Chapter 44
Chapter 44: “What are you even talking about?”’ Kristopher’s expression darkened with irritation. “When did I ever mention that I planned to propose to Cathy?”’ Recently, the Cox Group had expanded into the jewelry business, and out of boredom, Kristopher had wandered into a jewelry store. He never anticipated that Belinda would misinterpret his actions so drastically. With a smirk, Belinda handed her bank card to the saleswoman. “You were looking at engagement rings. Are you planning to buy one for Miss Miller? Don’t tell me it’s for me. In our three years of marriage, every gift for me was bought by Marc. And now, just as we’re about to divorce, you suddenly show such interest that you even pick up gifts for me in person?”’ Kristopher’s frown deepened, yet he remained silent. The saleswoman, handling Belinda’s card, shifted uncomfortably between the quarreling couple. “Sir, ma’am, about this pair of rings”¦”’ “Just sell them to her if she wants them,”’ Kristopher snapped, turning on his heel and striding away. The saleswoman was left even more bewildered, watching him depart. Belinda smiled, her eyes settling on a delicate diamond ring at the counter. “Please wrap that one along with the pair of engagement rings.”’ Minutes later, Belinda exited the mall with two bags from the jewelry store and climbed into her car. “Here,”’ she said, handing Kristopher the bag containing the rings. “So, when do you plan to propose to Miss Miller?”’ Kristopher glared at her, his eyes cold. “What concern is it of yours?”’ “It certainly is my concern,”’ Belinda retorted, tossing her hair back with a playful laugh. “We need to finalize our divorce before you even think about proposing.”’ Fresh updates loaded “There’s no rush.”’ “You might not be in a rush, but what about Miss Miller? Is she waiting patiently?”’ Kristopher’s eyebrow arched, his expression turning scornful. “If you’re so eager, why don’t you propose to her yourself?”’ Her urgency to dissolve their marriage was palpable. The more desperate she seemed to sever ties with him and start anew with Darren, the more he resisted granting her desire. Belinda rolled her eyes and turned to gaze out the window. “I’ve already bought your engagement rings, and that’s the extent of my involvement. Don’t expect me to propose on your behalf!”’ She was determined to escape this doomed marriage before she died. She had her pride. The car sped down the road. Two blocks from the Cox family estate, Belinda retrieved a compact mirror from her bag and began touching up her makeup. She aimed to look her best for Anthony. If the divorce proceedings went smoothly, she would never have to see Kristopher again. She intended to make a positive impression on Anthony. As he reclined in the leather seat, Kristopher observed Belinda adjusting her makeup in the mirror, his thoughts drifting. When he had first met her three years ago, Belinda had barely known how to use makeup. At that time, the Cox Group was undergoing rapid expansion, and his schedule was so hectic that he could only manage daily phone calls to inquire about his grandfather’s health. For months, his grandfather had consistently sung Belinda’s praises, noting how attentively she cared for him at the nursing home. Eventually, they met. It was a sunny day when she entered, wearing a sharp blue nurse’s uniform and carrying a bouquet of carnations, her smile bright as she greeted, “Anthony, I’m here!”’ Back then, Belinda exuded an air of energy and liveliness. Now, however”¦ The woman before him had the same features as three years ago, yet she had become so thin that her cheeks were sunken, lending her a pale and weary appearance. Upon seeing her condition, Kristopher’s brow furrowed, and he blurted out, almost without thinking, “You need to eat more. You’re too thin.”’ Belinda’s hand paused in the air. After a brief pause, she turned to face him, her expression tinged with sarcasm. “Why this sudden concern for me? Do you even care whether I look good or not?”’…