As they drove, the soft hum of traffic filled the silence between them. The closer they got to the hotel, the heavier the air felt, like the truth was waiting for them in a place they were not prepared to enter. The hotel parking lot glowed with warm lights as Edward pulled in sharply, finding a space near the entrance. Lillian stepped out slowly, her hands slightly shaking as she looked around, searching for some sign that this wasn't happening. But Edward marched forward with the stiff determination of a father whose patience had finally broken.
Inside the lobby, the air smelled of citrus and fresh linen. Guests moved about lazily, unaware that a storm was following Edward and Lillian through the polished marble floors. "Where's the pool? " Edward asked the receptionist, his tone steady but cold. The young woman pointed toward a hallway to the left.
Straight through there, sir. You'll see the signs. Edward didn't thank her. He strode toward the hallway, Lillian hurrying behind him. The sound of splashing water grew louder, blending with laughter and clinking glasses as they approached the poolside lounge.
Warm golden light reflected across the tile floor. The atmosphere was peaceful, and then they saw her. Meline stood near the edge of the pool, her arms looped around the shoulders of a man whose face they immediately recognized from old photos she once showed them during her college days. Aiden Mercer, the crush she used to whisper about, her emerald dress clung to her figure, the slit revealing her leg as she leaned in, kissing him with a slow, eager passion that made Lillian gasp aloud. The sound cut sharply through the calm evening air.
Meline pulled away instantly, her eyes widening as she spotted her parents standing there, Edward rigid with fury. Lillian frozen between heartbreak and shock. Mom, Dad, she choked out, stepping slightly back from Aiden. Edward's voice thundered across the pool deck, louder than he intended. Meline Montgomery, what on earth do you think you're doing?
Other guests turned to look. Aiden straightened himself, adjusting his shirt with a nervous glance, but Meline lifted her chin stubbornly. "What are you doing here? " she demanded, her tone defensive rather than ashamed. "Why did you follow me?
" Edward stepped closer, his voice trembling with a father's deepest disappointment. "We didn't follow you. Colton told us where you were. Do you have any idea what you've done? Do you understand what you've thrown away tonight?
Meline's face hardened. Thrown away? Dad, please. I'm finally doing something for myself. Something I've wanted for years.
You don't get to make me feel guilty for living. Living? Lillian whispered tears filling her eyes. You call this living? Throwing away your marriage, disrespecting your husband, breaking your vows.
Is this what your friends told you to do? Meline's expression twisted at the mention of her friends. My friends helped me see I deserve to feel wanted. Aiden and I have a past. This is my chance to to destroy your future.