Chapter 104
Chapter 104:
Eventually, she got exactly what she wanted and left for Gridron. What she never expected was for that choice to become an escape rather than a beginning. After her father’s death, life had felt rootless — as though she belonged nowhere at all.
“Ms. Green… Ms. Green,” a voice called out softly, urgent but careful.
Kristine’s eyes opened slowly. Claire’s face came into view, and Kristine blinked in confusion.
“Where is Colton?” Kristine asked.
Claire paused before answering. “Mr. Yates p>
Instinctively, Kristine lifted her hand to her abdomen. Smooth skin met her fingertips, untouched and unscarred.
“My kidney… it is still there, right p>
Relief spread across Claire’s face as she nodded. “Yes, it is. Someone else reached the critical stage and turned out to be a perfect match for Miss Lloyd. He volunteered to donate his kidney to her.” Warmth filled her voice as she continued. “The surgery went smoothly. Because of that, you never had to donate anything. Everything ended in the best possible way p>
𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗻
Kristine did not return the smile.
Sunlight streamed through the window, and she turned her eyes toward it instead. “How long was I out p>
“An entire week,” Claire answered, pouring water into a glass and placing it in Kristine’s hand. “You never woke up once during those seven days. Mr. Yates…” She stopped herself. “But that is all in the past now. Have some water p>
Dryness burned Kristine’s throat. She pushed herself upright just enough to drink a few careful sips. “You started to mention Colton earlier,” she said quietly. “What happened to him p>
A flicker of tension crossed Claire’s face.
Colton had taken a deep stab wound to the chest. Doctors and nurses had worked without rest for two full days before finally stabilizing him. The moment he regained consciousness, he gave a single, firm order: Kristine was never to be told.
“It is nothing,” Claire replied quickly. “Are you hungry? I can bring you something to eat p>
Kristine did not press further. She named a few dishes she usually liked and watched Claire leave the room.
Once she was alone, Kristine forced herself to swing her legs over the side of the bed. After lying still for seven days, her lower back protested sharply. With almost no solid food for nearly a week, her arms and legs felt heavy and unresponsive.
“Slow down p>
Strong hands caught her forearms and guided her carefully into a seated position.
“Thanks,” Kristine said, taking a few unsteady breaths. When she lifted her head and saw who it was, the warmth vanished from her face. Her expression froze, and she yanked her arms free.
Colton’s pupils shrank. The hatred burning in Kristine’s eyes hit him with the force of a blow.
“Are you feeling any pain or discomfort? I can have the doctor come back and check on you,” he said.
Without answering, Kristine pulled the blanket closer and turned her face toward the window, deliberately facing away from him.
A crease formed between Colton’s brows. “I will call the doctor p>
No response came from her.
Colton stepped aside and summoned the doctor. A thorough examination followed. Kristine spoke little, but she answered every medical question clearly and precisely — distant in manner, yet cooperative throughout.