Chapter 123
Chapter 123:
Throughout the following week, Colton never returned to the villa. As for Kristine, she never learned whether the shredded gown was the reason. The answer did not matter enough for her to ask. Instead, she remained secluded in the first-floor room, devoting herself to restoring the vase. Each day brought the fragments closer to completion, and when the vase finally stood whole again — exactly as it had once been — a quiet sense of fulfillment settled over her.
After taking several crisp photos of the finished piece, Kristine sent them straight to Asher.
He replied almost immediately. “Are you sure you did not buy a new one? I cannot see a single trace of repair p>
A small smile formed as she typed back. “What is your address in Peudon? I will have it shipped to you p>
“I have not left Gridron yet. You can bring it to me yourself p>
𝗥е𝗰𝘰𝘮𝗺e𝗻𝘥 𝘵𝗈 y𝗈𝘶𝗋 𝘧r𝗂eո𝘥𝘴
“You’re still in Gridron?” The message caught her genuinely off guard.
“Yes,” Asher replied, then sent over the name and address of his hotel. “Drop by whenever you like p>
Glancing at the time, Kristine considered it. “Would tomorrow morning work p>
“That works perfectly p>
She set her phone aside, but barely had a second to relax before it buzzed again. She assumed it was Asher, but Elyse’s name flashed across the screen instead.
As Kristine scrolled through the photos and short video clips, a bitter curve formed at her lips, even as an uncomfortable tightness settled in her chest. Every image featured Elyse beside Colton, the two of them clearly spending time together at an amusement park. Across every frame, the park appeared deserted — not a single stranger in sight — which could only mean the venue had been reserved entirely. A gentle, almost cinematic glow clung to each image. One photo captured Elyse smiling brightly atop a carousel horse while Colton stood beyond the ride’s edge, his attention fixed solely on her. Light and shadow obscured half of his features, making his expression difficult to read. Even so, the mood was unmistakable — she was clearly throwing a playful tantrum somewhere, and he looked quietly entertained by it.
Memories from the beginning of her relationship with Colton surfaced.
In those days, her thoughts had been crowded with romantic fantasies. Among them, a simple trip to an amusement park had ranked near the top. But whenever she suggested it, Colton always deflected — sometimes it was Elyse’s condition, other times it was a work emergency. Eventually, she learned to keep the idea to herself.
Watching him fulfill that wish with Elyse now stirred no jealousy in her.
Sweetness belonged to those who were cherished. Heartache remained for those who were not.
After locking her phone, Kristine went upstairs to get ready for the day ahead.
Meanwhile, in the parking lot of the amusement park, Elyse sat in the passenger seat staring at her screen as the minutes slipped by without a response from Kristine. With each passing second, her frown deepened. She had expected Kristine to react with jealousy and storm over in a fit.
Colton’s voice came from outside the car. “I have to go now p>
Elyse quickly tucked her phone out of sight.