Chapter 233
“Mr. Cox!”
Before Belinda could turn, Ryland was already wide-eyed with surprise, his expression alive with thrill. “What brings you to our humble studio in person?”
Breezing past Belinda, Ryland approached Kristopher with an outstretched hand, his smile broad. “It’s truly a pleasure to see you again! Our last meeting was at Mr. Anthony Cox’s birthday banquet, wasn’t it? Do you recall that evening?”
Kristopher gave a slight nod, his face expressionless, as he returned the handshake. “I do.”
That was the evening Ryland had led Darren to Belinda at Anthony’s gathering. Such a moment was not easily forgotten. “Mr. Cox, your memory impresses!”
Ryland’s voice held a note of genuine astonishment. “To think you’d remember me, from our little studio!”
“Hmm.”
Kristopher offered no more than a grunt, his interest in the conversation waning rapidly. He shot a quick, icy glance at Belinda. “Belinda.”
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Belinda turned slowly to face him. “Mr. Cox.”
Kristopher’s gaze narrowed as he looked her in the eyes.
Her expression remained cool and distant, as though he were a stranger she barely recognized.
Her unaffected demeanor unexpectedly irked Kristopher, feeling as though invisible hands were scooping out his insides, leaving a hollow unease.
With a frown, he spoke sharply. “Cathy and Maggie are selecting dresses. I’ve come to pick you up.”
After a brief pause, Belinda nodded. “Okay.”
She glanced down briefly, moved to Ryland’s desk to pick up a thick envelope, slipped it into her bag, and then strode past Kristopher towards the door. “Let’s go.”
She realized that regardless of her feelings, she was obliged to attend to the needs of the two “princesses” that night.
Considering this, while they were occupied with dress fittings, even Kristopher had been reduced to the role of a chauffeur.
This reflection brought a soft sigh to her lips.
During their marriage, Belinda had always been cautious about imposing on Kristopher.
She would never have asked him to drive her like this, much less to accompany her home after work. She feared being labeled as spoiled, worried that Kristopher might see her as delicate and pretentious. So, she took on everything herself, braving both rain and sun without complaint.
She believed this was the sensible approach.
But…
It wasn’t until she witnessed Kristopher’s indulgence of Cathy’s whimsical behaviors and his deferential demeanor towards her that she understood: this man did not value sensibility in a woman. Or perhaps, no matter her pragmatism, he simply preferred Cathy, who could throw a fit over nothing right in front of him.
Kristopher stood still, watching Belinda’s retreating form, a knot of frustration tightening in his chest.
He straightened his tie and followed her out.