Chapter 116
Chapter 116: As Belinda’s questioning voice came through the phone, Darren closed his eyes in resignation. The moment he had been dreading had arrived. Taking a deep breath, he said, “Belinda, please let me explain. That night was chaotic. I was hurrying to get your medication log to the hospital, and there was Kristopher, lingering at your doorstep, refusing to leave. When your cat, Fluffy, dashed out to find Kristopher, he scooped him up. He was using Fluffy to try to see you”¦ I couldn’t disclose your medical condition to him, nor was I in a position to wrestle him for Fluffy, so”¦”’ “So, you handed my beloved cat over to my ex-husband, just like that?”’ Belinda cut him off with a cold tone. “Darren, I appreciate what you did for me that night. But have you thought about what might have happened to Fluffy if Kristopher hadn’t brought him back? He could have been lost, hit by a car, or ended up starving on the streets.”’ Darren sighed. “Belinda, I was out of options”¦ You were in a critical state, and I had to make a decision”¦”’ “And what about yesterday?”’ Belinda struggled to contain her emotions and inhaled deeply. “When I asked you about Fluffy yesterday, you knew exactly where he was, yet you lied, claiming you hadn’t seen him. Madisyn spent the entire day searching. I continued from evening right up until eleven at night. If Kristopher hadn’t shown up, I’d probably still be out there looking.”’ This time, Darren remained utterly silent. Having expressed her frustrations, Belinda decided not to add more. “Darren, the money you advanced at Peace Hospital that night, I’ll send back double the amount in a few days. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me during this period.”’ With those final words, she ended the call. chαptÑrs in Darren tried to call her back immediately. However, she didn’t pick up any of his calls. Soon after, her car pulled up in front of the Cox family mansion. After settling the cab fare and stepping out, Belinda’s eyes caught sight of a familiar black car parked outside the villa. She couldn’t help but frown. Anthony’s invitation to lunch today seemed to involve more than just her alone. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, Belinda entered the mansion. As she crossed the threshold, Anthony’s hearty laughter echoed from the living room. “Allen, I never imagined you’d drop by to see me after so many years overseas!”’ Allen responded with a warm and infectious smile, “Anthony, you always treated me so kindly when I was a kid! I would have come to see you the day after I got back if I hadn’t been held up.”’ Anthony chuckled, clearly amused by Allen’s charm. “You’ve had a way with words since you were a boy, always one step ahead of the reserved Kristopher!”’ Hearing the familiar banter, Belinda felt a wave of relief wash over her. Allen was also here for the lunch. It was a relief. She wouldn’t be alone with Kristopher. With a light step and a smile, she entered the living room. “Anthony, what’s got you all in such high spirits?”’ At the sound of her voice, the three men turned their heads, their faces lighting up with recognition. Though Allen and Belinda had met before, their previous encounters hadn’t been very formal. He asked with a grin, “Anthony, who’s this?”’ Anthony ran his fingers through his beard, chuckling. “This is my granddaughter-in-law, Kristopher’s wife, Belinda!”’ Allen raised an eyebrow and extended his hand toward Belinda with a warm smile. “So, you’re Belinda. Pleased to meet you.”’ Belinda returned the gesture and grasped his hand. “Pleased to meet you too, Allen.”’ After they were introduced, Anthony gestured to an empty seat beside Kristopher. “Belinda, have a seat. The food will be a while longer.”’ Belinda frowned slightly and hesitated, but eventually moved to sit next to Kristopher. As she went to sit, she inadvertently pulled at the wound on her leg. The sharp pain made her falter and nearly fall. Kristopher swiftly caught her, wrapping his arms around her in a quick embrace. The moment felt unexpectedly intimate. Belinda quickly detached from him, managing a flustered smile as she sat back down. “Thanks.”’ “For what?”’ Kristopher’s voice was low and teasing, meant only for her ears. “Old habits die hard, huh?”’…