Chapter 92

Lately, Melanie had been helping him wash up more often. She had become so used to certain tasks that she no longer blushed or felt awkward, which made Derrick feel a little uneasy. He noticed that her movements were slower than usual and his gaze fell on her hands. "What's wrong with your hands?" he asked, frowning. "They hurt," she admitted softly. Derrick reached out and held her hand. "Is it from peeling oranges?" he asked. Melanie nodded. He frowned. "You're doing this on purpose, just to make me worry, aren't you?" Melanie fell silent. "When I was playing chess, you kept looking at me with that same worshipful gaze," Derrick continued. "Melanie, I don't play games. You don't need to toy with me, trying to act distant or teasing. I like Louisa, not you. Don't think you can get ahead just because you're around," he said bluntly. Melanie's lips twitched. She had no idea how Derrick's mind worked. She even wanted to cover his mouth right then and there. … The night of Than