Francis lowered his gaze momentarily and looked up soon. He teased, “You’re going on a date? Do you mind if 1 tag along?”
Christina was taken aback to hear that. Both men were at odds every time they met and wouldn’t stop until a winner was determined. His words made her shudder in fear.
“I was joking. Why do you look so serious?
Christina heaved a sigh of relief.
After they finished the dessert, it was almost time for her to leave. Christina cleared the empty boxes and said, “You go ahead. I need to pack up.”
Francis knew she didn’t want Nathaniel to see them together. Clearly, she had made up an excuse to make him leave.
Strangely, he felt as though he had to hide so others wouldn’t see him, just like he did as a child when he was regarded as the illegitimate child of someone else.
The feeling of his dignity getting crushed overwhelmed him instantly.
Suddenly, a horrible idea surfaced in his mind.
Francis glanced at the pinhole camera hidden in the potted plant and strode over to hug Christina from behind.
Her body was soft and smelled so great, and he had the urge to indulge in her presence.
Christina curled into a ball in shock and chided, “Francis, what are you doing?”
“Christina, the back of my waist is hurting. I think it’s the side effects from my previous injury.” Francis complained, feigning pain as he furrowed his brows,
Christina had her back to him and didn’t notice his calm expression.
She felt slightly guilty as he had to delay getting treatment because of her.
“What should we do now? Should I get the doctor to come here?” Christina panicked and reached into her pocket to get her phone.
Francis embraced Christina tightly, leaning on her for support. He greedily breathed in her scent and said, “There’s no need for that. Let me hold you and take a brief rest.”
Christina had no choice but to stand still like a log, allowing him to lean on her.
Their tender embrace reflected on the translucent window, creating a romantic tableau reminiscent of a scene from a movie.
“Isn’t it tiring to stand? Why don’t you take a seat?”
Christina escaped from his arms when he wasn’t paying attention and got him an armchair to sit in. A flicker of disappointment passed through Francis‘ eyes as he felt the warmth from Christina’s body dissipate. Swiftly masking his emotions, he responded, “That’s all right. My assistant is waiting for me
downstairs, so I should be going now.”
“Okay.”
When Christina turned around, the tall figure was already gone as though he had never been here in the first place.
She glanced at her watch and assumed Nathaniel would be here soon.
Christina cleared up her table and settled on the couch to read a magazine, wondering what movie they would be watching later. As time ticked by, she slowly fell into a deep slumber without realizing it.
Some time later, her phone rang, jolting her awake. She opened her eyes, only to be greeted by a glaring light.
“I’m sorry, Christina. My meeting ended later than expected. Should we go watch a movie now?” Nathaniel sounded calm, but he could be heard walking quickly.
Christina glanced at the time and realized it was already half past ten.
“It’s pretty late, though. Let’s go another time. I was thinking of spending the night at Sharbrook Manor so I can have breakfast with Mom and Granny tomorrow”
The ding of the elevator could be heard as Nathaniel replied, “It’s fine. After watching the movie, we can head back to Sharbrook Manor together and spend the night there. We’ll both have breakfast with Mom and Granny tomorrow morning
It was obvious he really wanted to watch a movie with Christina instead of going against his word yet. again.
Christina’s lips curled up involuntarily. “All right. I’ll come downstairs now.”
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