SWNOVELS Chapter 74
On a bridge near the Jazmín restaurant, tensions were running high.
“Melany, please come down first.
We need to talk about this,” Colton shouted as he rushed to catch up with her, only to find her precariously perched on the edge of the bridge.
In her white dress, Melany's eyes were swollen and sad, her fragile figure swaying on the railing, the roaring river a heartbeat away below her.
«Colton, ever since that perfume contest, I feel like your spark for me has gone out.
You don't trust me anymore.
You forgot about my stomach ache like it didn't matter.
»
Melany’s complexion was ghostly, as delicate as a butterfly about to fall.
“I have never confessed to being Scarlet Snake, and my championship was won fairly.
I just wanted to make you proud.
Do you have any idea how much I have wanted to be Scarlet Snake? I just want to support you, even if it’s just a little.
I’m always willing to do so.
”
Her voice trembled, thick with emotion, as if she were speaking her last words.
“I became so consumed by Scarlet Snake’s perfumes that I lost myself in daydreams.
I’m sorry I made you lose that association with the Everett Group.
If I’d known Allison was Scarlet Snake, I would never have made such a foolish mistake.
”
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she pretended to wish Colton well.
“At Jasmine Restaurant, what I said was true.
If you really love her, I can step aside.
You are the only person I have ever loved, and I sincerely wish for your happiness.
”
With that, Melany leaned forward even further.
“Please come down first!” Colton exclaimed, his anxiety palpable.
The wind seemed ready to blow her away, and he realized that she had always acted out of love for him.
Guilt washed over him like a tidal wave.
“I don’t care about Allison.
The reason I wanted to partner with the Everett Group is that I hoped to elevate our company and impress your parents.
Melany, everything I do is for you, only you!” But Melany looked lost, her face pale as a ghost.
“Colton, I’m doing this for you too.
Remember five years ago? I would have given my life for you.
I appreciate beauty, I even got a scar on my back for you.
So please don’t doubt me,” Melany pleaded, holding on to the railing as desperation etched itself on her features.
“If not, I’d rather die.
”
Although Colton had overlooked his stomach ache at the restaurant to hold Allison's hand, what tormented Melany most was whether she could ever fully regain his trust.
“Let’s talk about this.
Please don’t do anything rash.
” Colton’s heart felt like it was lodged in his throat.
With Melany still teetering on the edge of the bridge, every slight movement grated on his nerves.
Colton was overcome with guilt as she recalled the incident that had intertwined their destinies.
“Five years ago, I was on the verge of death, unconscious.
If you hadn’t come to rescue me, I wouldn’t be here now.
”
That moment also left a scar on Melany, a painful reminder of her love for beauty.
It gnawed at Colton, filled him with anguish and guilt.
From that day on, he had sworn to protect Melany at all costs.
Colton no longer dared to blame her or argue about who was right and who was wrong.
After all, if she hadn't risked her life to save him, he would have been lost a long time ago.
“I may have doubted you, but leaving you was never an option.
Do you know that during the years you were gone, I held on to the memory of you every midnight?” Colton’s eyes sparkled as he spoke.
In that dark time, his situation had been desperate, and he could barely remember the urgency of it all.
The only image he had left was that of the girl who had led him through dark alleys as they fled for their lives.
On the brink of death, the only person he had trusted was that young girl, a memory he held dear.
Melany’s eyes briefly sparkled as she quickly worked out a strategy.
The recent contest had ruined her perfect image in Colton’s heart, but if there was a first mistake, there could surely be a second.
If she wanted his heart back… Tears cascaded down her cheeks as she looked out at the rushing river, and with a heavy heart she declared, “Colton, I love you and I’m so sorry about all this.
If I die, Allison will stop blaming you and maybe there will be a chance to fix everything.
”
With that, she let go of the railing and dove into the water.
The splash resounded like thunder, leaving Colton frozen in fear, completely unprepared for her drastic action.
Without a moment's hesitation, he shed his jacket and dove in after her, both of them disappearing into the icy depths.
In that last moment before losing consciousness, Melany felt strong arms wrap around her.
He had won the bet.
Colton wouldn't question her again.
Melany thought that once she officially became Mrs.
Stevens, she would make sure that Allison would never look down on her again.