Chapter 62

"Phillip Murphy." The man gave a faint smile and sat across Melissa. Melissa nodded, memories instantly flashing through her mind. Murphy was Melissa's senior during high school, one grade above her. He used to be the lead vocalist of the school's rock band and the most skilled electric guitarist. Back then, Murphy was the rock god of the school. "Murphy, I truly didn't expect to meet you here. It's been seven years, hasn't it?" Melissa, recalling how she, Amy, and Nancy had enthusiastically attended their self-organized band concert, suddenly felt her age. Fine wrinkles had formed at the corners of Murphy's eyes, making him look more haggard than before. His sunken eyes and deep dark circles took away his past glowing radiance. "Indeed, seven years. However, you haven't changed a bit." Murphy spoke slowly, appearing weighed down by thoughts. His nostalgic tone made Melissa feel a pang of sorrow. "How could I remain the same? I am now a mother of two." Melissa shook her head with a sentimental smile, thinking if she could turn back time to her high school days, she would never fall for the jerk named Liam. Surprised, Murphy said "So those two children are yours?" Realizing his words might sound inappropriate, he quickly clarified. "I mean, I thought you were their aunt or something. I noticed you guys when you were buying doughnuts." "So that person was you!" Exclaimed Melissa, covering her mouth. "I thought you were some weird uncle following us!" Melissa always loved to joke around with familiar faces, but her words led to Murphy falling silent. Knowing that she may have presumed too far, she waved her hand in front of Murphy's eyes. "Hey, what are you thinking?" Melissa asked cheerfully. Murphy stayed silent, tightly clenching his fists. After a moment of hesitation, he mustered the courage to ask. "Have you kept in touch with Nancy these years?" A lightbulb went off in Melissa's mind - something crucial popped into her mind. Murphy was Nancy's first love! Their story had once caused a stir throughout the campus for a period of time. There were even rumors that Murphy had gone to jail for Nancy. Melissa was worrying over how to deal with the bitch Nancy when heaven apparently handed her a very useful "talent". She had unexpectedly encountered a chess piece, Murphy, who was the best tool for revenge against Nancy. Melissa watched Murphy's serious expression. He seemed both nervous and excited, eager to hear yet afraid to hear any news about Nancy. "Of course, we've been keeping in touch, and occasionally come out for coffee, and chat about life." Melissa pretended to be good friends with Nancy and said in a calm tone. Since Murphy had asked Melissa if she was in contact with Nancy, it proved that he did not understand the grudges between the two. Otherwise, Murphy wouldn't have asked. "Oh" Murphy's Adam's apple moved slightly, and his eyes sank deeper. His fists remained clenched, pale from the pressure. Melissa glanced at Alvin, who was joyfully bouncing on the trampoline in the children's play area, and at the giggling Alvina, rolling around in the sea ball. Her mood instantly shifted. She reached out both hands and gently held Murphy's clenched fist, calmly asking. "Murphy, is that rumor true?" Murphy's pupils rapidly contracted, and Melissa could feel his fist trembling. Silence —— The whole shopping mall was filled with horrendous silence. Even though not far from them was the children's play area filled with laughter and joy, Melissa felt all the hairs on her body stand up. When her gaze met Murphy's dark eyes, Melissa saw a hint of death. Melissa inevitably held her breath. The next second, Murphy pulled his clenched hand out of hers. Melissa drew a sharp breath. "So that matter isn't a secret anymore, is it?" Murphy kept his dark eyes locked on Melissa, his face hidden under the baseball cap became utterly dark. Melissa opened her mouth as a flicker of fear flashed across her beautiful eyes. Melissa took a deep breath, trying her best to appear calm, "At the time, I wasn't exactly sure what was going on, and Nancy didn't tell me anything either. You know I'm not exactly a person who's in the loop. All I heard was that our seniors said you were in jail..." At this point, Murphy grabbed one of Melissa's wrists, gradually exerting his strength. He leaned his head in close, staring intently at Melissa, and said softly. "Go on." Melissa's wrist felt as if it was clamped by pliers, she couldn't move it at all. His fingers were thin and long but powerful. Melissa clenched her teeth because of the pain. "They said you were in jail because of Nancy." Melissa took a deep breath and blurted it out all at once. Murphy studied Melissa. Finding no hostility from her, he gradually relaxed his grip. His arms crossed on the table, a hint of sadness flashed in his eyes. Despite the pain in her wrist, Melissa cautiously touched Murphy's arm. She calmly asked him. "How... long were you in there before you were released?" "Six years and eight months" Murphy replied blankly. "That long?" Melissa couldn't hide her surprise. She decided to take a risk. She wanted to know the whole story. She spoke slowly and softly, tentatively asking. "Murphy, can you tell me what happened?" Murphy squinted, sizing up Melissa. He was deciding whether this woman was trustworthy, she stared right back at him, resolute. "Why do you want to know?" Murphy asked coldly. "Because this has been troubling Nancy for a long time, and I've always wanted to comfort her, but I didn't know where to start." Melissa replied calmly and resolutely, looking straight into Murphy's eyes to convince him. Murphy hesitated for a moment before starting. "Nancy was my girlfriend, you know that, right?" "I know" Melissa nodded. She couldn't be sure at the time what was the extent of the relationship between Nancy and Murphy. All she knew was that Nancy was completely infatuated with Murphy, always attending his concerts. She had met Murphy a few times privately, but only went out with him for a few afternoons, always getting back before evening study. "So, if someone wants to mess with my woman, they'll have to pay with their life!" Murphy's mouth twitched as he clenched his fist and pounded it on the table, attracting weird glances from the surrounding people. Melissa whispered a reminder "Murphy, this is a public place, calm down." Murphy raised his head and looked around. Sure enough, no one dared to look in their direction anymore. He radiated an aura of malign force that sent a chill down anyone's spine.