Melody's POV

Three days later

Ever since the failed wedding, things haven't been easy for me. I have spent much time crying over the first guy I loved. It isn't easy to shut off my feelings as I'm emotional. I feel a lot of things, and this pain feels like it is tearing me apart.

The door to my room opens, and Mom walks in. She looks at the floor covered in tissues and torn photos of Dalton and me. "Sweetheart, you can't spend all day in bed. You have a concert to get to tonight, and the rehearsals begin at 2 p.m."

I forgot my world tour starts tonight.

The first place I will be performing is the Staples Centre. At least it's not too far from Mom's Beverly Hills home. After Dalton left, I sold the mansion and moved in with Maggie and Mom. When I finish the tour, I will buy a condo and live independently.

I don't think entering a relationship after the one I was just in would be a good idea.

Grabbing a tissue from the nightstand, I look at Mom and say. "When is my heart going to get better?"

She moves over to the bed and sits next to me. "It will get better with time, Melody." Mom hugs me and brushes away the remaining tears. "Just pour your heart into the music and let everything out. That's when you make the greatest hits."

"Thanks, Mom." I look at the book lying on the nightstand. "I haven't been able to write anything new in days. What if this is the end of my career?"

"It's not the end of your career. After your world tour, take some time off. Visit the world and I'm sure you will find inspiration again."

"Okay,"

She stands up. "We need a spa day. Get dressed, and then we can go." Mom walks out of my room.

Standing up, I head to the ensuite bathroom and shower. Once refreshed, I enter my room, grab a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, quickly change into the clothes, and walk out of my childhood bedroom.

Once I reach the kitchen, I see Mom standing over the stove making bacon and eggs. She looks at me and says. "Do you want some?"

"Yes, please." I move over to the bench and sit next to Maggie, who is munching on crispy bacon.

She puts the bacon on the plate and turns her attention to me. "Can you drive me to school today? I want to show you off to my friends."

That's the first time she wants to show me off to her friends.

I look over at Mom, and she nods. "Sure, but Mom is going to ruin the cool entrance."

Her face falls as she looks at our mother. "Why, Mum?" She whines like a kid.

Mom puts the bacon and eggs on toast and slides the plate to me before answering her. "Melody and I are having a spa day before her big night."

Maggie looks between us before she asks. "Can I come with you?"

Mom smiles at her. "I don't allow this, but with everything that's happened, I would love to spend the day with both my daughters."

"Yes," Maggie yells. She starts typing away on her phone. Looking at the screen, I see her texting her friends.

Maggie: I'm spending the day with my sister. So, I won't be coming to school today.

Looking over at me, she asks. "Can I go to the concert tonight?"

"Sure," Mom smiles at her. "Tomorrow you'll be going to school. So, right after the concert, you have to come home."

"Okay," she types on her phone. "Melody, can I get some tickets for my friends?"

"I'll call Aliyah and sort them out. I'll pass them along to her if you give me their names."

She picked up the notepad and wrote down the names before sliding them across the table to me. "Thanks, Melody."

Looking at the notepad, I see several names on it. Then I grab my phone and call Aliyah. It rings five times before she picks up.

Aliyah: Hello, Melody. What can I do for you?

Me: Can you leave seven tickets for Maggie's friends at the ticket booth?

Aliyah: Sure, can you send me the list of friends? I'll make sure they have personalised tickets when they come.

Maggie and her friends will like that.

Me: They will love that. See you tonight, Aliyah.

After hanging up, I moved the phone over the list and took a photo before sending it to Aliyah.

After breakfast, Maggie and I clean up the kitchen while Mom prepares for the spa Day. When the kitchen is clean, I move upstairs and head to the bathroom to brush my teeth.

***

At 9:30 a.m., I pull the car in front of Hamilton Hotel, and a valet opens the door for me. "Good morning, Miss Stryker." The young man has blonde hair and blue eyes. He's a couple of years older than Maggie.

I give him a half smile. "Good morning," I say, looking at the name tag. "Kurt, please take care of my car."

Kurt gives me a ticket before promising to care for my sleek black BMW. 'When you're ready to leave, give the ticket to a valet, and they will get your car for you.'

"Thanks." I walk into the hotel, Maggie and Mom following closely behind me.

Maggie's eyes roam across the hotel before settling on the glass roof with lovely patterns. "Why don't we spend more time here, Mom?"

Mom looks at her and shakes her head. "Why would I waste money staying in a hotel close to our house? If you want to spend time at this hotel, we can go to other locations, but not this one."

She's quiet for a short time before she says. "Can we follow Melody around the world after I graduate? I want to travel the world before starting college."

Mom pulls her into her arms. "I can't travel with you. I must stay here and ensure your father's company runs perfectly before I can join you."

Mom didn't say no to her joining me. It makes me happy knowing that Maggie wants to spend time with me before she enters the world. She will make a name for herself, too, just not the same way that I did.

Maggie looks at me. "Can I come with you?" She has her fingers crossed, begging me to let her come.

"Sure, I could use an assistant while I'm on tour. You'll have to get me stuff and listen to everything I say. I will also give you an allowance for working for me."

She hugs me. "Thank you,"

I led them to the spa.

Joy Hamilton, the hotel's owner, closes the spa from 10-2 for VIPS as she's friends with people who want to use the facility. The door to the spa opens, and Joy steps out. "Good morning, Miss Stryker and guests. The spa is all yours. Let me know if I can get you anything."

"We're fine. Thanks."

She walks towards the front desk and calls the next group checking into the hotel.

Opening the door, we walk into the spa.

A soft melody plays across the radio as we approach the room with three chairs. There's a foot spa on the ground, and I place my feet in it. A mask is placed over my face, and I close my eyes, letting these women relax me.

I will need all the relaxation before the big night ahead. I can't wait to perform at the Staples Centre tonight.

When the tickets for my concert went on sale, they were sold out within three hours, for all three shows at the Staples Centre.

Looking at Mom, I say. "Thanks for bringing me here. It's what I need right now."

Mom smiles. "You're welcome."