Chapter 20
Melissa wore a white, waist-tight shirt and a lilac pencil skirt that accentuated her figure. Her carefully styled hair flowed down the side of her face, hindering her as she chopped vegetables. Connor, without thinking, retrieved the hair tie he kept for Emelie, walked behind her, and tied it up.
Surprised, Melissa turned and thanked him. “Thanks, Connor. The food will be ready soon.” As she spoke, she carelessly tossed a piece of meat into the hot oil. Oil splattered everywhere.
“Careful!” Connor quickly shielded her from the sizzling oil.
Melissa feigned concern, washing her hands and wiping oil from his face with a damp napkin. “Is it hot?” she asked, her voice laced with feigned worry.
Connor tried to pull away, inadvertently glancing at the wet spot on her chest. The clinging shirt revealed more than he intended to see. He quickly looked away, a strange discomfort rising within him.
“I’m fine, really. You should continue cooking,” he said, stopping her movements by grabbing her wrist. He hastily left the kitchen. Though he couldn’t cook, he sensed something was wrong. Watching her slender figure, his unease intensified. Would anyone working in the kitchen wear something so impractical? She’d never dressed like this before – always in a maid’s uniform, her hair neatly tied, face bare. But now…
At the dining table, Connor sat far from Melissa, avoiding intimacy. Anthony and Marcelo noticed his odd behavior but didn’t dwell on it. That night, Melissa remained in the house, ostensibly to care for them.
Just as Connor was falling asleep, a knock came. “What’s wrong?” he asked, maintaining his usual tone.
Shivering slightly, a towel wrapped around her and droplets clinging to her damp hair, Melissa said, “Connor, my water heater broke. Could I use your bathroom?”
Knowing her intentions, he still let her in, wanting to see how far she would go. His expression grew cold once she entered.
After a long time, Melissa emerged, her actions inside remaining a mystery. A strange, alluring fragrance filled the air. Connor instinctively tugged at his collar, feeling unexpected warmth. She stepped out wearing only a flimsy camisole, barely concealing anything. With an innocent smile, she said, “Thank you, Connor. I’m all done.” She approached him.
Heat surged in his groin, his expression darkening instantly. He grabbed her wrist and pressed her shoulder hard enough to leave marks.
“Ah!” Her soft cry sharpened into pain, tears welling in her eyes. Before she could plead, Connor shoved her out of the room, gripping her neck tightly. His face was twisted with cruelty. His voice, icy cold, spat, “How dare you drug me? Trying to seduce me?