Yvette scoffed. She couldn't stand the way Melody acted, always looking down on everyone as if no one but Theo was worth her time.
Back in school, whenever someone got close to Theo, Melody would make sure to deal with them—some had even been forced to transfer.
As the only female friend in Theo's circle, Yvette had also been one of her targets. That was when their rivalry began.
"Of course, I don't mind." Sierra smiled naturally as she answered in a light tone.
Seeing that she wasn't jealous or upset, Melody was visibly disappointed. Her gaze swept past the two women in her way and landed back on Theo. "This isn't the right time. Let's talk alone next time."
Theo wanted to settle things with her once and for all, so he nodded in agreement.
Yvette's eyes widened. She was about to speak up when Sierra stopped her. "Are you guys playing a match? Could you teach me?"
Theo nodded and handed her the cue stick. Moving behind her, he wrapped his arms around her, his large hands covering her delicate ones. In a deep voice, he murmured in her ear, "One hand in front, and one in the back. Keep your eyes on the ball…"
The intimate pose nearly sent Melody over the edge. She clenched her fists, forcing herself to stay put instead of rushing to pull them apart.
For the next two days, she had shadowed Theo constantly, throwing out vague, suggestive comments—only to be shut down by Yvette every time.
…
On the final day, Sierra decided to try horseback riding.
At 8:00 am, she arrived at the stables hand in hand with Theo. Following the staff's guidance, they went to change into riding gear.
When Sierra stepped out, the first thing she saw was Theo in a sleek black riding outfit, talking to Melody. They were a bit too far away for her to hear what they were saying.
Even though Benson was his nephew, Theo had no patience for people bringing up the past between him and Sierra. His expression remained composed, but his gaze darkened slightly.
Melody mistook his reaction for discomfort. She was thrilled and thought that their relationship wasn't as solid as it seemed.
"If someone didn't know better, they'd think she was just trying to one-up her ex."
If Theo hadn't known every detail of Sierra and Benson's breakup, he might have wavered, even briefly considering the possibility that she had married him out of spite.
However, he knew better. "Sierra isn't the type to play with her feelings," he said calmly. "She's a sincere person."
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