Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 147

Christopher finally let go of me when he saw I was really okay.

I took a small step back, trying to create a bit of distance between us to ease the awkwardness.

We picked out a few toys similar to the ones Paula's dog usually played with, and then Christopher and I went to the checkout together.

I had intended to pay separately, but Christopher insisted on covering it, saying it was a small fee for my help.

On the way back, we shared a cab again.

Since we had quite a few things, Christopher helped me carry everything back to my place.

As we entered, he handed me the bags. Just as I took them, he spoke up, "I don't know much about taking care of dogs. You mentioned you've been reading some books on the subject. Could I borrow them?"

"Sure, just give me a moment." I had read the books, but with my busy schedule, I had forgotten where I put them. So, I asked Christopher to wait while I looked for them.

Our house remained the same as when my father was alive. He loved reading and had built a large bookshelf in the living room to encourage a reading atmosphere. It was filled with all kinds of books.

I usually placed the books I finished reading back on the shelf, so I started searching there.

Christopher stood behind me, waiting. For some reason, his presence made me feel more pressured and awkward. I even started to sweat a little from the anxiety.

"The third shelf from the top, fifth book from the left. Is that the pet book you recently read?" Christopher suddenly said.

I followed his direction and, sure enough, there it was. I realized something and my face turned red. So, he had known where the book was all along and watched me fumble around.

It seemed like Christopher was more familiar with my bookshelf than I was. When he used to stay at our house, he loved reading more than I did. I often saw him swapping out books.

I tried to hide my embarrassment as I handed him the book. "These two are pretty good. You should check them out."

Christopher took the books with a smile and then looked nostalgically at the bookshelf. "How many of these books have you read?"

I felt a bit ashamed.

There were many rare books here. After my parents passed away, I avoided this area to not dwell on memories. Later, I was too busy dealing with Lawrence to focus on reading. And then, after joining Summit Innovations Group as Christopher's assistant, I was too occupied to read much. Of course, I was also making excuses for myself.

Christopher's reminder made me feel guilty. "Not many."

He glanced at me and said, "These books are treasures your father left you. The third book on the fourth shelf and the last book on the bottom shelf... I think you should read them when you have time."

He pointed out several books, and as I read the titles, I understood why he recommended them. They were indeed suitable for my current situation.

He was right. My father left me such valuable things, and I hadn't appreciated them. Instead, I got caught up in trivial matters, narrowing my path.

"Thanks, Christopher. I'll make sure to read them. These books are precious, and I should cherish them." I sincerely thanked him.

Christopher seemed to think I was still teachable and didn't say much more. He took the dog food and toys for Biscuit and left.

After he left, I organized the dog food and toys for Sunny. With no one else around, Sunny started circling my legs, wanting me to play with it.

I enjoyed spending time with Sunny, so I grabbed a toy and played with it for a while before calling Paula. "I got some gifts for Lucky too. I'll bring them over soon."

"Great! Lucky will be thrilled. If I'm free tomorrow, we can have dinner together," Paula replied happily.

She had to get back to work, so we didn't chat for long.

Just as I hung up, I received a call from a familiar yet distant number. It was Una.

"Melinda, it's Sunday. Do you have time this afternoon? It's been a while since you visited the nursing home. Everyone there misses you. Would you like to come along?"

I thought for a moment. I had no plans for the afternoon. "Sure, let's meet at the nursing home entrance at 1:30."

"Great, see you then!" Una sounded delighted.

I met Una while volunteering at the nursing home. We weren't close at first, but she learned about my parents' passing and felt a connection due to her similar background. Over time, we became friends. 

Despite my hardships, I was luckier than her. She grew up in an orphanage after losing her parents and often volunteered or visited the orphanage after starting work.

Hearing her story, I felt for her and helped her whenever I could.

After my parents died, I visited the nursing home almost every week and got along well with most of the residents. But when Lawrence's mother moved in with us, she didn't want me to go. She complained that she had suffered so much and wasn't as healthy as some of the nursing home residents. She said if I wanted to be kind, I should focus on her.

Initially, I was upset and occasionally snuck out to visit. Lawrence always supported me, but Missy constantly nagged him. Seeing Lawrence often stressed, I reduced my visits to avoid causing him trouble.

After discovering Lawrence's affair, I got busy and hadn't visited the nursing home for months. Una's reminder made me realize it was time to visit the residents.

At noon, I planned to grab a quick bite before heading out, but Tiana brought me lunch, saying Christopher had arranged it.

"Tiana, my hand is better now. You don't need to bring me lunch anymore," I said, thanking her.

Tiana looked conflicted. "Ms. Turner, I can't make that decision."

I planned to ask Paula for restaurant recommendations and treat Christopher to a meal to explain, so I didn't press the issue and let Tiana go.

After lunch, I bought some gifts and supplies, then took a cab to the nursing home.

"Melinda, you're here! It's been so long. You've lost weight," Una greeted me warmly from a distance.

I smiled back at her as I got out of the car.