Chapter 351

Chapter 351

I blushed and let out a soft laugh.

The meal left me absolutely stuffed; I could practically feel my stomach protruding.

Christopher had the leftovers packed up—no waste there.

Noticing my discomfort, he suggested, "How about a walk to help with digestion?"

I'd been deliberately avoiding spending time alone with him lately.

But I was so full that if I didn't get moving, I'd probably feel sick all night. And if I went straight home, let's be honest—I'd just collapse on the couch.

"Sure!" I finally agreed, prioritizing my digestive health over my awkwardness.

He clearly knew the area much better than I did.

Christopher led me directly to a nearby beach.

The sand kept sneaking into my shoes, but everyone there seemed to be having such a good time. Their joy was contagious—I couldn't help but smile.

Just then, massive fireworks suddenly exploded overhead.

If I hadn't known about the government-sponsored display welcoming visitors for the local festival, I might have thought Christopher had arranged it himself.

Even though he hadn't, there was something magical about standing beside him, both of us gazing at the same spectacular sky.

In a metropolis like Starlight City, fireworks weren't exactly rare during major events.

But these were extraordinary—bursting in countless shapes and colors, almost too dazzling to take in all at once.

As the show continued, the beach grew increasingly crowded.

Everyone had their phones out, capturing the moment.

Caught up in the excitement, I pulled out my phone too, trying to frame the perfect shot.

But just as I'd lined everything up, someone bumped into me, ruining my angle.

Suddenly, a large hand wrapped around my waist, drawing me into what felt like a protective circle. My first instinct was alarm—had some creep decided to take advantage of the crowd?

My hand instinctively reached for the pepper spray in my purse.

"Go ahead and take your photo," a deep, husky voice murmured in my ear.

Another brilliant burst illuminated the entire sky, bathing us in colorful light.

I realized with relief that it was Christopher holding me.

He had half-embraced me, creating a buffer between me and the jostling crowd.

I had to admit, without his protection, I never could have captured such stunning images of the fireworks.

Once I'd taken enough photos, Christopher guided me to some nearby steps.

Compared to the packed beach below, this spot offered a much better vantage point.

Beautiful moments like this were meant to be shared with best friends.

I immediately video-called Paula, wanting her to witness the spectacle.

Unfortunately, Paula must have been busy with something important—she didn't pick up.

We stayed for quite a while longer, but Paula never returned my message.

Feeling slightly disappointed about missing Paula, I watched as the finale concluded and the crowds began to disperse.

I glanced sideways at Christopher and caught him studying me intently.

I awkwardly averted my gaze, wondering if we'd stumbled upon the fireworks by chance or if Christopher had known about the display all along and planned this evening accordingly.

Lost in these thoughts, I didn't even hear Christopher calling my name.

He finally reached for my hand to get my attention.

The moment his fingertips touched mine, an electric tingle spread from my fingers throughout my body. My face instantly reddened, and I instinctively pulled my hand away.

"Mr. Collins, what is it?" I asked, feigning confusion.

"The show's over, and it's getting chilly by the water. We should head back," he explained in his deep voice.

"Sorry, I was daydreaming. Let's go!" I quickly excused myself and walked ahead.

The car was waiting at the curb.

Christopher gallantly opened the door for me.

Once inside, the gradually warming interior made me feel drowsy.

I opened my mouth several times but couldn't bring myself to ask if he'd planned the evening around the fireworks.

Partly because it seemed inappropriate, and partly because I suspected he wouldn't give me a straight answer anyway.

Admitting it would mean acknowledging his feelings for me.

He seemed hesitant to cross that line—preferring actions over words.

I shifted my gaze to the window.

Watching the buildings and trees recede reminded me of my past memories—similarly fading into the distance.

Meanwhile, my moments with Christopher were becoming increasingly vivid.

My emotions grew more complicated by the minute.

Christopher appeared to be resting with his eyes closed—I couldn't tell if he was actually asleep.

He seemed completely relaxed, treating me like someone familiar rather than a stranger.

Halfway home, Paula finally returned my call.

"Melinda, we've barely been apart and you're already missing me this much? So many calls! I'm worried that when you get a boyfriend, he'll resent how attached you are to me," Paula teased.

Every word from her sounded like a joke.

I snuck a glance at Christopher, hoping he couldn't overhear.

Quickly changing the subject, I said, "If someone hadn't gotten sick, I wouldn't be calling so persistently. You have some nerve teasing me."

Paula immediately surrendered. "My fault entirely. I'm fine, really—today was just a fluke."

"A fluke that made you pass out? That's quite the accident," I couldn't help but remark.

Paula showered me with apologies until I "reluctantly" let it go, but not before insisting she take her medication and get proper rest.

Finally, I explained why I'd called earlier.

"I wanted to share the fireworks display with you—it was absolutely breathtaking. See how thoughtful I am?"

I was genuinely trying to spread the joy.

Paula responded with exaggerated gratitude: "You're the best, always thinking of me!"

Just as I was about to mirror her playful tone, an unexpected female voice cut in from the background: "Paula, are you deliberately stringing me along? I just need a straight answer—are you signing the settlement agreement or not?"

I recognized the voice as Paula's sister, Theodosia.

Paula laughed coldly. "What are you going to do if I don't sign? Threaten me? You're awfully invested in Bobby's situation. Anyone would think you two had something going on. Were you dating him?"

"That womanizer? He's been with countless women. I wouldn't touch him with a ten-foot pole," Theodosia hastily replied.

"Countless women... you seem awfully well-informed," Paula remarked with an eerie smile in her voice.

Theodosia, realizing her slip, scrambled to recover. "What I know or don't know is none of your business."

"Then whether I settle or not is none of yours," Paula shot back.

Even through the phone, I wanted to give Paula a thumbs-up. Her verbal sparring skills had clearly improved.

Her quick thinking was impressive.

"Paula, stop deflecting. It's just a settlement—there's no need for family drama. It's better for the Ellis family this way. Why make things difficult? You claim to care about the family's interests, yet here you are being stubborn. Besides, Bobby already agreed to apologize to you and your friend. What more do you want? You didn't suffer any real damage."

"Look at my face—I nearly had permanent scarring! You call that 'no damage'?"

Paula's delicate skin showed even the slightest scratch for days, and she'd deliberately avoided treating the injury, making the redness and swelling appear worse than it was.