Chapter 71
Chapter 71: Belinda’s brow furrowed, her voice hesitant. “I’ll try.”’ She was acutely aware that following Madisyn’s bold suggestion might accelerate her impending divorce. Yet, she had cherished her three-year marriage to Kristopher. It seemed somewhat pathetic that she might need to depend on his concern for another woman to push through the divorce. But then again”¦ This marriage had been a farce, filled with misery from the very beginning. Clinging to it was futile. Just then, a knock interrupted her thoughts. The door to the hospital room creaked open. Standing there was Kristopher’s assistant, Marc, who offered Belinda a sheepish grin. “Mrs. Cox, the boss”¦ he’d like to see you.”’ “Mrs. Cox?”’ Madisyn scoffed as she rose to her feet, annoyance flashing in her eyes. “Kristopher and Cathy are also in this hospital, aren’t they? Belinda is injured. Whatever they need to say, they can tell me!”’ She brushed past Marc, making her way to the door. “Miss Thomas”¦”’ Marc extended his hand in a gesture to halt her progress, his tone cautious. “That wouldn’t be appropriate.”’ His gaze shifted to Belinda, mixed with a trace of sympathy. “Madam, the boss mentioned that if you’re still intent on the divorce, you should meet with him now.”’ Belinda frowned, clearly bothered. He was using the divorce to make her meet him and Cathy? The annoyance was evident on her face. Cathy obviously meant a lot to him. New chapters now on Rubbing her sore forehead, Belinda pushed herself out of bed. Allen was quick to offer his support. “Take it slow,”’ he cautioned gently. She dodged his hand with a smile. “I can manage on my own. Thank you.”’ Allen pulled back, his gesture awkward now. “Do you want me to come with you?”’ “No,”’ she declined softly, still smiling. “Don’t let Kristopher vent his anger on you and your family because of me.”’ Allen’s expression clouded over, and he remained silent. Madisyn, ever the protector, moved to Belinda’s side and linked arms with her, ready to offer her company. But Belinda gently disengaged herself with a reassuring smile. “Stay here and wait for me. I need to do this alone.”’ She knew all too well that Madisyn’s fiery temper and impulsiveness could escalate things unnecessarily. She didn’t want any conflict. Madisyn caught on to Belinda’s worries and relented, though her lips formed a pout. “Then at least take your phone. If anything happens, call me. I’ll be right there!”’ Belinda nodded and directed her gaze at Marc. “Go ahead. Lead the way.”’ Marc cast a quick look at the bandage wrapping Belinda’s forehead before he started walking. “Are you feeling alright, madam?”’ he inquired. “I’m fine,”’ she replied, stifling a yawn and furrowing her brows. “How’s Cathy? Did she get hurt?”’ Marc forced a smile, his expression uneasy. “Miss Miller”¦ it’s complicated.”’ He fell silent then, guiding Belinda through the hospital corridors to the VIP luxury suite occupying the entire top floor. As they stepped out of the elevator, Belinda picked up the sound of Cathy’s distressed voice coming from the suite. “Kristopher, am I going to die soon? The fear at the racetrack was overwhelming. I even thought of my final words! If I had died there, my regrets would be countless. From now on, I’m going to seize every moment. That way, even if something happens, I’ll have lived fully. You’ll support me, won’t you?”’ Kristopher’s soothing reply followed. “You’re not going anywhere. You’re going to live a long, full life”¦”’ Their exchange sent a chill down Belinda’s spine. Marc, picking up on the tension, raised his voice slightly. “Madam, are you sure you’re not hurt anywhere else?”’ He had asked this before, but his tone now served to notify those inside of their arrival. Belinda caught on to Marc’s cue and replied smoothly, “Thank you. I’m really fine.”’ Their voices ceased immediately as Belinda entered the room. Moments later, Marc reached the door and knocked. Inside, Cathy lay on the bed, her face pale and weak, while Kristopher sat beside her, peeling an apple. The disheveled state of his shirt hinted at a recent embrace. Cathy’s eyes narrowed as Belinda entered. “You and Marc took your time. What kept you, Miss Nelson?”’…