Chapter 28
Chapter 28: Helen looked up, baffled, gazing at Kristopher as if she doubted her own ears. “Kristopher?”’ Kristopher’s expression darkened, his tone firm. “What happens between Belinda and me is none of your business.”’ Carol quickly silenced Helen, her hand over her mouth, whispering sternly, “That’s enough. Shut up!”’ Helen complied, falling silent. The room sank into a deeper silence after the exchange. Anthony shot Kristopher an icy look and said mockingly, “I was under the impression you’d forgotten Belinda was your wife.”’ With a knowing smirk, Kristopher responded, his tone laced with respect, “Believe me, that’s one thing I could never forget.”’ Anthony’s scoff was loaded with skepticism. “If you really remembered, then why””’ “Anthony.”’ Before Anthony could continue, Belinda cut him off. She handed him a cup of freshly brewed tea, offering a gentle smile. “Here, drink some tea.”’ Anthony’s frown softened as he accepted the cup, his voice mixed with concern and frustration. “When will you learn to express your feelings? You keep everything bottled up inside, which isn’t good for you. Look at you! You’ve let it all get to you again. I haven’t seen you in a month, and you’ve lost so much weight!”’ Anthony’s words warmed Belinda’s heart even as they brought a pang of sadness. She wiped away a tear and managed a bright smile for Anthony. “Oh, I’m fine. Just cutting back a bit, you know?”’ “Cutting back? You’re already so skinny. Why on earth are you dieting?”’ chÉptÑrs “I just want to make myself look more beautiful. Don’t worry. I won’t go too far.”’ She chuckled, pressing a teacup into Anthony’s hands and playfully popping a pastry into his mouth. “It’s your birthday. Have some fun!”’ Anthony sighed as he swallowed the treat, eyeing the teacup with a playful grimace. “I do enjoy a good cup of tea, but you know, variety is the spice of life. How many cups does this make now? At least it’s just tea. Otherwise, you’d have me tipsy before the party.”’ Even started!”’ Belinda gave a quiet laugh and continued preparing tea at the table. As the room’s attention shifted elsewhere, she surreptitiously slipped some white powder into the tea. Half an hour later, the birthday celebration officially began. With everyone watching, Anthony, flanked by Belinda and Kristopher, walked to the center stage and expressed his gratitude to all in attendance. Despite his age, his voice filled the room with youthful vigor. Following his thank-you speech, a three-tiered cake made its way to him. As the crowd serenaded him with the birthday song, Anthony extinguished the candles and declared his wish aloud. “I hope to see Kristopher and his lovely wife Belinda blessed with a child soon. Hopefully by next year!”’ A hush fell over the room. Kristopher’s public appearance with Cathy was no secret, and everyone knew that he was going to divorce Belinda. The room was left in utter shock by Anthony’s unexpected declaration. In the wake of a profound silence, Darren was the first to break it with his applause. “It’s truly moving to see Mr. Cox cherish his family so deeply, even dedicating his birthday wish to them,”’ Darren remarked. His words brought everyone back to reality. Applause filled the room as someone exclaimed, “Having someone like Anthony in the Cox family is a true blessing!”’ With a warm smile, Anthony joined Belinda and Kristopher’s hands. “Listen to that applause. It’s all for you two.”’ Tears welled up in Belinda’s eyes as she bit her lip. “Thank you, Anthony.”’ Knowing Belinda might feel hurt and wronged, Anthony’s wish was meant to protect her. “Hold back your tears,”’ Anthony urged gently, patting her head before turning to Kristopher. “Aren’t you going to dry her tears?”’ With a frown, Kristopher glanced at Belinda, took out a tissue, and was just about to dab her tears when Maggie’s loud voice boomed from the crowd. “Cathy!”’ The tissue dropped to the floor. Kristopher bolted from the stage, heading straight for Cathy. “Cathy, are you alright?”’ Belinda felt as abandoned as the tissue Kristopher had let fall, discarded and forgotten in an instant….