Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Melanie's lips trembled.

"We've already got our tickets and packed our bags, so you don't need to worry about the cost."

"Because this is the last time."

The next day, we boarded the train.

Melanie remained silent, her eyes clouded with gloom.

It wasn't until we were walking on the muddy road back to our hometown that she spoke up: "Amanda and I were just venting. I never really believed her. We're all grown-ups now, and sometimes I just need to vent."

"And since we're from the same hometown, we know each other better than outsiders at work. Besides, we've grown up. People change, and she doesn't mock others anymore."

Melanie kept talking, trying to salvage our friendship.

I accidentally stepped into a puddle and glanced down.

She mistook my silence for agreement and immediately hugged my arm. "You're my best friend, my closest sister. Don't be mad at me. If Mom knew you weren't going to visit her anymore, she'd be heartbroken."

I looked at her and let out a cold laugh. "Oh, if she doesn't change, she won't make it in the city."

"How many times have you badmouthed me behind my back? And when she's with others, how do you think she mocks you? Have you ever thought about that?"

Melanie's lips pressed into a thin line, and she loosened her grip on my arm slightly.

I strode ahead.

In the distance, I saw my godmother, who was gravely ill, working in the garden. I called out to her.

Her confused expression immediately turned to joy, but she quickly masked it.

"Why did you come back? It's just a waste of money!"

"Yeah, why come back? Waste of money, waste of time..." Melanie muttered under her breath.

I ignored her and stepped into the garden.

"Godmother, I figured it was time to plant, so I came back to help."

Godmother was taken aback, her lips twitching with a suppressed smile.

"No, don't do any hard work now that you're back. Go have some fun!"

"Don't worry about it. We'll take care of the garden. This afternoon, we'll take you to the hospital for a check-up, okay?"

Melanie's face darkened at my words.

She had saved money for her cosmetic surgery and was reluctant to spend it.

Godmother noticed Melanie's reaction and immediately waved her hand. "No need, no need. Save your money!"

I held her hand tightly, not allowing her to resist.

"You're clearly not feeling well, so why do you always hide it?"

If we had known earlier, godmother wouldn't just have one year left.

But it was too late.

Her days were numbered.

"She brought this on herself, I never thought someone could be so foolish."

Melanie stood at the edge of the garden, coldly watching me work.

I hadn't even unpacked my luggage before joining godmother in the garden.

She watched for a while, then dragged her luggage and walked away.

"Why don't you go rest? You're a college student; you shouldn't be doing this kind of hard work!"

"No way! I'm a college student, but I was raised by godmother. If she can do this, so can I."

Godmother couldn't hide her smile, and the loneliness from Melanie's coldness gradually faded.

We quietly worked in the garden until Melanie came back.

"Hurry up and finish so we can go eat."

She just said that and then started planting the seedlings skillfully.

When we were kids, we used to have competitions planting, and I could never beat her.

In this, she always had the upper hand.

For a moment, I saw the Melanie from our childhood.

She had changed, but right now, she was back to being the competitive kid she used to be.

At the hospital, I took godmother to the urology department.

While waiting for the results, Melanie was still glued to her phone.

She didn't believe godmother was really sick. I stole a glance and saw she was chatting with Aimee.

"Is she trying to sell you another project? Have you thought about how much commission she makes every time you do one?"

Melanie immediately blocked the phone screen and propped her chin on her hand, ignoring me.

It wasn't until the doctor came out with a grave expression, holding godmother's report, that Melanie's face changed.