She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 2

Melanie froze.

If Daphne hadn't brought it up, she would have almost forgotten she’d used the excuse of finding a fling for her trip abroad four years ago.

“It’s not about me. It’s Dominic. He has another wife and child.”

Daphne was about to let out a curse when the door to the hospital room suddenly opened, and Melanie quickly hung up.

“You’re finally awake!”

Melanie watched Dominic walk into the room.

She didn’t recognize the suit he was wearing today; it wasn’t one she’d bought for him.

The well-tailored, dark gray suit looked expensive and perfectly complemented his dashing demeanor.

Melanie and Dominic were childhood friends, their marriage arranged before birth. She had always thought of him as a gentle person.

Just like now, his face was filled with concern for her and joy at seeing her awake.

If she hadn’t seen with her own eyes that he had another family, she might have still believed her husband was undyingly in love with her.

Melanie scoffed inwardly.

The Academy really owed Dominic an Oscar.

“Melanie, guess who’s here to see you?”

It was only then that Melanie realized that in their four years of marriage, Dominic had always just called her Melanie—

No nickname, no pet name, no 'darling.'

It was always just “Melanie.”

“Evelyn, Lila, come on in!”

Melanie watched Evelyn walk in, holding Lila’s hand.

Evelyn was wearing a royal blue floral dress, a piece from Chanel’s latest spring couture collection. Melanie had mentioned to Dominic before that she liked that style.

Evelyn’s long, dark hair was pin-straight, making her look gentle and sweet, especially with her large, expressive eyes that seemed to speak on their own.

With such a polished, ladylike appearance, who would ever suspect she was having a secret affair with the man she’d grown up with, a married man?

And then there was Lila, dressed in a limited-edition Disney princess gown.

Melanie had never paid close attention to Lila’s features before.

Looking at her now, she really didn’t resemble Everett.

“Hi, Aunt Melanie. This is for you.”

Lila held out a pineapple she was carrying.

Melanie didn’t take it.

She was allergic to pineapple.

“Melanie, look how well-behaved and polite Lila is!”

Although Dominic was supposedly talking to her, he exchanged a glance with Evelyn.

“Lila is Everett’s only daughter, and you know how close Everett and I are. It’s time for her to start pre-K, and Brightwood Premier Academy here in Averin is famous nationwide. I want Lila to get a better education here…”

Dominic cleared his throat.

“So, while you were unconscious, I’ve already updated Lila and Evelyn’s residency records to our home address.”

Even though Melanie was prepared for something, Dominic’s actions still stung her deeply.

“You call this a discussion?”

“Melanie…”

“I don’t agree.”

When Melanie said those words, the air in the room seemed to freeze.

Out of the corner of her eye, Melanie saw Evelyn give Lila a look.

“Waaah…”

Lila immediately burst into tears, which streamed down her face.

“Does this mean I can’t go to the best school? Uncle Dominic, I don’t have a daddy anymore… Are you going to abandon me now, too?”

Dominic, who had felt a pang of guilt for changing their legal residence without Melanie’s permission, immediately scooped Lila into his arms as soon as she started crying.