Chapter 805: Make Do

Christina, though born into a wealthy family, rarely attended high-society parties because she didn't like them, especially those held abroad.

The women were all dressed to impress, and the men were engaged in both open and covert competition.

She was not used to wearing high heels.

As a doctor, she often walked around a lot and sometimes stood for hours during surgeries, so flat shoes were the most comfortable for her.

She was wearing a black strapless gown that exposed her shoulders, making her feel chilly.

The smile on Christina's face had stiffened, but she had to keep it up as she followed Preston around, chatting with people.

When others asked, Preston only introduced her as his companion, and Christina merely nodded politely.

After tonight, she and Preston would be even.

She would then focus on medical exchanges with Knox, and once that was done, she would return to the Country M, likely never crossing paths with Preston again.

"Are you tired?" Preston suddenly leaned in close.

Christina was startled, her eyes widening as she instinctively stepped back a bit to put some distance between them.

"My feet hurt a little," she said honestly.

Preston chuckled softly, "Let's go sit over there."

Christina sat down, and Preston said, "You sit here; I'll get you something to eat."

"Okay." Christina instinctively reached for her phone, only to remember it was in her bag, which she had left in a locker at the entrance.

She regretted not taking her phone out earlier. Now she was sitting here alone, bored, and didn't know anyone else.

The seat next to her suddenly sank, and Christina turned to see Paul's handsome face.

Paul was expressionless. "Christina, you really didn't listen to me."

Christina felt a bit guilty but awkwardly said, "You're not anyone to me; why should I listen to you?"

"What did you say?" Paul heard the first sentence but not the second. His brows furrowed, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

"Nothing. Mr. Thomas and I just met by chance. He helped me, so I'm helping him by attending this party. After tonight, we probably won't have any more contact." Christina explained briefly.

"I'm only reminding you because we've had drinks together."

"Got it, nagger."

"You think I'm nagging?"

Paul felt much better after her explanation and was in the mood to banter with Christina. He noticed her hand on her stomach.

"What's wrong with your stomach?" Paul questioned.

"Hungry." She hadn't had dinner and had rushed to get ready with Preston.

Paul grabbed her hand and pulled her up as he stood. "Come on, I'll take you to get something good to eat."

Christina was silent.

Feeling the warmth of his hand, Christina looked down at their joined hands, feeling a tickle in her heart, as if something had brushed past.

She usually didn't like others being so intimate with her, but she found she didn't mind Paul holding her hand.

Could it be because Paul was too good-looking?

It must be!

Paul led Christina out of the banquet hall and into another room.

It was filled with an array of food.

"Take whatever you want," Paul said, handing her a plate.

There was food in the banquet hall too, but mostly cakes, pastries, and drinks. Here, there were some main courses for guests who preferred more substantial food.

Looking at the variety of food, Christina's mouth watered, and her stomach growled even more.

She picked a few items, and Paul had already found a place to sit.

Christina carried her plate over and sat across from him.

"Aren't you eating?" Christina asked.

"I'm not hungry." He had drunk enough to feel full.

"Then I won't hold back."

"Go ahead."

For some reason, Paul seemed a bit indulgent.

Christina thought it must be her imagination, so she lowered her head and started eating.

"Christina, you're too rough. There are many ladies and gentlemen here today; you should at least act like a lady," Paul said, his mouth getting cheeky as he watched her eat.

Christina glared at him, her mouth full of food, and mumbled, "I'm not like you, needing blind dates to find a wife. Why should I act like a lady?"

Paul's eyes widened. "Who said I can't find a wife? I tell you, women lining up to date me could stretch all the way to Country Z."

Christina almost spat out her pasta. "Then why are you going on blind dates?"

"I have high standards. Ordinary women don't interest me," Paul said, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow. "You went on a blind date too."

Christina, feeling a bit defiant, said, "I have high standards too. I just don't like any of my suitors."

Paul's eyes lit up, and he leaned closer to Christina, whispering conspiratorially, "I have high standards, and so do you. We seem to have a lot in common. How about we make do with each other?"

Christina spat her food all over Paul's face, and he quickly closed his eyes.

"Christina!" Paul gritted his teeth, a strand of pasta hanging from his nose.

"Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to," Christina said, flustered, grabbing a napkin to wipe his face.

"Who told you to say something like that out of the blue? I was startled." Christina explained.

Paul grabbed her hand, controlling it to wipe the mess off his face.

Christina's face turned slightly red, not sure if it was because of Paul's words or because she had accidentally spat pasta all over him.

She glanced cautiously at Paul's angry face, swallowed, and was about to apologize again.

"Christina," Paul called.

"What?" He suddenly called her name, making Christina's heart race.

Was Paul holding a grudge and planning to spit food back at her?

"I'm serious."

"What?"

Paul looked at her, his expression softening a bit. He sat up straight, his voice low and magnetic, his tone serious.

"How about we talk about a partnership?"

"What kind of partnership?" Influenced by his seriousness, Christina also sat up straight.

"I need a marriage partner with a good background, and right now, you're the most suitable."

"You must be troubled by family pressure to get married, or you wouldn't be forced into blind dates. If we get married, you can avoid future blind dates."

"We'll just get married, no love involved. We'll act lovingly in public and do our own thing in private, without interfering with each other. The contract will last two years, and if you want compensation after that, I can give it to you."

"I know involving you in the Thomas Family matters is unfair to you. During our marriage, I'll do my best to protect you from any harm."

Christina was stunned.

She had only seen such contract marriages in TV dramas, never expecting it to happen to her one day.