Chapter 13
Chapter 13:
At those words, Kristine’s lashes fluttered. The change was brief, but Colton still caught the faint spark of happiness in her eyes.
That small reaction pierced him sharply.
In the past, whenever he had mentioned leaving to handle business, she had always reacted with disappointment. This time, she didn’t.
With an oppressive weight pressing on his chest, Colton left for Gridron.
Behind him, Kristine watched him go and smiled.
By the time the nurse changed her dressing for the second time, Kristine could not stop herself from flinching.
𝖳𝗵𝖾 b𝖾𝘀𝗍 rе𝘃i𝗲𝗐ѕ 𝘰𝘯
The nurse gave a light laugh. “You were so composed during the first change and didn’t make a sound — I almost thought you’d served in the military. This is only a dressing change, nowhere near as painful as the stitches. Why are you crying out today p>
Kristine offered only a faint smile in reply.
Before, she would cry over the smallest scrape, wanting the whole world to take notice. Yet every time, the only response she ever received was Colton saying, “You’re an adult. Can’t you be tougher?” Little by little, she had learned to hide any sign of weakness in front of him.
Several days passed, and Kristine was finally discharged from the hospital.
Asher came to pick her up and handed back her documents. Despite knowing exactly why she had been hospitalized, he chose not to bring it up at all.
Upon reaching Helcrest Hotel, Kristine stepped out of the car. Just before the door closed, a thought crossed her mind and she turned back. “Last time, we didn’t manage to get the marriage certificate. Should we set another date p>
A flicker of conflicted emotion crossed Asher’s eyes.
“You don’t truly want to marry me,” he said evenly. “And I don’t actually want to marry you either. Let’s put an end to the arrangement between our families. I’ll handle the explanation with Monica on your behalf p>
Surprise filled Kristine’s gaze. After a long pause, she said gently, “Thank you p>
Asher gave a small nod in response.
She turned away, closed the door, and walked into the hotel. Her steps were noticeably lighter than before.
From the front seat, the assistant watched her go and asked in confusion, “Mr. Edwards, why didn’t you tell her that you’re already legally bound p>
“It was a sham from the start,” Asher answered in an indifferent tone. “There was no reason to tell her.” He had his own way of having the marriage annulled.
The assistant sat in stunned silence.
Since when had Asher become so considerate?
Back in Gridron, silence swept through the private room the instant the door swung open. Recognizing Colton, everyone rose to their feet at once.
“Hey, Colton p>
That evening happened to be Devin Harrison’s birthday celebration. Given how close the two of them were, Colton’s appearance raised no eyebrows. What truly caught everyone’s attention was who had not come with him.
Unable to hold back, someone asked, “Colton, why didn’t Kristine come p>