Love at the Door

Melina quickly dismissed the idea. There was no way Andrew could like her. He had made it clear that he was forced into this marriage, and he had no feelings for her.

She couldn’t figure out why Andrew had changed, but thanks to him, she didn’t have to eat cheaply every day.

Two days later, Helena was discharged from the hospital. She reopened the fish market, and Melina went back to work.

This time, Helena didn’t criticize or scold Melina like she used to. Instead, she seemed awkward and out of sorts.

After Melina finished her tasks, she stood by idly.

Helena suddenly spoke up, “Melina, there aren’t many people in the afternoon. There’s no point in you staying here. Why don’t you go home after you deliver the orders to Oakread at 11:00 am?”

Most of the people who shopped at this market were elderly folks. from the neighborhood. They liked to buy groceries early in the morning, so by 10:00 am, the place was pretty much deserted.

Melina first applied for the job because Samuel mentioned that she could leave once things slowed down, giving her flexible hours. That way, she could still take care of Andrew. But things hadn’t gone as planned. Andrew had kicked her out before she even started work, so she hadn’t given much thought to her work schedule.

Now, Helena was saying she could leave at noon. That meant she could find another part–time job and make some extra money to pay back Beacon Elementary School.

Surprised, Melina asked, “Really?”

Helena nodded. “Have I ever lied?”

Melina recalled that Helena once short–changed a customer. But she didn’t say it out loud. Instead, she beamed and said, “Thanks, Mrs.

Henderson!”

Helena looked uncomfortable. “There’s no need to thank me. Just

make sure you’re polite to the customers. Don’t offend them in any way.”

“Got it!”

Melina hopped on Samuel’s scooter and went off to deliver the orders. Oakread had 12 districts. It wasn’t a big neighborhood. Melinal had gotten to know the area well after just two days.

On her first day, she helped a family’s cat in District 4 give birth to six

kittens.

The next day, she noticed a grapevine in District 6 was malnourished and gave the homeowner some advice.

As for the grumpy old man in District 12 who always complained. about the fish being underweight, Melina had learned to bring him a little extra fish each time. That seemed to stop the complaints.

Then, she saw an order come in for District 1. It was from Andrew.

But she thought Andrew didn’t eat fish. He must be looking for her, then.

Melina quickly arrived at District 1. Dorothy answered the door.

“Ms. Crawford, Mr. Wentworth is expecting you.”

“Expecting me? For what?”

Dorothy smiled but said nothing.

Melina’s suspicions grew. Andrew really didn’t eat fish. He must have.

ordered it as an excuse to talk to her.

She walked into the house and saw Andrew sitting at the dining table, facing a large spread of food. It didn’t seem like something he had anything important to say.

Melina instinctively swallowed hard. Could Andrew really eat all that by himself?

Sensing her thoughts, Andrew spoke. “Come and join me.”

Melina shook her head, resisting the temptation. “No, thanks. I’m here to deliver the orders. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be heading back.”

Andrew didn’t even look up as he continued eating elegantly.

“Stay and eat with me. Otherwise, I’ll file a complaint that the fish you delivered is bad.”

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