Time stood still, and an intense silence filled the space, signaling the gravity of Christina’s words.
Her statement acted as a definitive red light, bringing their relationship to a halt.
I don’t mind how others criticize or perceive me, but Nathaniel is different. He’s my husband, and I’m his wife. Shouldn’t we be honest with each other and have complete trust? This constant doubt, secrecy, and questioning are draining me. I feel emotionally exhausted.
Nathaniel lifted his head and reached out to take her hand. His voice had softened considerably. “It was my fault for not handling the situation properly. I’ll address it tomorrow, I promise.”
Christina let him wrap his arms around her, her body feeling limp like a broken doll. Her lashes concealed her unfocused eyes. Despite their tight embrace, they felt like strangers in each other’s arms.
After some time, when they got tired of standing, Nathaniel carried Christina into the bedroom.
He held her tightly, feeling the rhythm of her heartbeat against his chest. Breathing in her delicate scent, he found solace as if the entire world had gone silent at that moment.
At dawn, Christina awoke to find herself alone in the apartment.
She rose from the bed and freshened up before getting dressed, ready to find a new location for her office.
Christina opened the door to see Madison standing outside. Before she could say anything, Madison entered her house.
Without hesitation, Christina blocked her path warily. “Let’s talk outside.”
Madison folded her arms and demanded, “Christina, you keep causing Nathaniel pain. When will you put an end to this?”
Did she come all the way here just to say that?
Christina let out an icy snort. “Who are you to intervene in our relationship? Are you a home wrecker?”
Madison must’ve contributed to the scandal, huh?
Madison scowled. “You’ll only harm Nathaniel by staying with him. Can you leave him?”
“Do you
you think I don’t want that? He’s the one who keeps holding on to me! Even if I leave, I doubt he’ll ever fall in love with you!” Christina snapped angrily and stormed off towards the elevator.
If Nathaniel harbored any romantic feelings for Madison, he wouldn’t have courted Christina four years
later.
Madison went into the elevator after her, refusing to give up. “Christina, you know perfectly well that your mother died in the building collapse caused by Hadley Corporation, which also left your father crippled. Your families are sworn enemies. Can you really sleep peacefully knowing you share a bed with your enemy every night?” she pressed.
Christina’s fists bailed up as she frowned angrily. “What does that have to do with you? Rather than paying attention to me, you should change your appearance so Nathaniel will finally notice you.”
19
Al Nu
The elevator doors slid open, and Christina stalked out. She hopped into her car and drove out of the underground garage.
Madison’s gaze hardened as she stared at Christina’s slender back, taking in every detail of her outfit with a cold gaze.
That night, in the CEO’s office at Hadley Corporation, Nathaniel sought solace in the bar within his office. Frustration consumed him, causing him to consume more drinks than usual after finishing work.
He pulled out his phone to call Christina, but she didn’t pick up despite several attempts.
A deep line appeared between Nathaniel’s brows as he refilled his glass with wine and downed it in one gulp.
Propping his chin on his palm, he felt a wave of dizziness wash over him, his vision becoming hazy and distorted.
Nathaniel’s gaze shifted toward the door, where he caught sight of a slender young lady dressed in a long white gown. Her long, black hair cascaded down, framing her translucent skin. Is that Christina?
We’ve worked together for over ten years, and Nathaniel had never touched me. I can’t believe changing my outfit would work wonders!
With each breath feeling like a painful reminder of her shattered heart, Christina turned away and stepped into the elevator.
The doors closed, severing the last remaining ties between her and Nathaniel.
The first thing Christina did upon returning to the condominium was to call her grandmother.
Azure answered the call shortly after. “How are you doing recently, Christina? I read the news.”
“That’s fake. The reporters made up stuff to garner attention,” Christina explained.
Azure had unwavering faith in her. “I have complete trust in you. I know you too well to doubt you.”
Christina felt a sense of relief and gratitude for being trusted. Her heart warmed as she took a deep breath and made her decision known. “Grandma, I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to move to Hallsbay and live with you.” D
“What? Really? Have you made up your mind?” Azure gasped incredulously, thinking her ears were playing tricks on her.
Christina’s eyes sparkled as she responded in a firm tone, “I’ve made up my mind. Let me know after you make the necessary arrangements.”
“Your father will be delighted to hear this. We’ll make the arrangements as soon as possible,” Azure promised.
After the call ended, Christina breathed a sigh of relief and went to her bed.
Naturally, she couldn’t fall asleep as the image of Nathaniel and Madison locked in a tight embrace kept haunting her, replaying in her mind whenever she closed her eyes.
If she had the power to erase memories, she would eagerly remove that painful scene from her mind, forever banishing it from her thoughts.
Just before dawn, Christina managed to drift off to sleep, albeit briefly. When she woke up, a newfound resolve glimmered in her eyes.
She printed out a divorce agreement and went straight to Hadley Corporation.
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