Breaking Point of Divorce (Hugh and Bethan) novel Chapter 449

Chapter 449 He Had to Keep His Cool

Tristen's tender gaze was full of affection as he reached out to gently shake Bethan's arm.

In response, Bethan buried her head even deeper, trying to hide her feelings.

Looking at her, Tristen's eyes, filled with a soft smile, were overflowing with tenderness.

It all started back in college when he first laid eyes on her and was instantly smitten.

After discreetly learning more about her, he discovered that her heart belonged to Hugh, and she'd even chosen to study medicine for his sake.

Tristen had once thought he'd never have a shot with her and had silently tucked away his feelings.

But fate had other plans.

Here she was, back in his life, and this time, he was determined not to let her slip through his fingers and return to Hugh.

When Tristen turned to look at Bethan, his deep-set eyes sparkled brightly.

You'll be my Mrs. Dixon. We've got plenty of time ahead.

*****

Outside the Regal Club, Hugh stood rooted to the spot, watching until Tristen's car vanished from sight.

Mason, trying to calm things down, coaxed Gwen into the car, "Sweetie, go wait in the car. I'll just have a quick smoke with your brother and then join you."

Gwen threw a worried glance at Hugh before obediently getting in the car.

After she was settled, Mason pulled Hugh aside to a quiet corner. "Hey, Hugh, what's the deal between Tristen and Bethan?"

Hugh lit a cigarette, his eyes squinting slightly in the familiar way.

The blue flame of the lighter danced across his handsome features, and the faint scent of tobacco soon filled the air.

As he flicked the ash off his cigarette, that gesture showed how lonely he was now.

Trying to play it cool, he replied, "What could possibly be going on between them?"

Mason stared at him, his expression serious. "Come on, Hugh. Everyone can see it. Bethan's with Tristen!"

Hugh's eyes darted around nervously, his fingers holding the cigarette trembling slightly, and his breathing became ragged.

"No way!" he insisted.

Mason studied Hugh's reaction, remaining silent for a moment.

It was obvious to anyone with eyes that Tristen had strong feelings for Bethan. Everyone could tell, and Hugh should've been the first to notice.

But considering Bethan had been head-over-heels for Hugh for years and had always dreamed of marrying him, it was hard to wrap one's head around the situation.

Mason probed further, "Hugh, tell me the truth. Whose fault was it that your wedding with Bethan got called off?"

Hugh let out a tired sigh. "It was mine," he admitted.

Mason's curiosity got the better of him. "You said you've got someone you love tonight. Is it Megan? Did you call off the engagement because of her?"

Hugh's mind was in chaos, and he didn't feel like explaining.

Everyone had assumed he'd been the one to reject Bethan, but in reality, he'd been the one left heartbroken.

Feeling incredibly frustrated, Hugh said to Mason, "Let's go. Don't keep Gwen waiting."

Hugh waited, his anxiety mounting with each passing second. When no reply came, frustration got the better of him. He grabbed the wine bottle and took a long, gulping swig.

After holding back for so long, he just couldn't contain himself and dialed Bethan's number.

Bethan stared at the incoming call, hesitated for a split second, and then hit the decline button.

It was her way of setting boundaries, a message she hoped Hugh would understand.

The abrupt end of the call shattered Hugh's last shred of composure.

He whirled around, snatched his suit jacket from the sofa, and bolted out of the house.

He drove frantically, speeding through the streets until he reached Bethan's neighborhood.

As Hugh stood in front of her door, his hand, raised to ring the bell, suddenly halted mid-air.

His breathing grew ragged, and his chest heaved as if he'd just run a mile.

After a long, agonizing moment of indecision, his hand slowly dropped. He couldn't bring himself to press that bell.

Instead, Hugh turned around and leaned against the door.

His eyes fluttered shut, and he tilted his head back, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed hard.

Bethan was probably fast asleep by now.

Even if she wasn't, he had no right to pry.

He'd promised to respect her choices and wish her well, even if it meant seeing her with Tristen.

He had to keep his cool, to avoid disappointing her all over again.