Secrets on Melody Street (Jenlisa)

1

I rarely have the time to take a step back from my own life and appreciate just how lucky I am.

My mother spent most of my childhood prepping me for adult life, molding me into the perfect housewife, just as she was. She'd remind me constantly not to slouch, to always say please and thank you, never slurp soup, always sit up straight, have a sensible haircut.

A million little rules that'd later become ingrained in my brain, rules I can't ever forget if I'm to have the life she planned for me.

And they worked.

I was 16 when I met Jaehyun. We were officially dating a month before I turned 17. Eyes were always on us, everyone envied us. We were the 'it couple' in high school and quite honestly, we reveled in all the attention.

He was my first everything and ultimately my last.

When I was 20 he accidentally knocked me up and we had no choice but to marry to avoid a scandal. At the time we were so lovesick that it didn't matter why we were marrying, just the fact that his parents were splashing out for a lavish wedding was more than enough to get me to agree.

We were engaged in April, married in June and Luca was born in December.

Of course, I never finished college after dropping out to look after Luca, but it didn't matter. Jae's parents helped buy us a lush home and after graduating, Jaehyun worked full time at a high paying law firm whilst I stayed at home to raise our son.

And that's how life's been for the past four years, living on Melody.

It's been...busy at times, boring on others.

I try my best to keep occupied.

My baby started school full-time in September, so I have a lot more free time on my hands.

I joined PTA, I volunteer at the local dance academy, I paint, I garden,I shop, I play piano.

The one thing my mother could never teach me to do just right was cook. I'd say it's the one area where I falter. I try my best but the majority of our dinners are ready made, at least I can chop a salad. Anyway, it's not like Luca takes great notice of his diet yet, and his Dad is never home for dinner much either, so it's a win-win for me.

Less people to disappoint.

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Jae was home late again today. Third time this week. He tried to stay quiet as he used the en-suite before sliding into the sheets next to me, but I was still wide awake. I froze when he lay an arm around my waist, kissing my shoulder.

"Sorry I missed dinner again babe, meeting ran over."

I said nothing, burying my face deeper into the pillow,sniffing.

"Come on, don't be mad. This case is important to the client and we're gonna be done with it soon."

"It's fine." I closed my eyes and tried to fall asleep. I didn't want to hear any more excuses, at least he came to bed this time.

"I want you to face me Lisa, I haven't seen you all day."

Reluctantly, I rolled over, searching for his eyes in the darkness. In the dim light I could see his tired expression, his tousled brown hair and that charming grin. I stroked his cheek, suddenly feeling bad. I know how hard he works for us to live such a comfortable life.

"Hey, there's my girl." He kissed my forehead and pulled me closer, our legs tangling in the sheets. He felt warm and familiar.

"Guess what, Luca made a new friend today."