?Chapter 134:


    When Belinda nodded her agreement, Cathy’s tears stopped abruptly, reced by a bright smile.


    She pouted, snuggling closer to Kristopher and wrapping her arms around his arm. “That’s wonderful! I knew you’d stand up for me and persuade Miss Nelson to stay!”


    She then turned her smile toward Belinda. “Miss Nelson, thank you for deciding to stay too!”


    Her voice was thick with gratitude and bubbling excitement. However, her eyes betrayed her, flickering with a mix of challenge and disdain as they met Belinda’s.


    Unfazed, Belinda ignored the charged atmosphere, maneuvering past the duo to enter the hospital room.


    Her aloof demeanor seemed to dete Cathy’s animosity like air from a balloon.


    Cathy’s brows pinched together, a spark of irritation shing through her eyes as she pondered how long Belinda could maintain herposed exterior.


    “Cathy,” Kristopher called out softly, watching Belinda disappear into the room. He furrowed his brows, gently easing Cathy’s grip from his arm to offer her support. “Let’s head inside.”


    With a quick shift in expression, Cathy dropped the icy look from her eyes and noddedpliantly to Kristopher. “Kristopher.”


    Once settled back on the bed with his assistance, she raised her eyes to his, her face portraying a deep sense of hurt. “I couldn’t hold back the tears just now… Do I look all puffy and ugly now?”


    Upon hearing her words, Belinda raised an eyebrow and examined Cathy’s face more closely.


    It became clear that the tears were genuine, yet Cathy’s face remained immacte, her eyes only slightly reddened, betraying no other signs of distress.


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    “It’s not ugly,” Kristopher said as he nced at Cathy’s face, his tone even.


    But Cathy was unconvinced.


    She pouted and protested, “It must look terrible. You’re just trying to make me feel better! I don’t believe it. I need to wash my face now. I feel so ugly!”


    Kristopher massaged his temple, a gesture of resignation, and replied, “Then go wash your face.”


    He then turned to Belinda. “Just fetch a basin of water for Cathy.”<fn05d7> This update is avable on </fn05d7>


    Kristopher spoke as if he was talking to a maid.


    Her eyebrow arched higher. How had she ever presented herself to Kristopher that he felt this entitled tomand her as if she were a maid?


    With an icy smile, she responded, “Mr. Cox, let’s be clear. I agreed to stay and chat with Miss Miller, not to cater to her needs.”


    Kristopher’s eyebrows drew together slightly, betraying a sh of displeasure when Belinda declined his request. “It’s not serving, just helping,” he said.


    Belinda offered a smile, turning to settle into a chair. “I refuse.”


    Kristopher watched her rxed posture, feeling a sudden hollowness, as though his heart had been scooped out.


    He had always imagined she would be there to support him, never refusing his requests. Yet here she was, denying something as simple as fetching water.


    Could it be that his significance to her had diminished?


    “If Miss Nelson isn’t inclined to help me, then never mind.”


    As Kristopher stood silently, lost in his thoughts and gazing at Belinda, Cathy frowned slightly and broke the silence. “I’d rather not have someone else fetch the water. What if they misjudge the temperature and scald me?”


    She looked up, her expression brightening as she spoke to Kristopher. “Why don’t you get the water? You’ve done it so many times before, and you know exactly how I like it. I feel mostfortable when you do it.”


    “Okay,” Kristopher said, snapping out of his reverie.


    He turned and headed toward the door, pausing as he passed Belinda.


    “Stay here and try not to trouble Cathy.”


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