Chapter 832

Melina's body stiffened even more. She stayed silent. Andrew sighed inwardly but continued, "I didn't do anything to them. I just made sure the man who gave them the wedding gift found out he was being tricked. He went back and caused trouble, accusing them of scamming him. "The village values its reputation, so they quickly distanced themselves from your mother's family. They exposed how the family had sold their daughter for money, wanted to do the same with their granddaughter, and were mean to everyone. "In the end, their disabled son became a public disgrace. No one from the surrounding villages will even consider marrying into their family." Andrew's tone was indifferent, as if he were stating a simple fact. The son Delilah cared about most had been criticized by everyone. She had hoped to find a wife for her grandson, but now, no one would dare marry into their family. Andrew hadn't directly harmed them, but he had made sure they faced the worst possible consequences. After he finished speaking, Melina still kept her head down. "I'm telling you this because I want you to understand where I stand. I've always been the same cold, ruthless person. That hasn't changed. It's not easy for me to change. Angel, do you understand?" Melina's chest felt tight. She had never asked about what happened to that family, not because she was afraid of them suffering, but because deep down, she didn't want to be reminded of Andrew's indifference. She had been convincing herself that Andrew had changed—that he had become gentler and more considerate. But in reality, he had only shown change in matters related to her. Beyond that, he was still the same Andrew as before. She had tried to make him experience more, hoping that through those experiences, he would change. But that had been nothing more than wishful thinking. "I'm sorry," she murmured. "I shouldn't have been so naive." "I'm not blaming you for trying," Andrew replied. "I just don't want you to feel upset over something you can't change." Andrew didn't care what she asked him to do. For him, experiencing campus life was no different from keeping her locked up at home. He could go along with it, no matter what. But what he didn't want was to see her get discouraged when she realized her efforts were in vain. So, he had played along, pretending to change for her sake. But given that they spent so much time together, it was inevitable that she would eventually see through the act. On top of that, Wyatt had blurted out those thoughtless words. That was why Andrew had decided to be honest with Melina now. He wanted to take the weight off her shoulders. Melina opened her mouth as if to say something but couldn't find the right words. It wasn't just about feeling disappointed. It was about the fact that if she couldn't change Andrew, her plans for university and her dreams would be affected. She couldn't give up on her studies and her dreams. At that moment, a lively group approached them. Wyatt was surprised when he spotted them. "What are you two doing here?" The basketball team's captain grinned when he saw them. "You guys ran off quick! But you've already changed, so that's perfect. We're going out for a barbecue to celebrate. You should come!" Andrew was about to decline. He never went to social gatherings like this. But before he could speak, Melina suddenly stood up and nodded. "Sounds good! But I'm not part of the team. Am I allowed to come?" The captain waved his hand dismissively. "Of course! You're our star player's girlfriend. You're definitely invited!" Everyone laughed in agreement. Among men, friendships formed quickly, whether through shared struggles or shared victories. Even though Andrew was always distant, the team still treated him warmly. Since Melina had agreed, Andrew didn't refuse. But his expression was complicated as he looked at her. Melina didn't look back at him.