curves.
When their eyes locked, Robert couldnât bear it any longer. He could feel the intimidating presence exuding from the man. He demanded, âWho is he? Is he your new lover? Melora, didnât you try to kill yourself because of your feelings for me?â
Clearly, he felt resentful.
Robert was an arrogant man. When he dated Melora, he always held the upper hand, knowing that she was deeply in love with him. Consequently, when news of his affair became. public, he didnât consider it a significant issue.
He assumed he could simply end things with his mistress and persuade Melora to return to him.
He had no inkling that one day, she would look at another man with such infatuation.
Yes, indeed. It was infatuation.
Alfred paid Robert no heed. To him, Robert was just like Joshua.
Raising his hand, he ordered calmly, âBring this man out!â
Robert was stunned.
Immediately, a group of eight imposing bodyguards approached them. They were clad in professional attire, complete with wireless earpieces. The leader addressed Robert politely, âMr. Lodge requests that you depart.â
Mr. Lodge?
Robert couldnât figure out who Alfred was, but he found the latter quite familiar.
Nonetheless, he was a tactful individual. He patted his suit jacket and said to Melora, âWeâll have our conversation another time!â
Melora averted her gaze.
She had no intention of speaking to him. There was nothing left to discuss, as she had made up her mind to move on and forget about him.
The corner of her eyes turned red.
After all, he used to be the man she loved.
Alfred noticed her eyes turning red, though he merely smiled and got ready to leave.
Suddenly, someone tugged at his shirt.
It was Melora, staring at him earnestly as she spoke softly. âMr. Alfred, I need to talk to you. Can I treat you to a meal?â
Alfred frowned slightly.
He wasnât actually free as he had to meet a few people a while later.
Yet, perhaps he had been alone for too long, for he didnât decline the charming young ladyâs invitation. âLetâs go,â he said to her before leaving the cafe.
His subordinates went after him. He might be wearing casual clothes, and with his fair skin, he looked like a gentleman.
However, it was obvious he was a big shot.
Melora grabbed her bag and hurried after him.
Lynette immediately pulled her back. âAre you nuts? How dare you get involved with. someone like him?â
Melora licked her lips. âHeâs Crystalâs uncle. Donât you know Alfred Lodge from Coldbridge? He often appears in the news.â
She took off like lightning after saying that.
Lynette was dumbstruck.
Mr. Lodge? Heâs a major player in the southern region, overseeing the most cutting-edge technology in the country. Heâs a prominent figure even among prominent figures! I canât believe I had the chance to see him today!