Chapter 40
Chapter 40: Kristopher’s remarks instantly drained the color from Belinda’s face and ignited a fierce anger in Darren. “Kristopher, why do you always act like you’re the victim? It was you and Miss Miller who stirred up this mess!”’ Kristopher’s gaze was icy as he retorted, “The connection between Cathy and me bears no resemblance to the sordid affair you’ve entangled yourself in with Belinda! Cathy and I were always transparent about our actions. But you and Belinda”¦”’ His eyes narrowed. “On the surface, it appears you and Belinda have only met a couple of times recently, but the true nature of your relationship is known only to you two!”’ Marc’s findings had shown that Darren and Belinda hadn’t been in touch for years. This raised the question: how could Darren, who had only recently reconnected with Belinda twice, claim to know her better than her own husband did? Darren was livid. He clenched his fist and lunged at Kristopher, shouting, “Belinda sacrificed everything for you. She nearly died for you! You can attack me all you want, but how dare you smear her name?”’ With that, Darren’s fist connected, catching Kristopher unawares and striking him squarely on the left cheek. Kristopher stumbled backward, regaining his balance after a few steps. Turning back with a menacing look, he hissed, “You dare strike me?”’ “You mistreat Belinda like that, and hitting you is the least I could do!”’ Darren roared, his anger unabated as he swung his fist again. This time, Kristopher swiftly sidestepped. Narrowing his eyes, he shot a piercing glance at Darren and, with a mocking sneer tugging at his lips, snapped, “You’ve got guts!”’ Without a moment’s hesitation, he clenched his fists and countered. Coming from a background of wealth, Kristopher had been trained in combat from a young age. Darren, fueled merely by rage, was clearly outmatched. After several heated exchanges, it was evident Darren was on the losing end, his face already swelling with bruises. Yet, Kristopher didn’t ease up; his attacks grew increasingly forceful. Despite his injuries, Darren continued to retaliate, driven by sheer adrenaline, seemingly impervious to the pain. From the sidelines, Belinda’s anxiety mounted. “Kristopher, stop!”’ she cried out. Her words only intensified Kristopher’s assault. Biting her lip and summoning her strength, Belinda staggered out of bed. “Stop it!”’ she pleaded. The confrontation was escalating, and Darren was on the brink of serious harm. The two men, lost in their brawl, failed to notice her. As Darren braced for another savage strike, Belinda rushed forward, attempting to wedge herself between them. “Talk it out! Don’t”””’ But before she could finish her plea, Kristopher’s fist landed heavily in her stomach. The impact struck her tender abdomen. A wave of darkness enveloped Belinda, her senses blurred, and a bitter taste filled her mouth. “Ugh””!”’ She clutched her chest, blood spilling from her lips and splashing across Kristopher’s face. Frozen, Kristopher stood in shock. “Belinda!”’ With his face marred by bruises, Darren quickly caught her as she fell. Looking up furiously at Kristopher, he exclaimed, “You can beat me all you want, but Belinda is ill! How could you strike her? What are you waiting for? Get a doctor, now!”’…