Chapter 5

That evening, Melanie came home looking pale.

She sat beside me and started pouring out everything that had happened to her.

Melanie said, "Some absolute asshole tracked me down, saying his wife had this ultra-rare disease and was basically dying unless she got a blood transfusion. And out of this entire city, I'm the only person with her blood type.

"He shoved a blank check in my face, told me to write any number I wanted as long as I saved her. People like that, acting like money solves everything—I hate it. So I ripped that check up right then and there."

She added, "They were insane. They held me down and drained so much blood from me, all while jamming my phone so nobody could hear me scream. And you know what made it worse? After it was all over, that man tried to buy me off with a suitcase of cash, like I was some sort of commodity. I wouldn't touch a single bill. I chucked the money right back at his face.

"I'm so dizzy. Yesterday I blew all my cash on cat food, and now I don't have a penny left. Ella, do me a favor and order me some takeout, and grab some medicine, too?"

I looked at her, so pale and pitiful, and sighed.

After everything she'd been through, with her blood drained and not a dime to her name, where did she even get the nerve to rip up that check?

In my previous life, after Melanie came back all pale and weak from having her blood drained, I always took care of her.

I fussed over her, simmered soup, and stocked up on tonics and iron pills to help her recover.

I'd nurse her until her cheeks turned rosy again, making sure she was strong enough to handle those cruel blood drawings.

It was my wholehearted support that gave her the backbone to keep turning down those humiliating bribes over and over.

But how did she pay me back?

She went and forgave the murderer for me and even tainted the road I needed to go.

I didn't even bother to look up. "Anyway, I already sent all my money to my mom. Oh, right, when are you going to pay me back for the cash you borrowed from her last time?"

Melanie didn't even flinch.

She snapped, "Honestly, your mom is way out of line. She wants you chained to your family forever. Don't let her guilt-trip you, or you'll totally regret it someday."

Just like that, she switched gears and didn't say a single word about paying me back.

So I put it out there straight. "If you want me to order takeout or buy medicine, you have to pay me back first."

Melanie awkwardly shuffled out, her stomach still growling as she left.

The next day, I bought a rabbit for dinner.

When I got home with the cage, Melanie was already waiting by the door.

Melanie leaned closer, resting her chin on her hands as she eyed the rabbit inside. "Wow, it's such a cute bunny. Are you really going to keep this adorable thing as a pet, Ella?"

I picked up the cleaver, gave a cold grin, and said, "No way. This rabbit's dinner tonight."

As I went to slaughter the rabbit, Melanie threw herself between us, begging me to stop, but all her protests were pointless.

She broke down, yelling about how cruel I was, then dashed out of the house in tears.

But the moment I finished cooking, Melanie came rushing right back in.

She hovered over the delicious rabbit stew, eyes brimming with tears as she took in the smell.

"The bunny is so cute. Why'd you have to eat it? Poor little thing—" Melanie whimpered, tears and drool trickling down her chin.

Melanie stood there, practically inhaling the aroma of the rabbit stew, her eyes locked on the plate and her hands hovering as if ready to pick up a fork.

I drawled, teasing her, "The bunny is so cute. Why'd you have to eat it?"

Melanie stiffened, looking flustered. "Come on, I'm not some evil villain. I'd never eat a bunny. I just wanted a little bit of salad, alright?"

She was here to bum a meal, but still has the nerve to call me evil.

Wasn't that just unfair? Who did that?

I drawled, my tone laced with mockery. "If you're really that pure-hearted, how could you eat salad? That's the baby of many plants. What? Bullying plants just because they can't talk back?"

Melanie stood there, completely dumbfounded, at a total loss for words.

I munched on my rabbit stew with a smug smile, absolutely loving every bite.

"Oh, almost forgot; there's only enough food for me, and every last grain is already on my plate," I added.

Melanie stared at the empty cooker in disbelief, her eyes wide as she craned her neck for a better look.

I'd been absolutely ruthless with the food; there was nothing left after I scooped up my portion.

She set her fork down, utterly deflated, and took another deep, longing sniff of the rabbit stew.

Her stomach let out a thunderous rumble, practically chewing me out for being so heartless.

I pretended not to hear her stomach growling and didn't give her any food.

Melanie hung around for a bit, but finally had no choice but to leave, totally defeated.

With a smug grin, I locked the door and treated myself to a solo feast.