Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 297

As I reached the stairwell, I caught a glimpse of my beaming face reflected in the glass.

Suddenly, a terrifying realization hit me.

Did I just face Christopher with that smile?

Why did I smile like that just because he showed up?

A shocking and dreadful thought flashed through my mind.

I had fallen for Christopher.

That was why his mere presence made me feel at ease, happy, and smile unconsciously.

I was so happy to see him that I even forgot to tell him that Marlowe was the mastermind behind my kidnapping.

But now, realizing my feelings for him, I couldn't even face him, let alone go back.

I didn't even know how I made it back to the hospital room.

Tiana was still waiting for me and Paula in the room. Seeing my dejected look, she immediately became worried.

"Ms. Turner, what's wrong? You feeling sick again? Should I get the doctor?"

Tiana genuinely cared for me, and I didn't want to worry her because of my own issues.

So, I forced a smile, "I'm fine, no need to call the doctor. It was just a bit chilly outside, and I caught a bit of wind. I'll be okay after some rest."

Tiana gave me a look but didn't press further.

I wasn't sure if she believed me or not.

She turned her concern to Paula, "You went out with Ms. Ellis. Why hasn't she come back?"

This wasn't prying; it was Tiana's genuine concern. I didn't go into details, just reassured her, "Paula ran into an old friend. They had some things to catch up on. She'll be back soon."

"That's good to hear. I was worried since your hands aren't fully healed yet," Tiana said with a sigh of relief.

I looked at Tiana gratefully, "Tiana, you're so kind. Without you taking care of us, Paula and I would be so pitiful in this hospital with no one to look after us."

I was playing the pity card.

Tiana laughed, "You don't need to thank me. If you want to thank someone, thank Mr. Collins. It's his concern for you that brought me here."

Even so, her genuine care for us was enough.

Of course, I remembered Christopher's kindness too, "Tiana, you and Mr. Collins both deserve our thanks."

As for Christopher...

Thinking of him brought back the fluttering feelings I had just experienced.

I glanced out the window and saw Christopher pushing the frail Marlowe. The sunlight cast a golden glow on them, making them look almost perfect together.

For a moment, they seemed like a fitting pair.

I could see their lips moving, but I couldn't read lips, and with Christopher's back to me, I had no idea what they were saying.

Just then, Paula returned.

She was fuming, "I can't believe Jason! Not only did he refuse to give me any information, but he also tried to stop me from calling the police. It's clear he's hiding something. If he can do this for Marlowe, who knows what other wrongs he's covered up in the past!"

Paula was clearly upset with Jason.

I tried to defend him, "He owes Marlowe."

"So what? He can do whatever he wants, but not at the expense of others. If he's willing to cover for Marlowe today, who knows what debts he'll incur in the future. This cycle will never end!" Paula fumed.

I quickly patted her to calm her down, "Yes, Paula, you're always right."

"You agree with me, don't you? I knew I was right," Paula seemed genuinely comforted.

She then proudly announced, "Since Jason wouldn't tell the truth, I went ahead and called the police. Let's see Marlowe get arrested for what she did to you!"

Paula had gone to such lengths for me.

I hugged her, "I knew you were the best, Paula."

Without Paula, I couldn't imagine what my life would be like.

Paula patted my back, "Of course, we're best friends!"

I nodded.

After all the commotion, she was tired and lay back down to rest.

The room fell quiet again.

An hour later, Paula woke up.

Christopher knocked and entered the room.

Paula's eyes lit up when she saw him and immediately started complaining.

Christopher listened patiently.

Paula then reminded him, "I couldn't get any evidence from Jason. We might need your help next."

Christopher replied calmly, "Leave it to the police."

Paula looked at him suspiciously, "You knew Marlowe was the culprit all along, didn't you?"

"Yes."

"And you're not planning to turn her over to the police?"

Christopher didn't answer.

Paula seemed to understand and got agitated.

Seeing her about to lose her temper, I quickly intervened, "Paula, the police will handle everything fairly."

Paula looked at me, then at Christopher, and didn't say anything more.

Just then, her phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID, told me she had to take the call, and stepped out.

Now it was just Christopher and me in the room.

Remembering my feelings for him, I felt too embarrassed to face him.

I could feel Christopher's gaze on me.

Why was he looking at me like that?

I didn't think it was because he liked me. He had said he had someone he cared about deeply.

"Are you avoiding me? You were so happy to see me earlier," Christopher said as he sat down by my bed.

Caught off guard, I looked away.

But I tried to play it cool, "Mr. Collins, you must be joking. I'm always like this."

"Are you sure?" Christopher raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing me.

I forced myself to look at him and smile, "Of course. Your presence gave me the confidence to face Marlowe. That's why I smiled."

Christopher's smile had a deeper meaning that I couldn't decipher.

He spoke again, "I've reached an understanding with Marlowe."