Chapter 848

She refused to reconcile with Stella. Melanie could not play nice with someone who had repeatedly humiliated her like that.

Back then, she naively put up with Stella’s insults for Eugene’s sake. Now she did not even care about Eugene, let alone Stella.

Although Stella tried to warn her before her accident, the person who wanted to harm her was Cedric … and the person who played her like a puppet on his strings was Eugene.

She did not have an ounce of goodwill toward their entire family.

Melanie left the cafe, paying her part of the bill before she headed out. The sun was shining brightly outside, and the air was fresh.

Just then, Xander called, his voice light and cheerful. “The weather in Newville is great today.”

“It’s nice out in Jepton, too,” Melanie said.

“What a pleasant coincidence.”

Melanie sauntered down the street, the cloud Stella had cast over her mood slowly dissipating as she listened to Xander talking about his mother’s improving condition.

Melanie was happy for him, and she was even more delighted when he said he could come back soon.

“What’s with the sudden change?”

“There’s something very important that I have to rush back for,” Xander said.

In the hospital corridor, Xander looked out at the night sky. He could not hide the smile in his eyes.

Yvonne had just sent him a message, reminding him that Melanie’s birthday was coming up.

He always regretted missing the birthday party that Melanie had personally set up for him, so he wanted to make up for it by preparing something even grander for her.

Melanie had no idea what Xander was planning. Her birthday used to be a joyous affair when she was a child, but that changed after her parents got divorced. No one was there to celebrate with her, and she did not place much importance on the occasion either.

Eugene used to celebrate it with her, but that also stopped as their relationship faded.

Melanie subconsciously felt that anyone who celebrated her birthday with her would end up parting on bad terms. It felt like a bad omen.

That was why she would wave Yvonne and the others off every time they asked, saying she was not keen on a big celebration.

Melanie did not take Eugene’s suggestion seriously at first, but unexpectedly, the hospital’s pediatrician ended up calling her directly.

Jepton’s medical standards were high, and the doctor gave her a detailed account of the dangers of allergies in children. What he said left her terrified, so she asked Yvonne to take Merry to the hospital with her.

Yvonne felt very guilty about putting Merry in harm’s way last time. This time, she even brought pepper spray and tasers, all so she could better protect Merry.

Melanie thought she was exaggerating. Carrying Merry in her harms, she headed for the consultation room.

As soon as she entered, she saw a tall figure sitting inside. Eugene was wearing a long beige windbreaker over his hospital gown, his demeanor gentle.

He did not say anything when he saw Melanie and Merry. He just watched silently as the doctor examined Merry. When the doctor drew her blood and made her cry, he immediately frowned, barking, “Be gentle!”

His friend, the doctor, was a little exasperated. “What are you yelling at me for? It’s not like she’s your daughter.”

Melanie’s heart skipped a beat at that.