Her spine, rigid with tension after all she had endured throughout the month of their separation, softened in his embrace. Slowly, like a purposeful exhale, the panic her body was harboring lessened. How was it fair that the man who could bring her such great comfort wasn't a man worth marrying? She would never be happy in anyone else's arms. Were one element of either of their lives different, they could potentially have a chance. It was all entirely unfair.

In less than a week's time, Samuel would own every piece of her. She would have to bend to his will and mold herself to best fit his needs, but there was something she could give Ben. A part of her that Samuel could never reclaim. A fantasy she could cling to when the final piece of her spirit was chipped away. Melody lifted her head from his shoulder to look up at him. Surely, he wouldn't refuse her this?

Without thinking it through any further, Melody stood on her tiptoes and kissed him.