WCMBI - Chapter 253: Deep Talk

"If coming to you unannounced caused any distress, then I apologize. However, I too am the parent of DS. I merely intended to make a brief visit and not cause any inconvenience."

"If you have such concerns, please set them aside. On the contrary, your arrival to meet Dia is most welcome. No, more importantly."

Anxiously, Ian swallowed a dry gulp before slowly continuing his speech.

"I wanted to dispel any misunderstandings. You may not believe it, but the carriage accident wasn't orchestrated by me. We have gathered evidence concerning the incident and apprehended the accomplices. Furthermore, we know precisely who the perpetrator is."

Words of urgency poured forth, and he kept glancing nervously at Melissa, fearing she might vanish before his eyes.

"Why would I ever do something wicked to you? I merely... I merely wanted to move your residence from the annex to the mansion. I adorned it with things you enjoy and chose a nearby location in case you wish to see Dia. I swear, please believe me."

Melissa listened attentively to his plea. When they had met at Matap, she had considered herself and him as unrelated entities. Consequently, she had no intention of entertaining his words. She also had no desire to delve into a past riddled with pain.

Yet now, her perspective has shifted. No, it had to shift. She realized that the consequences of her choices not only affected her but would profoundly impact DS and Adela as well.

Suppressing all emotions, she resolved to listen to the truth and information alone, and after hearing his heartfelt explanation, she spoke.

"I have a question."

"Yes, I will answer anything."

"Would it have mattered to you how I lived after the contract expired? Then why did you not expel me completely but instead proposed sending me to a separate cottage?"

"I believed that if you were constantly by my side, trouble might befall me. You seemed far too uneasy, and I feared that unease might seep into me. That's why I did something so despicable."

His candid response did not displease her. Instead, she was relieved to hear the truth and proceeded with her next question.

"I thought the real culprit behind the carriage accident was Monica?"

"Yes... Sinya gave her testimony, and we also obtained a statement from the coachman who was driving the carriage at that time."

"Honestly, I believed there was no one but Monica. People in this world seemed uninterested in me. Besides, unless they were people close to me, it seemed impossible."

"Then, why did you think I was capable of such acts?"

"You harbored hatred toward Omega. Not only me but even Lady Nicola felt your animosity."

Silence accompanied her matter-of-fact statement, yet it struck at Ian's heart like a dagger. Melissa maintained a certain distance between them as she glanced out the window, attempting to gauge the time. Ian, who noticed her gaze, hastened to speak with impatience.

"While it may not be as much as you wish, I have punished and driven away all those who treated you with disrespect. The people who troubled you within the mansion are no longer present. But, if you permit me to take action against the remaining individuals who caused you pain, I want to assist you in seeking retribution."

As he spoke, Ian thought to himself that if he were included among those who needed to be punished, he would undoubtedly deliver that retribution himself.

"Um... I admit that I misunderstood you for a while. However, revenge, well..."

The word 'revenge' itself felt rather futile to Melissa. Indeed, it might provide a momentary satisfaction, but in the end, would she not become just like them?

Not wanting to involve herself in their scheme, she hesitated as Ian asked.

"Mel, there is one thing I want to ask."

"Yes, go ahead and ask."

She who deemed it fair to inquire replied with a composed voice, and Ian, after running his lips over in contemplation, cautiously asked in a subdued tone.

"Why have the pheromones vanished?"

Melissa was momentarily rendered speechless by Ian's question. She had thought that any question would be acceptable, but when she heard it, she found herself unable to utter a word.

Observing a momentary torment flicker through her amethyst irises that had roamed the void, Ian unknowingly clenched his fists tightly.

What could have happened to her? Why could she no longer sense the alluring pheromones, and what could be the reason for her to act as if she had never imprinted on him in the first place?

He resolved not to indulge in foolish speculations any longer. Nevertheless, curiosity persisted—no, concern.

For Alphas like Omega, pheromones were nothing less than an essential part of their being. Could there be something wrong with her body? If she had been suffering somewhere unknown, if it was an ongoing illness, he felt he had to help in any way possible.

That was one aspect he couldn't just push away and reject.

"Do you really wish to hear it?" Her voice, which until now had been composed, trembled ever so slightly. Ian noticed that subtle difference.

"Please, tell me."

Even before her pain became palpable, his heart already throbbed with the anticipation of hearing her story. But he had to listen. No one else, only he, had to know.

Melissa took a deep breath, momentarily catching her breath, and recalled that day. It made her uneasy, but she considered it better to face it.

Once she expelled the words from her lips, she felt somewhat lighter. No one but Ian should know.