Chapter 49
Chapter 49:
Left alone in the quiet office, Asher’s gaze settled on Kristine’s ID photo. It was not unkind to her — the calm look on her face gave her a still, quiet beauty unlike how she usually appeared. He let his fingers brush thoughtfully over her image.
Shaped by what Monica and Jemma had told him over the years, he had always pictured Kristine as someone who clung too tightly, lacking dignity. Yet their encounter in Peudon had revealed a different side to her entirely — a resilience he had not expected.
Perhaps the upcoming celebration would give him the perfect opportunity to travel to Gridron and finally discuss their marriage with her face to face.
Feeling somewhat lighter, Asher tucked the photo away in his bottom drawer.
𝖲𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗌 𝗈𝗇
Back in Gridron, Kristine stepped out of the shower and checked her phone. No new messages from Asher. She closed their chat and turned her attention to arranging a logistics company to transport her antiques the following day. Once her hair was dry, she went to bed.
In the middle of the night, Colton found himself restless. He quietly opened Kristine’s bedroom door and stood watching her sleep — peaceful and completely at ease.
The realization settled in without room for doubt.
Kristine had truly meant every word she said. She had moved on.
The realization struck Colton so hard it nearly broke him.
Still, watching Kristine rest so peacefully, he managed to swallow his frustration. He closed the bedroom door quietly and stepped away. Without wasting another moment, he went downstairs, slid behind the wheel of his car, and drove toward Garden.
The bar belonged to Devin. By three in the morning, the place had already survived its wildest hours, yet the energy still lingered in the air. Colton moved through the crowds of swaying patrons and made his way to a secluded room on the second floor.
He shoved the door open. It struck the frame with a sharp bang that cut through the revelry. The lively mix of gambling, drinking, and laughter died instantly. Everyone in the room froze, staring at the furious figure in the doorway.
“Everyone out.” Colton’s tone was glacial, and the room seemed to grow colder for it.
Within seconds, people scrambled for their belongings and poured out the door.
Devin alone remained on the sofa, demeanor unruffled, casually swirling his drink. “What’s gotten into you tonight, Colton p>
Rather than answer, Colton crossed the room, seized a bottle of liquor, twisted off the cap, and poured himself a generous measure.
“Hold on — that’s the strongest stuff here p>
His warning came too late. Colton knocked it back in one go. The alcohol scorched its way down, igniting a fire in his chest, yet his expression never changed — as though he had sipped water rather than something so potent.
Devin watched him with concern. “Since when did you start drinking your problems away p>
Colton met his gaze with a somber intensity. “Tell me — why would a woman look you in the eye and insist she doesn’t love you anymore p>