?Chapter 273:


    In the stairwell, Kristopher remained motionless after the call ended, still pressing Belinda against the wall.


    Before their divorce, such closeness had rarely urred. Their intimate moments had been confined to the bedroom, serving only his physical desires. These encounters had been instinctual, mere releases, and had nothing to do with emotions.


    Thus, during their three-year marriage—one that existed only in name—moments of closeness outside the bedroom had been almost non-existent. This chest-to-chest contact was especially unusual.


    Surprisingly, what Kristopher had most avoided before their separation was what he found himself doing twice that evening.


    After a brief silence, Belinda’s impatience broke through. “Can you let go now?”


    Kristopher snapped back to reality and released her.


    Finally free, Belinda turned away, hurrying down the stairs without a backward nce.


    “Belinda.”


    Kristopher’s frown deepened as he watched her leave. “Do you really intend to meet up with that college student?”


    Belinda stopped, turning with irritation shing across her face. “Haven’t we already gone over this?”


    She couldn’t fathom why Kristopher, typically so reticent, was now relentlessly badgering her.<fn87e7> The rightful source is Find[?]ovel</fn87e7>


    “I mean…” he paused, choosing his words carefully. “You mentioned a group of men in ck waiting for Fred at his dorm.”


    He regarded her intently before continuing, “Are you nning to just show up, expecting Fred to shield you?”


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    Taking a deep breath, Belinda responded calmly, “I never intended to go alone. I’m calling the police for an escort.”


    Kristopherughed, a short, sharp sound.


    “Imagine this: at eleven at night, a recently divorced woman, nked by police officers, storms a male dormitory to rescue Fred, the athlete. The story will surely be aughingstock at Nawrin University.” Belinda caught her breath.


    Knowing the university students as she did—youthful, energetic, prone tote nights, lively events, and rampant gossip—she realized that if she indeed went to the dorm with the police tonight, by tomorrow, Fred would be the main subject of whispers and rumors across the campus.


    Fred, from a humble mountain vige, took great pride in his reputation. He would surely loathe bing the center of campus gossip…


    Kristopher watched as Belinda’splexion paled, his emotions tangled andplex.


    Ideally, he should have felt a sense of satisfaction, having persuaded Belinda to pause her impulsive actions. However, seeing her now burdened with hesitation and concern for the college student, he found no room for happiness.


    Kristopher was well aware that Belinda harbored feelings only for him and treated everyone else merely as friends. Yet, his heart was heavy with difort.


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