Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 164

Since it wasn't the weekend, there were still some people around, but it wasn't as crowded as the long lines one would see on a Saturday or Sunday.

Even though I was walking slowly, the ticket booth wasn't far away.

By the time I reached the ticket booth, there were very few people in line. I couldn't even find an excuse to stall.

Christopher gave me a nod from a distance, silently encouraging me. I felt helpless.

He seemed to worry that I might not follow through, so he sent me a WhatsApp message: [Remember, don't buy the wrong ticket.]

Great, he even anticipated my "dark" thoughts.

So, while waiting in line, I came up with another plan and sent Paula a message: [Paula, call me quickly and say you need me urgently.]

But Paula was probably busy and didn't see my message. There was only one person left in front of me.

I looked up at some of the attractions in the distance. Compared to the roller coaster, bungee jumping seemed scarier.

I sent to Christopher: [How about we ride the roller coaster instead? Let's skip the bungee jump! Actually, I think I'm over my fear now. We don't need to do these rides. I can go back and test drive right away.]

Christopher didn't respond to my last sentence but sent: [We can do the roller coaster after the bungee jump. It won't take much time."

What did he mean, "won't take much time"? After bungee jumping, I didn't even know if I would be alive, let alone have the strength to ride a roller coaster. Besides, there were other rides, like the Ferris wheel.

Damn it, why didn't I think this through before suggesting bungee jumping and the roller coaster? I didn't expect Christopher to be so ruthless.

I wanted to cry, but no tears came! I bought two all-access passes, so we could go on any ride. That was why Christopher said we could do the roller coaster later.

After getting our tickets checked, Christopher led the way. I dragged my feet, trying to delay.

Christopher seemed to notice my intentions. He stopped suddenly, and I almost bumped into his back. Luckily, I managed to catch myself with my hands.

His back was broad and strong. Even if I pushed hard, he wouldn't budge.

Christopher turned around and grabbed my arm. "No more stalling. You're not getting out of this today."

His hand was large, and my wrist was small. He easily wrapped his hand around my wrist. I was forced to follow him.

We crossed a lake with an arched bridge. There were quite a few people on the bridge. Christopher, worried I might get lost or try to escape, let go of my wrist and held my hand instead, quickly leading me through.

His palm was warm and comforting, unlike my cold, fear-stricken hand. The warmth spread from his hand to my whole body.

When we arrived at a covered area, I saw it wasn't a bungee jump or roller coaster entrance, but bumper cars.

I looked at him with bright eyes. "So, it's not bungee jumping or the roller coaster, but bumper cars, right?"

Afraid he'd say no, I looked at him with hopeful eyes. I probably didn't realize how much I looked like a child begging for something.

Christopher's smile widened. "You suggested bungee jumping and the roller coaster. I never said we had to do them. But since you suggested it, we can save them for later."

"No, no, I didn't suggest that. You must have misunderstood. I think bumper cars are great." I quickly denied it, afraid he'd change his mind.

"Alright, let's get ready and try the bumper cars!" Christopher said with a bigger smile.

I realized too late that Christopher had been messing with me the whole time.

"Christopher, you're so mean. You saw how scared I was and didn't say a word of truth." I protested.

Christopher shrugged innocently. "What if you were just saying that? I didn't want to hurt your feelings. I was ready to go along with it."

"No, no need! I wasn't just saying that. I absolutely, definitely don't like bungee jumping, roller coasters, or any extreme sports." I almost swore on it.

Christopher seemed to have had enough fun teasing me. We both put on gear and helmets and got into a bumper car.

Considering my fear of driving, Christopher suggested we share a car.

At first, I was grateful he was thinking of me. But I didn't realize that two adults in one car would be a bit cramped, especially with the inevitable close contact during the ride.

No wonder people said bumper cars were great for couples to bond. But Christopher and I were just colleagues, friends. It wasn't appropriate for us to share a car.

I was about to suggest, "Maybe we should each take our own car..."

But the whistle blew, and the warning bell rang. The cars were about to start, and there was no time to switch.

Christopher quickly pulled me back into the seat. As the car started, I gripped the steering wheel, my hands trembling and sweaty.

Even looking straight ahead made me feel dizzy. I knew it was all in my head.

"Look straight ahead. If you're too scared to move the steering wheel, just focus on the road. I'll handle the driving." Christopher's deep, reassuring voice calmed me down.

I focused on the road, and my fear slowly faded.

Christopher was a skilled driver. He made the bumper car feel like a race car, dodging other cars with ease while keeping an eye on me.

After a couple of laps, Christopher said, "Try turning the wheel and dodging the other cars. Don't be afraid. If you can't avoid them, I'll take over."

"Okay!" My hands were still sweaty, but I followed his instructions and started turning the wheel.

When I successfully dodged a car, my eyes lit up, and the dark cloud in my mind seemed to lift. As I relaxed and focused on dodging cars, I forgot my fear.

Suddenly, we got bumped by another car, and my heart tightened.

Christopher, true to his word, took control. Seeing my worried expression, he reassured me, "See? It's not dangerous."

Indeed, it wasn't as scary as I had imagined. Driving a real car wouldn't be as chaotic as this. That bump seemed to knock all my fears away.

"Let's go faster and make it more exciting," Christopher suggested.

I thought about it and, feeling braver, nodded.

Soon, I wasn't just unafraid of driving and bumping into others; I was having fun, skillfully dodging other cars.

I even heard someone compliment us, "You are really good at this, and you work so well together."