Chapter 295

“Mr. Collins, I’d like to have a word with you.”
Adam paused mid-step and turned to look at Melody with a frown. He didn’t want to talk to her-he really didn’t. The look in her eyes the last time they spoke had been enough of a warning. Something had shifted.
He also knew Adir liked Melody as a teacher, which only made things more complicated. The last thing he wanted was to sour this relationship or, worse, cause Adir any discomfort. He wasn’t about to let any tension with Melody spill over onto the kid.
Still, he reminded himself that maybe-just maybe-he was reading too much into it. It might not be what he imagined at all. So, he forced a polite tone and asked, “Yes?”
Melody straightened slightly, stared into his eyes, and even though she felt the chill emanating from his entire person, she chose to ask in a measured tone, “I’ve arranged for our school counselor to conduct an interview with Adir, focusing on his feelings regarding you and Melanie.”
She paused just long enough to let the words sink in before continuing, “As I’ve mentioned before, I believe your involvement in the volunteer program has been beneficial to him. However, if you’re unable or unwilling to attend the appointment, our counselor will still move forward and assess how your absence may be affecting Adir’s emotional well-being and social development overall.”
Adam nodded as Melody looked at his expectantly and nodded,” You do that.”
He already knew about the ’showdown’ that Melody had with Melanie and there was no way he was going to be guilted into anything.
He had never been one to play games. If Melody wanted to dig around in Adir’s feelings, let her. He had nothing to hide- and neither did Melanie. And if this was her way of gaining an upper hand after her argument with Melanie, she was going to be disappointed.
As for the councillor talking to him, it was beneficial to Adir ultimately so there was nothing to worry. Whatever doubts Melody was fishing for, she wasn’t going to find them.
He might have understood her concern, but he did not appreciate her trying to control their lives.
Melody looked at him carefully, noting his clipped tone. Her hands clenched. Had she revealed her true feeling to him? Was that why he was trying to keep hus distance? She clenched her hands and asked in a low voice,” Is there some kind of misunderstanding? I’m only asking because… you’ve been short with me the last few times we met. Cold. And I thought maybe it was something I said or did?”
Adam shook his head, “No misunderstanding. I’m just in a hurry. Adir’s already back in the car by now probably, and I don’t like to keep him waiting. So, if there is nothing, I’ll take your leave.”
He turned then, ready to walk off. The conversation was done as far as he was concerned.
“Adam, wait,” Melody said quickly.
He paused at the edge of the classroom’s door and paused and turned around, “Miss Melody, I really am in a hurry…”
Melody shook her head and stepped forward slightly,” I just- there’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about. Can we meet later today? Somewhere neutral? A coffee shop, maybe.”
Adam turned his head slowly and looked at her. “There’s no reason for that,” he said flatly. “If you have something to say, you can say it right here.”
“It’s personal.”
His posture stiffened. His voice was quiet, but the words were steel. “There is nothing personal between us,Miss Melody.”
He turned again, more firmly this time, but she didn’t let it end.
“Aren’t you curious?” she asked suddenly. “That Melanie and I look alike?”
Adam stopped in his tracks.
For a second, he didn’t say anything. Then, slowly, he turned back to face her.
“What are you talking about?” he asked.
Melody tilted her head slightly, gauging his reaction. “I mean, it’s… not subtle, is it? The resemblance. Same hair. Similar eyes. Same height. Even our voices are close.”
“I assumed it was just that—coincidence.”
“Is it?” she asked, her voice softer now, almost hesitant. “Are you sure?”
Adam stilled mid-stride, the weight of her words cutting through the fog of irritation. He turned slowly and walked back toward her, his expression unreadable but every protective instinct inside him on high alert. His voice was low, controlled—but there was steel behind it.
“What do you mean?”
Melody held his gaze, aware she was treading a delicate line. “I mean,” she said carefully, “that there are parts of the past—deep parts—that you don’t know. Things Melanie might not know either. And I believe those things matter now.
Adam narrowed his eyes, studying her face for a flicker of manipulation, but found none. Only a strange mix of hesitation and urgency. “Why me?” he asked slowly. “Why not talk to Melanie directly if this is about her past?”
Melody took a moment before answering. “Because I’m not sure she’d listen. Or understand. Or even believe me. And honestly… I don’t want to overwhelm her. Especially not without context. But you—you’re steady. Rational. I thought if I could talk to you first, maybe you’d help me figure out how to approach her.”
Adam’s jaw tightened. He didn’t like the sound of this. He knew everything about her past… the only thing he did not… was her parents… And if this was something related to them, he didn’t want to know if Melanie didn’t want to know. That put him in a dilemma.
But he finally said, “Melanie doesn’t need anyone handling her like she’s fragile. If you have something to say about her, you can say it to her directly.”
“I’m not trying to hide anything from her,” Melody said quickly. “I’m trying to do the opposite. I just… I needed to know if I’m imagining things. If it’s even possible. Look? Can we please meet up so that I can explain things?”
Adam took a deep sigh and nodded at that. “I’ll let you know.”
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