Chapter 22

"Happy birthday, Mel." The sound of Dustin's voice snapped Melanie out of her thoughts. She pursed her lips and put on a blank expression. "Thanks," she said softly. Just as she was starting to get lost in her thoughts again, a cake was placed in front of her. When she lifted her head, she saw Dustin smiling at her. "You don't need to be so formal with me," he said. "The preparations were kind of rushed this time. Next year, I'll make sure to throw you a bigger and better celebration. What do you think?" Melanie didn't respond and took a bite of the cake instead. The expensive buttercream tasted smooth and sweet. However, she found it incredibly bland. She subconsciously tightened her grip on the bracelet she was holding. The crystals clinked against each other as she clenched her fists. If she were to be honest, she didn't like any of the gifts Dustin had gotten her. What she truly wanted was to leave the villa and return to Zachary. "If only Zachary were here," she thought