Chapter 24

At that thought, Marcelo's gaze toward Melissa grew colder. Before she could react, he grabbed the collar of her shirt and yanked her along the edge of the artificial lake. As if she could sense his intentions, Melissa clung to his legs and pleaded desperately, "I'm sorry, Marcelo. I really am. But it's true that I saved your lives, and I really like you. Please, don't do this to me. It hurts so much. Just forgive me this one time, please." At her words, Marcelo paused but immediately kicked her hand away. His voice was icy as he said, "Don't touch me. You're disgusting." Melissa stared blankly at her hand, feeling the intense pain in her back and the burn on her chest screaming at her. She never imagined she'd be treated like this. The kindness they once showed her had suddenly disappeared in an instant. "Why?" she asked, looking up at the tall figure beside her. "I hid it so well before. Why did you suddenly figure it out?" Marcelo scoffed by the lake. "You hid it well? Don't