Chapter 5

Melina's eyes were so clear that she couldn't hide her emotions. Everyone could see the disappointment in her eyes. Her authenticity was completely out of place in the city. After Melina apologized, a few people came up and mockingly pushed her around. Feeling humiliated, John didn't go after her anymore but took out his frustration by kicking her pink bucket. Melina kept backing away. She knew calling Wallace would keep her from getting kicked out, but she didn't want to make him worry on her first day in Cyntia. She kept her head down. When no one was looking, the disappointment in her eyes had already turned into determination. Everyone thought they could push Melina around, but she remembered each of their faces. If she ever ran into them again, she'd make sure to get back at them. Nobody knew that the seemingly sad young woman was already plotting her revenge. Just then, Andrew looked like he was tired and was done with this nonsense. He called out, "I'm tired. Time to leave, everyone." His words were final. When he allowed it, they could fool around as much as they liked. The moment he gave the word, all the arrogant young men at the scene quickly stopped their antics and started saying their goodbyes as they left. None of them was as bold as Melina, and they wouldn't dare to talk back to Andrew. Soon enough, only Melina remained. She stood quietly where she was. Right then, Andrew gave another order. "Get her settled in, Dorothy. From now on, we don't need part-time helpers or maids in Oakread. She'll take care of all the housework." The older, refined butler made her way over to Melina. Those who hadn't left the place heard Andrew's instructions and looked at each other in confusion. It was at that moment they all sensed something unusual was happening. Everyone knew Andrew had a peculiar quirk. He disliked having outsiders in his living space. Typically, the maids and the cooks came at specific times, did their jobs, and then left. The attendees of the party knew the rules. Even Dorothy, who had taken care of Andrew since he was young, never stayed overnight at Oakread. But Melina was given a place to stay, which meant she'd be spending the night at Oakread and living under the same roof as Andrew. They were all shocked and baffled. Who was this new maid? Why was it that she could stay at Oakread when she looked so plain and shabby? Shocked, they left in a hurry, and the villa fell silent. Following Andrew's instructions, Dorothy led Melina to a room on the first floor and explained things to her. "You'll be staying here from now on, miss. Mr. Wentworth's room is on the second floor, and he doesn't like being disturbed. So, don't go upstairs unless you have to." When Melina found out that she didn't have to sleep with Andrew, she let out a deep sigh of relief. At the end of the day, Melina was just a young woman who had been recently accepted into university. Even though she was married, she wasn't ready to share a bed with a man she just met. Looking at the gentle old lady in front of her, Melina remembered how Andrew called her Dorothy, so she did the same. "Got it, Dorothy. Thank you. I'm Melina Crawford. Feel free to call me by my name." Dorothy was taken aback by how Melina addressed her. Only Andrew would call her that, and most people would respectfully call her "Ms. West," including his friends. Dorothy's expression softened a little. Remembering what Andrew had asked for, she reluctantly said, "Mr. Wentworth has asked you to clean up the living room, Ms. Crawford. Also, you'll have to take care of his daily needs from now on." Melina looked like she was barely old enough to be an adult, and Andrew made her clean such a big villa. He clearly meant to give her a hard time. But Melina had no objections and nodded with enthusiasm. "Alright, I'll do my best." Dorothy sighed. "Put your things down and follow me. I'll walk you through the villa and show you how to use some of the equipment." Melina came from a poor background, so a lot of the appliances here were new to her. Dorothy was patient in her explanations; Melina could feel the kindness behind it. In the end, Melina beamed at Dorothy and sincerely said, "I really appreciate it." Seeing how sweet and innocent Melina seemed, Dorothy felt like her heart had melted, so she made an exception and gave Melina her number. She told Melina to call her if she needed help. As the sky went dark, Dorothy finally left. After cleaning up her room, Melina came out and found out that Andrew had already gone upstairs. The villa was quiet, with only the living room still in a mess. Melina was already exhausted from sitting on a hard train seat for three days and two nights. But the thought that every task she did would repay Wallace's kindness instantly gave her energy. "I've got to repay the favor. Time to start cleaning," Melina thought to herself.