Chapter 39
Chapter 39: Darren’s expression darkened. “Mr. Cox, that’s hardly an appropriate way to phrase it.”’ “I’m simply stating facts.”’ With a sneer, Kristopher glanced at Darren’s hand, still entwined with Belinda’s. “You two appear quite intimate.”’ Upon hearing this, Darren quickly released Belinda’s hand. “You’re misunderstanding the situation between me and Belinda.”’ Kristopher scoffed, his gaze icy as he stared at Belinda. “So, you’re seeking a divorce because of him, aren’t you?”’ He had been plagued by guilt, believing her desire for a divorce stemmed from his preference for Cathy and her family’s poor treatment of her. He hadn’t considered she might want it because of Darren! Belinda, caught off guard, managed a bitter smile. “Darren has nothing to do with this.”’ Darren scowled. “Kristopher, it was you who was unfaithful, carrying on an affair during your marriage. Don’t try to sully Belinda’s name!”’ “Ever since Cathy returned, you’ve been erratic, terminating your pregnancy, and publicly declaring our separation.”’ Kristopher’s eyes narrowed, and he sneered again. “I felt remorse, thinking I had neglected you in favor of Cathy. But now it’s clear you’ve been with Darren all along. This is just a performance to justify our divorce!”’ Belinda clenched her jaw and gripped the blanket tightly, a knot of pain forming in her stomach. “Kristopher!”’ Darren’s voice carried a mix of warning and distress as he stepped forward, positioning himself between Kristopher and Belinda. He could see the discomfort etched on Belinda’s face, and it spurred him into action. “Belinda is sick. Watch your mouth!”’ Check for updates A flicker of annoyance crossed Kristopher’s features. Observing the worry that shadowed Darren’s expression only fueled his irritation. With a sharp tug at his tie and a scornful twist of his lips, he retorted, “I’ve checked her condition before I came here. It’s merely a stomach upset, hardly a cause for alarm.”’ His smirk widened. “Last night, you saw Cathy’s mouth bleed, so you instantly pretended to vomit blood as well, right? Really, Belinda, your acting has seen some improvement,”’ he mocked, barely concealing his disbelief. He had almost been convinced. Belinda felt a fresh pang in her stomach as his words sank in. Fighting back the bitter, metallic taste that threatened to overwhelm her, she managed a strained smile. She had convinced the doctor to keep her true condition a secret, yet Darren had somehow uncovered the reality. If only Kristopher showed a sliver of the concern Darren did, perhaps then he would have seen through her facade. “She’s not pretending,”’ Darren insisted, his voice firm and protective. He was seething with anger. “Kristopher, don’t you have any sense of decency? Belinda is actually”””’ “Darren!”’ Belinda interjected sharply, cutting him off before he could disclose her illness. Kristopher didn’t care about her condition at all, and she certainly didn’t want his pity. Their marriage was a relic of the past. She yearned only for a divorce, to reclaim her freedom before her life ended, vowing never to be entwined with him again. Darren stopped mid-sentence, realizing it was best not to go on. Kristopher’s eyes narrowed, a cold intensity in his gaze. The moment Belinda interrupted, Darren fell into a troubled silence. They held secrets between them, their deep familiarity echoing that of a long-married couple. Adjusting his tie, Kristopher felt a constriction in his chest. He stood up, looking down at Belinda with a disdainful stare as she leaned weakly against the hospital bed. “You once declared your love for me, swearing that nothing I said could ever drive you away. Now, finding someone new, you scheme to leave me. Do you think you’re the center of the universe? That you can marry and divorce at your whim?”’ He let out a cold laugh. “As long as I don’t divorce you, you will always be a member of the Cox family until death!”’…