SWNOVELS Chapter 13
Chapter 13 No Longer Home
Suzanna, witnessing the scene, took the initiative to grasp Mrs. Shield’s wrist and implored, “Nanny, Gary isn’t to blame for this. Please, don’t punish him.”
Mrs. Shield’s countenance softened, her hand reaching out affectionately to stroke Suzanna’s head. “You always coddle Gary.”
Turning her gaze sharply to Gary, she remarked, “In light of your sister’s plea, you shall kneel for only an hour.”
“You still won’t thank your sister?”
In times past, Gary would have surely cracked a joke and endeavored to persuade Suzanna to continue pleading to avoid punishment. But this time, he merely glanced at Suzanna’s pale, fragile form, his brows lowered together.
He was facing punishment because of Suzanna. Why should he express gratitude for a lighter sentence?
“I will kneel alone for two hours,” Gary declared, his voice devoid of warmth, his tall figure seeming slightly defeated as he walked away.
Suzanna bit her lower lip, her brow furrowing as she observed Gary’s uncharacteristic behavior. Gritting her teeth, she hurried to seize Gary’s arm, her eyes wide and watery. “Gary, don’t kneel.”
“Nanny, it’s my weakness that caused this. If you must punish someone, then punish me alongside him.”
“Gary, I’ll kneel with you, let’s go.”
Suzanna’s sincerity was palpable, despite her frailty, she clung firmly to Gary, prepared to face the punishment together,
Gary’s expression flickered with bewilderment at her sudden change in demeanor. Memories of Suzie’s kindness over the years flooded his mind. He had already disappointed Mel; he couldn’t bear to let Suzie down as well. He resolved to make amends and show them both even greater kindness.
With this realization, he gently reclaimed Suzanna’s hand and comforted her, “Suzie, go rest with Carson; don’t worry about me.”
Though Suzie’s actions contradicted Mrs. Shield’s orders, there was no trace of displeasure on the older woman’s face. Instead, a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she commended Suzanna. “Let it be. None of you need to kneel.”
“Suzie’s sensibility shines through. Compared to Melody’s blatant disrespect for her elders and ingratitude, it’s like night and day!”
“When she returns home, I will have her kneel for three days and nights as punhment!”
Mrs. Shield’s words were delivered with such vehemence that her own frame trembled with anger.
Gary and Carson exchanged alarmed glances, taken aback by their grandmother’s reaction.
When would Melody come home? Was this still her home? She had severed ties so completely that she no longer recognized them.
After completing the massage and treatment, Edward succumbed to sleep under Melody’s skilled hands and the soothing effects of the intense. Melody gazed out the window, where the first rays of orange- yellow sunlight painted the pale blue sky, signaling the start of a new day.
Exhaustion washed over her, and she sat on the edge of the bed, instinctively grasping Edward’s slender fingers in her palm and closing her eyes. As the birds began to chirp outside and the sunlight intensified, Edward stirred from his slumber, feeling the soft pressure of Melody’s touch on his fingers.
Turning his gaze toward her, he saw Melody curled up on the edge of the bed. Her complexion was porcelain, with a delicate blush gracing her sweet features, making her look utterly enchanting.
Edward studied Melody’s sleeping form for a long moment, his eyes deep and inscrutable. Something stirred within him, hidden in the depths of his gaze….
His gaze traveled to her slender neck
If she harbored ill intentions, it would be easy to twist them…
Melody awoke with a start, feeling sore and fatigued from her uncomfortable position. Her clear and transparent almond eyes fluttered open, and she blinked several times in a stupor. When she finally realized the person staring back at her was Edward, a bewildered look swept across her face.
Surprised, she retreated slightly, and Edward’s gaze withdrew, returning to its calm demeanor.
Her body seemed to shiver as Edward coldly retracted his fingers from her palm.
Raising her head, she offered a smile. “Mr. Moore, your fingers are remarkably elegant. It’s a pity I can’t admire them.”
Edward narrowed his eyes at her. “Melody, are you still half–asleep?”
“If you persist with this banter, you may find yourself relegated to the corridor for the night.”
It was regrettable that such a young girl possessed such a fatuous tongue!
Others would surely be at a loss for words upon hearing her remarks.
Is this my punishment?
Ed, you’ve truly met your match!
“Mr. Moore, you’ve misunderstood.”
“I simply meant it’s a shame you aren’t a hand model!”