Betrayed By Husband, Stolen By Brother In Law-Chapter 120: Horrible looking

"What are you doing here?" As he opened the door, Adam felt an uncanny sense of déjà vu as Melanie's gaze shifted past him, focusing intently on the room behind him.

Just moments ago, he had been lost in thought, recalling that night with Saira—how she had stood at his door, her eyes filled with suspicion, peering into his room as if she would see something incriminating. And now, here was Melanie, mirroring that same stance, that same questioning look.

And then, just as if the universe itself wanted to play with him, she asked, "Who is inside with you?"

His body tensed. The words hit him like an echo from the past. It was almost eerie how similar this moment was.

Adam swallowed hard, realizing something he hadn't quite acknowledged before—there were far too many similarities between Saira and Melanie.

Both were what one might call the quintessential 'good girl next door', full of warmth and a certain sense of unsurety. They were direct, unafraid to ask the questions on their mind, yet sometimes hesitant in the way they carried themselves, as if they weren't always sure how much of themselves they were allowed to reveal.

The comparison struck him harder than he expected, momentarily throwing him off balance. Was that why he felt a soft spot for Melanie? Was it because, in some inexplicable way, she reminded him of Saira? The realization unsettled him. And he stiffened as he stared at her feeling an unexplicable sense of anger.

She stared back at him for a long moment,before her face broke into a grin. "Look at you. Anyone would think you were in here practicing black magic or summoning spirits with that intense expression on your face."

Her tone was light, but there was an unmistakable curiosity lingering beneath her words. Then, as if sensing his unease, she took a step back and held up a small bag. "Relax. I'm not barging in or demanding answers." Her grin widened. "I actually come in peace. Consider this a peace offering."

She wiggled the food bag enticingly before continuing, "I got you something to eat. So, go wash your face, clear whatever dark sorcery you were up to, and come join me before the food gets cold."

With that, she turned on her heel, and walked away, leaving him a bit confused. In a daze, he walked back into the room and then into the washroom to wash his face.

He looked into the mirror and winced. He really did look horrible. He looked terrible—his hair was an unkempt mess, dark circles loomed beneath his eyes, and his stubble had grown into something dangerously close to a full beard. He barely recognized himself. It was almost as bad as the last time he'd let himself go like this—back when Saira had gone.

Shaking his head, he quickly washed his face and hurried out of the door. There, a veritable feast had been laid out and he winced. He'd promised Melanie that he would alway shave food ready but now he'd been hiding in his room for the past couple of weeks.

She grinned at him as she set the plate and fork down on the table with an air of triumph. "I can see that you've finally woken up. Welcome back to the world of the living, Adam Collins."

Adam sighed, running a hand through his already-messy hair before taking his place opposite her. "I've been... distracted."

She scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I noticed. You do know that you can talk to me, right? If something's bothering you."

Adam hesitated, his fingers tightening slightly around the fork. Share his troubles? That wasn't something he was used to. When had he ever been the type to just open up about what was on his mind? The very idea felt foreign, like trying to walk in someone else's shoes.

Instead of answering, he dropped his gaze to the food in front of him and took a bite, letting the rich flavors distract him from the conversation.

For a moment, she let the silence linger, watching him eat with an unreadable expression. Then, just as he started to relax, she spoke again, "Actually, I had an ulterior motive for luring you out with food."

Adam paused mid-bite, his fork hovering just inches from his mouth. His eyes flicked up to meet hers. Looking at her guilty expresssion, he could not help but tease her," You little opportunist. So, you thought of me only when you needed something."

He watched as she gave him a look and huffed," I knew you would say that! But considering the fact that you've been ignoring me since..." She paused and then continued," You've been ignoring me since I told you that I want you, of course I would stay away. But now, we have to go to Collins' mansion this weekend."

Adam stilled. He'd been thinking of how to go there and why she woudl be there but now, Melanie said that they had to go there this weekend? Then, did she know something about Saira? Carefully, he asked," Why?"

Carefully, he asked, "Why?"

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Melanie arched a brow as if the answer should have been obvious. "Because it's your grandfather's birthday. Robert Collins is hosting a grand celebration this weekend, and of course, he wants his family there... along with all the business bigwigs."

Adam took another bite, chewing slowly as he nodded. Of course, he would. The old man never missed an opportunity to celebrate his birthday. Even if he wasn't in the city, he would arrange for a lavish affair, no expense spared. He called it celebrating life.

But in truth, it was nothing more than an excuse—an opportunity to rub shoulders with the powerful, to strengthen alliances, forge new ones, and remind everyone exactly who Robert Collins was.

"So, you want to use this time to make your own connections?" Adam asked slowly.

Melanie nodded," Hmm. I need to make new connections and remind the old ones..."

"Okay then! I am here for your use, My dear Melon." Adam agreed, feeling excited inside. He finally had a chance to go and see Saira and if she needed to be saved.