Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 130

The next day, Christopher didn't show up at the hospital, but Tiana did.

She brought me some special chicken soup, packed with goji berries and dates for extra nutrition.

Paula arrived just in time. As soon as she walked in and saw Tiana, she greeted her and said, "I could smell that delicious chicken soup from the hallway. I didn't expect it to be Tiana who made it. Melinda, you're so lucky. Tiana's cooking is amazing."

Tiana ladled a bowl of soup for me and then another for Paula. "Since you like it, I brought plenty. You should try some too."

Paula hesitated, feeling it was meant for me, the patient.

I spoke up, "Go ahead, have some. Tiana made so much, I can't finish it all by myself. But thank you, Tiana. Did you manage to sort out everything back home?"

Tiana gave me a loving look. "You remembered my situation? Yes, everything's taken care of. Thanks for asking."

Her words made me feel a bit embarrassed.

Paula, always curious, asked, "Tiana, how did you know Melinda was hurt?"

I knew what Paula was implying. She probably thought Christopher had asked Tiana to come, and she was already giving me a knowing look, as if to say, "See, Christopher really cares about you."

Tiana replied, "I overheard Mr. Collins talking to Emily on the phone and found out you were injured. You've helped me a lot, and this is the least I can do."

"Tiana, you're so thoughtful. This soup is delicious, and I'm very grateful," I thanked her again.

Paula also showered Tiana with praise.

After we finished the soup, Tiana left the room happily.

Paula, however, kept staring at me.

I couldn't stand her gaze and said, "If you have something to say, just say it. You're making me nervous."

Paula chuckled. "Melinda, do you really believe Tiana just happened to hear about your injury and made soup? These ingredients aren't cheap. Christopher must have approved it. I think he really cares about you."

"Don't overthink it. Even if he does care, it's probably because of my parents," I dismissed Paula's wild ideas.

Paula continued, "Think about it, how many times has Christopher saved you? Haven't you thought about repaying him?"

I felt a bit guilty at the mention of this. But the debt was too great, and I hadn't figured out how to repay it. "Someone like Christopher, with his status, doesn't lack anything. All I can do is recover quickly and get back to work, hoping to help him more."

"That's not repaying a debt. You're just doing your job. I mean, like repaying a life-saving debt with your hand in marriage."

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm just a woman who was deceived by a bad man. How could I ever match up to Christopher? Marrying him would be more like revenge than gratitude. Besides, I've told you, Christopher has someone he likes." I tried hard to dispel Paula's thoughts.

Paula, curious about Christopher's love interest, asked, "Do you know who it is? You sound so sure!"

I shook my head, not knowing.

But it was Christopher's private matter, and I had no right to pry. "I don't know, but since he has someone he likes, let's not joke about this anymore. If he hears it, he might think I'm ungrateful. And what if these words reach the ears of the person he likes and cause misunderstandings?"

Seeing my serious and firm attitude, Paula raised her hands in surrender, indicating she got the message.

I changed the subject, asking how she found out about my accident so quickly. "When I woke up yesterday, I checked the time. It hadn't been long since the incident, but you already knew I had been set up by Lawrence. You must have come while I was still unconscious."

"You lied to me, saying you had something to do. I thought it was work-related, so when Christopher called, I told him you were working late. Christopher told me you hadn't returned to the office after leaving. I got worried, and then he told me Lawrence had escaped from the hospital."

"I panicked. Lawrence would do anything to climb up the ladder, and now that he had nothing and was in jail, he must hate you. I was sure he'd harm you, so I hung up and called you. I heard your conversation with Lawrence and the commotion afterward."

"I was terrified and called Christopher. I knew I couldn't handle it alone. Christopher drove so fast, he ran red lights. I heard he even took the stairs because the elevator was too slow. That's how he managed to save you in time. When I arrived, you were covered in blood and unconscious. I thought you wouldn't make it. My legs went weak."

I looked at Paula gratefully. "Paula, thank goodness for you and Christopher. Otherwise, I might not have survived."

Paula patted my hair, comforting me. "It's okay. It's all over now. Just focus on recovering. You were hurt badly, and I know how much you fear pain. It must have been terrifying."

She helped me lie back down. The sunlight streaming through the window was a bit blinding.

Paula got up to adjust the blinds but stopped halfway.

"What's wrong?" I asked, hearing her sigh.

Paula shook her head. "Nothing, I must have imagined it."

My accident had left her shaken. She suggested, "When you're discharged, come stay with me. I'll keep you company and make sure no one deceives you again."

This was something she wouldn't let go of easily.

Though Paula didn't think I was stupid, she knew Clara was cunning and we had underestimated her hatred for me. But she probably thought I was too naive and easily deceived.

I shook my head. "If you miss me, you can move in with me. My place is spacious. But I won't move in with you. Lawrence escaped, but with the trouble he caused, he won't get out again. I'm not afraid anymore."

As for Clara, I didn't know her current situation, but with her severe injuries, she wouldn't be causing trouble anytime soon.

Paula still wasn't convinced and wanted to say more.