Chapter 13
Chapter 13: Kristopher sat just ten feet away from Belinda, the distance seemingly magnified by the cool detachment on his face, as if they were in separate universes. Belinda, gazing at his impassive expression, forced a smile. “Yes, I’ve made my decision,”’ she affirmed. Throughout their three-year marriage, Belinda had often contemplated leaving him, yet she struggled to sever the ties. She once clung to naive hopes concerning him. Belinda had believed that if there was even a shred of humanity in Kristopher, he might recognize her virtues and fall for her. Now, having relinquished her illusions, she looked back, deeming herself foolish for squandering her youth and vitality on someone who had never genuinely acknowledged her presence. Kristopher remained oblivious to the despair in Belinda’s eyes. Distracted by his phone, he retorted, “You secretly ended the pregnancy, fled our home, flaunted another man before me, and now you’re demanding a divorce”¦ What are you trying to gain with all this drama?”’ His words tightened a knot in Belinda’s heart. Clasping her hands together tightly, she responded, “Do you really think I’ve gone through all this just to gain something from you?”’ “Isn’t that the case?”’ Kristopher arched an eyebrow. “Remember when I offered you two hundred million to divorce me? What was your response? You claimed that two hundred million couldn’t possibly equate to your feelings for me, and you refused the divorce.”’ With that, he pulled out the divorce agreement Belinda had previously left at the villa and flung it towards her. “Two years ago, you wouldn’t divorce for two hundred million, but now you’re the one initiating it and even willing to walk away empty-handed? Belinda, your act needs to be more convincing!”’ for more reading The dusty document struck her face like a slap. Indeed, two and a half years ago, when Kristopher had just woken up, she had refused to divorce. It wasn’t because she thought two hundred million was insufficient; she simply couldn’t bear to part with him. Now, her past affection had become a weapon for Kristopher’s scorn. Belinda offered a self-mocking smile as she picked up the divorce papers. “Isn’t it better that I leave with nothing?”’ “It is indeed very good,”’ Kristopher responded, his face expressionless. “It would be even better if you were serious about the divorce.”’ “I am serious,”’ Belinda asserted. She inhaled deeply, lifting her gaze to meet his with a composed and solemn demeanor. “Kristopher, after three years, I’ve reached my limit. Now that Miss Miller has returned and I’ve lost our child, let’s part ways amicably and divorce.”’ As she spoke, she lifted her hand skyward. “I promise, as soon as you sign the papers, I’ll join you at the courthouse right after I’m out of the hospital. You won’t hear from me again.”’ Her eyes, once brimming with affection for Kristopher, now reflected sheer fatigue and a sense of defeat. Kristopher’s expression darkened as he really looked at her for the first time in a long while. She seemed utterly changed. Her face was void of emotion, stirring an unexpected emptiness in him. Turning away, he broke eye contact. “I get it that this outburst is because of Cathy.”’ He stood, towering over her as she sat drained of color. “Drop the act. Remain the dutiful wife. Cathy isn’t out to usurp you, and you better not hassle her, wrap her in your dramas, or cause me any more trouble. You have three days to return home. Act like none of this ever happened.”’ Belinda silently bit her lip. Since Cathy’s return to the country, she had resolved to abandon their marriage, yet Kristopher persisted in believing she posed a threat to Cathy. It was his second warning. How ironic! As this thought crossed her mind, Belinda coldly lifted her gaze to meet Kristopher’s, tamping down the swirl of emotions inside her. She calmly stated, “I’ll go arrange my discharge now, and then we can head to the courthouse for the divorce. Once that’s settled, we’ll be strangers to each other, and you won’t have to fret over any harm coming to your precious Cathy.”’ Kristopher scoffed and turned away, muttering, “I’m busy.”’ “Kristopher!”’ She bit down on her lip harder, trying to detain him, but all she received was a view of his retreating, indifferent back. Agitated, Belinda felt a sudden sweetness flood her throat and spat out a mouthful of blood. Just as Kristopher reached the elevator, he caught the sound of doctors and nurses hurrying towards Belinda’s room, shouting, “The patient in room 2306 is vomiting blood!”’…