Chapter 25
Chapter 25:
Up on the second floor, Kristine allowed Colton to set her down on the spacious bed. Without sparing him a glance, she turned onto her side and pulled the blanket snugly around herself. Moments later, she tugged the fabric higher until it covered her face entirely.
A deep crease formed between Colton’s brows. Did she truly dislike him so much that she could not bear to look at him?
He reached over and drew the blanket back. “Kristine p>
Instead of responding, she remained curled up with her eyes closed, as though his voice had not reached her at all. Her reaction had nothing to do with anger. What weighed on her most was sheer exhaustion. Before, sleep would elude her because of Colton’s words. Now, she simply wanted to take care of herself.
“Kristine p>
The mattress sank gently beside her, and moments later his fingers lifted her chin — enough discomfort to make her open her eyes. Her gaze met his, and she saw irritation flickering there.
“We need to talk,” he said.
“There’s nothing left to talk about.” Kristine pushed his hand away, rolled back onto her side, and closed her eyes again. “I’ve already said everything I needed to say p>
Letting out a quiet breath, Colton pressed his fingers against his temple.
Was it truly such a serious matter that he had missed the marriage registration? Why was Kristine reacting like this?
𝘚hа𝗋𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝗿 𝘵𝗵𝗈𝘶g𝘩𝗍𝘴 о𝗻
“I’ve explained it already. We can still go to City Hall and get married. No matter what happens, the title of my wife will always belong to you p>
A quiet laugh escaped Kristine — more bitter than amused.
Even now, Colton failed to grasp the real reason behind their separation. Their breakup had nothing to do with paperwork or an unregistered marriage. What had finally broken her was the accumulated weight of disappointment built up over four long years. She had devoted seven years of her life to loving him, a span of time that felt unbearably long — and yet Colton’s heart had remained fixed on Elyse, leaving no room for anyone else. No matter how much effort she poured into the relationship, it never led anywhere meaningful. Fatigue had settled deep into her bones, and she no longer had the strength to fight.
“Kristine p>
Colton flipped her over, and anger surged through him when she still did not react. He bent down and bit her lip, venting his frustration into the act.
Annoyance flashed through Kristine and she opened her eyes, striking his chest with her palm. “Colton, let go p>
In response, he seized her wrists and forced them above her head, pressing them firmly against the headboard. The position only made her fight harder. “Colton p>
Raising his head slightly, Colton looked straight into her furious eyes, and a flicker of unease briefly crossed his otherwise rigid expression. “Don’t move p>
Each breath he took came out rough and uneven.
Kristine understood immediately what that reaction meant.
Fear rushed through her. She pressed herself flat against the mattress and stared up at him.