Chapter 33
Chapter 33:
Kristine recognized her immediately. Elyse’s closest friend — Mackenzie Reed. It had been Mackenzie who first let slip the rumor that Colton’s heart had always belonged to Elyse. Back then, Kristine had brushed it off. Over time, the truth had become painfully obvious. Now, all she felt toward Mackenzie was a sharp, clear dislike.
She reached for her purse and moved to leave, but Mackenzie stepped into her path without hesitation.
“What — did I touch a nerve? I haven’t even said the worst of it yet.” Mackenzie dragged her gaze over Kristine with open contempt. “Let’s stop pretending. Elyse is back, and she’s the real girlfriend. Anyone with a shred of dignity would know when to bow out p>
Kristine regarded her calmly. “Give me one reason why I should p>
“Because you’re nothing more than the other woman.” Mackenzie pitched her voice loud enough for the room to hear. Heads turned their way.
𝗧𝗁е 𝘣𝖾ѕ𝘵 𝘳𝗲vі𝗲𝘄s 𝗼𝗻
Their world was a small one, and everyone present recognized Kristine. The whispers began at once.
“So it’s true — Kristine was the other woman all along p>
“I suspected as much. No one gets that desperate without a reason p>
“Honestly, it’s disgusting. She moved in while the real girlfriend was sick overseas p>
With each murmur, Mackenzie’s confidence grew. She leaned in close, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper beside Kristine’s ear. “If I were in your position, I’d be too ashamed to show my face. I’d find the nearest rooftop and jump p>
Kristine’s hand shot up, pressing firmly against Mackenzie’s face to push her back. Her tone came out steady and cold. “If anyone deserves that, it’s Elyse — the actual intruder in this situation. And you, for taking such pleasure in spreading lies p>
Mackenzie’s vision went dark behind Kristine’s palm. She struggled to catch her breath. “Lies? You’re the other woman p>
“Let’s clear something up — when exactly did Elyse and Colton become a couple p>
Mackenzie went silent.
“If they were already together four years ago, then fine, call me whatever you like. But I had no idea he had someone overseas. That means I was deceived too. Colton is the one at fault here. If you’re so convinced you’re right, do you dare say all of this directly to his face p>
With that, Kristine pushed past her without waiting for an answer.
Heat crept up Mackenzie’s cheeks, her eyes blinking furiously. “You can’t just turn this around on him. We’re talking about you, not anyone else p>
“Funny how the blame never lands on Colton,” Kristine replied evenly. “Why shouldn’t I bring him into it? Or is your outrage reserved for women alone p>
Mackenzie’s face darkened to an ugly shade. She struggled to find her voice and said nothing.
The crowd hushed as well — no one wanting to appear to be the sort who blamed only women. Yet deep down, everyone had taken notice. Kristine had always stood up for Colton, going as far as turning on anyone who dared whisper a bad word about him. Now she had publicly set him aside as though she owed him nothing. It stunned them all.
Meanwhile, at the hospital, Elyse’s cries filled the room.
“No! I can’t do it! I don’t want the surgery! I don’t want to die p>