Melody had pleaded with her mother to allow her to attend tonight's party. 'A Last Hurrah' to see her friends. The wedding was less than a week away, and, while Melody would still be able to see her friends, every aspect of her life would be different. Events were to be attended on Samuel's arm, a trophy to show off to his ministry colleagues. Already, the simmering resentment left her with a deep pit of unease in her stomach. She was worth so much more than to be some bastard's wife, not that the cold man leading her into the sunset colored manor.

Within minutes, Melody had excused herself from Samuel and made a beeline for her friends. Most brides were usually excited throughout the week leading up to the wedding. There were the last minute preparations, the final dress fittings, the (rude) guests who responded well after they ought to have. She was supposed to watch over the careful packing of her belongings (of which, she paid no mind to with the exception of her books) with nervous laughter as to what the future would hold. It was supposed to be the best week of her life, and instead Melody greedily drank whatever glass happened to be floating past her to numb the pain. In five days, her life would be bound to Samuel's for eternity and there was nothing she could do to stop it. All she was left to do was watch in resentful silence as everyone but she found love tonight.

The free flowing drinks had her feeling warm and fuzzy when she first spotted Ben hours into the party. Her cheeks flushed and a soft smile spread across her face. For the first time since that frigid night on the roof, Melody felt a surge of unadulterated happiness. Without thinking of the consequences or the scene she may cause should Samuel spot her, she found herself crossing the room directly towards him. There were whispers floating around the party about hidden rooms and isolated corners; perhaps such fantasies were true. Their last goodbye was devastating and carried an air that finality that she refused to accept. All Melody wanted was one more conversation with him. One more moment where she was free to be herself without the overwhelming pressure of Society.

"Hi, Ben." She greeted warmly as she stared directly into his eyes. One of the servants had whispered to her about that too. And tonight, Melody was going to hope they were right.