Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 190

"People are gonna talk, and it won't be good for you," I said, glancing around nervously.

Christopher just shrugged and ignored me.

I wanted to say more, but the elevator doors opened.

Instinctively, I covered my face with both hands and leaned into Christopher's chest.

I didn't want anyone to see my face.

As long as they didn't see my face, even if someone suspected something, there would be no proof.

I was playing the ostrich.

Christopher took the chance to pull me closer by the waist. When I tried to pull away in surprise, he picked me up and reassured me, "Relax, there's no one in the elevator!"

I let out a sigh of relief.

But I didn't uncover my face right away. I cautiously peeked through my fingers to check the elevator.

Seeing that it was indeed empty, I finally relaxed and couldn't help but blush as I recalled my actions. 

Embarrassed and annoyed, I glared at Christopher. "Mr. Collins, I don't believe that if the person you like saw you carrying another woman so openly, you wouldn't care if she misunderstood."

I felt uncomfortable just now.

Now it was his turn to feel uncomfortable!

Embarrassment shouldn't be mine alone to bear.

Christopher either didn't know how to handle relationships because he'd never been in one, or he thought it was no big deal.

If it was the latter, he was a bit of a jerk. Boundaries were important to women.

I couldn't help but suggest, "Mr. Collins, if you don't know how to date, I can teach you. I'm generous like that."

Christopher looked at me deeply.

He smirked, his smile carrying a hint of something more. "You teach me? You, a relationship failure, have the nerve to say that?"

His sharp tongue hadn't shown itself in a while. He was just hiding it well.

I was annoyed. "So what if I failed? I didn't eat your food, did I? I may have failed in love, but I'm a woman. I understand women. Women are petty and can't stand the thought of their loved one having someone else in their heart, let alone hugging another woman. If the jealousy gets out of hand, it might be too late to fix things. At best, you'll have a fight; at worst, your lover might leave for good."

I thought, 'Don't blame me later. I warned you in advance.'

He replied, "Too late to warn me now!"

"Why too late?" I couldn't help but lightly tap his chest in protest.

"This isn't the first time I've hugged you. If it's not too late, what is it?" Christopher chuckled. He actually found this funny.

It wasn't the first time, indeed. Last time, when I was drunk.

I pretended I didn't remember anything. "That time doesn't count!"

"A hug is a hug, no matter how you slice it. Don't deceive yourself." Christopher raised an eyebrow, looking smug.

My competitive spirit kicked in. "I was drunk and unconscious, so it doesn't count!"

"You were injured, so that doesn't count either!" Christopher was being unreasonable.

Fine, whatever. He always had a way to make himself right. I couldn't win.

Christopher suddenly asked, "You care so much about the person I like?"

"Why would I care?" I was puzzled.

Sure, Marlowe wasn't likable, but his taste was his own business. I had no right to decide for him.

Afraid Christopher might misunderstand me as petty, I explained, "I'm just looking out for you. After all, you're my boss. The person you like could be my future superior, someone who might have power over my fate. It's only natural for me to care a bit, right?"

Christopher's lips curled into a smile, clearly amused. "Fair enough, you're allowed to care."

He said it as if I needed his permission to have my own thoughts!

Soon, the elevator reached the underground parking garage.

The elevator dinged, and I immediately covered my face with both hands.

Christopher, maybe on purpose, pressed my head into his chest, my face and mouth almost touching his shirt.

His unique, subtle bamboo scent filled my nostrils, making me feel a bit intoxicated.

I was truly flustered.

The fabric of his shirt felt comfortable against my skin, not the least bit irritating.

I could even feel the texture of his chest through the thin shirt.

Even when I was married to Lawrence, our closest moments were just him holding my hand or lightly resting his arm around my shoulders. This kind of intimate contact with a man only happened that one night.

But that night was hazy, probably due to the alcohol.

Now, I was fully conscious.

I couldn't help but push against his chest, trying to create some distance. "Let go, I can't breathe."

The truth was, I could breathe just fine.

But his grip was too strong, and I couldn't push him away. My hand barely created a gap between us.

I felt my face getting hotter, probably because of the close proximity. Men were naturally warm, and his body heat was affecting me.

Feeling uncomfortable, I shifted my neck.

My head felt heavy, and my breathing quickened, my breath hitting his chest.

Christopher finally noticed and loosened his grip slightly.

But in the dim light of the garage, his eyes seemed to have a predatory gleam.

"Car keys?" Christopher found my car and reminded me.

I thought for a moment. "In my coat pocket."

But since I was leaning against him, I couldn't reach the keys. Christopher loosened his hold a bit more, and I finally managed to pull out the keys and unlock the car.

Christopher placed me in the passenger seat.

I thought he would let me drive, but he was considerate.

Once I was settled, he got into the driver's seat and suggested, "You could upgrade your car to a smart one."

I had looked into it, but online options seemed unreliable. "I haven't decided which company to go with yet."

"List the features you want, and I'll have someone arrange it for you." Christopher said it so naturally.

To him, nothing seemed difficult.

Despite his occasional stubbornness, my admiration for him remained.

But I had already troubled him too much. I didn't want to owe him more, so I declined. "No need, Paula said she would recommend someone."

"So you trust Paula more than me!" Christopher replied coolly.

But I sensed a hint of jealousy in his tone. "Mr. Collins, you misunderstand. I just don't want to trouble you. Besides, we can check things out in person."

"Got it, you think my recommendations are unreliable!" Christopher said self-deprecatingly.

He clearly understood my words, yet he still acted sarcastic. But his next move was to help me buckle my seatbelt, like a boyfriend sulking but still caring for his girlfriend.

His kindness often left me at a loss.

Sometimes, I feared getting used to it. If it disappeared one day, I wouldn't know how to cope.

So, some habits shouldn't be formed, and some kindness should be weaned off early.

"Mr. Collins, I know your recommendations are reliable, but..."

There was no "but."

Because Christopher made the decision. "I'll have someone handle it for you. It's settled!"