Melody Strikes Back by Myra Walker

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As Ken took the bag of herbs from her. Melody couldn’t help but be surprised. ‘He’s actually helping me with the bags she thought, a faint smile dancing in her eyes. It was an unexpected act of chivalry, especially considering his aloof and cold demeanor. 

As Melody watched him walk ahead, she couldn’t shake the sense of intrigue enveloping her. The more I interact with him, the more difficult it becomes to define him, she reflected, her curiosity piqued about the true essence of his character. 

“Let’s stop here,” Melody said, regaining her focus. They had entered a secluded alley, no longer needing to worry about prying cars. 

Ken halted in his tracks, turning to face Melody with a stoic expression. “So, why did you choose to let that guy off the hook?” he queried, his tone steady and direct. “You’re well aware that this place isn’t like other shops. Mistakes made here can have serious consequences, he remarked 

Beyond his immediate concern for his grandmother, Ken also considered the countless patients who relied on the store for their medication Ultimately, he was eager to hear Melody’s explanation, curious about her motives and intentions behind her decision. 

Melody didn’t waste any time getting to the point. I think something’s fishy,” she said bluntly. 

Ken raised an eyebrow. “Fishy?” 

“Yes, Melody nodded. “I might not be familiar with things around Silverlake, but I’ve heard of Herbathrive. It’s been around for ages, with many experienced staff and physicians who know their herbs. Even the most junior staff there would have a solid foundation in traditional medicine. So, mixing up the two different herbs we saw just now? Seems odd, doesn’t it?” 

Ken caught on quickly. His expression turned serious as he processed Melody’s observation. “You think someone messed with things in the shop to cause the mix–up?” he asked. 

“Exactly, Melody nodded. “Especially considering what the staff and earlier. Those herbs might look similar, but they’re stored far apart. And the staff member seemed seasoned enough to know better. So, I’m thinking someone might be trying to harm your grandmother,” she suggested. “Or maybe even trying to frame me.” 

As Melody voiced her suspicions, a tense silence enveloped them both. ‘Someone is scheming to harm Mrs. Margaret Swanson, perhaps even aiming to implicate me. Her mind buzzed with thoughts, and suddenly, a name flashed into her mind 

“Astrid Swanson! Both Ken and Melody exclaimed simultaneously, the name hanging heavy in the air. 

Their shared revelation drew them to exchange a knowing glance, a sense of uncertainty fingering between them until Melody spoke up. Tm trying to say that the staff who served us isn’t the culprit here. If our assumptions are correct, then it’s Astrid Swanson who’s orchestrating this, she stated firmly, her voice cutting through the silence. 

Ken wasted no time, striding purposefully towards the alley’s exi Uncertain of his intentions, Melody hurried after him and grasped his arm firmly. “Where are you off to?” she inquired, her voice tinged with concern. 

“To uncover the truth,” Ken replied swiftly, his voice firm and resolute. He couldn’t bear the thought of his beloved grandmother being in danger without taking action. 

Astrid Swanson is truly behind this… Ken’s thoughts raced angrily, his fists clenched in frustration. With all the grievances I hold against her and her son, I’ll make sure to make their lives a living hell, even if it means I would have to break the law!‘ he thought while walking. 

Melody’s hand tightened around Ken’s arm firmly, stopping him in his tracks. “No, you can’t do that! Her voice rose with urgency. Think about it, Ken, Melody implored, her eyes locking onto his with intensity. “Herbathrive has so many employees, but who’s to say there aren’t informants among them? They could have already tipped off Astrid Swanson when they realized we found out about the wrong herbs. If you rush in now, she could have scrubbed away all traces of evidence 

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and might even counter–accuse you of plotting against her. They’ve already tarnished your reputation enough, so why give them more ammunition?” Her analysis was swift and sharp, each word laced with a sense of caution and strategic thinking 

Ken was indeed caught up in the moment earlier, his anger driving him forward with zeal. But as Melody’s words reached him, they acted like a sudden jolt, snapping him back to reality. This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

As Ken regained his composure, Melody released his arm, her expression firm. “Stay focused. Right now, the priority is your grandmother’s treatment. Anything else would only distract and delay her recovery,” she stressed. Tll be honest with you, Ken. Your grandmother’s condition has dragged on for far too long. It’s a miracle she’s held on this far. If we don’t act swiftly. not even the most skilled doctors could save her, Melody emphasized, her tone grave. 

Ken frowned, nodding in understanding. “You’re right. I won’t pursue this matter until my grandmother is well.” 

Melody let out a sigh of relief and nodded in agreement. “Great, she said. 

As she turned to head towards the car, Ken’s voice caught her off guard from behind. “How do you know all this?” 

Melody paused, momentarily confused about what Ken was referring to, and looked back at him with a furrowed brow, 

“I mean…” Ken took a step closer, his presence looming over her. Melody could almost count the lashes framing his eyes. With his towering six–foot frame, he seemed daunting. 

Instinctively, Melody took a step back, feeling a bit overwhelmed. Then, Ken continued in a casual tone, “You’re just a girl who recently returned from the countryside to Silverlake. How do you have such insights? You seem to know Astrid Swanson well, and you have a lot of faith in me. I’ve been meaning to ask, why are you so certain I didn’t cause Ulric’s leg injury? 

Melody’s heart raced within her chest, each beat echoing loudly in her ears as a surge of nervousness washed over her. It felt like the man standing before her had uncovered her deepest secrets with just a glance. 

“B–because Melody steeled herself, her voice slightly trembling as she spoke, “Because L. I like you! When you care about someone, isn’t it natural to have unwavering faith in them! And as for Astrid Swanson, it’s pretty clear she’s not exactly a saint.” 

“What!” Ken’s expression shifted to one of bewildered disbeliefs he looked at Melody. 

“Her confession seems. off, Ken thought, studying her carefully Despite his lack of romantic experience, he knew the look of someone truly in love, and it didn’t quite match Melody’s demeanor. I just can’t seem to figure this woman out.” 

“Y–yes,” Melody insisted, trying to maintain a sense of resolve in her voice as she met Ken’s gaze. ‘I have to stay composed and assert that my trust in him stems from my feelings for him. Maybe then, he’ll believe me,’ she silently hoped. 

“Well, how intriguing, Ken remarked, a faint smile gracing his lips, revealing dimples on his handsome face. 

“Intriguing? Melody raised an eyebrow, puzzled by Ken’s response. A woman just bared her feelings, and he finds it intriguing? What does he mean by that?‘ she wondered. 

Still pondering his reaction, Melody watched as Ken suddenly turned away and declared, “We’ve spent enough time here, Let’s go and get Grandma’s treatment started.” With that, he begin walking towards his car 

Relief flooded over Melody as she realized Ken wasn’t pressing for more details. Her heart was still her forehead was sweaty. 

racing, and she noticed 

“Ken is too sharp, Melody thought, a shiver running down her spine as she recalled his penetrating gaze. It felt as if he could see right through me, see through all my thoughts and emotionsWary of his perceptive nature, Melody resolved to avoid being alone with him in the future. 

Hastening to catch up, Melody intercepted Ken before he could enter the car. Meeting his gaze, she said, “Thank you for 

earlier.” 

16:56 Fri, Jul 5 

Recalling the harrowing scene at the cliff’s edge, Melody vividly remembered the precariousness of their situation and the imminent risk of plummeting to the bottom. Though it might seem overdue, it was the first chance she had to express her gratitude, considering the gravity of the situation and all that had transpired since. 

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