Chapter 34
Chapter 34: Belinda’s fingernails were pressed deep into her palms. How ironic. Suffering from advanced stomach cancer, Belinda spent many nights writhing in agony. Yet Kristopher, her husband, seemed oblivious, utterly indifferent to her pain. Meanwhile, Cathy, who had returned just two weeks prior, complained of a stomachache, and suddenly, Kristopher was all concern. Belinda’s long-endured suffering turned into a cruel joke. It dawned on her that he was capable of caring. It was just that she wasn’t worth his care at all. With this realization, she inhaled sharply and said, “Fine, care about her. I don’t want any part of it.”’ She slammed a divorce agreement onto the table and declared, “Kristopher, we are done!”’ As the crowd gasped in shock, she seized a microphone and announced, “Sorry to interrupt your evening, everyone. Since all the Cox family and friends are here, I have an important announcement. I’m divorcing Kristopher Cox and ending our three-year marriage. He’s free now, and so is the position next to him.”’ She paused, a sly smile crossing her face, then added with a hint of spite, “And to any lady who’s had her eye on Mr. Cox but didn’t want to be a home wrecker, feel free to make your move. The role of Mrs. Cox is up for grabs to anyone who feels she’s qualified for it.”’ As she spoke, Cathy’s face fell from joy to sorrow. That bitch, Belinda, relentless even in their divorce, couldn’t resist getting in a jab at her. What did she mean by “ladies who had her eye on Mr. Cox but didn’t want to be a home wrecker”’? g’±¯lnÏν𒮒sï¹ð’oð’º is where stories live Was she implying that Cathy was a home wrecker? Nearby, Kristopher’s hands were balled into fists, barely containing his rage. His glare bore into Belinda, filled with a storm of fury. Initially, she had the audacity to suggest that he was just something to be rented out, and now, she proposed surrendering her title as Mrs. Cox to someone else. Did she see him as some sort of commodity? Their marriage was their business alone. When she first mentioned divorce, he dismissed it as a trivial tantrum and forgave her. Yet here she was, announcing their separation before a crowd of Cox family friends and relatives, exposing his affair with Cathy. What was her motive? Finally, Belinda inhaled deeply, her voice steady. “From now on, I am no longer Kristopher’s wife, no longer Mrs. Cox. I refuse to endure any more insults from the Cox family.”’ Her declaration was a clear jab at Rosie and Maggie. Maggie, already bitter towards Belinda over the dispute involving fifteen thousand dollars, could not hide her disdain. With a sneer, she retorted, “Cathy’s back. You knew they’d kick you out eventually, so you decided to ask for the divorce first, didn’t you?”’ While she spoke, she absentmindedly fiddled with her nails. “You’ve been married to Kristopher for three years, reaping all the benefits of the Cox family’s wealth, and yet, you couldn’t even provide a child for Kristopher. We’ve held our tongues on this matter, and now you have the audacity to accuse us of bullying you”¦”’ Maggie paused for a moment and continued, giving a cold, mocking laugh. “It’s no surprise your own child couldn’t endure being with you!”’ Her comments became increasingly biting. “Maggie!”’ Kristopher’s voice dropped to a warning whisper, hoping to silence her. However, Maggie, relishing the opportunity to taunt and degrade Belinda, pressed on. Ignoring Kristopher’s attempts to intervene, she spat out her next words with even greater spite. “How can you be upset that Kristopher went to help Cathy after your miscarriage? Don’t you realize that in his eyes, you can’t hold a candle to Cathy? You only married him while he was unconscious. Kristopher’s pity is the only reason you weren’t kicked out the moment he regained consciousness. Do you think you’d still be here otherwise? With your lack of background and education, Belinda, you’re hardly worthy to””’ Slap! Before Maggie could utter another word, Belinda marched up to her and delivered a resounding slap across her face!…