Melanie's behavior felt all too familiar to me.

She wasn't having it when she saw I was about to leave. Stubborn was her middle name.

She grabbed my arm and swung me back, causing me to collide with Matthew. Instinctively, he reached out and steadied me.

Melanie was even more relentless. "Chloe, what's your deal? You think you can just run when I show up? Have you no shame?"

"Yeah, I lost my shame a long time ago. Is it a problem if I walk away? Isn't it convenient for you? Since you showed up, I must leave. If you have an issue, take it up with him. You can take my place."

I tried to leave, exhausted and with a pounding headache. My thoughts were blurry. I just wanted to find a comfortable place to lie down.

However, Melanie grabbed onto me even tighter upon seeing my state.

Even Matthew thought Melanie was going too far. He sternly reprimanded her, "Melanie, have some sense. I'm discussing serious matters with Chloe."

"What serious matters require a trip to a club alone? Tryi