The Day I Kissed An Older Man

"It's nothing special. We're just friends," explained Melody briefly. She just smiled and looked at herself in the mirror.

Zeke caught on that Melody did not want to delve deeper into her connection with Lucas, so he did not push for more. He smiled and focused on putting makeup on her.

Melody could not shake the surreal feeling washing over her as the transformation unfolded in the mirror. Throughout her life, she never had the chance to wear anything remotely glamorous. Wendy's stylish dresses had always been a source of envy, but Melody never dared to dream of having one herself. That was just a wish that would never come true, she said to herself back then.

She then recalled a particular incident in her childhood...

"Mom, tomorrow is my birthday. Can I have a pretty dress?" pleaded Melody hopefully.

However, Helen only glanced at her coldly. "Why do you need a dress? Haven't I already bought you enough T-shirts? You need to learn to be content and stop comparing yourself to Wendy!"

In the end, eight-year-old Melody never got the dress she wished for.

but even as she finally got to don the beautiful dress she dreamt of, the excitement was not

because there was no point in

in the dress Lucas had chosen. Even though Edmund was used to seeing stunningly beautiful women, he

looked simple and rarely wore make-up. Even if she

he was surprised at how striking she looked after some meticulous styling. It was the kind of eye-catching presence that stood out in a crowd. "Edmund, is this okay? Is it too much?" Melody had never

and stood up. "Miss Melody, you look absolutely stunning! Let's go. Mister Lucas will meet you at the venue. But first, let's grab a quick bite. After all, you won't be able to eat much at the banquet, and it might go

a brief stop at a fast-food restaurant for a light meal, Edmund escorted Melody

already arrived, he instructed Melody to go in

go in alone?" asked Melody nervously at the entrance. She had never been