Chapter 411

The verdict for Jason was finally delivered. Despite Jamie's vigorous defense, he was still sentenced to seven years of imprisonment. When Melody got home, she felt like all the strength had been drained from her body. She slid down against the door and sat on the floor. The lights were off. She sat there in the dark, with Echo circling her, nudging at her and whining softly, trying to push its head into her arms. She gave in and held it close, burying her face in its small, warm body. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. She didn't move, but the knocking didn't stop. Eventually, she pulled herself up and opened it. It was Jeremy. The moment he saw her, his usually stoic expression shifted slightly. His brow creased, and something flickered in his eyes. She looked awful—her face was pale, her eyes bloodshot. She stood just inside the doorway, the darkness of the apartment behind her making it feel like there was a wall between them, like they were standing in two different