Love at the Door

Chapter 15

Once in the kitchen, neither Andrew nor Melina spoke. After all, this was just for show.

Andrew leaned against the door, watching Melina cook

Melina only knew how to prepare simple, home–style dishes.

She washed the ribs thoroughly and blanched them. Then she added ginger and peppercorns to simmer. She cut onions into cubes and set them aside.

Skillfully, she marinated the salmon with salt, wine, and scallions. After ten minutes, she placed it in the

oven.

She washed vegetables meticulously, rinsing them three times.

Her knife skills were quick, producing evenly thin potato strips.

Her past hunger had given her a deep respect for food. As she cooked, she became so absorbed that she didn’t notice the man watching her from the doorway.

When Andrew saw her bustling about, he felt a wave of guilt wash over his past actions.

Was this girl too good at pretending?

When Melina finished cooking and turned to carry the dishes out, she nearly bumped into Andrew.

She couldn’t help but think how dedicated Andrew was to this act. He’d been watching her cook for over an hour, even though they’d agreed to just pretend to be a normal couple.

Melina nodded to Andrew, then busied herself with bringing the dishes out.

There were stewed ribs with mixed vegetables, balsamic baked salmon, bean salad, mashed potatoes…

All these were plain, home–cooked dishes that looked so fresh and inviting.

Melina’s voice is soft and even a bit coquettish. “Mr. Wentworth Senior, I’ve prepared some simple dishes. Please try them and see if they’re to your liking.

Wallace took a bite and nodded in satisfaction. “It’s delicious and much better than our chef at home. Andrew is a very lucky guy to have you as his wife, don’t you agree, Andrew?”

A subtle tension filled the air as soon as Andrew’s name was mentioned.

Melina tensed, fearing Andrew might give them away.

For a moment, the air around the table seemed to freeze.

Andrew’s eyes, dark and intense, fixed on Melina as he spoke. “Indeed.”

Melina sighed in relief, grateful for Andrew’s cooperation.

Satisfied with the answer, Wallace beamed contented

A few days ago, Andrew seemed eager for a divorce. But now he was playing along.

Whether Andrew was doing it out of respect for him or if their relationship had improved, it was good

news.

After dinner, Wallace didn’t leave saying he wanted to watch TV. Melina readily agreed to keep him company.

Melina had intended to sit with Wallace. But she noticed his gaze occasionally drifting toward Andrew.

Suddenly, she understood what was going on.

What Wallace wanted most was for her and Andrew to get along well.

They had to pretend to be a normal married couple.

Melina walked over to Andrew, summoning her courage to take his hand and sit beside him. Only then did she say

to Wallace, “Mr. Wentworth Senior, let’s watch TV together.”

As expected, Wallace’s smile widened.

Overwhelmed by nerves, Melina’s grip on Andrew’s hand became sweaty.

She feared Andrew would be disgusted by her touch, that he might not want to keep up the charade.

Fortunately, Andrew didn’t pull his hand away, playing along.

Melina sat in the middle.

She was flanked by Andrew on the left and Wallace on the right.

Melina thought about how she would be leaving after today. She worried about how disappointed Wallace would be if he ever found out. She couldn’t help but say, “Mr. Wentworth Senior, I hope you’ll forgive me if I make any mistakes in the future. I really like you.”

Andrew’s gaze flickered when he heard her say that.

The wealthy, with a mere gesture, could command the devotion of countless people. Their power often bred insincere flattery, and genuine affection was rarely expressed,

Wallace’s laugh was so hearty that his beard quivered. Alright! I’ll never be angry at you, Lina.”

Wallace chose a variety show, watching with great interest.

Melina, however, couldn’t concentrate on the TV. Sitting so close to Andrew made her unconsciously sit up ramrod straight.

Andrew was also distracted. Once again, he caught that scent that made him feel drowsy.