Chapter 12
Chapter 12: “Yep, Darren was the first guy you befriended in college, and he’s always been by your side”¦ I’ve always felt you two were perfect for each other. If Kristopher hadn’t come into the picture later, you might have ended up with a big happy family with Darren, right?”’ Lost in memories, Madisyn grew increasingly excited. “You should’ve taken my advice back then. Do you ever think about what might have been?”’ Belinda responded with a slight smile, idly stirring her porridge, her tone flat. “Yes, I do wonder sometimes.”’ If only she hadn’t been so determined to marry Kristopher, if only she hadn’t dedicated her whole being to that marriage, and if only she hadn’t clung to what turned out to be a doomed relationship for three long years”¦ Maybe then she wouldn’t be facing this terminal illness. Reflecting on her past sacrifices, she felt a sense of foolishness wash over her. With a heavy sigh, she murmured, “But regret doesn’t come with a cure.”’ “It’s never too late,”’ Madisyn chimed in, oblivious to the fact that her friend’s days were numbered. She offered a reassuring smile. “Life still holds so much for you, and anything’s possible. And honestly, Darren is always a better match for you than that jerk Kristopher!”’ Belinda tasted the sharp sting of regret and quickly interjected, “Darren is indeed a wonderful person, but as for us”¦”’ Before she could complete her thought, the door slammed open with a deafening crash. Kristopher strode in, a frosty aura clinging to him from the chill outside. He glanced at Belinda propped against the hospital bed and said icily, “If Darren is better than me, why were you so adamant about marrying me?”’ “What do you mean, ‘adamant about marrying you’?”’ Madisyn countered. As Kristopher entered, her temper ignited. His audacious words sent her into a rage. “When you lay there, unconscious, was there anyone else in Nawrin eager to be your wife? Even Cathy, the one you cherish, jetted off on a chartered plane within the night. It was only our compassionate Belinda who couldn’t stand seeing you alone and married you! Without her dedicated care, you’d probably still be a living corpse lying in a hospital bed!”’ she snapped. Kristopher sneered back, “True, she did look after me. That’s the only reason I’ve kept her as my wife.”’ He turned his icy gaze on Belinda, his voice emotionless. “Belinda, I acknowledge your kindness, but remember, my tolerance has its limits. Don’t push it!”’ “Push it?”’ Madisyn scoffed coldly. “You were blissfully unaware that Belinda was pregnant, and you audaciously went to pick up another woman at the airport the day she miscarried. You’re the one who’s gone too far.”’ Kristopher’s brows knitted together tightly. “This matter concerns only Belinda and me. It’s none of your concern!”’ “And how is it none of my concern?”’ Madisyn retorted, glaring at him. “Belinda’s concerns are my concerns too!”’ “Madisyn,”’ Belinda responded, her voice weary. Leaning against the bed’s headboard, she massaged her temples and then spoke to ease the tension. “You haven’t slept all night, have you? Why don’t you get some rest? I need to speak with him privately.”’ Madisyn pressed her lips together, her gaze filled with concern. “Is there really more to discuss with him?”’ She knew Belinda all too well and understood her feelings for Kristopher. She feared that Kristopher’s gentle words might once again sway Belinda to forgive him. Belinda, sensing her concern, reassured her with a smile. “There’s quite a bit left to sort out about the divorce.”’ Relieved by her words, Madisyn grabbed her coat and went to the door. Pausing, she threw Kristopher a warning look. “Belinda is still vulnerable. Don’t you dare mistreat her, or you’ll answer to me!”’ Once Madisyn had exited, Kristopher shifted his position and took a seat in a nearby chair. Crossing his legs and leaning back, he surveyed Belinda with an icy, penetrating stare. “So, you’re serious about the divorce?”’…