Chapter 27

Although the mending news was quickly removed, Daniel, residing at Fuller Manor, still learned of it and was furious. Early in the morning, he began questioning Christopher. At that time, Christopher was en route to work and received a barrage of scolding from Daniel, unable to retort.

“Mel is a good young lady. Do you really deserve her? Have you ever noticed all her sacrifices over the past two years?” Daniel was both frustrated and disappointed.

Christopher pressed his lips together. Sacrifices? Was cooking a meal a sacrifice? The laundry went in the machine, and the robot vacuumed the floors. He had supported her for the past two years, not the other way around. And she had shown no gratitude; just yesterday, she slapped him across the face.

“If you don’t cherish her, don’t regret it when it’s too late. There’s still half a month left,” Daniel continued.

Losing patience, Christopher interrupted, “I’m driving right now. Let’s not talk, Grandpa. You were the one who forced me to marry her. I can give her everything except love.”

He hung up the phone before Daniel could respond. Daniel sighed heavily, his frustration mounting. He had initially planned to tell Christopher about the contractual marriage, but now, it seemed unnecessary. Once the contract expired, he…

Upon arriving at the office, Christopher took the elevator up, his mind still on Daniel’s mention of “half a month left.” He frowned but didn’t dwell on it, assuming it was insignificant. He soon shifted his thoughts elsewhere.

Daniel had only mentioned the trending news, not reprimanding him for anything else. That meant Melody hadn’t told him she was injured and in the hospital.

For some reason, Christopher felt an odd discomfort in his chest. But wasn’t this obedient compliance exactly what he wanted?

In the office, he immersed himself in work to keep his mind from wandering.

Later that morning, Cynthia sent Christopher a message. She had initially asked Fiona to check the nearby hotel, but the paparazzi hadn’t left and had been camping all night.

“I’m just a relatively unknown model. The paparazzi wouldn’t be following me if it weren’t for what happened yesterday. They’re still after you. I’m so sorry, Christopher,” she wrote. When Christopher read the message, he felt deeply guilty. Although she had just returned to the country and wasn’t famous yet, the press was hounding her only because of him. He typed a reply, telling her to stay where she was since Melody wouldn’t return anytime soon.

That evening, Christopher returned home after a long day at work. He opened the door and noticed the lights were on in the living room. He paused for a moment, then quickly made his way to the kitchen.

“Melody!” he called out, seeing a familiar figure. But when the person turned around, it was Cynthia.

He froze, forcing a smile. “Cynthia, it’s you. I’m sorry. I mistook you for Melody because of the clothes.”

“It’s okay. I didn’t bring any clothes, so I had to wear Melody’s,” she replied.

“You must be tired from work, Christopher. Go wash up and eat,” she added with a sweet smile.

Christopher nodded and turned to hang his coat.

In the kitchen, Cynthia’s disappointed gaze lingered on him as she gripped the ladle tightly.

“I’m not familiar with your kitchen appliances, so I just made some simple soup,” she said, placing a bowl in front of him.

“You don’t need to do this. You’re injured,” Christopher responded.

But then, he froze for a moment as he realized something. Melody’s injury was more severe than he thought; she had also hurt her tailbone. A few nights ago, he had made her cook several dishes for him. In comparison, it wasn’t obvious.

Christopher bit his lip, his eyelid lowering to hide the complex emotions brewing inside him.

“I don’t want to fire you. Plus, Melody isn’t here, so I thought I should take care of you,” Cynthia said with a smile, unaware of his distracted state.

“The soup is good,” he asked eagerly. He had ordered the soup from a restaurant, so she was sure it would win his approval. “It’s good. You’ve a great cook, Cynthia,” Christopher said, taking a sip.