Chapter 26
Chapter 26:
Even after four years together, she had never crossed that final line with him. Back then, she had convinced herself that his restraint came from respect — a willingness to wait. Much later, she realized he had been keeping that part of himself for Elyse all along.
At times, the logic escaped her completely. If his feelings for Elyse ran that deep, why hadn’t he stayed by her side instead? Why had he accepted her confession in the first place? Perhaps everyone else had seen the truth sooner than she had. Elyse had been too fragile, confined overseas for treatment and unable to remain beside him — and because of that, she had become the convenient replacement.
After blinking several times, Kristine waited until the sharp ache in her chest finally dulled. A low, captivating tone cut through the quiet. “You look unhappy. Or should we… give it a try p>
“Stop!” Kristine cried out.
There was no hesitation in her rejection. A complicated emotion flashed through Colton’s eyes, quickly concealed. He pulled the blanket higher and wrapped it securely around her. “Go to sleep. I won’t do anything p>
Those words were not new to her. Once, she had been foolish enough to feel comforted by that promise. Now, they stirred only a hollow, bitter amusement in her chest.
Moments after Kristine shut her eyes, Colton’s phone began to ring.
Without needing to look, she already knew who was calling.
At the faint sounds of movement behind her, Kristine let out a sharp, humorless laugh.
Colton froze. His gaze lingered on her turned back, and an ache tightened painfully around his heart. After hesitating briefly, he picked up his phone and headed downstairs.
𝘖𝗋g𝗮𝗻і𝗓𝗲 yо𝘂𝘳 𝗅𝘪𝖻rа𝘳y on 𝗴𝘢𝗹ոо𝗏𝘦𝘭𝗌.с𝗼𝗆
Below, after listening to Elyse complain once again about feeling unwell, his eyes drifted toward the second floor. “Alright. I’ll contact Brent. And if you’re not feeling well, call Brent directly. He’s your attending doctor, not me p>
On the other end of the line, Elyse clutched her phone with trembling fingers, her face drained of color. Only after a long pause did she manage to respond. “I understand, Colton p>
The moment the call ended, she lost control of her anger and hurled the phone hard against the wall. “Kristine, you really are nothing but a shameless home-wrecker p>
Alarmed by her agitation, Brent rushed to her side and pulled her into his arms. “Elyse, settle down. Your health matters more than anything p>
Leaning heavily against his shoulder, Elyse cried without restraint. “Brent, I can’t stand this. I met Colton first — and because I had to leave the country for treatment, Kristine took advantage of the situation. If I hadn’t given up my kidney back then p>
Gently, Brent patted her shoulder, concern clear in his eyes. “Please don’t cry. You’re not in good condition. Kristine only managed to draw Colton’s attention temporarily. There’s no need to worry — his heart has always belonged to you. Once we find a compatible kidney donor and you recover, he will return to your side p>
Little by little, Elyse’s sobbing eased. “Thank you, Brent p>
“Get some rest. Don’t damage your health over Kristine p>
With a small nod, Elyse watched Brent leave. A sharp, calculating glint slowly surfaced in her eyes.