Serendipity's Secret (Melanie) novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20 

Around Edward and Melanie, young couples took the opportunity to discreetly hold hands and share Imowing siniles, creating a cozy atmosphere. 

Most of the audience were couples in love, while Melanie and Edward sat rigidly upright like two soldiers 

ty of the guys 

After the film ended, everyone filed out in an orderly fashion. The screening room was dim, and as they descended the steps, Edward noticed many offering their hands to help their dates. 

He furrowed his brow but, upon seeing Melanie approach, he still extended his hand in a gentlemanly manner. 

She glanced at him and gently grasped his arm as she stepped down. Once outside the cinema, they realized it was getting late and, with no other entertainment options in mind, decided to head home. 

As they exited the cinema, they almost collided with another couple. Melanie noticed them but didn’t pay much attention. However, the stylishly dressed woman couldn’t help but steal a few glances at Melanie. She only looked away when Melanie climbed onto the bicycle. 

Curious, the man beside her asked, “What’s w 

s wrong? 

“Nothing. I just thought she looked a bit familiar,” the woman replied. 

The man didn’t press any further. 

When Melanie and Edward got home, the Grayson family had already wrapped up their activities for the evening. They were sitting in the living room, chatting 

away 

Yaeger was animatedly discussing something from work with a smile on his face, while Felicia appeared a bit distracted, glancing frequently toward the door. She knew that Edward had taken Melanie out, and she was starting to wonder why they were still out so late. 

Edward’s time was precious, and it surprised her that he had been hanging out with Melanie until now. As soon as Melanie entered the house, Nellie rushed over, hugging her leg and whining, “Mommy, I missed y 

you!” 

Melanie picked her up and presented her with a gift. “Look, this is a backpack we got for you. Do you like it? You’ll be able to use it when school starts in a few days! 

Nellie was technically supposed to start school next year, but an extra year wouldn’t hurt her, she could learn even more. Plus, staying at home meant someone would need to keep an eye on her. 

Nellie’s eyes lit up as she held the backpack, absolutely thrilled. “I love it! This backpack is so pretty! Thank you, Mommy!” 

In the village, the other kids had only had backpacks made from old clothes, patched up with visible stitches. 

“You don’t need to thank me; It was your…” 

She almost said it was from “Uncle Edward” but then thought of the family dynamics and quickly changed her wording, “It’s from 

your dad.” 

Nellie looked over at Edward, feeling incredibly lucky. Everything felt like a dream. Though she was still saddened by Elijah’s passing, Edward treated her well, and Luca and Sapphire adored her. Here, she felt cherished and protected and no longer had to live in fear. 

“Thank you, Daddy!” she exclaimed. 

Edward acknowledged her with a smile and took her from Melanie’s anns, playfully teasing her. To anyone watching, they looked the picture of a happy family of three. 

Sapphire felt a swell of joy in her heart, reminiscing about the late Elijah, and she almost teared up. 

No matter what, this was a good situation–her granddaughter was back, and her daughter–in–law was pregnant with two more grandsons. It felt like a small but significant consolation.