Chapter 7
As the party ended, it started raining again outside.
The rain wasn't heavy, but it was steady, making the hotel steps shine. The driver went to fetch the car, and everyone waited by the door.
Vivian didn't bring an umbrella and stood a little further out, so her shoulders quickly picked up the dampness in the air.
Chris had finished a call, and when he turned to see her, his brows immediately knitted together. "Why are you standing in the rain?"
His tone wasn't harsh. But it rolled off his tongue so naturally, as if looking out for her was second nature to him.
Vivian murmured, "I'm fine."
Chris glanced over, lowering his voice, "Fine? You just got over a fever yesterday. Are you trying to end up in the hospital again?"
Everyone at the door fell silent.
Everyone knew exactly what was going on.
I stood on the inner side of the steps, holding a forest green long-handled umbrella, the frame solid and secure in my hand.
Under the lights, each strand of rain was clearly visible.
I looked at Chris and smiled.
Then I walked over and handed the umbrella to Vivian.
"Take it," I said.
Vivian froze, not daring to take it right away.
She instinctively glanced at Chris.
That glance was like a fine needle, quietly piercing right into my heart.
She wasn't checking if I'd hand her the umbrella.
She was waiting to see if Chris would give her permission.
Chris fell silent for a while, his voice lowering.
"Just take it," he said.
Only then did Vivian reach out and take the umbrella, her fingertips quivering as they wrapped around the handle.
"Thank you, Ms. Simmons," she said.
I looked at her and smiled.
"You're welcome," I said, letting my gaze sweep over her pale face. "If your health isn't great, don't keep pushing yourself. Chris is so busy, and still has to remember when your fever breaks. It's pretty exhausting for him."
The silence was so deep that even the sound of the rain seemed louder.
Vivian's face grew even paler. Her lips parted, but she couldn't say a word.
Chris stood beside me, his breath growing heavier.
I played it cool, pulled my hand back, and stepped further inside.
Soon, our car arrived.
The driver opened the back door, and Chris instinctively reached up, ready to cover my head from the rain.
I stepped aside and slipped in first.
His hand paused midair for a moment before he finally pulled it back.
Once the door closed, the sound of rain was left outside, just a dull thudding in the background.
The whole drive was wrapped in silence.
Streetlights slid past the window, their glow shifting across Chris's profile, his face alternating between light and shadow.
He sat beside me, his hands resting on his knees, his long fingers motionless.
As we were almost home, Chris finally broke the silence. "You did that on purpose today."
I leaned against the window, watching the rain blur the city lights outside. "What are you talking about?"
"Kate," Chris said.
"Which one are you talking about?" I turned to him, a faint smile still lingering on my lips. "Was it me eating the Black Forest cake, or handing her the umbrella?"
Chris looked at me, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly.
"You didn't have to do that," he said.
"Didn't have to?" I repeated, drawing out the words, a touch of sarcasm in my voice. "Chris, all I did was let her have the dessert you picked out and hand her an umbrella. Is that really such a big deal?"
He fell silent.
I didn't push it.
Some things were better left unsaid.
His silence said it all.
When the car pulled into the courtyard, I got out first.
My heels clicked on the rain-soaked stone path, making a soft, splashing sound. Chris followed me inside, about to say something, but my phone rang first.
It was Hannah.
I answered the call, handing my coat to the housekeeper as I did.
Hannah's voice was low on the other end, like she'd been running.
"I think there's something you need to know tonight," she said.
"What is it?" I asked.
"She has another account."
I paused mid-step.
"Send it to me," I said.
"Already sent," Hannah replied. "Don't do anything rash after you see it."