Chapter 20

Melissa wore a white waist-tight shirt and a lilac pencil skirt, which perfectly accentuated her figure. Her hair was carefully styled, flowing naturally down the side of her face, but it became a bit of a hindrance as she chopped vegetables. Connor didn't think much of it. He removed the hair tie he always kept ready for Emelie, walked behind Melissa, and helped her tie up her hair. Surprised by the person behind her, she turned around and thanked him. "Thanks, Connor. The food will be ready in a bit." As Melissa spoke, she pretended to be careless, tossing a piece of meat with water droplets into the hot oil. Instantly, oil splattered everywhere. "Careful!" Connor quickly moved to shield her, using his body to block the sizzling oil. Melissa feigned concern. She quickly washed her hands and used a damp napkin to wipe the oil from his face. "Is it hot?" she asked, her voice filled with feigned worry. Connor tried to pull away from her hand but inadvertently glanced down at the