Chapter 9
Chapter 9: “I’m fine,”’ Cathy declared, her lips smeared with blood. “Kristopher, go find Belinda. Don’t worry about me.”’ Kristopher frowned, lifting Cathy up. “How can I not worry? You saved my life!”’ A sly twinkle passed through Cathy’s eyes. Still, she feigned thoughtfulness. “But Belinda, she”¦”’ As Kristopher glanced at the shards embedded in Cathy’s body, he furrowed his brows and interrupted, “First, we need to get you to the hospital.”’ He then hoisted Cathy in his arms and made his way toward the exit of the banquet hall. Near the entrance, Darren was introducing Belinda to some renowned designers. “This is my junior schoolmate, an incredibly talented individual,”’ he boasted. Belinda smiled and began to greet them. “Hello, everyone.”’ Her introduction was cut short when a man rushing from inside collided with her, causing her to stagger and nearly fall. Darren quickly caught her by the shoulder to steady her. As the pain subsided, Belinda looked up to see it was Kristopher, carrying Cathy in his arms. Kristopher’s eyes also found hers, then shifted to Darren’s hand on Belinda’s shoulder. “Belinda.”’ He paused, his icy gaze sweeping over her. “Explain tonight’s events within three hours.”’ “Kristopher, it hurts”¦”’ Explore fresh tales at; com Before he could complete his words, Cathy, nestled in his arms, whispered his name. Kristopher’s expression softened as he gazed tenderly at the woman he held. “Let’s get you to a doctor.”’ With those words, he turned away from Belinda, lifting Cathy in his arms and leaving without a backward glance. Belinda remained motionless, watching him leave, a sharp pang of pain twisting in her gut. Kristopher had never looked at her with such warmth. She had once believed Kristopher was naturally aloof. Later, she understood he wasn’t devoid of warmth; he simply couldn’t show it towards her. “Miss Nelson.”’ In that moment, one of the designers next to her cast a wary glance her way and murmured, “Are you acquainted with Mr. Cox?”’ Belinda was snapped back to reality, her smile fading as she shook her head. “Not at all.”’ Although Cathy collided with a display of wine glasses, thankfully, the glasses were sturdy enough to prevent serious harm, leaving her with only minor bruises. Yet Cathy was always fragile. Despite the doctor’s reassurance that her injuries would heal quickly without any scars, she feared they might impact her future. Overwhelmed, she spent hours crying in the hospital. It was nearly eleven at night when Kristopher finally soothed her into sleep. Exiting the hospital room, he looked to his assistant, Marc, who awaited him outside. “Where’s Belinda?”’ Marc promptly responded, “We’ve just received word”¦ She’s already boarded her flight back to Nawrin.”’ Back? Kristopher’s brow furrowed in confusion. He had given her three hours to offer an explanation, yet she had fled without a word. “Stay here and look after Cathy,”’ he instructed Marc. “And apply for a route for me back to Nawrin. I need to see this through.”’ Determined to confront her, Kristopher’s mind raced with thoughts of what awaited in Nawrin. Marc paused, uncertainty flickering in his eyes, before nodding decisively. “Understood.”’ At two in the morning, Kristopher’s private jet touched down at Nawrin Airport. Upon landing, he drove straight to his residence….