Holley couldn't take her eyes off the photo. She didn't expect Jonas to have a picture of him and Melinda on his desk. They looked like a happy couple.

Holley knew that Jonas was confused. But she felt that Melinda would always be special to him.

She was frustrated that Melinda was destroying her chances with Jonas even after divorcing him.

Her eyes were blazing with anger.

She wanted to tear the photo apart. Holley couldn't stand the sight of the happy picture, so she grabbed her bag and stormed out of the room.

The secretaries saw Holley leave but they didn't bother stopping her. They were used to seeing her like this.

Everyone was aware of Holley's intentions and didn't inform Jonas about her arrival.

Two days had passed in the blink of an eye. Melinda received a call from Kent. His mother had been constantly pestering him to invite Melinda for dinner.

"Kent, can you pick me up later?" Melinda asked.

She had promised to meet him and was all set to see his parents.

Melinda was a courteous woman. She had brought gifts for his parents on her way home from work last night.

Kent arrived at Melinda's place on time. She slipped into a plaid dress and tied her hair into a bun. Tendrils of hair brushed against her forehead teasingly. She applied a mild coat of makeup to her flawless face and was ready to leave. The beautiful dress and subtle makeup enhanced her already beautiful look. She was looking like a teenager bubbling with life.

"I'd like to buy some fruits, Kent," Melinda said, biting her lower lip.

She couldn't find fresh fruits at night and decided to buy them on the way to Kent's house.

"Oh, come on, Melinda. You don't have to be formal," Kent said.

Melinda smiled and followed him without uttering a word.

Melinda finally got the chance to live her life. The constant stress and fear that were constantly lurking in her heart seemed to wither away. Things began to fall in place. She had signed a contract with one of the magazines and her book was scheduled to release; she also had another one that was serialized on a website with many subscribers. She didn't have to worry about her life anymore. Melinda followed her heart and would go wherever life took her.

She was grateful for having an incredible friend like Kent who always stood by her side and supported her through everything.

By the time they reached Kent's place, Janet was already standing by the door, waiting for them. She scolded Kent for making Melinda buy things for them.

Janet had always been fond of Melinda. She was a kind, respectful woman, who easily captivated the hearts of elders.

Janet asked Charles to go to the kitchen to prepare lunch, and she began to bombard Melinda with questions. Kent was left with no choice but to help his father.

Melinda was taken aback by Janet's enthusiasm but eventually got used to it.

Although Charles was in the kitchen, his eyes were fixed on Melinda as he observed her.

"Nice choice." Charles arched an eyebrow in appreciation.

Although Kent had explained that they were not together, his parents refused to accept it. They believed that the two of them were in love.

Kent was tired of explaining it to them and finally gave up. He knew that his parents wished for them to be together, but life didn't always give what we wanted.

"Yes, she is a good girl," Kent said, shaking his head.

He loved Melinda and his parents adored her. He thought his life would become colorful if he shared it with her.

His heart constantly told him to push the boundary and take their friendship to the next level. But he knew that Melinda was not interested in him.

Sometimes being with Melinda was torture. She was close, yet too far. She was resolute about her decision despite all his efforts.

But Kent wasn't ready to give up. He had supported and helped Melinda for five years, even though he knew that he didn't stand a chance with her. But things had changed—she was single now. He wouldn't rest until he won a place in her heart.

"Your mother loves her. You've finally done something to make us proud," Charles said.

Kent's deep eyes glinted with regret, but he quickly changed his expression. "Dad, I promise it won't happen again," he said, smiling sadly.

"Let bygones be bygones," Charles sighed.

Kent and Charles had a complicated relationship but they pretended to get along in front of Janet.

Kent's eyes widened with shock. He didn't except his father would untie the knot that had been choking him for many years. Tears welled in his eyes. Kent stepped forward and hugged his father.

It was a memorable day for him. He couldn't stop talking with his father. He shared all the things that he had wanted to tell him. Charles felt that his son had grown up into a strong man without his support. He was proud of Kent.

Melinda and Janet got along well. They were talking as if they'd known each other for a long time. Once dinner was ready, Janet ushered Melinda to the dining table and motioned her to sit next to her.

"I don't know what you like, so I've just cooked something with what we have. Tell me what your favorite dishes are and I'll make them for you the next

time you come home."

Janet smiled. She carefully picked the juicy fish from the lot and placed it on Melinda's bowl. She made sure to avoid the bones.

A smile tugged on the corners of Melinda's lips when she glanced at the food on the table. They were all her favorite food. She thought that Kent would've specifically asked Charles to cook these dishes for her.

Melinda was touched by his thoughtfulness. Her eyes glistened with tears.

"Thank you. They are delicious."

Melinda took a mouthful of the food and smiled at Charles.

"Kent told me that you're living alone in the suburb. Is it true?" Janet asked concernedly.

She felt sorry for Melinda who had been working hard and managing things on her own.

"Yes, I live alone. But I feel good." Melinda was enjoying her life. Living amid the students of the universities made her feel young and happy.

She was swept by the energy and vigor of the youth. She was independent and lived her life the way she wanted to without being answerable to anyone.

"You're a good girl, Melinda. You can contact Kent if you have any problems. If he doesn't help you, just tell me. I'll always be there to help you," Janet said, glaring at Kent.

Kent lifted his hands innocently.

His mother favored Melinda over him and he couldn't help but feel happy about it.

"Mom, I'll take care of Melinda. Now stop glaring me, will you? Let's eat," Kent said, rolling his eyes.

Janet snorted and looked away. Melinda chuckled at the innocent expression on Kent's face.

There was a sudden pang of jealousy in Melinda's heart when she saw Kent and his parents chatting happily. She sometimes wished to live a normal life like other people.

"Mellie, help yourself. Don't be shy. We are a family. You look frail, honey. You need to eat well to become strong."

Janet picked another piece of meat and placed it on Melinda's bowl. Melinda had always been thin. But she had lost more weight and became weak after her illness. Fortunately, things were different now. The dark clouds faded away and the sun began to shine on her after she divorced Jonas. She was on the road towards self-discovery and enjoyed every moment of her life.

"Thank you."

Melinda's bowl was brimming with food and she was already full. But she couldn't refuse Janet's offer. She was overwhelmed by her love and care.

"Mom, that's enough. Can't you see that her bowl is full? She can't finish them all."

Janet stared at Kent and rolled her eyes. Melinda smiled and continued to eat.

She was having a wonderful time with Kent and his family.

Both Charles and Janet were well-educated and Melinda could have deep, intellectual conversations with them. They were happy to have a wonderful daughter-in-law like Melinda.

Kent sat in a corner and watched the three of them interact. He hoped that Melinda was more than just a friend. He couldn't think of marrying any other woman.

Perhaps things would change and Melinda might fall for him. Until then, he would patiently wait for her.

After dinner, Janet asked Kent to wash the dishes. Charles went to the kitchen to make some tea and Janet washed the fruits and placed them on the table. She had a lot of things to talk with Melinda.

Kent stole glances at Melinda while he washed the dishes. She seemed to be at ease and Kent heaved a sigh of relief.

After washing the dishes, Kent went to the living room. His parents were in a deep conversation with Melinda. Janet seemed to like Melinda more and more with every passing minute. She was determined to get her son married to her.

"Sweetheart, come home and see me whenever you are free." Janet smiled.

"Kent hardly stays home. He doesn't have the time for me. If you hadn't come today, he would have gone somewhere else," she pouted.

Melinda pursed her lips and looked at him. Kent shook his head and smiled helplessly.

"Mellie, do visit her often. Otherwise, she would eat our brains. Janet is tired of talking with me and Kent. She needs a girly companion," Charles said.

Melinda was overwhelmed by their love. Janet was sure that Melinda would visit them often and she didn't want to disappoint her.

"I'll come and see you whenever I have the time. Please don't mind if I get busy with work." Melinda smiled.

Janet's eyes widened as she tapped her head. "Damn it! How could I forget such an important thing?"

She stood up swiftly and rushed into the bedroom. When she walked out, there was a jade bracelet in her hand. Her face was beaming with joy.

"Kent's grandmother gave it to me and I'm giving it to you now," Janet said.

Melinda's mouth popped open in shock. "Mrs. Jiang, I cannot accept it. It's too precious," she said, shaking her head fiercely.

Melinda understood that it was an heirloom and it would belong to Kent's wife. Melinda and Kent could never be together. She didn't want Janet to harbor unattainable desires.

"Are you afraid that Kent might treat you badly? Don't worry, I'll kick him out of the family if I find out that he's being mean to you."

"Mrs. Jiang, that's not what I meant. I can't have it. It's wrong." Melinda bit her lip anxiously and looked at Kent. Her eyes were pleading for help.