Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 120

The burning pain worsened with the friction of the cotton swab, even though I knew Christopher was being as gentle as he could.

I couldn't help but let out a cry. Christopher's touch became even more delicate, and he blew softly on the wound.

His breath, light as a feather, brushed against my skin, making it tingle and itch, momentarily distracting me from the pain.

"Hang in there," Christopher said softly, surprising me with his gentleness instead of scolding me for being dramatic.

Realizing I didn't want him to keep blowing on it, I endured the pain and replied, "It's okay, it doesn't hurt that much."

Christopher didn't respond, but his actions were quick and gentle. Fortunately, the burn wasn't too large, and he was almost done.

"Try not to get it wet for now, especially with hot water. It shouldn't leave a scar," Christopher instructed.

I nodded. "Okay, thanks!"

As he packed up the first aid kit, he said, "Your mom used to say you were afraid of even a needle prick. If you're so scared of pain, why did you try cooking?"

"I wasn't trying to learn. I already know how. I heard from Paxton that you have stomach issues, and last time you had a cold, your stomachache acted up too. So I thought it would be good to have light, regular meals, and porridge for breakfast to help your stomach. That's why I made you some porridge," I answered honestly.

Christopher finished packing the kit and stood up, his six-foot frame towering over me, making me feel a bit pressured. "A pampered woman like you needs to learn to cook? Was it for Lawrence? What does he deserve that you would learn to cook for him? Do you think too highly of him or too lowly of yourself?"

He was right. For someone like Lawrence, I shouldn't have gone out of my way to learn these things.

Some online commenters were right too; I must have been crazy back then.

When my parents were around, I never learned to cook for them, but for Lawrence, I went from not knowing how to cook to almost being able to open a restaurant.

"You're right, it wasn't worth it," I said bitterly.

Christopher stopped scolding me and said calmly, "Go sit in the dining room. I'll get the porridge. I have to at least try your cooking."

After that, Christopher didn't let me do anything in the kitchen. I just had to sit and wait for the meal.

During dinner, he didn't hold back on the compliments. "Not bad. But if you want to cook, do it for yourself, not for some man."

He acknowledged my skills but also taught me to live for myself, not for others. I was touched, and I enjoyed the meal thoroughly.

Christopher didn't bring up the topic again and continued eating the porridge. Besides the bit I ate, he finished almost all of it.

Seeing this, I couldn't help but smile, feeling quite pleased.

I remembered something and said, "I washed your handkerchief. I'll return it to you."

Christopher swallowed his food and looked at me. "No need. It's not the first time I've given you one. I don't mind."

I blushed, recalling the two times I cried in front of him.

Christopher seemed not to notice my embarrassment and reminded me, "I mentioned before that the new project involves international collaboration. You need to get familiar with it quickly. When we travel, you'll come with me."

I nodded, shaking off my earlier embarrassment. "I'll get up to speed as soon as possible."

As we continued talking, the conversation became more relaxed, losing the initial tension.

Christopher suddenly brought up Lawrence. "You don't need to worry about Lawrence. Jason's keeping an eye on him."

In other words, even if Lawrence was faking illness, he couldn't keep it up forever.

But I was still worried. "Lawrence is cunning. How could he fake it so convincingly? I'm afraid he has more tricks up his sleeve."

"That's not your concern. Focus on your work," Christopher said firmly, noticing my anxiety. He was probably trying to distract me.

Thinking it over, even if Lawrence had more tricks, there wasn't much I could do but wait. So I took Christopher's advice. Maybe it was because having Christopher around made me feel safe and calm.

After breakfast, we headed to the office together in Christopher's car.

After reporting the remaining tasks from yesterday, the car fell silent.

Sitting next to Christopher always made me feel pressured and nervous, so I didn't dare to speak.

Fortunately, Paula sent me a video message.

It was followed by a voice message. "Melinda, check out the video. Lawrence's photo has been removed from the school's honor wall. Now it's just Christopher up there. Lawrence doesn't deserve to be next to Christopher."

I didn't intend to open it, but the car hit a speed bump, and the video played. Paula's voice echoed in the car, loud and clear, mentioning Christopher repeatedly, and he heard it all. I hoped he wouldn't misunderstand.

"Christopher, Paula just really dislikes Lawrence, so her words are a bit harsh and not entirely accurate." I hurried to explain, but it seemed to make things worse.

Christopher looked at me, amusement in his eyes. "Paula is a lawyer. She should be careful with her words."

"Okay. I'll remind her." I knew Christopher was teasing me, mocking my foolishness.

But what could I do? We were in the wrong, so I had to take it.

I quickly replied to Paula: [Paula, please be careful with your words. Christopher heard everything.]

To my surprise, Paula sent back a gif of someone winking suggestively, along with a message: [What's going on? You two went to work together this morning? What's happening?]

I couldn't help but facepalm. Paula was getting more and more outrageous.

I replied: [Paula, jokes like that aren't fair to Christopher. He's helped me a lot. Don't repay kindness with ingratitude.]

After sending the message, I decided not to check Paula's replies in the car to avoid more embarrassing comments. I'd look at them later at my desk.

Soon, we arrived at the office. I asked the driver to drop me off a bit early. Christopher glanced at me but didn't say anything.

I think he understood. Someone as outstanding as him, always in the public eye, would draw attention wherever he went.

If I got out of the car with him, it might make headlines. After all, rumors about Christopher were always a hot topic, and suddenly having a female secretary would definitely stir things up.

Plus, I already had some attention from my live streaming incident. I didn't want to drag Christopher into it.

As soon as I got to my desk, a delivery person brought a package for me to sign.

I didn't remember ordering anything, and there was no sender information on it.