Chapter 44
Chapter 44:
Surprise flashed across Brent’s face, yet he quickly pressed on. “You got worked up because she provoked you. In the end, it’s still her fault that you fell. You’re unwell — why couldn’t Kristine be more accommodating p>
The more Brent criticized Kristine without restraint, the deeper the unease crept into Colton’s chest. “Being vulnerable doesn’t automatically make someone right,” he said.
Both Brent and Elyse turned to look at him at once, their expressions souring.
Elyse, in particular, clenched her teeth so hard she nearly drew blood.
W𝗲 𝗎𝗽𝘥𝖺𝘁𝘦 𝗲𝘷𝗲𝗿𝗒 𝘸𝗲е𝗄 𝗼ո
“I’m leaving.” Colton turned and walked away.
Brent reached out. “Colton, Elyse fell p>
“You’re her doctor, not me,” Colton said, and kept walking.
For a brief moment, Brent had nothing to say in return.
An oppressive silence filled the room, stretching on for more than ten minutes. Then, without warning, Elyse erupted — hurling her phone against the wall in a fit of rage.
Alarmed, Brent rushed to her side. “Elyse, think about your condition. You need to calm down p>
“Colton doesn’t care about me at all. If that’s the case, what reason do I even have to keep living p>
His heart nearly broke at her words. “Please settle down. There are countless other men out there. You don’t have to cling to Colton alone p>
Elyse sniffed back her tears. “Brent, I need some time by myself p>
He hesitated. “Okay p>
The door opened and shut. The moment she was alone, Elyse let her fury loose, twisting the blanket until it knotted in her hands.
She had truly underestimated Kristine.
Reaching down, she retrieved her phone from the floor. Thanks to its sturdy case, it had survived intact. She opened her contacts and searched for another name — then her finger paused, and a faint, knowing smile curved her lips. How could she have forgotten about that person?
Once he left the hospital behind, Colton went directly back to Crestwood.
His first question, spoken quietly and without preamble, was: “Is Kristine still here p>
Upon hearing that she was, he headed upstairs without another word.
He opened the door to her bedroom and found her curled tightly on the bed, her body drawn in on itself. Something about her small, closed-off frame stirred a deep ache in his chest. He moved carefully to the bedside, and with each step the weight in his heart grew heavier.
Tear marks covered Kristine’s face — clear signs that she had been crying for a long time.
He lowered himself beside her and slowly brushed the tears away. Each time his fingers touched her skin, the pressure in his chest intensified, as though his heart were being squeezed until breathing became difficult. He found himself wondering how much pain she had endured alone, and for how long.
Bending down, Colton pressed a gentle kiss to the tear resting at the corner of her eye.
As he straightened, he froze.
Kristine’s eyes were open, locked onto him — deep and unreadable, yet unmistakably filled with hatred.
His breath faltered. The ache in his heart cut even deeper.
“Did I disturb your sleep p>