Chapter 29 Suffocating Atmosphere
“Alright.” Christopher responded with a smile.
Lucy stood behind him, unintentionally glancing his way, and just like that, she found herself momentarily lost.
His smile was captivating, the kind that could make anyone swoon. But she was all too aware that such indulgent smiles were reserved solely for Emily. So, she quickly averted her gaze.
People ought to know their place. Since he didn’t love her, there was no need for her to waste her energy on him.
Whether it was love at first sight or something that blossomed over time, if it was one–sided, it was better to let go early. Even if the idea made her heartache. Suppressing the bitterness within, Lucy waited patiently.
Christopher personally opened the car door for Emily, “Get home safe and rest early.”
“How can I rest without seeing you? See you later tonight.” Emily replied, her reluctance evident as she sat in the car, delaying the closure of the door.
With a gentleman’s smile, Christopher closed the door for her and instructed the driver to depart.
“Mrs. Wines, make sure you get Mr. Dale home early.” Emily’s gaze landed purposefully on Lucy as the car drove away, her tone sweet as honey.
Snapping out of her momentary daze, Lucy returned a polite smile. Get him home…… Lucy thought. As the car drove off, her attention subconsciously shifted back to Christopher.
He turned and said, “Why are you just standing there? Come over.”
“Okay.” She replied, stepping forward.
Christopher opened the rear car door, and Lucy hesitated for a moment. This was usually where Mr. Dale sat. Should she…….
“Why are you spacing out? The matriarch is waiting for you.” Christopher urged.
“Okay.” Without further hesitation, she got in. As she settled into her seat, he leaned in slightly, causing her to instinctively glance at him.
“Move over.” Christopher instructed.
“Alright.” She spoke softly, voice barely audible. Lucy shifted to the farthest corner of the seat.
Once Christopher entered and closed the door, Lucy felt the air grow thin as if the space between them had constricted.
Sitting so close to him felt too……..
She clasped her hands together tightly, sitting upright and staring out the window. Maybe if she remained like this, the atmosphere wouldn’t become ambiguous.
The car started moving with the air conditioning set high, keeping the interior comfortably cool. Christopher gazed out the window for a moment before rolling it down.
The breeze ruffled Lucy’s hair, prompting her to tuck the loose strands behind her ear. Christopher glanced in her direction and promptly closed the window again.
“Uncomfortable?” His deep voice shattered the silence.
“No.” She replied softly, still avoiding eye contact.
The driver glanced in the rearview mirror, unable to resist observing them. From his perspective, it seemed as if something divided the two.
In truth, Christopher wasn’t sitting on the edge. Lucy had just pressed herself tightly against the door.
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054 AM D
Chapter 29 Suffocating Atmosphere
side of her face closest to him flushed red. Her ears burned with an intensity that almost felt unbearable.
48 Pearls
Was this what it felt like to be near someone you liked? Uncontrollable nervousness, inexplicable overthinking, and a deep heat creeping into her ears as if they might truly catch on fire.
But ultimately, she could only suppress all those feelings. All the emotions, all the affection. She had to endure it.
The car arrived at the hospital. It was nearly 10:00 pm, and the entrance lay almost empty. Christopher exited first, adjusted his suit, and walked around the car.
When the door opened on her side, Lucy, out of politeness, nodded slightly. “Thank you.” Her voice remained soft as if she feared disturbing the stillness around her.
On his deathbed, her father had once told her, “Lucy, you’ll be on your own from now on. You can’t be as carefree as before. Always think twice before acting, be polite, avoid confrontation, and take good care of yourself.”
Her mother had added, “You’ve been pampered your whole life. I haven’t had the chance to teach you much. What will you do now, Lucy? Protect yourself, be cautious, and don’t draw attention to yourself.”
In the dim light, a familiar hand suddenly reached out in front of her. She looked up in surprise.
Send Gifts
