The Day I Kissed An Older Man

Melody nodded with a bitter smile. "When I got to the club, they said they were stuck in traffic and asked me to go in first. I know my mom favors my sister, but I never expected her to put me in harm's way. I guess I was just too naive. They planned from the beginning to offer me to William like some sacrificial lamb."

Lucas narrowed his eyes. At this moment, he pitied Melody.

He could not fathom what kind of parents would plot against their own daughter, treating her as a sacrifice to an older man for the sake of her sister.

'If that's the case, the night when we first met... Was she also manipulated by her family? Is she just an object that can be passed on from one man to another in her parents' eyes?' wondered Lucas.

After a long silence, Lucas finally said, "If you need, I can accompany you back to your family's home. I'm sure they pull a stunt like this anymore once they know you're married to a Rivera."

not play the victim. Unexpectedly, Lucas was willing to stand up for her.

Lucas' offer deeply touched Melody, she

in and warn her family, making them afraid and ensuring they would not force her into such situations again. Alas, Melody knew the true nature of her family. Once they caught wind of her connection to the Riveras, they would use that as an opportunity to climb the social ladder. They would stop at nothing to force Melody to use the Riveras' status for Wendy's

was not genuinely a Missus Rivera. Their relationship was

capacity nor the inclination to engage in such manipulations. The Riveras had been kind to her, especially Cedric and Beatrice. Thus, Melody did not want to disappoint them, and

moment of hesitation, Melody shook her head. "Thank you, Lucas. I appreciate your kindness, but this is a family matter. I'll handle it

the hard way out than let me help! Fine,

point. It was her family problem, and he, as an outsider, should not

After putting on the ensemble sans the shirt, he left. Melody was not certain what had gotten into him but sensed she might