Melody Strikes Back by Myra Walker

Margaret was momentarily shocked, finding it hard to believe what she saw. She quickl 

“Can you check and see if Ken is smiling?” 

Equally surprised, the servant nodded and said, “Yes, he is smiling.” 

turned to her servant and asked, 

Despite her astonishment, Margaret swiftly composed herself, a sense of joy overtaking her features as she broke into a wide smile. “Ken went through a lot after losing his mom when he was young. After his father’s hasty remarriage to Astrid following his mother’s passing, I hardly saw him smile. Especially after Ulric’s accident, he never smiled, even around me 

The servant beside Margaret had been with her for many years and knew her well. Upon hearing Margaret’s comment, she couldn’t help but ask, “Mrs. Margaret, are you seriously thinking about matchmaking them?” 

“Why not? Seems like she could make him happy. Margaret replied. 

“But. The servant knew her place and hesitated to speak further. However, having watched Ken grow up, she steeled herself and spoke her mind. The Fox family isn’t what it used to be. I read in the news recently that another one of their branch offices had closed down. And Miss Fox’s appearance… her voice trailed off 

Margaret frowned slightly. “As long as they come from a respectable family, I’ll accept them. I don’t care about social status. Besides, our family has always had ties with the Fox family. And so what if she isn’t conventionally pretty! Apart from her looks. I don’t see any flaws.” 

Margaret admired Melody for her class, courage, and determination. While others would have avoided the risk of being implicated if something went wrong during the treatment, Melody volunteered to be her physician. Their recent interactions made Margaret pleased with Melody’s character and personality. 

“But…” the servant spoke hesitantly, pausing before continuing, wasn’t it Mr. Ulric who was supposed to marry the eldest daughter of the Fox family?” 

With that, Margaret let out a cold sneer. “Don’t you know what Astrid is like? Although she’s younger than me, she still has the mindset of the older generation and is even more particular about social status. Even if she were dead, she would never agree to the marriage between Melody and her precious son.” 

Compared to Astrid, Margaret was far more open–minded and committed to keeping her promises. Additionally, she had a close relationship with Melody’s grandmother, Maria Fox, so breaking off the engagement was out of the question. 

‘Since we can’t just break off the engagement, perhaps the best idea would be to pair up Ken and Melody instead, Ken is also a biological descendant of the Swanson family, so I doubt the Fok family would have any objections, Margaret thought. 

“Let’s go,” Margaret said, not intending to disrupt them. As she turned to leave, she added, “Don’t mention this to them yet. Let’s see how their fate plays out before making any decisions. Unlike our generation, the youngsters now advocate for freedom in marriage. 

When Melody looked up at the kitchen entrance, Margaret had already entered the elevator, so she had no idea that Margaret had dropped by. 

“I’ve cracked all the walnuts. What’s next?” Ken asked, scooping the walnuts into a bowl and clearing away the shells. 

Grateful for the help, Melody eagerly pushed the mortar and pestle toward Ken. “Grind these walnuts into powder,” she 

instructed. 

Initially, she thought Ken would be reluctant, but to her surprise he poured the walnuts into the mortar and began grinding without complaint. 

Watching him work, Melody realized she had never really understood this man. In her previous life, she had always seen him as an enemy because of Ulric. In fact, she had actively helped Ulric, leading to Ken being stripped of his inheritance 

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Reflecting her previous life, Melody acknowledged that she had loved the wrong person and wronged the wrong man. ‘Ken may seem cold, but he is much kinder than Ulric, she thought, feeling deep regret and guilt. 

“What are you staring at? Stop wasting time and get back to work? Ken said with a frown, his expression as stern as if someone owed him a million dollars. 

Instead of being offended by his blunt remark, Melody nodded cheerfully. “Alright, I’ll get right on it” With that, she began the task of weighing and portioning the herbs. 

Ken observed Melody suspiciously, perplexed by her unexpectedly upbeat response. Despite his less–than–polite tone, she carried on without any sign of annoyance. 

Previously, she was someone who would argue with me, Ken thought, puzzled by the sudden change in her temperament. “Had she lost her mind? 

Suddenly, Melody’s earlier confession flashed through his mind. Could it be… does she genuinely have feelings for me? he thought 

Ken paused momentarily, then resumed grinding the powder, pushing aside thoughts of Melody’s potential feelings, “Why should I concern myself with whether she likes me or not? She’s just a lively but materialistic girl, after all. 

Ken’s expression darkened once more. Abruptly, he addressed Melody, “Keep working. I’ll find someone to assist you.” Without awaiting Melody’s response, he set down the pestle and swiftly exited the kitchen. 

Linaware of Ken’s somber expression, Melody presumed his departure was due to pressing matters. 

Shortly after, a man bearing a long scar approached the kitchen Miss Fox, I’m James Deeds. Mr. Ken sent me to lend at hand 

Upon hearing that Ken sent James, Melody nodded, welcoming him inside. She then directed James to continue Ken’s tasks before he departed. Meanwhile, on her side of the kitchen, Melly mixed the herbs she had measured into another vessel, readying them for grinding. 

James swiftly finished grinding the walnuts into powder. Melody inspected the texture and then mixed them with the other herbs in a pot to simmer. While waiting for the mixture to cook, she added a hint of clove–infused water to another set of freshly ground ingredients and shaped them into consistently sized pills. 

Soon, the herbs brewed into a rich and dark–colored medicinal decoction. Melody poured it into a bowl and placed in alongside the bottle of pills she had crafted. Holding a tray, she turned to James and directed, Ill deliver the medicine to Mrs. Margaret. Stay here and ensure no one enters without my permission, including Astrid Swanson.” 

“Don’t worry. I’ll keep this place secure, James assured her. Tall and imposing, with a rugged scar, he appeared capable of handling any situation. 

With James’s assurance, Melody departed the kitchen with confidence. However, just as she was about to go to Margaret’s room, a servant stopped her. 

“Miss Fox, please wait, the servant bowed respectfully. “For safety measures, please hand over the medicine to me first. Ill have the family doctor examine it to ensure there are no allergens harmful to Mrs. Margaret before returning it to you,” she 

said.