Chapter 7

When Melanie heard that Giselle was going through the same thing she did, Melanie felt sorry for her and started to comfort her. "I'm in the same boat too, but it's okay. Everything will get better once you've finally divorced him. I'm sure that Tony will help you through the case." It was true. Anthony had indeed helped Giselle through the hardest part—signing the divorce papers. Giselle nodded in agreement and continued with the topic. "I heard that he was the one who also handled your case. I'm sure he must have done everything in his power for you." A shy look appeared on Melanie's face. Her tone was as light as a feather as she answered, "Yeah. Tony indeed helped me out a lot. He wasn't just gathering evidence to help sue my ex but also protecting my friends and family from danger. "If it hadn't been for him, I might have already been slashed to death by my ex by now." Giselle watched as Melanie recalled the bitter memories with a sweet smile on her face. She was a little stunned. Unable to hold herself back, she asked, rather inappropriately, "Do you like Anthony?" Melanie stiffened when she heard this question. After debating for a long while, Melanie answered with a stammer, "I don't know either. I've always just looked up to him as an older brother of mine. "He often brought me out and would always take good care of me. He'd also shower me with gifts all the time. When I got bullied at school, he was the one who fought back for me until he was covered in bruises. "When he learned that I was getting a divorce, he also approached me first and offered to help me win the case. It wasn't until Castor later told me that Tony had been having a secret crush on me for a long time that I knew… "He's such a cold and aloof person, though. I never thought he was the kind who would develop secret crushes on other people. I don't even know why he likes me." Giselle felt all sorts of emotions as Melanie continued talking about the past. She felt as if she was learning about a whole new side of Anthony that she never knew. So, he didn't have a cold and aloof personality. He just never liked her from the start. And it wasn't that he never took the initiative to do anything for her. She just wasn't the one he wanted to do things for. Unfortunately, Giselle's epiphany was too late. She was already too deeply invested in this relationship when she finally realized this and had wasted so many years on Anthony in vain. Melanie was still caught up in the sweet memories of her past and never realized the sudden look of understanding on Giselle's face. After this little chat, Melanie was already treating Giselle as a close friend of hers with whom she could share her personal feelings and experiences. Although Melanie had only met Giselle a few times, she mustered up her courage and decided to finally ask the question that had been plaguing her mind for the longest time ever. "Giselle, what do you think about Anthony?" Giselle read between the lines and knew what Melanie really meant. She raised her head and looked at the house that was being emptied out. Then, she spoke with utmost sincerity, "I've known him for ten years, but it's only recently that I realized I never knew him in the first place. "So, I'm afraid I can't tell you what his personality is like. But, let me tell you that this is the first time I'd ever seen him so deeply in love with someone." Melanie thought about it and nodded, feeling a little more at ease. Seeing that the sun was starting to set and darkness started to fall, Melanie tugged at Giselle's hand and invited her to join them for dinner. Anthony was on the way down when he overheard Melanie's invitation. He stiffened in place as a look of reluctance appeared on his face. Giselle caught sight of his expression. The corners of her mouth lifted. Then, she turned Melanie down and said, "I've still got some other matters to tend to tonight, so I won't be joining you guys after all." Anthony didn't even give Melanie or Castor any time to react to Giselle's statement. He just quickly ushered Giselle into his car. "You guys can go over first. I'll arrive a little later after I've sent her home." The truck then followed the car out of the residential area. Anthony's heart was hammering away in his chest as he racked his brains to think up a suitable excuse for the whole fiasco. However, Giselle was the first one to break the awkward silence in the car. Her tone was as calm as ever as she said, "Don't get so anxious. Didn't we agree before getting married that we'd keep our marriage a secret from everyone else except our parents? "We'd only disclose our marriage only if we feel comfortable about it. I know you're not ready yet, so I understand." Anthony's anxiety gradually died down as he listened to Giselle's gentle and soothing tone. He inhaled deeply then spoke rather gratefully, "Thank you for your understanding. "Actually, I'm already starting to accept the fact that I'm married. Just give me a while longer. I promise that I'll make it public soon." Giselle just replied with a hum or two before turning around to stare out of the window. They'd already been married for three years, yet Anthony still claimed he needed more time. The problem was that she didn't want to wait anymore. She was exhausted.