2 Chapter 2: A whole new family

Melanie lay in the ward, after totally exhausting herself, crying and mourning for both her parents death'.

After a few minutes of scattered moments with her parents and a lecture of self blame, her thoughts drifted towards all those people whom she called 'family' and grimaced at herself for being naïve enough to believe in their empty words and phrases.

All that time, when they had said that they would be present for her... All those empty promises... All the trust...

But where were they when she needed them the most?

She could only sneer at her own self for being so dependent on everyone, not that she had another choice, bit still.

Anger and betrayal blinded her eyes when she thought of them, especially her cousin, whom she considered her best friend. Tears flowed as she thought that her family had just sold her off to someone she doesn't even know of.

What would she do now? Did she just let everyone decide her fate for her?

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door of the ward as it opened.

An elderly man in his 70's who looked like in his 60's entered.

"Grandpa Rick? " Melanie stared in disbelief. 'What is he doing here? shouldn't he be in Paris?' before she could voice her thoughts out, the elder man spoke.

"I see that you remember me well, little lady. So, let's have a little chat as we go home. Shall we?" he said, a gentle smile across his face.

"Home? " Melanie asked, shock clearly visible on her teary face.

'What the hell is going on? Did he mistake me for somebody else?'

"Well, my bad, let me introduce myself." he took in a deep breath and spoke as he outstretched his hand towards her," I'm Erick White, the founder of the White empire, and now... your grandfather."

Melanie was flabbergasted,' Is he an imposter? Might be. What if his words were true? Why is he adopting me?'

Seeing her confused and doubtful look Erick continued, " You see, I owe your family... a lot, especially Patrick, he was a good man. He saved my son." he sighed, ' Doubtful humans! '

" Oh." she sighed along and asked," May I know why my so called 'family' sold me off to you?"

Erick smiled bitterly," Dear, it's hard on your part and I totally understand that trust me I do," he added as he saw her mocking eyes." We are kinda the same, lost our parents at a young age and all " he snorted " Even my own wife ... my Deetra left my side ."

Saying that he looked at Melanie seriously, " Dear, we all live for someone but when that someone leaves us, we must live for what that person strived for ."

Melanie looked at him taking in his words. Her lifeless eyes a while ago, lighted up with slight hope, hearing his wise words.

' Does he mean that he wants me to live for my parents? Or whatever...? '

" Come with me child, I can provide you with anything that you require and more. You can also leave, if you want, any time. Trust me, I would never ask you for a reason when you leave. But until then, let me be your grandpa Rick, give me a chance to have a daughter. Please, accept me, give me a chance. Would you? "he said sincerely.

Melanie smiled slightly and nodded," I owe you."

She couldn't actually say no to sincere people and this man was doing a good job at being one.

" Obviously, so get adjust to your new family then. Accept them, give them a chance and yourself too, even if it takes time." he said patting her head." Get dressed, we leave in another 15 minutes."

Melanie sighed as he left and chuckled to herself bitterly ' What a great coincidence? A new family? White family?

And - now my crush has become my adopted brother?

Off all the other families, it really had to be his!!!

' Well, heavens seem to be playing a huge joke on me. '