Estelle had no choice but to follow him.
After pulling her to the corner, Cristofer let go of her wrist and asked, “Star, could you do me a favor?”
Estelle frowned and asked, “What do you want me to do?”
“Pretending that we have got back together with each other in front of Grandpa,” Cristofer begged,, “The doctor said that Grandpa is not in a good condition and perhaps he won’t live long. I want him to live a happy life in his last days.”
Estelle didn’t say anything.
Cristofer spoke earnestly, “I wanted to hasten the marriage not only due to the multinational company’s collaboration but also because I desire to see Grandpa happy. However… as you can see, Grandpa holds no fondness for Miss Wilson and views you as his true granddaughter-in-law. Could you possibly pretend that we’ve reconciled in front of Grandpa?”
“Don’t worry. You’ll only need to maintain a façade of being intimate with me when you’re at the Hans’ Residence. When you’re elsewhere, you’re free to maintain your distance as you please. I understand your affection is solely for Mr. Mysterious, and I won’t force you into returning to me. Is this arrangement acceptable?”
Estelle directed her gaze towards the emergency room and observed Luke, who was tilting his head to catch sight of them, displaying a contented expression.
She had consistently understood Gary’s and Luke’s hopes.
Both of them had consistently stood by her, with Gary even resorting to hitting Cristofer on her behalf. Furthermore, Gary held a deep affection for Yohan and Yvonne and treated them well.
Considering all these factors, Estelle found herself unable to turn down Cristofer’s request.
Estelle gave a slight, sad smile.
‘Grandpa Gary is also Mr. Mysterious’ grandfather. As Mr. Mysterious’ wife, I should treat Grandpa Gary better.’
Nonetheless, Estelle couldn’t shake the feeling that feigning reconciliation with Cristofer might not be suitable.
“If you find it hard to go along with this, then disregard what I mentioned earlier. I don’t wish to place you in an uncomfortable situation,” Cristofer offered, his tone regretful. “I shouldn’t make excessive requests. I apologize. You’re free to leave if you prefer.”
As he said that, he started moving towards the emergency room.
“Wait,” Estelle halted him, speaking up. “How about we make a deal?”
Cristofer turned around and nodded, signaling her to proceed. “Sure, go ahead.”
“You will help me find a suitable donor to save Christina, and I’ll cooperate with you and act in front of Grandpa. What do you think?”
“Are you really willing to help me?” Cristofer’s delight was evident as his eyes brightened.
“Yes, and I hope you’ll sincerely help me in return. I’ve been searching for a suitable donor for three years without success. It’s a real challenge to find a matching donor. And even if one is found, convincing them to donate their liver is another hurdle,” Estelle explained.
“As long as I can find a suitable donor, I’ll ensure they agree to donate their liver to Christina, even if it will cost all my fortune,” Cristofer pledged.
Estelle found herself momentarily speechless at his commitment.
“Is it a deal then?” Cristofer inquired.
“Alright,” Estelle agreed, nodding after a brief pause.
“Thank you, Estelle.”
“No need to mention it. In fact, I should be thanking you. After all, pretending in front of Grandpa Gary is simpler compared to finding a compatible donor.”
Experiencing a mixture of excitement and apprehension, Cristofer cleared his throat and extended his hand toward her, asking, “So… may I hold your hand?”
Instead of responding, Estelle moved closer to him and sniffed at his clothes.
“The scent on your body…”
“It’s the smell of cologne,” Cristofer confirmed.
Upon hearing this, Estelle was slightly taken aback, and then she remarked, “I recall that you never used to wear perfume. Why the sudden change? Is it because of Miss Wilson?”
Estelle still recalled the memories of encountering Cristofer in the wedding dress store, where she smelled the scent of cologne, which nearly caused her to mistake him for Mr. Mysterious.
Reflecting on this, a hint of guilt crept into her emotions.
She clearly declared before that she could identify Mr. Mysterious regardless of the circumstances. However, she almost confused another man for him due to the familiar fragrance of the cologne.
“Recently, I’ve been grappling with insomnia, and occasionally I’d smoke during the day to stay alert. After smoking, I’d apply cologne to mask the smell of smoke on my body,” Cristofer clarified.
“Doesn’t Miss Wilson appreciate the scent of smoke?” Estelle inquired.
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?”
“I can’t be bothered to concern myself with someone I hold no affection for. My intention to marry her was solely to facilitate an agreement with a prospective business partner and to bring happiness to Grandpa. As for her preferences and aversions, they hold no significance to me.”
“That’s unfair to Miss Wilson,” Estelle commented with disapproval.
“She doesn’t require fairness in the least. Her primary goal is to gratify her vanity,” Cristofer responded.
“What?”
“Nothing. Let’s avoid discussing her. She holds no significance in my life anymore,” Cristofer responded with a smile, extending his hand to clasp hers.
When their hands made contact, Estelle instinctively pulled her hand back.
However, Cristofer promptly caught her hand and maintained a firm grip before she could act on her impulse.
Cristofer’s hand was big and emanating warmth, though it was slightly wet, which was way different from Mr. Mysterious’ hand.
Mr. Mysterious’s palm was always dry, starkly contrasting the slight moisture on Cristofer’s palm caused by sweat.
Observing that his hand was damp as well, Cristofer’s expression turned sheepish as he commented, “I’m sorry.”
“Are you worried?” Estelle asked, looking at him.
“Yes.”
“Don’t worry. Trust the doctor. He will save Grandpa Gary’s life,” Estelle comforted him.
Upon hearing that, Cristofer nodded and conceded, “I trust the doctor. It’s just that…”
“Just what?”
“I’m just a little nervous,” Cristofer said as he held her hand more tightly.
When Luke saw the two of them walk over hand in hand, he couldn’t help but weep tears of joy.
“Mr. Hans, Estelle, you two have been reconciled? It’s so great!”
Cristofer then replied to him with a happy smile, “Yes, We have.”
The emergency treatment for Gary lasted for four hours, and it was already dusk when it was over.
At last, the emergency room door was pushed open, and the doctor came out.
The doctor said gently, “Old Mr. Hans has woken up, but he is still slightly emotional. You may go inside and talk to him to calm him down.”
“Okay, okay.” Luke put his hands together and murmured, “Thank you, doctor! Thank you!”
Then he turned to Cristofer and said, “Mr. Hans, go inside with Estelle quickly! If Old Mr. Hans knows that you two have reconciled, he will be very happy!”
Happiness was contagious. Seeing that Luke smiled through tears, Estelle was also in a better mood.
Suddenly, her fingertip was gently pinched. She turned her head and then saw Cristofer gazing at her affectionately.
“Let’s go inside,” Cristofer pulled her with his voice full of gentleness.